Obituaries for Aug. 23, 2018

Patricia Gloria Murphy

HOUCK, Ariz. — Funeral services for Patricia Gloria Murphy, 60, of Querino Canyon, Arizona, will be held today, Aug. 23, at 10 a.m. (DST) at the Houck Catholic Church in Houck, Arizona, with Rev. Matthew Keller officiating. Viewing will take place one hour prior to service at 9 a.m. Burial will follow at the Houck community cemetery.

Patricia was born March 17, 1958, in Fort Defiance, into the Bit’ahnii (Folded Arms People Clan), born for Naaneesht’ézhí dine’é Táchii’nii (Zuni Red Running Into the Water People Clan). She died Aug. 19, 2018, in Querino Canyon. Patricia graduated from Window Rock High School in 1976 and received an associate’s degree in education from Diné College.

She enjoyed spontaneous adventures, taking nature walks, laughing with loved ones, and was devoted to her children and family. Patricia is survived by her spouse, Marvis Begay; sons, Marlon Murphy Begay and Malcolm Joseph Begay; daughters, Angelica Littlewing Molina and Taylor Lindsey Begay; brothers, Nathaniel Murphy, Robert Murphy, Howard Murphy and Thomas Murphy; and sisters, Ruby King, Dorothy Cipriano, Florence Roldan, Christine Murphy and Martha Murphy. Patricia is preceded in death by her father, Tom Murphy; mother, Flossie Matt Murphy; sisters, Alice Redsteer and Joanna Purley; and brothers, Merwin Murphy and Joseph Murphy. Pallbearers will be Marlon Murphy, Malcolm J. Begay, Marvis H. Begay, Jacob R. Smith, Nathaniel Murphy and Merwin Murphy. Honorary pallbearer will be Robert Murphy.

A reception will take place at the Houck Chapter House following burial. Cope Memorial is in charge of arrangements.

Matthew “Midnite” Kane Sr.

On Aug. 4, 2018, I lost my precious husband of 45 years.

Midnite passed by natural means of a heart attack.

He left behind me (Lee), his father, our seven children, six sons-in-law, one daughter-in-law, 14 grandchildren, four great-grandsons, 52 godchildren, two brothers, four sisters and many nieces and nephews.

Many will miss him, but these people were his heart: Evelyn “Lee”, Gabe “Apache Boy” and Delphine, Lisa and Domonic, Laura and Merle, Rhoda and Stevie, Amanda, Matthew and Richanda, Jo-El and Adrian, Nadia and Chris, JR, Cecil, Heather, June, Jamie, Danya, Christopher and Chancey, Charmayne and Hugh, Antonia and Bryan, Tyler and Evan, Jake, Liam, Iry and Chantel, Tia, Riandrow, Amarii, Nikhil, Noelani, Adam, Shelby, Dalen, Ian, Casey and Tony. Midnite loved every one; if he had any enemies they were his, but he was not theirs.

Midnite was born in Cedar Creek, Arizona, on the White Mountain Apache Reservation, to Paul Ethelbah and Dorothy Kane on the same day, in the same month and the same year as me (he liked to remind me he was four hours older).

Midnite was adopted and raised by his grandparents, Rudolph and Laura Kane, and was taught and loved beautifully by them. Midnite loved, sang and played all kinds of music.

He crown danced, carved, hunted, rafted, skied, fished, went camping, traveled (both in the U.S. and foreign), loved the outdoors, rode his Harley, was traditional and spiritual, and worked and worked. Everyone called us mom and dad or grandma and grandpa and we felt so blessed by this honor. We love many people and many people love us. Together we prayed for everyone we have met from the day we were conceived until death, and I will continue to do this.

Midnite was a fantastic husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and a Native American Music award-winning artist. As a musician, Midnite was self-taught and played 11 instruments. Amazing does not even begin to pay tribute to the gifts God blessed him with.

Midnite enjoyed playing music all over Native Country and throughout the U.S. for more than 50 years (he began playing when he was 8) and he was very grateful to all of you who supported “Apache Spirit” for all these years. Apache Spirit will continue as per his wishes, with both second- and third-generation members. He said he didn’t work that hard to make Apache Spirit what it is for nothing and he was proud that it was all family.

Midnite, in his tattered clothes, except when on stage, and torn hats, will always be loved. Thank you Midnite for taking such good care of us and we thank God for blessing us with you.- I hope you are all proud to have known Midnite because he felt blessed to have known all of you on his Tour of Life. Be at peace everyone.

Herman Bitsoe Sr.

LECHEE, Ariz. — Funeral services for Herman Bitsoe Sr., of LeChee, Arizona, will be held Saturday, Aug. 25, at 10 a.m. at the LeChee Nazarene Church.

Herman was born Sept. 1, 1937, in LeChee, the son of Roy Nez and June Tso, of LeChee. He went to be with his eternal family on Aug. 16, 2018, after fighting a long battle with cancer.

Herman attended school in Tuba City and Chilocco, then moved to Los Angeles, where he studied carpentry and joined the Carpenters Union. He became a master carpenter, building homes and businesses in Los Angeles, including the homes of movie actors Glen Ford and Amanda Blake.

Herman met his wife and best friend, Jeannie Martinez, in California, where they began a marriage that lasted 55 years until his death. They lived in Santa Monica for 23 years, moving back to LeChee, where they raised their six children.

Herman worked in Page, Flagstaff, and the Navajo Nation building homes and businesses. He also was employed by Transport Auto in Page. Herman accepted the Lord in October 1993 and was a part-time pastor at the Nazarene Church of LeChee until his death. Even when he became ill five years ago he continued to spread the good word.

Herman was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather. Always there for his family, friends and even strangers, he helped those in need. He had a huge heart and utilized his carpentry skills to give back to his community and built three sturdy homes for his family. He was modest and wise, offering guidance to others and he had a great sense of humor. His strength, both physical and spiritual, will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Herman is survived by his wife, Jeannie Bitsoe; children, Hermicia, Edwin, Herlinda, Eli and Leon Bitsoe of LeChee; sisters, Mary Castillo of Mesa, Arizona, and Grace Blackwater of California; and five grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Herman is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and son, Herman Bitsoe Jr.

Donations to assist the family can be sent to Jeannie Bitsoe, care of National Bank of Arizona, P.O. Box 1717, Page, AZ 86040, attention K. Damron.

Terri Jameson

GALLUP — Funeral services for Terri Jameson, 44, were held Aug. 17 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup. Interment followed at the Gallup City Cemetery.

Terri was born March 19, 1974, at the Gallup Indian Medical Center, into the Ts’ah yisk’idnii (Sage Brush Hill Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). She died Aug. 10, 2018.

Terri graduated from Wingate High School and earned a certificate in accounting. She was outgoing, loved her family and grandchildren, spending time with her children, and enjoyed making pottery.

Terri is survived by her children, Jasmine Martinez, Ashley Martinez, Justin Martinez, and Coby Martinez. Terri is preceded in death by her parents, Ancie and John Jameson; and grandparents, Virginia and Willie Jameson, and Eunice and Charley H. Joe. Pallbearers were Eric Jameson, Murry Jameson, Paul Jones, Shawn Martinez, Shaqueal Martinez, and Mike Martinez.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Seward Markle LaFollette

WILMINGTON, N.C. — A memorial service for Seward “Mark” LaFollette, 92, was held Aug. 19 at the Andrews Mortuary Chapel in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Mark was born Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 1925, in Muncie, Indiana. He passed away Aug. 12, 2018, in Wilmington.

Mark is a descendent of the LaFollette political dynasty of Wisconsin. His mother was from the William Seward family (former Secretary of State under President Lincoln). His father served as department head of Ball State University and University of Heidelberg Germany and was Director of AID for education in Vietnam and Ethiopia.

He graduated from Harvard, University of Wisconsin and George Washington University. Because of his father’s travels, Mark was fluent in many languages.

Mark attended Indiana University, Western New Mexico University, Highlands University, and University of Arizona for his master’s degree. He served with the pentagon and DOD as well as the first basketball coach of Papago Tribe High School.

Mark served in the U.S. Department of Interior for many years as the director of the Bureaus of Indian Affairs for Employment Assistance and Relocation and Economic Development. He had seven offices throughout the U.S. to assist with education and vocational skills for the Navajo Tribe.

Mark was instrumental bringing General Dynamics and Fairchild to the Navajo Reservation to provide jobs and economic growth for the Navajos and Hopi tribes. He worked tirelessly to improve the future of generations of Navajos to provide self-autonomy. He took pride in his work on the Navajo and Papago Reservations for over 32-plus years.

He valued the culture of the American Indian and coveted the traditions of every tribe he worked with as well his Delaware Indian tribe. He was recognized by the Department of Interior for his outstanding work and successful outcomes with numerous citations. He received the Kentucky Colonel award (equivalent to the Longleaf Pine in North Carolina).

Mark loved all basketball and was a huge fan of the New Mexico Lobos, which he was a member supporter and all Indiana college and professional basketball.

He was a member of American Legion Post No. 99; NARFE Chapter No. 80; VFW, Elks Club; Kirkland Air Force member; and Rotarian Paul Harris Fellow. Mark served in World War II as a U.S. Navy Corpsman in the Philippines. He was there when Philippines was liberated.

Mark was a political activist, avid reader of mysteries, and advocate as well as the president of NARFE for the state of New Mexico. He played jazz trumpet and shared his love for jazz music/dance with his wife, Alys.

His spouse, Alys Mulcahy LaFollette, predeceased last year. They were married 65 years.

Mark is survived by his children, Suzanne “Suzy” LaFollette-Black (husband Jim) of Wilmington; stepdaughter, Barbara Senne (husband Charles) of Livonia, Michigan; and four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Mark is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Robert R. LaFollette and Beulah Seward LaFollette.

A special thank you and love to dear friends, Linda and Jack, Sherrie and Reggie, Dean, Jeanette and Jan, Karen and Dan, Joan, Mary and Betty, Kim, Carolina Bay Poker group, as well as his caregivers and staff of Bradley Creek Health Center and Hospice: Kim, Donna, Casey, Renee, Terry, June, Monique, Meshell, Nadine, Emily, Gwen, John, Trudy, Gay, Nancy, Kathleen, Kathy, Tami, Rose, Jeannie, Shane, Melissa, Amy, Heather, Kiera, Nancy, Bill and so many more.

A memorial service will take place Oct. 1 at 2 p.m. at the U.S. National Veteran Cemetery in Santa Fe. Memorial gifts may be made to: Western New Mexico University, New Mexico Highlands University, American Legion Post No. 99, NARFE Chapter No. 80 and/or Lower Cape Fear Hospice.

Andrews Mortuary and Crematory was in charge of arrangements.

Sarah Mae Peshlakai

CRYSTAL, N.M. — Funeral services for Sarah Mae Peshlakai, 88, of Crystal, New Mexico, were held Aug. 22 at the Crystal Navajo Bible Church with Pastor Byron officiating. Interment followed at Só Sila in Crystal. Sarah was born Jan. 15, 1930, in Crystal, into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Áshiihí (Salt People Clan).

She died Aug. 16, 2018, in Farmington.

Sarah graduated from high school and was honorably discharged from the Army as a medical specialist. She served in the Korean War from 1954 to 1957 and received the Good Conduct Medal.

Sarah was a rancher with a love of animals, caretaker of family members, and an active member of Crystal Navajo Bible Church, translating several songs for the Navajo Hymn.

Sarah is survived by her adopted son, Rory Tomasiyo Jr.; parents, Andrew and Helen Holtsoi Peshlakai; brothers, William Peshlakai and Ernest Peshlakai; sisters, Vina Todacheene, Louise Kelly, Emma Hastings, Edith Peshlakai, and Mable Peshlakai; and 94 grandchildren, 92 great-grandchildren and 33 nieces and nephews.

Sarah is preceded in death by her brothers, Anderson Peshlakai and Danny Peshlakai.

Honorary pallbearers were Ray Hastings, Milton Burnside Jr., Matthew Murphy, Amanda Cometsevah, and Lenny Mordhorst. Silver Creek Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Carlos Begay Jr.

CHINLE — Funeral services for Carlos Begay Jr., 66, of Black Mesa/Kitsillie, Arizona, were held Aug. 16 at the Chinle Catholic Church. Interment followed at the Rough Rock community cemetery in Rough Rock, Arizona.

Carlos was born Feb. 20, 1952, in Rough Rock, into the Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). He died Aug. 12, 2018, in Flagstaff. Carlos attended Rough Rock Day School, Chinle Boarding School and Rough Rock Demonstration School.

He received his GED from Navajo Community College and attended Phoenix Trade School becoming a certified welder and heavy equipment operator. He worked with the railroad, construction in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Peabody Coal Company in Black Mesa/Kitsillie.

Carlos enjoyed making leather crafts and saddle ornaments, playing the guitar and drums with a local band group and singing favorites from Waylon Jennings, Don Williams and Johnny Horton’s oldies.

Carlos is survived by his mother, Ida Benallie Begay; stepbrother, Stanley Begay of Rock Point, Arizona; sisters, Marietta Begay, Ella Tallis and Lorena Begay; and stepsisters, Clara Begay of Durango, Colorado, and Marie Etta Begay of California.

Carlos is preceded in death by his father and Navajo Code Talker, Carlos Begay Sr.; nephew, Cedrick Matthew Tallis; aunts, Rose Begay, Mary Yellowhair and Ruth Skeets; uncles, Allen Woody and Marty Benallie; maternal grandparents, Mary and Etsitty Benallie; and paternal grandparents, Attikaí Kescoli Begay and A’teeké Bímá Begay.

Pallbearers were Jason Francis, Adrian Begay, Michael Begay Jr., Orlando Yellowhair, and Andre Begay. Honorary pallbearers were CJ Tallis, Andrew Benallie, Eugene Begay, Andrew Woody, and Jimmy Yellowhair.

Summit Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Annie A. Cayaditto

PREWITT, N.M. — Funeral services for Annie A. Cayaditto, 80, were held Aug. 20 at the Assembly of God Church in Prewitt, New Mexico. Interment followed at Grants Memorial Park.

Annie was born in the Prewitt Baca area into Áshiihí (Salt People Clan), born for Tó baazhni’ázhí (Two Who Came To the Water Clan). She died Aug. 12, 2018, at her home in Prewitt.

Annie had no formal education. She went straight to work making brooms to picking carrots to meeting her husband in Phoenix.

After retiring from sheepherding, Annie spent her time doing puzzles, crocheting, cooking for celebrations, attending church, and watching western movies and wrestling.

She was an amazing and wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt.

Annie is survived by her daughters, Vera Hudson, Eva Cayaditto and Dorothy Lujan; and son, Wesley Cayaditto.

Annie is preceded in death by her parents, Marie and Thomas Apachito; daughter, Cecilia Apachito; daughter-in-law, JoAnn Wylie Cayaditto; and son-in-law, Hixson Hudson Sr. Pallbearers were David Lujan, John Cayaditto, Preston Charley, Joseph Lujan, Wesley Cayaditto, and Wesley Vandever.

Honorary pallbearers were Alrick Albert and Gabriel Albert.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

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