Obituaries for August 15, 2024

Clara M. Gillson

LUPTON, Ariz. — Graveside service for Clara M. Gillson, 84, of Tsé Si’ání (Lupton), Arizona, will be held Friday, Aug. 16, at 10 a.m., at the private family plot in Lupton.

Clara was born Dec. 6, 1939, in Lupton, into the Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together Clan), born for Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan). She passed away July 23, 2024, in Yahtahey, New Mexico.

Clara graduated from Intermountain Boarding School in 1959 in Brigham City, Utah. She worked nearly 35 years serving to improve the Navajo Nation and her local Lupton community.

Clara was a talented seamstress who enjoyed cooking, baking, traveling, and visiting her children, relatives and friends.

Clara is survived by her children, Geraldine Draper, Laura McKown and Lisa Gillson; sister, Lucy Lucio; and 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Clara is preceded in death by her son, Karl Gillson; sister, Sarah Yazzie; brothers, Wilson Begay, Tom Lloyd and Andy Roy; and parents, Mary and Albert Begay.

A reception will take place at the Tse’ Si Ani Missionary 1st Nation Baptist Church following service.

Cope Memorial oversaw arrangements.

Deswood Benally

GALLUP — Funeral services for Deswood Benally, 92, of Naschitti, New Mexico, will be held Saturday, Aug. 17, at 10 a.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Father Dale officiating. Viewing will take place one hour prior to service at 9 a.m. Burial will follow in Naschitti.

Deswood was born Feb. 20, 1932, in Naschitti, into the Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle Clan), born for Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan). He passed away Aug. 10, 2024, in Naschitti.

Deswood is survived by his daughters, Elouise Spencer, Mary Platero, Rhonda Mallahan, Norma Muskett, Victoria Brennon, and Janice Chee; and 35 grandchildren and 54 great-grandchildren.

Deswood is preceded in death by his wife, Louise Benally; sister, Pauline Benally; brothers, Ahnilwood Benally, Dake Benally, John Benally, and Victor Benally; mother, Marita Natahnabah-Benally; and father, Dega Chee Benally.

Pallbearers will be Michael Spencer, Noland Spencer, Christopher Spencer, Cody Etsitty, Elijah Peratrovich, and Jamie Platero.

Honorary pallbearers will be Micheal Fredrick and Quentin Castillo.

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

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Hubert Williams

GANADO, Ariz. — Graveside service for Hubert Williams, 65, will be held Saturday, Aug. 17, at 10 a.m., at the Ganado cemetery.

Hubert was born March 28, 1959, in Morenci, Arizona, into the Naasht’ézhí Tábąąhá (Zuni/Water’s Edge Clan), born for Tsénjíkiní (Cliff Dwellers People Clan). He passed away Aug. 7, 2024, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In his early years, Hubert was heavily involved with athletics. He was the quarterback for the Morenci High School Wildcats and led them to win the 1976 Arizona High School Football State Championship.

Hubert earned a master’s degree in counseling from Northern Arizona University, which took him all over the United States. He spent time counseling at Fort Lewis College, Weber State University, University of Michigan, and University of Minnesota.

Hubert spent the remainder of his life in Minneapolis, and was a people person. He found joy in conversing with anyone, especially if it included a cup of coffee.

Hubert is survived by his daughter, Amy Williams Peterson (Matthew); siblings, Jefferson Williams (Aleta), Elmer Williams (Sharyl), Alberta Williams Nez (Calvin), Alvin Williams Jr., Alton Williams (Tina), and Alvina Williams (Cameron); and three grandchildren.

Hubert is preceded in death by his mother, Pauline Johnson Williams; and father, Alvin Williams Sr.

A reception will take place at the Ganado Chapter House following service.

Karl R. Lewis

GALLUP — Funeral services for Karl Ryan Lewis, 38, will be held today, Aug. 15, at 10 a.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Pastor Shirl Rosengreen officiating. Burial will follow at the family plot (across from the Lewis residence on Pipeline Road).

Karl was born April 25, 1986, in Gallup, into the Bit’ahnii (Under His Cover Clan), born for Haltsooí (Meadow People Clan). He passed away Aug. 8, 2024, in Albuquerque.

Karl graduated from Gallup Central High School in 2006 and was employed as an electrician for 20-plus years in the electrical field at ATS, Wilson Electric, Powerline Technologies, and Tele-data Technologies from 2015-2023.

Karl enjoyed mechanic and ranch work, hauling wood for family, and loved spending time with his family.

Karl is survived by his parents, Lorinda Dennison and David Lewis; brothers, Kevin Lewis, Kasey Lewis and Kyle Lewis; and sisters, Kristian Lewis, Kayla Lewis and Chermayne Lewis.

Karl is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Wilbert Dennison and Genieve Dennison; and paternal grandparents, Jennie and Tom A. Lewis.

Pallbearers will be James Benallie, Nathan Avery, Johnson Antonio, Troy Baldwin, Cyrus Curley, and Peter Moore.

Honorary pallbearers will be David Lewis, Kevin Lewis, Kasey Lewis, and Kyle Lewis.

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

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Sister Maureen (Mary Frances) Farrar

WICHITA, Kan. — A Welcome Home Celebration for Sister Maureen (Mary Frances) Farrar, 88, of Wichita, Kansas, will be held Friday, Aug. 16, at 2 p.m., followed by a wake service at 7 p.m. The mass of Christian burial will be Saturday, Aug. 17, at 10:30 a.m. Services will take place at the Chapel of the Women of the New Covenant, Adorers of the Blood of Christ, Wichita Center (1165 Southwest Blvd.) in Wichita. Interment will be at the Community Cemetery of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ.

Sister Maureen was born Sept. 10, 1935, in Hobart, Oklahoma, to Ralph and Isabelle (Edmundson) Farrar. She passed away Aug. 10, 2024, in Wichita.

Sister Maureen professed her first vows on July 1, 1955. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in communication arts.

Sister Maureen served as an elementary and secondary educator across Kansas. Her roles included publications and public information director at Newman University, councilor for the Wichita Province, and pastoral administrator at St. Paul Catholic Mission in Crownpoint.

Sister Maureen is survived by her brothers, Walter (Barbara) Farrar and George (Jan) Farrar; sister-in-law, Cherri Farrar; nieces, nephew and the ASC community.

Sister Maureen is preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Ralph Jr. and Henry Farrar.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Retirement Fund for Sisters at 1165 Southwest Blvd., Wichita, KS 67213.

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