Obituaries for August 1, 2024

Annie Anderson

DILKON, Ariz. — Funeral services for Annie Anderson, 100, of Dilkon, Arizona, were held July 31 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Dilkon, with Robert Pugh officiating. Interment followed at the family plot in Dilkon.

Annie was born July 8, 1924, in Dilkon, into the Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan), born for Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan). Her nálí is Tótsohnii (Big Water); cheii is Tł’ízí lání (Many Goats). She passed away July 26, 2024, in Winslow, Arizona.

Annie attended Leupp Boarding School from kindergarten to the 7th grade and was employed as a housekeeper. She enjoyed working and supporting her family, sewing her own clothes, attending squaw dances with her sister Bessie, and weaving for a short period of time.

Annie is survived by her sons, Elmer Anderson and Calvin Anderson; daughter, Sylvia John; brother, Justin Paul; sister, Bessie Paul; and 15 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Annie is preceded in death by her mother, Alice Thomas Paul; father, Paul Dalgai; sisters, Cora Chase Nez and Helen Black; brother, Raymond Paul; husband, Henry Anderson; grandsons, Sherwin John and Travis Chase; granddaughter,

Gwendolyn Bonn; niece, Lita Nez; and great-grandchild, Baby Standing Elk.

Pallbearers were Nolan E. Anderson; Wyon T. Anderson, Yuan L. Anderson, Arthur L. Medicine, and Roderick H. Hale.

Honorary pallbearers were Elmer Anderson and Calvin Anderson.

Greer’s Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Maggie T. Begay

SAWMILL, Ariz. — Graveside service for Maggie T. Begay, 93, of Sawmill, Arizona, was held July 29 at the family plot in Sawmill, with Sawmill LDS officiating.

Maggie was born Jan. 10, 1931, in Fort Defiance, into the Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). She passed away July 20, 2024, in Gallup.

Maggie attended St. Michael Indian School in St. Michaels, Arizona, and worked at General Dynamics in Shiprock, and the Navajo Nation Sawmill Senior Center. She enjoyed weaving and quilting.

Maggie is survived by her husband, Wilfred Begay; son, Tomison Damon; daughters, Laurencine Davis, Lorraine Davis, Leonora Sutton, Mildred Tallwood, and Christine Benson; sister, Louise Benally; and 28 grandchildren, 61 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Maggie is preceded in death by Larry Davis, Lawrence Davis, Loretta Davis, and Winifred Notah.

Pallbearers were Brian Sutton, Jayden Sutton, Elmer Tallwood, Christopher Tallwood, and Dylan Laughlin.

Honorary pallbearers were Gilbert Tilden, Xavier Tilden, Leander Morris, and Lemar Morris.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Karan J. Bonito-Grey

GALLUP — Funeral services for Karan J. Bonito-Grey, 85, of Mariano Lake, New Mexico, will be held Monday, Aug. 5, at 10 a.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Rev. Mark Thomas officiating. Burial will follow at the Rehoboth cemetery in Rehoboth, New Mexico.

Karan was born April 9, 1939, in Mariano Lake. She passed away July 28, 2024, in Gallup.Karan attended Chemawa Indian School in Salem, Oregon, and continued her education in Smith Lake, learning about silver work, soldering, and making jewelry. She was the first generation silversmith who specialized in turquoise and silver handmade pieces along with beadwork and high-end authentic Native jewelry.

Karan enjoyed traveling, spending time with her family and praising God. She was a church leader who mentored young adults and prayed for the sick. She had a wonderful sense of humor, inviting smiles and laughter, even when life was grim.

Karan supported many causes for the betterment of people regardless of nationality, race, or gender. She loved with her whole heart and loved her children and adored her husband dearly. She also loved her animals and provided for many.

Karan is survived by her husband, Ellison H. Grey; sons, Nathaniel Grey, Ellison Grey Jr. and Sean Erin Grey; daughter, Corena Grey Johnson and husband Anthony; brothers, Sam, Joseph, Charlie, and Joe Lee; sisters, Mable Davidson, Irene Etsitty, Donna Arviso, Betty James, and Janice Wilson; and nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Karan is preceded in death by her son, Ricky E. Grey; and brother and sisters.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Brenda A. Roanhorse

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. — Funeral services for Brenda Ann Roanhorse, 62, of Oak Springs, Arizona, were held July 31 at the St. Michaels Catholic Church in St. Michaels, Arizona, with Father Peter Michael Short officiating. Interment followed at the St. Michaels community cemetery.

Brenda was born July 20, 1962, in Los Angeles, into the Tódík’ózhí (Salt Water Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). Her nálí is Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People); cheii is Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House). She passed away July 23, 2024, in Albuquerque.

Brenda earned certifications in accounting and animal control officer. She was employed with the Navajo Nation for 27 years with the Fish and Wildlife Department and Parks and Recreation Department.

Brenda enjoyed herding sheep, hiking, hauling wood, spending time with her family, and trips with family to powwows, rodeos and concerts. She was always laughing and joking with friends and relatives.

Brenda is survived by her mother, Ethel J. Roanhorse; brothers, Leander Roanhorse, Elvin Roanhorse, Fernando Roanhorse, and Jeffery Roanhorse; sisters, Linda Carl, Valerie Roanhorse and Jacqueline Roanhorse; maternal grandparents, Ahadesbah Hale and Frank Kay Do Yah Hale; and paternal grandparents, Betty Gon and Ralph Roanhorse.

Brenda is preceded in death by her father, Frank R. Roanhorse Sr.; brothers, Harrison Roanhorse and Frank R. Roanhorse Jr.; niece, Quintana Tina Roanhorse; and nephew, Delvin R. Roanhorse.

Pallbearers were Elvin Roanhorse, Leander Roanhorse, Fernando Roanhorse, Elvin Bitahy, and Ira Deschene.

Honorary pallbearer was Stafford Singer.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

David L. Nez

FORT DEFIANCE — Funeral services for David Leland Nez, 51, of Fort Defiance, will be held today, Aug. 1, at 10 a.m., at the Potter’s House in Fort Defiance, with Pastor Martin Haven officiating. Burial will follow at the Fort Defiance community cemetery.

David was born Feb. 8, 1973, in Fort Defiance. He passed away July 28, 2024, in Fort Defiance.

David is survived by his daughter, Charmaine Nez of Fort Defiance; mother, Lupeta Nez of Fort Defiance; brothers, Corrie Nez and Brian Nez of Fort Defiance; sister, Lauralie Drotzmann of Sedona, Arizona; nieces, Crystal Drotzmann of California, and Holly Stewart of Arizona; and nephew, Dennis Drotzmann of Texas.

David is preceded in death by his father, Robert D. Nez.

Pallbearers will be David Yazzie, Dennis Drotzmann, Dwight Lizer, Adrian Showalter, Michal Curley, and James Watchman.

Honorary pallbearers will be Douglas Drotzmann and Randy Nez.

A reception will take place at Navajo Land Inn in St. Michaels, Arizona, following services.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Alvin Kalleco

CROWNPOINT — Funeral services for Alvin Kalleco, 73, of Becenti, New Mexico, were held July 30 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Crownpoint with Bishop Bates officiating. Interment followed at the private family plot.

Alvin was born April 15, 1951, in Rehoboth, New Mexico, into the Tsenabahiłnii (Sleep Rock People Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). He passed away July 22, 2024, in Becenti.

Alvin earned trade and vocational certificates.

Alvin is survived by his wife, Thelma Kalleco; daughters, Tinalynn Kalleco and Tashina Donaldson; brother, Calvin Kalleco; sisters, Marlene Begay and Linda Johnson; and eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

---