Obituaries for Dec. 3, 2020

Rena H. Bates

REHOBOTH, N.M. — Graveside service for Rena H. Bates, 104, of Mulholland Wells, New Mexico, was held Nov. 30 at the Rehoboth cemetery in Rehoboth, New Mexico.

Rena was born Feb. 26, 1916, in Mulholland Wells, into the Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together Clan), born for Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). Her nali is Naaneesht’ézhi Táchii’nii (The Charcoal Streaked Division of the Red Running Into the Water); cheii is Haltsooí (Meadow People).

She passed away Nov. 21, 2020, in Albuquerque.

Rena attended Albuquerque Indian School and worked at the Fort Wingate Army Depot, Rehoboth School as a dorm matron, and Rehoboth Hospital as a nurse assistant. She also worked at Dr. Iverson’s Clinic as a nurse and at Jennie’s Flower Shop.

Rena was a longtime rancher who enjoyed sewing, baking, knitting, and singing and worshiping with the Christian Reformed Church.

Rena is survived by her sister, Anna Rose Jones. Rena is preceded in death by her parents, Chee H. and Larene Bates; brothers, Claude Bates, Albe Bates, Alfred Bates, Wilbur Bates, and Francis Bates; and sisters, Irene Bates, Willemma Bowman, Jennie B. Bowman, Ruth Bates, and Clara Bates.

Pallbearers were Merle Bates, Kyle Bates, Morris P. Jones Jr., Seth Damon, Melvin Francisco, and Storm Tallbull. Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Marie S. Silver

HOUCK, Ariz. — Funeral services for Marie S. Silver, 92, of Houck, Arizona, are currently pending.

Marie was born in March 1928. She passed away Nov. 18, 2020, at the John C. Lincoln Medical Hospital in Phoenix.

Marie was a beautiful mother, aunt, grandmother, and compassionate woman. She was born into the Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan), born for Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan).

Marie was a well-known silversmith. She was a member of Houck Chapter and was active in the Good News Church, reading the Navajo Bible, singing in the church choir, and believing in the Lord’s teaching and treating everyone with respect.

Marie loved being around family and friends, traveling, attending family and community events, and attending her grandchildren’s sporting events.

Marie is survived by her sons, Lenny (Jeanne) of Kirtland, New Mexico; Fred Silverfox of Albuquerque; and Wayne (Libby) of Holbrook, Arizona; daughters, Lorraine of Window Rock; Diane (Joe) of Stockton, California; Joann of Palisade, Colorado; Arlene (Tom) of Houck; Laverne (Kennedy) of Peoria, Arizona; Shirley (Roger) of North Hollywood, California; and Lorrie (Bondy) of Phoenix; and 33 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

Marie is preceded in death by her husband, John E. Silver; son, Archie Silver; sons-in-law, Jerome McCabe and Gabe Gonzales; parents, Regina James and Sam Silversmith; siblings, Ralph Nelson Jr., Jim Silversmith, Mary S. Morgan, Elizabeth J. Brown, and Eleanor S. Claw; grandchild, Fredrick Silver; and great-grandchild, Marcos Silver.

George Brown

ROCK SPRINGS, N.M. — Graveside service for George Brown will be held Tuesday, Dec. 8, at the family plot in Rock Springs, New Mexico. Due to COVID-19, service attendance is limited to a drive-thru service.

George was born Aug. 2, 1938, in Tuba City, into the Tábaahá (Water’s Edge Clan) and Táchii’nii (Red Running into the Water People Clan). His nalí’s are Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House) and Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). He passed away Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, 2020, in Gallup.

George started school at the Tuba City Boarding School in Tuba City, finishing at Fort Sill Indian School in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Upon finishing school, he met Alyce Singer, whom he was married to for 61 loving years.

George began his career working for El Paso Natural Gas Company in Rare Metals, Arizona. He later relocated to Montezuma Creek, Utah, and then to Window Rock. He retired and moved to Rock Springs, Arizona.

George was a very hardworking man. He spent much of his time working on his land, often found on his tractor performing maintenance in his community. George was an active member in his community and was known for his kind words and wisdom.

He was a proud and generous father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. George’s unconditional love and legacy will be dearly missed. He will be remembered as a man with remarkable insight and a heart of gold.

George is survived by his wife, Alyce; sisters, Leita Pinto and Cecilia (William); daughters, Clara Tsosie (Alvin) and Bo Summey (Rob); and 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

George is preceded in death by his son, Greg Brown; sister, Dorothy Redbird; and parents, Charlie and Susie Brown. Pallbearers for the ceremony will be Jesus Morales, Derek Brown, Angel Brown, Trinidad Moraga, Steffen Williams, Travis Sowards, and Ricky Redbird. Honorary pallbearers include Bill Lopez, Richard Lopez and Darin Lopez.

Rev. Herman Richard Matern (1927—2020)

PHOENIX — Graveside service for Herman Richard Matern (Dick), 93, of Phoenix, was held Dec. 2 at the Arizona Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix, with Rev. Dan Hoeger officiating.

Dr. Matern, a surgeon, worked for the Indian Health Service for many years. He first came to the Navajo Nation in 1955, working at the hospital in Fort Defiance, as part of his medical training. It was also in Fort Defiance that Dr. Matern retired from medical practice many years later.

Dr. Matern was born Aug. 18, 1927, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Herman Ludwig Matern and Catherine Ruby Schrack Matern. His siblings were Donald I. Matern, Robert S. Matern, Walter E. Matern, and Donna L. Matern.

Dr. Matern attended Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, followed by medical school at Cornell Medical College in New York City. He had always wanted to be a medical missionary.

After medical school and military service in Germany, Dr. Matern returned to the IHS as a commissioned officer in the USPHS and was sent to serve as the chief of surgery at Gallup Indian Medical Center in Gallup in 1968 where he met his wife, Wilhelmina (Barton) Matern, an operating room nurse. Dr. and Mrs. Matern were married for 52 years.

In a 2009 interview for the Navajo Times, Dr. Matern said, “Willie was the pretty operating room nurse and Dick was the handsome young surgeon.”

Of Willie, Dick told a Navajo Times reporter, she was pretty and had a “delightful, very winsome quality,” but that is not what initially attracted him. “In the operating room, you don’t even know who you’re working with. Everyone is wearing a mask.”

But soon he learned to recognize Willie’s style. “She would hand you what you needed before you even asked for it. Sometimes she would hand you something that wasn’t what you asked for, but it was exactly what you needed.”

Dick and Willie married in Phoenix, at Christ Lutheran Church on Indian School Road, on Aug. 12, 1968, with Willie’s three children in attendance and the organ repairmen as witnesses. Willie became Dick’s pillar of support, helping him to carry out his bigger-than-life dreams and ideas.

Dr. Matern and Mrs. Matern moved to serve the people of Vietnam in 1974 and were evacuated in 1975 when the country fell to North Vietnam forces. Dr. Matern saved many refugees of the war during the last few weeks of fighting.

After also serving the people of Nepal, Dr. and Mrs. Matern moved back the Navajo Nation in 1988, settling in Chinle and then Fort Defiance, where Dr. Matern eventually retired from medical practice.

After moving to Phoenix, to be close to his daughter Roberta and her family, Dr. Matern still returned every weekend to preach at the Navajo Lutheran Church in Many Farms, Arizona, and to visit the inmates at the jail in Chinle.

In 2001, Dick was recognized by the American Medical Association, which presented him the Pride in Profession Award. This award is presented to physicians who “have made extraordinary efforts to help the communities they serve by providing urgently needed health care services to the indigent, underserved and high-risk patients.”

Dick strove to be a servant of God and he was just that. He enjoyed hiking, birding and chess.

Alzheimer’s disease slowly took away Dick’s ability to safely travel and his final years were spent in Phoenix, with Willie carefully looking after him.

Dick passed away peacefully on Nov. 22, 2020, surrounded by love and in the arms of his devoted wife.

Dick is survived by his wife, Wilhelmina J. Matern; children, Joy Martin of Flagstaff, Deborah (Martin) Gwilt of Phoenix, Jonathan C. Martin of Flagstaff, and Roberta Matern and her husband Stephen Taylor of Phoenix; and eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Dick is preceded in death by his brothers, Robert S. Matern and Donald I. Matern.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association at http://act.alz.org/goto/HRMatern.

A memorial service will be held at the M. L. Moore Grimshaw Mortuary at a later date.

John E. Begay

JONES RANCH, N.M. — Graveside service for John E. Begay, 90, of Jones Ranch, New Mexico, will be held Friday, Dec. 4, at 11 a.m., at the family plot in Jones Ranch. John was born Nov. 4, 1930, in Jones Ranch, into the Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan), born for Dibélzhíní (Black Sheep Clan). He passed away Nov. 28, 2020, in Gallup.

John was attending high school at Intermountain Indian School when he was drafted into the U.S. Army.

He retired from the BIA after 18 years of service. He also worked as a census taker, at Kerr-McGee Mine and for United Nuclear Uranium Mines.

John was a member of the White Cliffs NRA Gun Club in Cousins, New Mexico, and enjoyed working on vehicles, doing crossword puzzles, and watching his favorite football team, the Dallas Cowboys.

John is survived by his daughters, Claresia Begay and Carol Begay, both of Gallup; brothers, Thomas H. Begay, George Begay, Manuel Begaye, Johnny Begay, and Lorenzo Begay; sisters, Alice M. Begay, Annie H. Begay and Marylouise Begay; and eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

John is preceded in death by his wife, Lillie C. Begay; parents, Charlie H. and Mary H. Begay; and brother, Edward Begay.

Pallbearers will be Charles P. Murphy, Chance C. Peterson, Brandon Watchman, Isaiah Watchman, Cash J. Lewis, and Stephen Vinson. Honorary pallbearers will be Thomas H. Begay, George Begay, Manuel E. Begaye, Johnny Begay, and Lorenzo Begay. Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Fred Guerro Sr.

ALAMO NAVAJO, N.M. — Viewing and graveside services are currently pending for Fred Guerro Sr.

Fred was born Nov. 14, 1934, to the late Juan and Yananpah Guerro. His clans are Chishi (Apache), born for ‘Áshiihí (Salt People Clan). He passed away peacefully on Nov. 21, 2020, in Albuquerque.

Fred was the last of Juan and Yananpah Guerro’s children. He was known to be very kind, gentle, and always telling jokes and stories.

Fred was a born-again Christian and never wavered in his faith. He always quoted bible scriptures and tested your biblical knowledge to ensure one learned. He loved his family very much that he would do anything and everything for them.

Fred was a master silversmith, selling his jewelry nationwide and with his regular customers in Socorro, Alamogordo, and Gallup. He built houses, mostly out of adobe mud, a skill that is becoming very rare.

Fred was also a skilled fence builder and travelled many miles to work for ranchers across the state. Many nephews and relatives who travelled with him to hunting and fence building remember his stories, his humor, and jokes.

Fred was very hospitable by opening his home to many people who needed a place to stay, needed a place to rehabilitate, and/or just needed to get it together. He lived in Alamo most of his life, but also shortly in To’hajiilee, and Socorro.

Many of Fred’s nieces loved him so much and remember him teasing them and always being a funny and loveable uncle. His love for the church and Christian belief was monumental.

He leaves a great legacy and will be one to be truly missed by so many near and far.

Fred is survived by his wife, Barbara S. Guerro; son, Fred Jr.; daughter, Pastor Caroline Denise Vicente; and four grandchildren who he raised.

Fred also leaves behind six additional grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Fred is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Wilson, Adelco, Jose, Tony, John, and Joe; and sisters, Louise, Pauline, Susie, Alta, Alice, and Margaret. To make a donation, call Daniel’s Funeral Home in Socorro, New Mexico, at 575-835-1530.

The family is currently not receiving any visitors, due to the COVID-19 restriction, and asks that you respect their request, but they thank everyone in advance.

John Whitesinger Jr.

SANTA FE — An honor veteran burial for John Whitesinger Jr., 72, will take place at the Santa Fe National Cemetery on Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 2:15 pm.

John, the son of John Whitesinger Sr. and Sadie Marie Begay Buckner, passed away from natural causes on Nov. 27, 2020. After 27 years, John retired as a diesel mechanic with Yellow Freight Systems, previously working as a mechanic since high school.

He served in the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1971. John was a cheerful, generous, good-hearted man, who sacrificed a lot for his family. He would always encourage them to succeed.

John leaves behind and is cherished in the memories of his wife, Anna Grace Whitesinger; children, Juan (Selena), Sonja (Vito), Henry, and Jessica (Rob); siblings, Leroy, Don, Ophelia, Eileen, Eleanor, Gerald, and Gabriel; and seven grandchildren along with his many relatives from Spider Rock to Chinle Valley. John is preceded in death by his brother Ronald. Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

David Begay Jumbo

ETHETE, Wyo. — Graveside service for David Begay Jumbo, 40, of Riverton, Wyoming, will be held Saturday, Dec. 5, at 10 a.m., at the Sage-Redman family cemetery in Ethete, Wyoming, with Deacon Tony Sawick officiating.

Evening service will take place Friday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m., at the Beaver Creek Housing (1505 Elmwood Dr.) in Riverton, followed by a wake.

David was born Oct. 21, 1980, in Fort Defiance, into the Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for Naakai dine’é (Mexican Clan) of the Navajo Nation. He passed away Nov. 27, 2020, at the Intermountain Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

David graduated from Lawrence High School and attended Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas, and Central Wyoming College in Riverton. He was employed 15-plus years at the Wind River Hotel and Casino in Riverton.

David was baptized into the Church of the Morning Star and believed deeply in the Arapaho faith. He was a very active, loving father, husband, and an extremely hard worker, always making himself available to anyone who needed help and treating his co-workers like family.

David was a true Raiders fan through and through, and truly loved his Kansas Jayhawks. He was an avid gamer, passionate about tattoos, loved his music, and loved to travel.

David adored being in nature, exploring and trying new things. He despised getting any kind of shot at the doctor’s, but would only endure it for ice cream, which was his favorite.

He was also a huge fan of his mother’s famous fry bread and homemade tortillas.

David is survived by his wife of 14 years, Celeste Sage; and children, Damon, Eveangeline and AnnaBella. He is also survived by his son, Maciah WhiteBearClaws of Lawrence; mother, Jennifer Jumbo and Andrew Yellowhair of Lawrence; uncles, Dwayne Nez and family of McKinleyville, California; Jerald and Melinda Jumbo of Nobleboro, Maine; Freddie Jumbo and Darrell Jumbo; aunt, Marilyn Wingate of Fort Defiance; and grandmothers, grandfathers, aunts, uncles, and cousins of Crystal, New Mexico.

David is preceded in death by his grandmother, Elizabeth Nez; and uncle, Tony Reynosa. The family would appreciate donations for funeral expenses in lieu of flowers. Online guestbook: hudsonsfh.com.

Robert “Peanut” Henderson (Aug. 9, 1963 – Nov. 21, 2020)

TEMPLE, Texas — Funeral services for Robert Dean Henderson, 57, of Temple, Texas, will be held Saturday, Dec. 5, at 11 a.m., at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Temple. Burial will follow at New Hope Cemetery in Temple.

Visitation will take place Friday, Dec. 4, at Chisolm’s Family Funeral Home in Killeen, Texas, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Robert was born to Robert and Louvenia Henderson on Aug. 9, 1963, in Brigham City, Utah. He passed away Nov. 21, 2020, in Temple.

After three beautiful baby girls, Robert and Louvenia were finally blessed with a bouncing baby boy. Before Robert’s birth, a promise was made by his mother to Dr. Dean Bunderson, who had delivered her three girls, that if she had a boy, he would also be named after him. She kept that promise and named him “Robert Dean.”

Robert, at the age of 5, relocated with his parents to Many Farms, Arizona, which is located on the Navajo Nation. This is where he was exposed to several cultures and formed long-lasting friendships. He excelled in track, football and formed a love for basketball.

Robert understood the value of education. Upon graduating from Chinle High School, he attended Eastern Junior College on a partial track scholarship. He then attended Tarleton State University, located in Stephenville, Texas, where he majored in education.

Robert began his professional career working at Temple Independent School District in the Special Education Skills Program. He then gained employment with Ralph Wilson Youth Center.

In the summers, Robert would travel to Waterford, Maine, to work at Camp Waziyatah, which was featured on the Disney Channel, as a camp leader and coach. He enjoyed his summers in Maine and traveled there for several summers until his final summer in 2003 (there is still plenty of footage that can be found online).

Robert also served several years in the Army National Guard.

In 2003, he began working for Wilson Park Recreation Center, where he was employed as a recreational specialist, and dedicated the last years of his life making a difference in the lives of many children. Robert gave his all to put “Camp Heat Wave” on the map and spent countless hours making sure the programs were creative, memorable, and met the needs of every child who attended.

Robert was dedicated and committed to his faith and to the Catholic Church. He served on various committees/organizations, which included several youth ministries, such as youth director for Christ the King Catholic Church, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, etc.

In his spare time, he coached the basketball team at St. Mary’s Catholic Church for over 20 years.

Robert is survived by his children, Shannon Carroll of Cameron, North Carolina, Alieyah Pauly and Robert Caleb Henderson of Austin, Texas; sisters, Rocinda Barnor of Wylie, Texas, and Schicasulyn McFarland of Killeen; and three grandchildren, six nieces and one nephew.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Louvenia Henderson; and sister, Myrtle Henderson.

Christine Nez

HOUCK, Ariz. — Graveside service for Christine Nez, 60, of Houck, Arizona, will be held Monday, Dec. 7, at 10 a.m., at the Houck cemetery with Gilbert and Deann Tully officiating.

Christine was born March 5, 1960, in Querino, Arizona, into the Tó’áhaní (Near the Water Clan), born for Deeshchii’nii (Start of the Red Streak People Clan). She passed away Nov. 27, 2020, in Albuquerque.

Christine is survived by her daughters, Clarisa Todokozie, Yolanda Todokozie, Lorinda Todokozie, Cassandra Murphy, and Amanda Murphy; mother, Vernie Nez; nine sisters and 13 grandchildren.

Christine is preceded in death by her father, Hoskie Nez; sons, Jonathan Todokozie and Richard Murphy; and brothers, Leon Nez and Leonard Nez. Pallbearers will be Brandon James, Chris Cly, Jeremia Nez, Lamar Sam, Derrick Nez, and Shane Ashley.

Honorary pallbearers will be Keegan Todokozie, Johnnie Todokozie and Marcos Quintero. There will be no reception due to COVID-19. Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Leon Lester Nez

HOUCK, Ariz. — Graveside service for Leon Lester Nez, 52, of Houck, Arizona, will be held Monday, Dec. 7, at 10 a.m., at the Houck cemetery with Gilbert and Deann Tully officiating.

Leon was born July 10, 1968, in Fort Defiance, into the Tó’áhaní (Near the Water Clan), born for Deeshchii’nii (Start of the Red Streak People Clan). He passed away Nov. 30, 2020, in Albuquerque.

Leon is survived by his sons, Lydell Nez and Brandon Lee; daughter, Lena Nez; mother, Vernie Nez; and 10 sisters and two grandchildren. Leon is preceded in death by his father, Hoskie Nez; sister, Christine Nez; and brother, Leonard Nez. Pallbearers will be Brandon James, Chris Cly, Jeremia Nez, Lamar Sam, Derrick Nez, and Shane Ashley.

Honorary pallbearers will be Marcos Quintero, Keegan Todokozie and Johnnie Todokozie. There will be no reception due to COVID-19. Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Grace Johnson

DALTON PASS, N.M. — Graveside service for Grace Johnson, 69, of Dalton Pass, New Mexico, was held Dec. 2 at the family plot in Dalton Pass.

Grace was born July 23, 1951, in Crownpoint, into the Haltsooí (Meadow People Clan), born for Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). She passed away Nov. 28, 2020, in Crownpoint.

Grace enjoyed selling her arts and crafts at powwows, traveling and spending time with her grandchildren.

Grace is survived by her sons, Ike and Ross; daughter, Carllene; brothers, Alvis, Alfred, Herman, John, and Johnny Jr.; sisters, Rose, Karen and Sharon; grandparents, Rose and Frank Chiquito; and 10 grandchildren.

Grace is preceded in death by her parents, Sarah and Johnny McCray Sr.; and brothers, Norman and Ronald. Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Sasha Dawn Bahe

ROCK POINT, Ariz. — Graveside service for Sasha Dawn Bahe, 30, of Rock Point, Arizona, will be held Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 10 a.m., in Rock Point, with Silver Creek Mortuary officiating.

Sasha was born July 27, 1990, in Rock Point, into the Kinlichíi’nii (Red House People Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). She passed away Nov. 29, 2020, in Albuquerque. Sasha attended Rio Grande High School and worked in Albuquerque.

Sasha is survived by her mother and stepfather, Dorothy and Gabriel Martinez; father, Ricky Bahe; brothers, Parnell Bahe, Darnell Bahe and Rayford Bahe; sisters, Raedelle Bahe, Roderica Bahe, Marissa Martinez, and Gabrielle Martinez; and grandparents, Jessie and Peter Benally, and Alice and Richard Bahe.

Sasha is preceded in death by her brother, Rayond Bahe. A reception will take place in Rock Point, following service. Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Alvin Price

TOLANI LAKE, Ariz. — Graveside service for Alvin Price, 73, of Tolani Lake, Arizona, was held Dec. 2 at the family plot at White Grass Ranch in Tolani Lake.

Alvin was born April 21, 1947, in Winslow, Arizona, into the Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tl’ááshchí’í (Red Bottom People Clan). He passed away Nov. 25, 2020, in Chandler, Arizona.

Alvin graduated from Winslow High School in 1966 and attended Northern Arizona University. He was a lifelong welder and pipefitter.

Alvin participated in bull riding in the 1960s era and was a rodeo judge during the 1970s and 80s. He was a die-hard fan of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Arizona State University Sun Devils. He enjoyed watching the Professional Bull Riders and was a devoted grandfather.

Alvin is survived by his sons, Alvin Price Jr. of Bird Springs, Arizona, and Calvin Price of Maricopa, Arizona; daughters, Sondra Lukee of Maricopa, and Candice Lukee Veta of Corpus Christi, Texas; brothers, Donald Price, Louie Henry Price, Dennis Price, and Ronald Price; sisters, Freida Price Hardy, Margie Price Bennett, Velma Price Huskey, Pauline Price Riggs, and Cecelia Price Kescoli; and nine grandchildren.

Alvin is preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Laura Monroe Price; brother, Eugene Price; and Katherine Schultz Price Morris. Pallbearers were Alvin Price Jr., Calvin Price, Brian Kriesel, Donovan Price, Kai Bennett, and Louie Henry Price. Honorary pallbearers were Donald Price, Dennis Price, Ronald Price, Carlos Weiss, Caleb Price, Trenton Price, and Melvin Lewis.

Valley Ridge Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Christopher Roy Begaye

PINON, Ariz. — Graveside service for Christopher Roy Begaye, 30, of Pinon, Arizona, will be held today, Dec. 3, at 10 a.m., in Pinon, with his family officiating.

Christopher was born Dec. 3, 1989, in Salt Lake City, Utah, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Tábaahá (Water’s Edge Clan). He passed away Nov. 27, 2020, in Phoenix.

Christopher worked at the Trinity Heights United Methodist Church.

Christopher is survived by Kristen Cleveland; sons, Andreus and Alex; daughters, Amira and Kendall; parents, Marie and Roy Begay; and brother, Derek Begaye.

Christopher is preceded in death by his grandparents, Julia and Guy Begay. Pallbearers will be Johnny’s boys. Summit Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Myron “Wolfie” Lee

WINDOW ROCK — Graveside service for Myron “Wolfie” Lee, 51, of Window Rock, was held Nov. 27.

Myron was born April 1, 1969, in Fort Defiance, into the Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan), born for the Chukchansi Tribe in Fresno, California.

He passed away Nov. 20, 2020, in Flagstaff. Myron attended Window Rock High School and the Crownpoint School of Technology. He worked in construction and as a firefighter.

He enjoyed listening to metal music, drawing, sketching, and was a Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

Myron is survived by his mother, Darlene B. Lee; brothers, Brian V. Lee and Gerald V. Lee; and sister, Delora Clifford. Myron is preceded in death by his father, Norman V. Lee; maternal grandparents, Ellen and Kee Brown; and paternal grandparents, Elvira and Calvin Lee Sr. Pallbearers were Robert M. Brown, Kyle Felter, Gerald V. Lee, and Brian Becenti. Summit Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

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