Obituaries for August 28, 2025

Posted by Navajo Times | Aug 28, 2025 | Obituaries |

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Peter Y. Tsinijinnie

CHAMBERS, Ariz. – Graveside service for Peter “Pete” Y. Tsinijinnie, 87, of Nahat’á Dziil, Arizona, will be held Friday, Aug. 29, at 10 a.m. (MST), at the Chambers community cemetery in Chambers, Arizona.

Peter “Pete” Y. Tsinijinnie, Oct. 13, 1937 – Aug. 25, 2025

Pete was born Oct. 13, 1937, in a hogan in Jeddito, Arizona, to the late Marie and Tsinijinnie Yazzie. His clans were Tótsohnii (Big Water), born for Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). He passed away Aug. 25, 2025.

Pete enlisted in the U.S. Army after high school and proudly served in the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged on Nov. 30, 1962, and subsequently lived in Dallas, Texas, where he met his wife, the mother of his three daughters.

Pete moved back to the Navajo Nation, where he helped care for his mother and was a sheepherder and an avid rancher. He was a part of the Rim Range Ranchers Association and helped the family living in Nahat’á Dziil, especially the grandchildren.

Pete was a huge Dallas Cowboys football fan. He also enjoyed watching the Arizona Cardinals play, rodeo shows, and old Western movies, especially John Wayne. Along with sports, he loved watching his grandchildren play and was their biggest supporter.

Pete is survived by his daughters, Gloria Tsinijinnie, Lisa Jymm and Louise Tsinijinnie; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be grandchildren and family.

Honorary pallbearers will be family and friends.

A reception will take place at the Nahat’á Dziil Chapter House following service.

Green Meadows Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

Bobbie B. Willeto

GALLUP – Funeral services for Bobbie B. Willeto, 93, of Standing Rock, New Mexico, were held Aug. 27 at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Gallup, with Father Brown officiating. Interment followed at Sunset Memorial.

Bobbie was born Jan. 6, 1932, in Crownpoint, into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). His nálí is Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together); cheii is Naaneesht’ézhí. He passed away Aug. 23, 2025, in Phoenix.

Bobbie graduated from Albuquerque Indian School and attended East Tennessee State. He served in the U.S. Army as a medic during the Korean War and was honorably discharged.

Bobbie worked for Indian Health Service, McKinley County Sheriff’s Office, the Navajo Nation, and the Office of Environmental Health. He served as a Council delegate, vice president, and secretary for Standing Rock Chapter.

Bobbie also served on the Crownpoint, Standing Rock and Wingate School boards. He was a rancher who participated in rodeos, especially steer wrestling and bull riding. He enjoyed football, basketball, horse racing, watching the news, and spending time with his family.

Bobbie is survived by his daughters, Phyllis Willeto-Lancer and Shirley Willeto-House; sisters, Irene Franklin, Mildred Moore and Grace Mansfield; and two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Bobbie is preceded in death by his wife, Alice B. Willeto; mother, Mary Curley Willeto; father, Frank Willeto; son, Bobbie Willeto Jr.; daughter, Evanglene Badonie; and grandchildren, Kayla Badonie and Kaelan Willeto.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Julian D. Towne

CHINLE – Graveside service for Julian Douglas Towne, 49, of Valley Store, Arizona, will be held Friday, Aug. 29, at 10 a.m., at the Chinle community cemetery.
Julian was born Aug. 4, 1976, in Fort Defiance, into the Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for Tł’ááshchí’í (Red Bottom People Clan). His nálí is Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water); cheii is Dibéłzhíní (Black Sheep). He passed away Aug. 22, 2025, in Mesa, Arizona.

Julian graduated from Chinle High School in 1995 and was employed as a road striper for 30-plus years. He enjoyed playing pool and attending heavy metal concerts.

Julian is survived by his sons, Zachary Towne, Isiah Towne and Elijah Towne; father, Timothy Towne; brothers, Jay Towne and Theo Towne; and sisters, Alverda Chischilly, Thomascita Descheeny, Kayla Towne, Ken Towne, and Stephanie Towne.

Julian is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Hardy; brother, Jordan Towne; and grandmother, Martha Hardy.

Pallbearers will be sons and brother, Dominique Chischilly.

Honorary pallbearer will be Jay Towne.

A drive-thru reception will take place following service.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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