Obituaries for Dec. 12, 2019

Emerson B. Yazzie

RED ROCK, N.M. — Funeral services for Emerson B. Yazzie, 55, will be held today, Dec. 12, at the Red Rock Church of God in Red Rock, New Mexico, located south of Gallup. Burial will follow in Rocky Point, New Mexico.

Emerson was born July 15, 1964, into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). His nali is Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People) and chei is Haltsooí (Meadow People). He passed away Dec. 6, 2019.

Emerson was self-employed and enjoyed walking, listening to rock and roll, watching old movies and was a Dallas Cowboys fan.

Emerson is survived by his sisters, Bessie Washee, Mary Jane Johnson, Sally Yazzie and Isabelle Largo; and brother, Jimmie Yazzie.

Emerson is preceded in death by his parents, Lillie and John Yazzie.

Pallbearers will be Eric Spencer, Cedrick Spencer, Corey Yazzie, Brian McCray, Abraham E. Johnson and Kita Largo.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jeff Largo, Kirk Yazzie, Thaddves Jack and Peter Skeet John.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Henry Patrick Attakai

FORT DEFIANCE — Funeral services for Henry Patrick Attakai, 93, of Pine Springs, Arizona, were held Dec. 6 at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament in Fort Defiance, with Father Blaine Grein officiating. Interment followed at the Fort Defiance Veteran’s Cemetery.

Henry was born June 22, 1929, in Pine Springs, into the Apache (Dzilghai) and Tábaahá (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan). He passed away Nov. 27, 2019, in Red Mesa, Arizona.

Henry attended Chilocco Indian School in Oklahoma, and Oklahoma University. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and worked as a railroad laborer and residential aide in Thoreau, New Mexico.

Henry was a member of the Native American Church and enjoyed singing NAC songs, silversmith work, carpentry, painting, beading, and watching football, military and western movies.

Henry is survived by his sons, Benny Bahe, Francis Watchman and Orlando Watchman; daughters, Marlene Attakai, Priscilla Watchman, Veronica Watchman, Clara Watchman, Elvira James and Veronica Ration; sisters, Mary Drake, Mabel White and Etta Wilson; and 39 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.

Henry is preceded in death by his wife, Flora Attakai; daughters, Florence Watchman and Charlene Attakai; sons, William Watchman and Leo Watchman; and granddaughter, Rhiannon James.
Pallbearers were Jett Wilson, Marlon Dalgai and Orlando Watchman.

Honorary pallbearers were Francis Watchman and Freddy Roan.

Silver Creek Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

 

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