Obituaries for Aug. 30, 2018

Rose Marie Steele

CHEROKEE, N.C. — A private family service for Rose Marie Steele, 77, of Durango, Colorado, will be held in Cherokee, North Carolina.

Rose was born Dec. 30, 1940, in Kayenta, into the Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle Clan), born for Naasht’ézhí dine’é (Zuni Clan). She died Aug. 17, 2018, in Durango.

Rose was raised by her grandparents, Howella and Ruth Polacca, in Crystal, New Mexico. She attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where she met and married Woodrow B. Sneed of Cherokee. After their divorce, Rose married Robert G. Steele of Bozeman, Montana.

Rose retired as a legal secretary with Van Ness Feldman, a law firm in Washington, D.C. She enjoyed her challenging work, extensive traveling and spending time with her family.

Rose is survived by her former spouses, Woodrow B. Sneed and Robert G. Steele; sons, Jonathan B. Sneed and Matthew D. Sneed; daughter, Lucianne Khalaf; sisters, Delphine Pete, Cynthia Dixon, Audrey Vicente, Virginia Harrison and Alberta Begay; and eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Rose is preceded in death by her son, Woodrow O. Sneed II; parents, Earl Dixon Sr. and Dorothy Emily Polacca; and siblings, Earl Dixon Jr., Murray Dixon, Corrine Dale and Juliet Dixon-Anderson.

Helen R. Burbank

GALLUP — A funeral mass for Helen R. Burbank, 95, was held Aug. 25 at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Gallup, with Father Pio O’Connor officiating. Interment followed at Sunset Memorial Park.

Helen was born June 29, 1923, in Two Wells, New Mexico, into the Bit’ahnii (Folded Arms People Clan), born for Tsenabahilnii (Sleep Rock People Clan). She died Aug. 21, 2018, in Gallup.

Helen was employed at the Fort Defiance Public Health Hospital. She began her career as an interpreter and later became a nursing assistant. She earned her retirement from the Fort Defiance Public Health Hospital after many years of dedicated service.

Helen is survived by her daughters, Rosella Burbank, Rhoda Burbank and Delphine Burbank; sons, Richard Skeet, Donald Burbank, Franklin Burbank, Clifford Burbank and Charles Burbank; sisters, Hasbah Benally, Mary Tomiche, Julia Haley and Marilyn Towery; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Helen is preceded in death by her parents, Tom Chee Sr. and Tanabah Benallie; husband, Askie Burbank; and brothers, Peter Chee, Jones Chee and Oscar Merrill Sr.

Pallbearers were family members.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Nancy Folgheraiter

WASHINGTON, Utah — Nancy Folgheraiter, our beautiful mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend found peace Aug. 19, 2018, in Washington, Utah.

Nancy was born April 7, 1938, in No Man’s Mesa near Copper Canyon, Utah. She was the daughter of the late Tom Laughter and Shirley Atene. She grew up with her family around Tall Mountain and Navajo Mountain.

Nancy attended Chemawa Indian School in Salem, Oregon, and later attended Intermountain School in Brigham City, Utah, receiving her associate degree from Utah State University in Logan, Utah.

Nancy devoted her time to her community and held several jobs, including Utah Navajo Development Council at the Navajo Clinic for 25-plus years, secretary for Navajo Mountain Chapter, and BIA as grandma.

Nancy married Joe Folgheraiter on May 7, 1963. They lived a wonderful life together and had seven amazing children.

Nancy is survived by her children, Gordon (Joan) Folgheraiter, Edward (Vernie) Folgheraiter, Terri (Al Cly) James, Shirl (Orrenzo) Folgheraiter-Snyder, Pearl (Cal) Lameman, and Shannon (William Beam) Folgheraiter; siblings, Mary (Tom) Graymountain, Betty (Clyde) Johnson, Rose Neztsosie, Alice Smallcanyon, Irene Smith, Skacey Laughter, and John (Maggie) Laughter; and 24 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, all whom she cherished.

Nancy is also survived by her many half-siblings, nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

Nancy is preceded in death by her husband, Joe Folgheraiter; son, Mike Blatchford; grandchild, Orrin Hawk Snyder; and great-grandchild, Olivia Kerri Mitchell.

Herbert Bitsi

FORT DEFIANCE — Funeral services for Herbert Bitsi, 68, of Navajo, New Mexico, will be held today, Aug. 30, at 10 a.m. at the Family Church in Fort Defiance, with Andy Moore officiating. Burial will follow at the Fort Defiance cemetery.

Herbert was born May 24, 1950, into the Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Hashtl’ishnii (Mud Clan). He died Aug. 26, 2018, in Fort Defiance.

Herbert graduated from high school and enjoyed fishing, camping, traveling, cooking out with family, attending rodeos, and was a dedicated Dallas Cowboys fan.

Herbert is survived by his wife, Sylvia Charles; stepsons, Isaiah Louis and Tyress Louis; daughter, Miriam D.; stepdaughters, Nahtona Louis, Lahtona Louis and Lakisha Shoemake; brother, Andy Bitsoi; sisters, Maxine Yazzie and Tina Tsosie; and three grandchildren.

Herbert is preceded in death by his mother, Sadie Morris; father, Max Bitsoi; sister, Delores Morris; brother, Harry Morris; stepdaughter, Natisha Louis; and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Gabrelle Roanhorse.

Pallbearers will be Isaiah Louis, Adrian Thompson, Vernon Thompson, Leon Charles, Brent Manycows, and Donovan Chee.

Honorary pallbearers will be Andy Bitsoi, Ivan Yazzie, Lahtona Louis, Nahtona Louis, Nate Clyde, and Ernie Yazzie.

A reception will take place at the Crystal Chapter House following services.

Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

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