Obituaries for Dec. 15, 2022

Edward J. Shirley Sr.

GALLUP — The funeral services for Edward Justin Shirley Sr., 89, of Pine Springs, Arizona, were held on Dec. 9 at the Lighthouse Church in Gallup. Interment followed at the family plot in Klagetoh, Arizona.

Edward was born June 5, 1933. He was born for Naasht’ézhí Dine’é Táchii’nii (Zuni/Red Running Into the Water People Clan). His nálí is Tsénjíkiní (Honey Combed Rock People). He passed away Nov. 28, 2022, in Klagetoh.

Edward served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was a carpenter, silversmith, and pastor. He was a history buff who loved to make jewelry, read the Bible, and mentor to the young and the community.

Edward is survived by his children, Edward Shirley Jr., Leonard Shirley, Cynthia Deschinny, Glenda Shirley, and John Shirley.

Edward is preceded in death by his wife, Margaret (Maggie) Shirley, and children, Edgar Shirley, Priscilla Chavez, and Jennifer Shirley.

Summit Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

Edgar L. Shirley

GALLUP — The funeral services for Edgar Lucas Shirley, 59, of Klagetoh, Arizona, were held on Dec. 9 at the Lighthouse Church in Gallup. Interment followed at Edward Shirley Sr.’s family plot in Klagetoh.

Edgar was born July 16, 1963, in Oakland, California. He was born for Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan). His nálí is Naasht’ézhí Dine’é Táchii’nii (Zuni/Red Running Into the Water People); cheii is Tsénjíkiní (Honey Combed Rock People). He passed away Nov. 28, 2022, in Klagetoh.

Edgar graduated from Sanders-Valley High School in 1982 and served in the U.S. Army. He loved fishing, cooking, reading, planting, watching old-time period movies, and being involved with his community.

Edgar is survived by his wife, Mary Shirley; sons, Edward Shirley and Justin Shirley; daughters, Bonnie Shirley Tafoya and Toni Cramer; siblings, Edward Shirley Jr., Leonard Shirley, Cynthia Deschinny, Glenda Shirley, and John Shirley; and eight grandchildren.

Edgar is preceded in death by his mother, Margaret (Maggie) Shirley; father, Edward J. Shirley; and sisters, Marcella Arriola, Priscilla Chavez, and Jennifer Shirley.

Summit Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

Gerald L. Tom

GALLUP — The funeral services for Gerald L. Tom, 29, of Gallup, will be held on Monday, Dec. 19, at 1:30 p.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup. Burial will follow at the Gallup City Cemetery.

Gerald was born March 29, 1993, in Albuquerque, into the Haltsooí (Meadow People Clan). He was born for ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan). He passed away Dec. 7, 2022, in Albuquerque.

Gerald attended elementary school in Albuquerque, Stagecoach Elementary School, JFK Middle School, Miyamura High School, and Job Corps. He worked at the Gallup newspaper, Safeway, Burger King, security in Albuquerque, and Dalta Uniform and Linens Company in Albuquerque.

Gerald enjoyed playing basketball and football, cooking, watching movies, playing chess board games, and playing with his nephews.

Gerald is survived by his parents, Geraldine Shirley and Ethan Tom; brothers, Giovanni Tom, Preston Tom, Christian Shirley, Tristan Tom, Eli, Eric Tom, and Ethan Jr.; sisters, Cheyanne Tom, Ivana, and Erica; and grandmothers, Louise C. Eskeets Garcia and Elise Tom.

Gerald is preceded in death by his grandfathers, Richard Shirley and Eddie Tom.

Honorary pallbearers will be Cheyanne Tom, Preston Tom, Christian Shirley, Lijah Ramone, Giovanni Tom, Eric Tom, Tristan Tom, and Saul Minjar.

Rollie Mortuary oversees arrangements.

Phillip T. Luna

KAYENTA – Our beloved father and grandfather, Phillip T. Luna, 73, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on the evening of Dec. 11, 2022, in Mesa, Arizona.

He is the son of Phil Luna Sr. and Ruth Glassie Luna of Chilchinbeto, Arizona. Phillip is the oldest of eight children and was born into the Tó’aheedlíinii (The Water Flows Together clan). He is born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). He was a civil engineer for 35 years, working for BHP and Freeport McMoran, and as a financial advisor for five years, working at Morgan Stanley.

He is survived by his loving wife Laurie of 53 years and children Janise (Dino), Marvin (Tammie), Vidal (Michelle), and Natalie. Phillip will also be fondly remembered by his grandchildren – Loren, Cameron, Grace, Mackenzie, Adelaide, Sierra, LuAnn, DeVin, and Tiberius; and by numerous family and friends. Funeral services and reception will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Church in Kayenta Dec. 17. Services begin at 10 a.m. and reception at 1:30 p.m. Gravesite burial will be at the Luna family plot in Chilchinbeto. Those who desire to donate in the name of “The Phillip T. Luna Memorial Fund” may do so with any Wells Fargo.

Lucille J. Saunders

IYANBITO, N.M. — Funeral services for Lucille Jean Saunders, 65, of Iyanbito, New Mexico, will be held Tuesday, Dec. 20, at 10 a.m., at the Gospel Lighthouse Church in Iyanbito, with Pastor Mark Thomas Sr. officiating. Burial will follow in Rehoboth, New Mexico.

Lucille was born Sept. 12, 1957, in Crownpoint, into the Chishí (Chiricahua Apache). She was born for Tó baazhní’ázhí (Two Who Came To the Water Clan). She passed away Dec. 13, 2022, in Albuquerque.

Lucille was employed with Home Health Care. She enjoyed making jewelry and loved the company of her grandchildren.

Lucille is survived by her husband, Norris Nez Sr.; sons, Danny Nez Sr., Alex Nez, and Norris Nez Jr.; daughters, Lisa Saunders, Ailene Nez, Erleen Nez, Colleen Nez, and Gabi Martinez; sister, Lucille Ann Saunders; and 19 grandchildren.

Lucille is preceded in death by her biological mother, Ethel Cherimiah; and parents, Annie and Jay Saunders.

Pallbearers will be Danny Nez Sr., Alex Nez, Norris Nez Jr., Phillip Betom Jr., Danny Nez Jr., and Eric Saunders.

The honorary pallbearer will be Daniel Saunders.

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

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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