Obituaries for Dec. 2, 2021

Sarah John Ashley

TSE BONITO, N.M. — Funeral services for Sarah John Ashley, 85, of Wide Ruins, Arizona, will be held Friday, Dec. 3, at 10 a.m., at the Silver Creek Mortuary in Tse Bonito, New Mexico.

Sarah was born June 18, 1936, in Wide Ruins, into the Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Kinłichíi’nii (Red House People Clan). She passed away Nov. 22, 2021, in Mesa, Arizona.

Sarah attended Chilocco Indian School in Oklahoma, and was a homemaker who enjoyed sewing and weaving.

Sarah is survived by her sons, Jefferson Joe, Kenneth Ashley and Jesse Ashley; sisters, Thelma John and Barbara John; and five grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Sarah is preceded in death by her mother, Lisa Yazzie; father, Kee John; daughter, Cornelia Ashley; and son, Victor Ashley.

A grab-and-go reception will take place at the burial site.

Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Isabelle M. Dakai

MARIANO LAKE, N.M. — Funeral services for Isabelle Mae Dakai, 69, of Mariano Lake, New Mexico, were held Nov. 29 at the Bible Ministries Church in Mariano Lake, with Betsy George officiating. Interment followed in Mariano Lake.

Isabelle was born Jan. 28, 1952, in Mariano Lake, into the Tótsohnii (Big Water Clan), born for ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan). She passed away Nov. 22, 2021, in Mariano Lake.

Isabelle attended Thoreau High School and received a certified nursing assistant certification at Northland Pioneer College. She enjoyed sewing, scrapbooking, silversmithing, and caring for loved ones.

Isabelle is survived by her son, Malcolm Dakai; daughter, Lisa Dakai; brothers, Albert Goldtooth, Philbert Charley and Michael Charley; sisters, Rebecca Tso, Lorraine Charley, Thelma Vandever, and Marisa Mendoza; and six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Isabelle is preceded in death by her husband, Jones Dakai; and parents, Maebelle and Herbert Jake Charley.

Pallbearers were Malcolm Dakai, Eric Cadman, Cody Vandever, Corey Vandever, Andrew Amador, Armondo Aguilar, Ronald Charley, and Victor Mendoza.

Honorary pallbearers were Malcolm Dakai, Eric Cadman and Xavier Mendoza.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Henry E. Yabeny Jr.

KIRTLAND, N.M. — Funeral services for Henry E. Yabeny Jr. were held Nov. 14 at Kirtland Cope Memorial. Interment followed at the Beclabito community cemetery in Beclabito, New Mexico.

Henry was born Oct. 11, 1962, in Shiprock, to Alberta Yabeny and Henry Yabeny Sr., into the Hooghan Łání (Many Hogans Clan), born for Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together Clan). He passed away Nov. 16, 2021, at Abrazo Central Hospital in Phoenix.

Henry lived in Leupp, Arizona, and was raised in Shiprock and Beclabito, by Lilly Yabeny and the late Navajo Nation Councilman Wilfred Yabeny.

Henry went to school in Shiprock and participated in wrestling, football, track and field (threw shot put and discus), and played the trumpet in band. He graduated from Shiprock High School in May 1980.

Henry worked for Navajo Tribal Utility Authority on the “Line Crew” for a few years. After that, he went to school for carpentry in Phoenix, where he met his significant other, Denise Lee.

Henry and Denise worked for Osmose Utilities for many years. He was an electric line tech, working with underground and overhead electric lines. He enjoyed his work with Osmose and worked with Denise travelling to Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, Montana, Ohio, and where Osmose needed them to be.

Henry was a very sociable person and helped those in need when they needed help. He loved to travel, visit family/cousins, and enjoyed watching sports (football, basketball, World Wrestling Entertainment, golf, Professional Bull Riding, tennis).

Henry also liked to keep up-to-date with the news and liked to go the casino(s). He kept in touch with his numerous cousins and coworkers and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Henry is survived by his significant other, Denise Lee; brother, Michael Yabeny; granddaughter, Lexandra Yabeny; mother, Lilly Yabeny; sister, Loretta Yabeny/Nez; stepson, Eric Lee; stepdaughter, Chelsey Lee; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Henry is preceded in death by his father, Henry Yabeny Sr.; mother, Alberta Yabeny; father, Wilfred Yabeny; and son, Elwilliam Yabeny.

The family of Henry would like to thank Kirtland Cope Memorial staff, Beclabito Chapter and community members, Twin Arrows Casino, and other family and friends who helped with donations, support, and prayers.

Thank you to Northern Navajo Medical Center, Winslow Health Center, and Abrazo Campus in caring for Henry.

Kevin C. Barton

ALBUQUERQUE — Funeral services for Kevin Charles Barton, 58, of Albuquerque, will be held Friday, Dec. 3, at 11 a.m., at Garcia Mortuary in Albuquerque. Viewing for family members will take place from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., followed by public viewing from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Live streaming of the service will be available for individuals who cannot attend.

Kevin was born March 7, 1963, in Albuquerque, to Raymond and Kathleen Barton, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). He died unexpectedly on Nov. 20, 2021, after being involved in a fatal car crash. His loss was completely unexpected and family, friends, as well as the community, are shocked and deeply saddened.

Kevin attended Gallup High School and was passionate about sports, his family, and bringing joy to anyone he encountered. After graduating high school, he attended college at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, as well as Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona.

Kevin worked with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and was newly promoted to a position as supply management officer with the Division of Property-OFPSM. He has been with the BIA for 31 years and was looking forward to retirement this coming April. He was recently given an award for outstanding rating performance and was very proud of moving to an office with a window.

Kevin was very involved in the sports world. He was part of a men’s fast-pitch team, the Albuquerque Sun Devils, which he coached and played with many victories.

Anyone who knew Kevin, knew that he was the life of the party and always full of jokes and laughter. He had an immense passion for his children and was always a source of positivity, mentorship, and discipline. His greatest accomplishment he recognized was raising and seeing both his daughters graduate high school as a single father.

Kevin’s family and friends will miss him more than words can say.

Kevin is survived by his children, Chelsey Barton-Martinez (husband Aaron), Kristen Barton (significant other, Michael Mora), and Alexander Hayden Sanchez; love of his life, Melanie Garcia (aka partner in crime); parents, Raymond and Kathleen Barton; sister, Danielle Renee Conley (husband Troy); and two grandchildren, three dog children and four granddogs.

Kevin is preceded in death by his brother, Kendall Scott Barton; maternal grandparents, Wilson and Ruby Halona; and paternal grandparents, Stewart and Jenny Barton.

Pallbearers will be Dustin Martin, Walker Martin, Keanen Barton, Lyonel Candelaria, Lyle Begaye, Gabe Draper, Richard Catron, Garrett Halona, and Derrick Halona.

Honorary pallbearers will be Stewart “CB” Barton III, John Martin, Kyle Barton, Zoey Vicente, John Kozeliski, Harold Redhouse, Steve Gallegos, Michael Kanuho, Dave Felton, Ken Billings, Patrick Halona, Pernell Halona, Cornell Halona, and Shanell Halona.

Contributions in memory of Kevin can be made to https://linktr.ee/KevinBarton.

To view information, streaming, or to leave a condolence, visit www.garciamortuary.com.

Duane Quintana

GALLUP — Funeral services for Duane Quintana, 58, of Fort Defiance, will be held Saturday, Dec. 4, at 11 a.m., at the Church of the Holy Spirit (1334 Country Club Drive) in Gallup, with Rev. Diana Hill officiating. Burial will follow at the Rabbit Brush cemetery in Rabbit Brush, New Mexico.

Duane was born March 18, 1963, in Denver, into the Yé’ii dine’é Táchii’nii Clan, born for Naakai dine’é (Mexican Clan). He passed away Sept. 11, 2021.

Duane was raised by his grandparents and attended Whiteriver Junior High School and Window Rock High School. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves and worked as a chef and supervisor of a fencing company.

Duane enjoyed boxing, playing basketball and baseball, fishing, camping, hunting, attending powwows as a men’s traditional dancer, and was a Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies fan.

Duane is survived by his wife, Cynthia Marie Quintana; son, Fanio James Quintana; stepsons, Javier Refuerzo and Andres Refuerzo; daughters, Alicie Mae Quintana and Cassidy Chavira; brother, Robert Quintana; sisters, Margaret Quintana, Carol Ann Quintana, Donna Quintana, Kathleen Quintana, Sandra Quintana, and Cheryl Quintana Clyde; aunt, Pauline Watson Endfield; and uncles, Lawrence Watson, Eugene Watson and Tom Watson Jr.

Duane is also survived by his siblings, Akeem Watson, Kaleena Watson, Kameko Watson, Loreal Watson, Kyle Watson, Kycel Watson, Ryan Watson, Patrick Watson, Ryan Endfield, Margaret Endfield, Leann Endfield, and Paula Endfield.

Duane is preceded in death by his parents, Hazel Mae Watson Quintana and James Edward Quintana Sr.; brother, James Edward Quintana Jr.; and Christine Watson, Jonathan Arthur, Earnie Vigil, and Carrie Vigil.

Irene Bitah

MICHAELS, Ariz. — Funeral services for Irene Bitah, 65, of Gallup, were held Nov. 27 at the Summit Funeral Home in St. Michaels, Arizona, with Ernest John officiating. Interment followed in St. Michaels.
Irene was born Aug. 28, 1955, in Rehoboth, New Mexico, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), Tł’ógí (Hairy Ones/Weaver-Zia Clan), Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan), and Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). She passed away Nov. 4, 2021, in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Irene graduated from Gallup High School in 1975 and Haskell Indian Nations University in 1981. She worked for Navajo Tribal Utility Authority from 1993 to 1998, Phoenix City Hall from 2000 to 2002, Phoenix Mental Hospital from 2002 to 2010, and Oklahoma State University from 2010 to 2020.

Summit Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Methusela Damon

FORT DEFIANCE — Funeral services for Methusela Damon, 49, of Window Rock, were held Nov. 29 at the Fort Defiance Potter’s House in Fort Defiance, with Pastor Martin Haven officiating. Interment followed at the family plot in Fort Defiance.

Methusela was born March 9, 1972, in Gallup, into the Tódík’ózhí (Salt Water Clan), born for Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan). He passed away Nov. 15, 2021, in Albuquerque.

Methusela retired from the U.S. Air Force and was a father figure to his nephews and nieces.

Methusela is survived by his parents, Matthew and Clara L. Damon; brothers, Elijah Damon, Zachariah Damon and Jonah Damon; and sisters, Pamela Damon, Donna Damon and Deborah Damon.

Methusela is preceded in death by Timothy Damon.

Pallbearers were Elijah Damon, Zephaniah R. Damon, Matthew G. Damon, Jeremiah A. Belone, Lucas B. Bennett, Michael Yazzie, and Michaelson D. Yazzie.

Honorary pallbearers were Matthew R. Damon, Zachariah Damon, Jonah Damon, Lee R. Damon, Wyatt A. Damon, Azariah E. Damon, and Caleb B. Damon.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

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