Obituaries for August 8, 2024

David Johnson

WINSLOW, Ariz. — Graveside service for David Johnson will be held Thursday, Aug. 15, at 10 a.m., at the Desert View Cemetery in Winslow, Arizona. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to many.

David was born March 19, 1943, to Tom and Isabel Johnson of Church Rock, New Mexico, at the Rehoboth Missionary Hospital in Rehoboth, New Mexico. He passed away peacefully in his sleep at home surrounded by family members on July 26, 2024.

David attended Chemawa Indian School in Salem, Oregon, and in 1961 he received his athletic certificate for football. He then went to Tacoma Vocational Technical School in Tacoma, Washington, where he got his training in the profession he loved, receiving his welding certification.

In Portland, Oregon, on Sept. 28, 1970, David and Emma would marry and start the Johnson family. In July of 1973, Ivan was born followed by Burtleson in August of 1977, Eileen Romacito in July of 1980, and Yolanda Johnson in August 1982.

David started working in the ship building industry as a heavy wall welder. By this time, he was in the Boilermaker Union No. 70 out of Portland.

David and Emma returned to the New Mexico area in the mid 1970s. He then found work at the Cholla Power Plant in Joseph City, Arizona, when at which time he transferred his union membership to the Boilermakers Union No. 627, earning his 25-year pin from the Boilermakers Union.

David and Emma were married until Emma’s passing. They worked together as a fantastic couple for 51 years.

During the period when David lived in the Portland area, he had several years playing on some minor league baseball teams. He was an adventurous, kind-hearted, loving person. He would always lend a helping hand to people that would ask for his help, and it was that type of action that made him so memorable.

David is preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Isabel Johnson; and the love of his life, his wife, Emma Johnson.

Nellie G. Tso

WINSLOW, Ariz. — Funeral services for Nellie G. Tso were conducted Aug. 6 at the Winslow Funeral Home in Winslow, Arizona. Interment followed at the Desert View Cemetery in Winslow.

Nellie was born July 15, 1938, to Mary R. Clay and Harry Gorman in Old Leupp, Arizona. She passed away July 31, 2024, in Holbrook, Arizona.

Nellie was a well-known rug weaver whose intricate and beautiful designs were celebrated throughout the world. She enjoyed the company of loving family and dear friends.

Nellie was deeply loved by her family and friends who cherished her warmth, wisdom and unwavering faith. A God-fearing woman, she leaves behind a legacy of love, artistry, and devotion. Her presence will be profoundly missed but her spirit will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Nellie is survived by her sisters, Martha and Alice; daughters, Nellie Ann, Maybelline and Sarah; son, Ned Jr.; and nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and will be missed by many.

Nellie is preceded in death by her husband, Herman; sister, Helen; mother, Mary; and brother, Harry.

Arlene B. Leslie

GALLUP — Funeral services for Arlene B. Leslie, 89, of Pinedale, New Mexico, will be held Friday, Aug. 9, at 10 a.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Pastor Clarence Benally officiating. Burial will follow in Rehoboth, New Mexico.

Arlene was born Aug. 5, 1935, in Pinedale, into the Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tó baazhní’ázhí (Two Who Came to the Water Clan). She passed away Aug. 4, 2024, in Pinedale.

Arlene attended Fort Wingate High School and worked at Pinedale Day School, Crownpoint Boarding School and Wingate Elementary. She enjoyed Word Search, sewing, crocheting, cooking, listening to Christian music, and reading the Bible.

Arlene is survived by her sons, Harrison Gorman, Tommy Becenti and Franklin Becenti; daughters, Helena Yazzie and Sylvia Largo; sister, Nancy Tso; and 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Arlene is preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Tom Silversmith; husband, Andrew Leslie; brothers, Dan Silversmith, Frankie Smith and Ben Silversmith; and sister, Annie Brown.

Pallbearers will be Adrian Largo, Ivan Largo, Chris Gorman, Shaquille Becenti, Tommy Tso Jr., and Cornelius Kenny.

Honorary pallbearers will be Harrison Gorman, Tommy Becenti, Franklin Becenti, Cameron Gorman, Frank Etcitty, Richard Silversmith, Emerson Brown, and Ernest Brown.

A reception will take place at the KC Hall in Gallup following services at 1 p.m.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Bernice Blythe

LINCOLN, Neb. — Funeral services for Bernice Blythe, 85, of Lincoln, Nebraska, will be held today, Aug. 8, at 10:30 a.m., at the North American Martyrs Catholic Church (1101 Isaac Dr.) in Lincoln.

Bernice died Aug. 3, 2024. She was married to Frank Blythe, legendary Native American media giant, who died a year earlier on July 21, 2023.

Bernice moved to Lincoln in July of 1976 when her husband started Vision Maker Media. She worked in the credit department of JCPenney and retired from the Lincoln Credit Bureau in 1999.

Bernice was always a quiet supporter to her husband in his public media career and a pillar of strength with the kindest of heart for the entire family until her death.

Bernice was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a great source of strength and faith to all. She will be missed dearly.

Bernice is survived by her children, Francene Blythe, Joseph Blythe and Francis Blythe III; and grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bernice is preceded in death by her mother, Julia Yazzie; father, Joseph Wallace; and sisters, Thelma, Lorraine, Lillie, and Velda.

Memorials may be sent to North American Martyrs School.

Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home oversaw arrangements. For condolences and livestream, visit www.bmlfh.com.

Irene L. Begay

KLAGETOH, Ariz. — Graveside service for Irene Lee Begay, 71, of Klagetoh, Arizona, will be held Friday, Aug. 9, at 10 a.m., in Klagetoh.

Irene was born Jan. 10, 1953, in Phoenix, into the Tódích’íí’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan). She passed away Aug. 3, 2024, in Klagetoh.

Irene attended Tuba City Boarding School and was a homemaker. She was an herbalist hand trembler who enjoyed going to the casino and spending time with her grandchildren.

Irene is survived by her husband, Frank Jones Begay Sr.; daughters, Gloria Nichols, Flora Begay and Dorothy Sondag; sister, Lenora Slivers; and eight grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Irene is preceded in death by her sons, Jefferson Begay and Dennison Begay; nephew, Hanson Clark; and grandson, Tyler Nichols.

Pallbearers will be JC Bedonie, Basil Allen Jr., Taylor Nez, La Danian Slivers, and Delbert Slivers.

Honorary pallbearer will be Frank Begay Sr.

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

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Elizabeth Roanhorse

CHINLE – Graveside service for Elizabeth Roanhorse, 83, of Chinle, was held Aug. 7 at the Chinle community cemetery.

Elizabeth was born July 23, 1941, in Chinle, into the Naasht’ézhí Tábąąhá (Zuni/Water’s Edge Clan), born for Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). She passed away Aug. 2, 2024, in Chinle.

Elizabeth is survived by her son, Delbert Roanhorse; daughter, Charlotte Walker; and 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Elizabeth is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Roanhorse; sister, Marjorie Walker Gorman; brothers, Albert Walker Sr., James Walker and George Walker; and parents, Raymond and Helen Walker.

Pallbearers were Delbert Roanhorse, Shane Roanhorse, Kobe Roanhorse, Shawana Roanhorse, and Ellisha Begay.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Chavez D. Benally

RED LAKE, Ariz. — Graveside service for Chavez Dean Benally, 72, of Vanderwagen, New Mexico, will be held Friday, Aug. 9, at 10 a.m., at the family plot in Red Lake, Arizona, with Pastor Leon Spean officiating.

Chavez was born March 5, 1952, in Gallup, into the Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Naakai dine’é (Mexican Clan). He passed away Aug. 3, 2024, in Window Rock.

Chavez attended Gallup High School and was employed with PNM Midway Mine. He enjoyed fishing, arts and crafts, and automotive bodywork.

Chavez is survived by his sons, Lambert Benally, Vincent Silversmith and Walter Silversmith; daughters, Sonya Benally and Denise Benally; parents, Louanne and Dean Benally; brothers, Russell Benally, Stanley Benally and Kent Benally; sister, Judy Benally; grandparents, Elizabeth and John Lee; and seven grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Leander White, Mario Gordon, Jared Gordon, and Nathan Gordon.

Honorary pallbearers will be Walter Silversmith, Lambert Benally, Vincent Silversmith, and Norbona Gordon.

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

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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