Obituaries for Dec. 9, 2021

Loretta J. Damon

TOHATCHI, N.M. — Funeral services for Loretta Jane Damon, 71, of Mesa, Arizona, will be held today, Dec. 9, at 10 a.m., at St. Mary’s Church in Tohatchi, New Mexico, with Father Dale officiating. Burial will follow in Fort Defiance.

Loretta was born Aug. 19, 1950, in Fort Defiance, into the ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). She passed away Nov. 28, 2021, in Mesa.

Loretta earned a bachelor and master’s degree in education. She was employed with Maricopa Community College.

Loretta enjoyed taking care of her grandchildren and watching the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Lakers and all Arizona state sports.

Loretta is survived by her sons, Casey Sanderson and Nicolas Sanderson.

Loretta is preceded in death by her mother, Molly E. Damon; father, Anson C. Damon; and brothers, Albert Damon Sr. and Anson Damon Jr.

Pallbearers will be Terry Manuelito, Casey Sanderson and Albert Damon Jr.

Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Saffron and Garrison Tahmahkera.

A drive-thru reception will follow services.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Anita L. Bryant

CORTEZ, Colo. — A memorial service for Anita Louise Bryant (aka Mrs. Bryant) will be held Saturday, Dec. 11, at the St. Margaret Mary Church in Cortez, Colorado, with a rosary at 10:30 a.m., followed by a memorial mass at 11 a.m.

Mrs. Bryant was born Dec. 30, 1946, in Ottumwa, Iowa. She passed away Nov. 24, 2021, in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, after a three-year battle with cancer.

Mrs. Bryant was a beloved wife, mother, sister, and educator. She grew up in an Air Force family and lived in several cities from San Bernardino, California, to Belen, New Mexico, to Shreveport, Louisiana, where she met her future husband, John Bryant.

Mrs. Bryant went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in education and started her career in education as a 2nd grade teacher at Mesa School in Shiprock.

Mrs. Bryant and John eventually moved to Cortez in 1976 where they raised their two daughters and Anita began her 20-year career as an educator in Colorado.

Mrs. Bryant loved learning and spent many of her years going to college during summer breaks to earn her master’s degree and began working on her doctorate. She was a teacher at Manuagh and Mesa Elementary School, and shortly after she received her master’s in education she accepted a position as a vice principal at Cortez Middle School. She was one of the first women school administrators during that time. She retired from Colorado and worked another 25 years in New Mexico retiring in 2019 from Grants High School.

Mrs. Bryant had a genuine love for people and poured her heart into her students, parents and teachers. Education was not a job or a career but a lifestyle. She worked around the clock supporting her students not only during school hours but beyond. She was described by others as having a heart of gold, yet used tough love to ensure her students’ and teachers’ success.

Mrs. Bryant is survived by her daughter, Francyne Bryant Schultz (husband Troy); sisters, Donna Bailey, Valerie Williams (husband Andrew), and Roberta Isham; brother-in-law, Tom Bryant (wife Betty); nephews, Walter Bryant (wife Rechanda), Cody Bryant and James Williams Sr.; nieces, Tommi Sue Cox (husband Dan), Jackie Jones (husband Frank), and Jillian Rogers (husband Mark); along with a multitude of friends and fans.

Mrs. Bryant is preceded in death by her husband John and daughter Shannon.

A gathering for friends and family will immediately follow.

Services are under the direction of Ertel Funeral Home.

To send condolences or to view the full obituary, visit www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.

Memorials may be made to the Bryant Memorial Scholarship Fund at the following: https://secure.payk12.com/school/Grants-High-School/697/3103/14577.

Hurley Benally

GALLUP — Funeral services for Hurley Benally, 75, of Gallup, will be held Friday, Dec. 10, at 10 a.m., at the Rollie Mortuary Chapel in Gallup, with Joe Lee Gray Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at the family plot in Sanostee, New Mexico.

Hurley was born Sept. 27, 1946, in Stink Water Canyon, Sanostee, into the Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle Clan), born for ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan). He passed away Dec. 3, 2021, in Gallup.

Hurley graduated from Wingate High School and continued his education at the University of New Mexico. He started a medical career at Fort Defiance Hospital as an X-ray technician and worked at Gallup Indian Medical Center for 46-plus years as a physician assistant where he retired in 2015.

Hurley was also a chapter official for Church Rock Chapter serving as secretary and treasurer. During his retirement he worked for the Navajo Nation Board of Elections.

Hurley loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed farming, playing pool, going on drives and family trips, and most of all, serving the community and serving the patients at GIMC.

Hurley is survived by his son, Garrett Benally; daughters, Veronica L. Benally and Tai Shanna J. Benally; brothers, Emil Benally Jr. and Randolph Johnson; sisters, Sandy Clark and Refina Canyon; and 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Hurley is preceded in death by his mother, Pearl Johnson; father, Emil H. Benally; brothers, Harold Johnson and Vernon Johnson; sister, Thelma Yazzie; and granddaughter, Peoria Faith Benally.

Pallbearers will be Garrett Benally, Ernest Benally Sr., Ryan Canyon, Theron Canyon, Justin Benally, and Lionel Luther.

Honorary pallbearers will be Benjamin Yazzie Jr. and Jarrell Yazzie.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Gary Arviso

GALLUP — A Celebration of Life service for Gary Arviso, 58, of Gallup, will be held Sunday, Dec. 12, at 12 p.m., at the Gallup Lions Club (3330 E. Aztec).

Gary was born in Gallup, into the Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan). He passed away Oct. 22, 2021, in Albuquerque.

Gary was an award-winning lapidary and metal artist. He was a thoughtful person who would lend a hand expecting nothing in return. He liked to tell jokes to make one’s day better.

Gary is survived by his children, grandchildren, parents, brothers, and sisters.

Gary is preceded in death by his brother, Julian Arviso.

In addition to the service, there will be a potluck luncheon (bring a dish to share).

Lavern E. Billey

STANDING ROCK, N.M. — Funeral services for Lavern E. Billey, 79, of Standing Rock, New Mexico, will be held Monday, Dec. 13, at 10 a.m., at the Bible Baptist Shepherd Church in Standing Rock. Burial will follow at the family plot in Standing Rock.

Lavern was born Feb. 8, 1942, in Crownpoint, into the Bit’ahnii (Under His Cover Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). Her nalí is Tsenabahiłnii (Sleep Rock People); cheii is Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House). She passed away Dec. 1, 2021, in Gallup.

Lavern graduated from Wingate High School in 1963 and from Haskell Indian Nations in 1965. She worked for Navajo Nation Department of Labor, Gallup Kachina Meat Package, Kerr-McGee, First National Bank, and Revlon.

Lavern was a rancher, rug weaver and jewelry maker. She enjoyed traveling and was very active in the community.

Lavern is survived by her husband, Dickie Billey Sr.; sons, Dickie Billey Jr. and Ivan Billey; daughter, Tamara Begay; brother, Wilbur Edsitty; sisters, Margaret Grieve and Hazel Etcitty; stepbrothers, Mark Etcitty, Jay Etcitty and Frank Etcitty; and 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Lavern is preceded in death by her parents, Louise and Wilson Etcitty; brothers, Leo Etcitty, Nelson Etcitty and Watson Etcitty; and stepbrother, Joe Etcitty.

Pallbearers will be Dickie Billey Jr., Ivan Billey, Wayant Billey, Vanessa Billey, Olin Benally, and Leonard Thompson.

Honorary pallbearers will be Dickie Billey Sr., Wilbur Edsitty, Marvin Edsitty, and Billy Yazzie Jr.

A reception will take place at the Billey residence (7.5 miles northeast of Standing Rock Chapter, follow blue/pink balloons), following services.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Harris Tso

TOHLAKAI, N.M. — Graveside service for Harris Tso, 49, of Tohlakai, New Mexico, will be held today, Dec. 9, at 10 a.m., at the Tso residence in Tohlakai, with Danial Cleveland officiating.

Harris was born Oct. 25, 1972, in Gallup, into the Hashtł’ishnii (Mud Clan), born for Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan). His nalí is Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House); cheii is Tódík’ózhí (Salt Water). He passed away Dec. 3, 2021, in Santa Fe.

Harris attended Window Rock High School and loved music. He enjoyed country dancing, joking, helping people, and watching the 49ers play.

Harris is survived by his sons, Adrian and Aaron Tso; daughters, Adrianna and Arianna Tso; parents, Helen and Harry Tso; brothers, Harry Tso Jr., Harold Tso and Harvey Tso; sisters, Patricia and Harriett Tso; and one granddaughter.

Pallbearers will be Lynus Tso, Dallas Tso, Stewart Samuels, Nichlos Samuels, Bradley Woody, and Jeremy June.

Honorary pallbearers will be Perry Lewis, Edmand Watchman, Tyson Charley, and Maverick Charley.

A reception will take place at Harriett and Frankie Tso’s residence (near T&R store), following service.

Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Shawn J. Mason

CROWNPOINT — Funeral services for Shawn Jay Mason, 29, of Farmington, will be held today, Dec. 9, at 10 a.m., at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Crownpoint. Family asks everyone in attendance to wear a mask. Burial will follow at the family plot in Becenti, New Mexico.

Shawn was born Feb. 21, 1992, in Crownpoint, into the Bit’ahnii (Under His Cover Clan), born for Naasht’ézhí dine’é (Zuni Clan). He passed away Nov. 24, 2021, in Farmington.

Shawn graduated from Kirtland High School and attended San Juan College. He enjoyed playing video games and was employed as a correction officer at La Plata County Jail in Durango, Colorado.

Shawn is survived by his mother, Tinalyn Begay; brothers, Isaac Mason and Donovan Mason; sister, Tashina Donaldson; maternal grandparents, Thelma and Alvin Kalleco; and paternal grandmother, Minnie Mason.

Shawn is preceded in death by Jonah Mason and paternal grandfather, Johnson Mason Sr.

Honorary pallbearers will be Isaac Mason and Donovan Mason.

A drive-thru reception will take place at the family plot, following services.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Thomas P. Dedman

NAZLINI, Ariz. — Graveside service for Thomas Percy Dedman, 14, of Chinle, will be held Friday, Dec. 10, at 10 a.m., at the family plot in Nazlini, Arizona.

Thomas was born Sept. 10, 2007, in Phoenix, into the Deeshchii’nii (Start of the Red Streak People Clan), born for Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan). He passed away Dec. 4, 2021, in Chinle.

Thomas was a 7th grade student at Chinle Junior High School. He enjoyed horseback riding, hunting, attending Native American Church meetings, ranching, working on projects, playing basketball and football, and was a Dallas Cowboys fan.

Thomas is survived by his guardians, Tressia Dedman and Serena Jimmy; and sisters, Alicia Guevara, Nizhoni Guevara, Tracy Lewis, and Peyton Lewis.

Thomas is preceded in death by his mother, Terri Lynn Lewis; aunt, Thelma Teller; uncles, Jones Teller and Jerrold Teller; grandfather, Percy Dedman; maternal great-grandparents, Mary and Jones Van Winkle; and paternal great-grandmother, Lillie Klade.

Pallbearers will be Seth Teller, Ethan Handley, Matthew Yazzie, and Clifford Nelson.

Honorary pallbearers will be Gillespie Jimmy, Luther Van Winkle, Weylon Jimmy, Lance Begay, Jonathan Van Winkle, Jeremy Jimmy, Joseph Klade Jr., and Abram Bochinclonny.

A reception will take place at the Dedman residence (half mile west of Chinle Indian Health Service), following service.

Summit Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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