Obituaries for December 11, 2025

 

Lois M. Ellis

BELLINGHAM, Wash. – A memorial service for Lois Maurie (Bevan) Ellis, 104, of Bellingham, Washington, was held Dec. 9 at the Hillcrest Church in Bellingham, with Mary Margaret Brotherton officiating. Interment followed at the Enterprise Cemetery in Ferndale, Washington.

Lois was born Oct. 3, 1921, in Hugoton, Kansas, to Floyd and Grace (Gregg) Bevan. She went to be with the Lord on Dec. 4, 2025, in Bellingham.

Lois attended grade sch

ool in Hugoton, where in 8th grade she was the valedictorian of her class. With her family, she moved to Center, Colorado, where she graduated from high school.
On Sept. 1, 1940, Lois married Vern Ellis, and they lived on a farm growing potatoes and raising pigs, sheep and chickens. Keith, Joyce, and Eva joined the family during this time.
In 1948, Vern and Lois felt a call to full-time Christian service, sold the farm, and moved to Haviland, Kansas, to get the training they needed at Friends Bible College.

Lois sat in on all the Bible classes she could, as well as raising three children. In the spring of 1950, they were called to pastor at Springbank Friends Church just outside of Allen, Nebraska. It was a farming community, so Lois kept very busy with a big garden, calling with Vern on the people in the community and taking care of her family, which had been joined by Trish and Sandy.
In 1955, Vern and Lois were asked to go to the mission in Rough Rock, Arizona, to minister to the Navajo people. Lois loved working with the people and even now 39 years after they left Rough Rock, she would receive two to three phone calls and four to five letters weekly.

After retiring and visiting each of their children and grandchildren wherever they were living, they pastored a church in Penrose, Colorado, for nine years then settled in Ferndale, close to Sandy.
Lois was a woman who loved the Lord above all, who always wore a smile, and kept going no matter what happened. Her prayer every morning was “God, please show me who I can bless today.” She is loved and will be missed by anyone who knew her.

Lois is survived by her son, Keith (Elizabeth) Ellis of Sully, Iowa; son-in-law, Floyd Kintzel and wife Paula, of Ganfield, Arkansas; daughters, Eva (Dennis) Headrick of Newberg, Oregon, Trish (Daryl) Whiteman of Atlanta, Kansas, and Sandy Nace of Ferndale; and 29 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, 13 great-great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends.

Lois is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Vern Ellis; daughter, Joyce Kintzel; and seven siblings.

Sig’s Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

 

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Phillip Coan Jr.

GALLUP – Funeral services for Phillip “Jay” Coan Jr., 63, of Tsa-Ya-Toh, New Mexico, will be held Friday, Dec. 12, at 9 a.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Pastor Neil Foerster officiating. Burial will follow in Black Hat, New Mexico.

Phillip was born Nov. 14, 1962, in Gallup, into the Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan), born for Tł’ógí (Hairy Ones/Weaver-Zia Clan). His nálí is Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge); cheii is Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House). He passed away Dec. 2, 2025, in Grants, New Mexico.

Phillip attended Wingate High School and worked for the Navajo Nation Head Start and Gallup McKinley County Schools as a bus driver. He was also a silversmith and youth basketball coach who enjoyed welding, mechanic work, carpentry, fishing and playing in pool tournaments.

Phillip is survived by his wife, Geraldine Coan; sons, Cyrus Coan Sr., Isaiah Coan, Ishmael Coan and Dominic Coan; daughters, Michelle White, Leah Coan and Michal Coan; brother, Alfred Coan; sisters, Evelyn Coan, Grace Coan and Bernice Coan; and 14 grandchildren.

Phillip is preceded in death by his mother, Nellie Watson-Coan; father, Phillip H. Coan Sr.; brothers, James Coan, Raymond Coan and Charlie Coan; maternal grandparents, John and Yanibah Watson; and paternal grandparents, Marie and Fred Coan.

Pallbearers will be Joshua Coan, Dale Boye, Rudy Coan, Bruce Barney, Jacob Jones and Brandon Belone.

Honorary pallbearers will be Cyrus Coan Sr., Isaiah Coan, Ishmael Coan, Abel Coan, Derek Boye and Raymond Davis.

A reception will take place at the Tsa-Ya-Toh Chapter House following services.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

 

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Ted O. Farris

GALLUP – A memorial service for Ted Olin Farris, 77, of Gallup, will be held Saturday, Dec. 13, at 3 p.m., at Grace Bible Church in Gallup.

Ted was born Sept. 13, 1948, at the Blackwell Chapel in Meadowview, Virginia, to Ernest and Laura Parks Farris. He was ushered to his eternal home on Dec. 4, 2025, in Gallup.

Ted cherished his childhood in the rolling hills of Virginia, where life was simple, yet full of wonder. He spent countless days climbing cherry trees and splashing in the creek with his beloved siblings. Together, they roamed the hills on grand adventures, always returning home in time for supper – often a humble meal of sandwiches and Kool-Aid. These days were special to Ted. He also enjoyed Sunday School and the simple pleasure of visiting the country store for a cold Pepsi and peanuts.

Ted graduated from Patrick Henry High School in Emory, Virginia, before continuing his education at Washington County Technical School, where he developed a strong foundation in electronics, before working for GE Electronics for a brief time.

On Nov. 14, 1969, Ted married the love of his life, Tonie Kay Hubbard, in Madison Heights, Virginia. Together, they faithfully served the Lord and lovingly raised three children: Tara Leanne, Timothy Houston and Thomas Franklin.

Feeling a call to ministry, Ted and Tonie moved to Springfield, Missouri, where they graduated from Baptist Bible College in 1973. Ted was ordained as a minister in 1977 after serving an internship at Grace Baptist Church in Madison Heights, marking the beginning of his lifelong service to the Lord.

In 1981, Ted moved his family to Gallup, answering the call to minister among the Navajo people. Three years later, he founded Grace Navajo Baptist Church, which was the cornerstone of their mission. He faithfully served and ministered for 44 years. During this time, he deepened his knowledge of scripture, earning degrees from the Institute of Biblical Studies and Faith Bible Institute.

Ted treasured every moment with his family, holding those times close to his heart. Some of their happiest memories were spent out in nature. They enjoyed hiking through the Grand Canyon and the Colorado mountains, marveling at God’s creation together. They shared camping trips under the stars and countless long drives back to Virginia. He taught his children how to work on cars and fix things around the house. But more than anything, his children loved just sitting and listening to their father talk and the stories he had to tell.

Ted was affectionately known for his love, compassion and unwavering faith in his Lord. He was always willing to help anyone who needed it and could fix just about anything. He had a profound impact on the lives of all those who knew him.

Ted is survived by his wife of 56 years, Tonie Farris; daughter, Tara Farris; sons, Tim (Melissa) Farris and Tom (Shawna) Farris; brother, Jim (Ila Kay) Farris; sister, Nina Crabtree; and seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Ted is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, William and Charles Farris; sisters, Betty Marie Bordwine and Laura Ernestine “Teeny” Coe; and two infant brothers.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ted’s name can be made to the Grace Navajo Baptist Church Missions Program.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

 

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Dorothy T. Francisco

FORT DEFIANCE – Memorial service for Dorothy T. Francisco, 76, of Sawmill, Arizona, was held Dec. 6 at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Fort Defiance, with Father Joe Hund officiating. Interment followed at a private ceremony.

Dorothy was born Feb. 22, 1949, in Fort Defiance, into the Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan), born for ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan). Her nálí is Tsénahabiłnii (Sleep Rock People); cheii is Dibéłzhíní (Black Sheep). She passed away Nov. 30, 2025, in Fort Defiance.

Dorothy attended Window Rock High School and graduated from Gallup High School in 1967. She earned an accounting degree at the University of New Mexico in 1968.

Dorothy worked for the Navajo Nation and retired after 30 years. She also worked for General Dynamics for five years.

Dorothy enjoyed cooking and watching The Price Is Right and the Dallas Cowboys play.

Dorothy is survived by her daughters, Dorothea Tso of Sanders, Doreena S. Tso of Sawmill and Petrina M. Tso of Window Rock; brother, Franklin T. Francisco of Window Rock; sister, Ella R. Becenti of Table Mesa, New Mexico; and 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her mother, Alice T. Francisco; father, Chester T. Francisco; son, Jerry Ray Francisco; sister, Virginia T. Francisco; brothers, Milton T. Francisco, Henry T. Francisco, Wilford T. Francisco, and Irvin G. Francisco; and granddaughter, Petra B. Silago.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

 

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Leo R. Thomas

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. – Funeral services for Leo R. Thomas, 72, of St. Michaels, Arizona, were held Dec. 4 at the Mary Mother of Mankind Church in St. Michaels, with Father Solomon Nwokocha officiating. Interment followed in St. Michaels.

Leo was born March 28, 1953, in Fort Defiance, into the Hashtł’ishnii (Mud Clan), born for ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan). His nálí is Tó Dík’ǫ́zhí (Salt Water); cheii is Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water). He passed away Nov. 29, 2025, in Fort Defiance.

Leo graduated from Window Rock High School in 1971 and worked for Pittsburg and Midway Mining and Chevron Mining Company. He enjoyed hauling wood, solving Sudoku puzzles, traveling to new destinations and watching football, basketball, and baseball games.

Leo is survived by his wife, Leta Thomas; daughter, LeAndrea James; father, Ben Thomas Sr.; brothers, Jasper Thomas and Jesse Thomas; sister, Carol Thomas; and one son and two grandsons.

Leo is preceded in death by his mother, Ella Mae Thomas; sister, Eleanor Mae Peshlakai; and brothers, Everett Thomas, Ben Thomas Jr. and Melvin Thomas.

Pallbearers were Joe Paul Lee, Mark Peterson, Murphy James, Kyle Coan, Asa Nyysti and Loren Begay.

Green Meadows Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

 

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Veranda Tom

GALLUP – Funeral services for Veranda Tom, 51, of Standing Rock, New Mexico, will be held Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 10 a.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Pastor Edward Grubber officiating. Burial will follow in Crownpoint.

Veranda was born Dec. 28, 1973, in Gallup, into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). She passed away Dec. 7, 2025, in Santa Fe.

Veranda graduated from Crownpoint High School and earned an associate degree in accounting from the Crownpoint Institute of Technology. She began working at Mariano Lake Community School and then transferred to Indian Health Service. She later worked at the Department for Self Reliance in Gallup.

Veranda enjoyed reading John Grisham books, listening to Tik Tok lives and scrolling through Facebook.

Veranda is survived by her husband, Royce Craig; daughters, Delilah Jones and Mikailynn Craig; and mother, Loretta Billy.

Veranda is preceded in death by her father, Duane Tom; brother, Villani “Butch” Tom; maternal grandparents, Ester and Sam Billy; and paternal grandparents, Annie Jeff and Loren Tom Sr.

Pallbearers will be Ross Craig, Ryan Craig, Victor Billy, Emerson Billy Jr., Shayne Chavez and Donovan C.

Honorary pallbearers will be Tim, Travis Washee, Joshua Charley, Truman, Alvin Tom, and Elidon Benally.

A reception will take place at the St. Davis Hall in Crownpoint, following services.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

 

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