Obituaries for August 21, 2025
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Rita E. Hernasy
FORT DEFIANCE – Funeral services for Rita Ellen Hernasy, 78, of Fort Defiance, will be held today, Aug. 21, at 10 a.m., at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church in Fort Defiance, with Father Pio officiating. Burial will follow at the Fort Defiance community cemetery.
Rita Ellen Hernasy, July 29, 1947 – Aug. 17, 2025
Rita was born July 29, 1947, in Fort Defiance, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan). She passed away Aug. 17, 2025, in Fort Defiance.
Rita graduated from high school with a diploma and attended some college. She was employed as a receptionist at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church.
Rita enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Rita is survived by her son, Chad Slinkey; daughters, Lenora Slinkey, Chasity Ross, Caleena Hernasy, Catrina Hernasy, and Anna Yellowthunder; brother, Eldon Slinkey; and seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Rita is preceded in death by her mother, Ella Slinkey; father, Richard Slinkey Sr.; brothers, Ronald Slinkey, Richard Slinkey Jr., Michael Slinkey, and Gerald Slinkey; sister, Linda Slinkey; and son, Carlton Hernasy Sr.
Pallbearers will be Chad Slinkey, Carlton Hernasy Jr., Malcolm Hernasy, Ron Slinkey, Shane Slinkey, and Greg Valdo.
Honorary pallbearers will be Eldon Slinkey, Craig Valdo, Ramon Yazzie, Paul Bemore, Clifford Little Elk, Christopher Ross, Vincent Antone, and Harvey Tso.
A reception will take place at St. Dominic’s Hall in Fort Defiance, following services.
Green Meadows Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.
Marie T. Gleason
GALLUP – Funeral services for Marie Tom Gleason, 75, of Sanders, Arizona, were held Aug. 20 at the LDS Stake Center in Gallup, with Brother Edison Wauneka officiating. Interment followed at the Gallup City Cemetery.
Marie Tom Gleason, July 3, 1950 – Aug. 15, 2025
Marie was born July 3, 1950, in Fort Defiance, into the Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan), born for Naaneesht’ézhí Táchii’nii (Charcoal Streaked Division of the Red Running Into the Water Clan). She passed away Aug. 15, 2025, in Albuquerque.
Marie attended elementary/grade school in Sanders, LDS Placement in Ogden, Utah, and Brigham Young University. She was employed as a seamstress and tax auditor.
Marie enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, sewing, crocheting, and was a strong pillar to her community, as well as her family.
Marie is survived by her husband, Raymond Gleason; sons, Brandon Pete and Ramondo Gleason; daughters, Chellmarie Gleason, Sonya McMillian and Miah Six-Gleason; brothers, Edison Tom and Fred Tom; sisters, Lillian Morrison, Eileen Ashley and Evelyn Tom; and 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Marie is preceded in death by her mother, Pauline Harrison Tom; father, Don Tom; brothers, Stephen Tom, Harvey Tom and Preston Tom; and sisters, Dorothy Tom, Jessie Yazzie and Margaret Tom.
Pallbearers were Quenton James, Kieran James, Triston James, Nicholas McMillian, Joshua Tom, and KJ Butler.
Honorary pallbearers were Raymond Gleason, Ramondo C. Gleason, Fred Tom, and Ryan Tom.
Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
Rolinda K. Brown
CHINLE – Funeral services for Rolinda Karen Brown, 56, of Chinle, will be held Saturday, Aug. 23, at 10 a.m., at the Chinle Potter’s House with Artie Aragon officiating. Burial will follow at the Chinle community cemetery.
Rolinda was born Feb. 12, 1969, in Fort Defiance, into the Mą’ii Deeshgiizhnii (Coyote Pass-Jemez Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). She passed away Aug. 16, 2025, in Flagstaff.
Rolinda graduated from Chinle High School in 1985 and loved being a grandmother. She enjoyed the presence and laughter of family and was always willing to help. She was always cheerful and uplifting to those around her.
Rolinda is survived by her son, Sean Brown; daughters, Tamra Brown and Ashleigh Draper; mother, Catherine Brown; brother, Roland Brown; sisters, Francelia Yazzie, Gwen Moore, Deborah Brown, and Valerie Brown; and five grandchildren.
Rolinda is preceded in death by her sons, Brandon Brown and Stephan Draper; father, Francis Brown; sister, Virginia Brown-Largo; and brothers, Marvin, Melvin and Francis Jr.
Green Meadows Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.
Brandon A. Baker
GALLUP – Funeral services for Brandon Antony Baker, 34, of Albuquerque, will be held Friday, Aug. 29, at 10 a.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup. Burial will follow at the Gallup City Cemetery.
Brandon was born Dec. 21, 1990, in Albuquerque, into the Dziłtł’ahnii (Mountain Cove Clan), born for Anglo. His nálí is Anglo. He passed away Aug. 12, 2025, in Albuquerque.
Brandon is survived by his parents, Jerry and Peggy Baker; brothers, Manuel Anderson and Robert Baker; and sister, Tina Baker.
Brandon is preceded in death by his grandparents, Grace Antonio and Peter Anderson Sr.; and uncles, Pete Anderson and Peter Anderson Jr.
Pallbearers will be Peterson Anderson, Dean Anderson and Peggy Baker.
A reception will take place at the Pinedale Chapter House following services.
Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
Highway 264,
I-40, WB @ Winslow