Obituaries for Dec. 17, 2015

Roy Holtsoi Sr.

PINEDALE, N.M. — Funeral services for Roy Holtsoi Sr., 92, of Pinedale, N.M., will be held Friday, Dec. 18, at 10 a.m. at the 7th Day Adventist Church in Gallup. Burial will follow at the Gallup Public Cemetery.

Roy was born into the Tódich’ii’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Haltsooi (Meadow People Clan).

Roy served in the U.S. Army and worked for RNG Railroad, retiring from BIA Wingate High School in 1987. He enjoyed watching high school basketball games.

Roy is survived by his children, Laverne Holtsoi, Roy Holtsoi Jr., Patterson Holtsoi, and Angie Holtsoi Nez of Pinedale; sister, Junie Begay of Pinedale; grandchildren, Eric Holtsoi of Albuquerque, Brittany Dash, and Leander Holtsoi of Pinedale; and great-grandchild, Liam Holtsoi of Albuquerque.

Roy is preceded in death by his wife, Emma Holtsoi; sister, Agnes Holtsoi Yazzie of Church Rock, N.M.; and brothers, John Holtsoi, Billie Holtsoi, Robert Holtsoi, and Gerald Holtsoi of Pinedale.

Pallbearers will be Eric Holtsoi, Raymond C. Nez, Willie Holtsoi, Jeff Holtsoi, Darryl Holtsoi, and Derek Tullie.

Roy James Jr.

CORNFIELDS, Ariz. — Graveside service for Roy James Jr., 74, of Cornfields Ariz., were held Dec. 16 at the Cornfields community cemetery with Brother Sam Walker officiating.

Roy was born May 12, 1941, in Cornfields, into the Tábąąhá   (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan).

Roy retired from the Navajo Nation with over 20 years of service to the Fish and Wildlife Department.

Roy is survived by his wife, Elsie G. James; sons, Ryan D. James Sr. and Marlon B. Stevens; daughters, Cynthia L. Al-Mughrabi, Charlene G. James, and Christina G. James; brothers, Mike James Sr. and Everytt James; sister, Maye K. Dedman; and 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Roy is preceded in death by his father, Roy James Sr.; mother, Camilla Slivers James; brothers, Roger James, Irvin James and Harvey James; and sister, Marie Shirley.

Pallbearers were Terron James Chischilly, Elias R. Stevens, Merle R. Chischilly, Marlon B. Stevens, Scottie Ashley, and Jerry Spencer.

Billy Bamwart

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. — Funeral services for Billy Bamwart, 68, of Pine Springs, Ariz., will be held today, Dec. 17, at 10 a.m. at the Chihootso Baptist Church in St. Michaels, Ariz., with Rev. Scott Merritt officiating. Burial will follow at the Fort Defiance Veterans Cemetery.

Billy was born April 14, 1947, in Pine Springs, into the Tódich’ii’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Tsénjikini (Honey Combed Rock People Clan). He died Dec. 13, 2015, in Lakeside, Ariz.

Billy attended high school at Intermountain Indian School in Brigham City, Utah, and Bacone College in Oklahoma City, Okla. He served in the U.S. Army from 1970 to 1976 and was employed as a VA benefits coordinator in Fort Defiance. He enjoyed ranch work and spending time with family.

Billy is survived by his son, Darrell Bill Bamwart; and sisters, Mary Bamwart and Emma Wilson.

Billy is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Annie Bamwart; brothers, Teddy Begay, Lewis, Stanley, Virgil, Roy, and Sam Bamwart Jr., and Leland Baloo; sisters, Agnas Hale and Mattie Baloo-Hale; and grandparents, Sam and Mary Baloo.

Pallbearers will be Anothy Nelson, Ernest Kee, Clifford Bamwart, Andrew Sahmie Sr., Jerel Yazzie, and Charles Begay.

Honorary pallbearers will be Raymond Kahn, Larson Wilson, Jeffrey Baloo, and Jefferson Baloo.

A reception will take place at St. Michaels Chapter House following services.

Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

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