Obituaries for December 19, 2024

Marlene T. Barney

VANDERWAGEN, N.M. — Funeral services for Marlene T. Barney, 88, of Vanderwagen, New Mexico, were held Dec. 17 at the Broken Arrow Bible Ranch in Vanderwagen, with Pastor Jimmy Francisco officiating. Interment followed in Stonehenge, New Mexico.

Marlene was born Aug. 16, 1936, in Vanderwagen, into the Naasht’ézhí Tábąąhá (Zuni/Water’s Edge Clan), born for Tł’ááshchí’í (Red Bottom People Clan). She passed away Dec. 10, 2024, in Gallup.

Marlene retired from the Bureau of Indian Affairs at Chichiltah Jones Ranch School as a cook. She loved to herd sheep and do puzzles and crossword puzzles.

Marlene is survived by her sons, Larry Barney, Junior Barney, Gary Barney, and Daniel Barney, and daughters, Inez Tennison, Clara Morris, Charlene Eddie, and Theresa Barney.

Pallbearers were Sheldon Barney, Daniel Barney, Watson Billie, Larson Barney, Junior Barney, Michael Morris, Jeremy Bighand, and Kyle Lewis.

Honorary pallbearers were Lathan Tennison and Lloyd Becenti.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Marquerita Joe

GALLUP — Funeral services for Marquerita Joe, 62, of Gallup, will be held Friday, Dec. 20, at 1:30 p.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup. Burial will follow at the Gallup City Cemetery.

Marquerita was born April 7, 1962, in Gallup, into the Naakai dine’é (Mexican Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). She passed away Dec. 11, 2024, in Albuquerque.

Marquerita was a homemaker who enjoyed cooking and listening to country music.

Marquerita is survived by her son, Myron Joe; daughters, Andreana Joe, Anastasha Joe, and Andrietta Joe; parents, Helen and Henry B. Jones; brother, Leon Jones; sisters, Marjorie Jones-Spencer, Darlene Dayhoff, Henrietta Jones, Stephanie Jones, and Gloria Etsitty; and nine grandchildren.

Marquerita is preceded in death by her husband, Andy Joe; grandparents, Allen and Ruby Rosenburg; and Elise Jim, Ray Clark, Palvine Thomas, Elizabeth Charley, and Ray Joe.

Pallbearers will be Leon Jones, Kibbles Payaso, Toby Tofaya, Anthony Spencer, Melik Nelson, and Andrew Joe.

Honorary pallbearers will be Gloria Etsitty, Marjorie Jones-Spencer, Darlene Dayhoff, Henrietta Jones, Stephanie Jones, and Alzasha Ruby Ann Begaye.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Lois J. Harper

GALLUP — Funeral services for Lois Jean Harper, 91, of Tse Bonito, New Mexico, will be held Saturday, Jan. 25, at 11 a.m., at Grace Bible Church (222 Boulder Dr.) in Gallup. Burial will follow at a private location.

Lois was born Sept. 19, 1933, in Bridgeton, New Jersey. She passed away Dec. 12, 2024, in Albuquerque.

Lois graduated from Gallup High School in 1951 and attended Rockmont College in 1955 and Arizona State College (now Northern Arizona University) in 1956.

Lois worked at Navajo Bible School and Mission (now Across Nations) her entire life. She started Hilltop School and helped start and organize the KHAC radio station, which plays church music. She also taught music at Window Rock High School for one year.

Lois loved playing the piano and played for numerous events throughout the reservation. She loved cooking and hosted many large and small gatherings.

Lois is survived by her sons, Charles Harper and Joel Harper; daughters, Alma Harper, Priscilla Kinzer, Yvonne Sisk, and Mary Johnson; sister, Mary Abukhalil; and 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Lois is preceded in death by her husband, Laurence James Harper; brothers, Philip Clark, David Clark, and George Clark; and sisters, Elizabeth Von Gausig and Rachel Davenport.

Pallbearers will be Gerald Harper, James Harper, Michael Harper, Benjamin Harper, Katie Sisk, Laura Sisk Hackworth, Lindsey Johnson, Megan Johnson, Josiah Harper, Allejah Harper, and Annikah Harper.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Virgil L. Kirk Jr.

SHIPROCK — A memorial mass for Virgil L. Kirk Jr., 72, of Shiprock, will be held Saturday, Dec. 21, at 10 a.m., at Christ the King Catholic Church in Shiprock.

Virgil was born Dec. 21, 1951, in Shiprock, into the Deeschii’nii (Start of the Red Streak People), born for Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle People). He passed away Dec. 14, 2024, in Shiprock.

Virgil participated in 4-H in high school and graduated from Shiprock High School. He married Eva Curley on May 15, 1971, and graduated from New Mexico State University with a bachelor’s degree in biology. He later received his legal assistant certificate from Navajo Technical University.

Virgil was a business owner of a convenience store, gas station, and video store. He started his first business by delivering newspapers to the Shiprock community.

Virgil loved talking to community members, reading and watching the news, and participating in meetings in Shiprock. He enjoyed listening to Spanish music and rescuing abandoned dogs.

Virgil is survived by his daughters, Virginia Kirk and Vanessa Kirk; brother, Kenneth Kirk; and grandchildren, Jordan Oglesby and Justice Oglesby.

Virgil is preceded in death by his mother, Nellie Kirk; father, Virgil Kirk Sr.; brother, Leon Leuppe; and sister, Carol Perry née Kirk.

Honorary pallbearers will be Virginia Kirk, Vanessa Kirk, Jordan Oglesby, Justice Oglesby, and Jude Gallegos.

A reception will take place at the MOD/Kirk Center in Shiprock following the mass at 1 p.m.

Desert View Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

Charlene Becenti

GALLUP — Funeral services for Charlene Becenti, 70, of Becenti, New Mexico, will be held today, Dec. 19, at 10 a.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Pastor Ted Becenti officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.

Charlene was born Aug. 20, 1954, in Crownpoint, into the Tł’ááshchí’í (Red Bottom People Clan), born for Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). She passed away Dec. 10, 2024, in Becenti.

Charlene attended Crownpoint Boarding School, Crownpoint Elementary School, Fort Wingate High School, and Crownpoint High School. She was self-employed and a homemaker.

Charlene enjoyed ranch work during her younger years. She also enjoyed making jewelry and watching NFL and NBA games. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren.

Charlene is survived by her son, Adam L. Martinez; daughter, Cassandra L. Martinez; sister, Barbara Becenti; and two grandchildren.

Charlene is preceded in death by her parents, Morris and Irene Becenti, and brothers, Stanley Becenti and Elton Becenti Sr.

Pallbearers will be Ian Shorty, Tyler Shorty, Cole Shorty, Adam L. Martinez, Elton Becenti Jr., and Eric Becenti.

Honorary pallbearers will be Charmayne Hosteen, Eli Bigthumb, and Everett Bigthumb.

A reception will take place at the Grace Navajo Baptist Fellowship Hall (79 Mentmore Road) in Mentmore, New Mexico, following services.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Johnny Pettigrew Jr.

GALLUP — Funeral services for Johnny Pettigrew Jr., 72, of Manuelito, New Mexico, will be held today, Dec. 19, at 1:30 p.m., at the St. Francis Church in Gallup, with Rollie Mortuary officiating. Private family burial will follow in Manuelito.

Johnny was born Oct. 15, 1952, in Manuelito, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Tsenabahiłnii (Sleep Rock People Clan). He passed away Dec. 14, 2024, in Gallup.

Johnny graduated from Gallup High School in 1971 and worked as a truck driver for Swift Transportation, a transport driver for BNSF, and a fetish carver and in-layer.

Johnny enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, watching sports, building, driving, sightseeing, going to the casino and Native American Church meetings, collecting rocks, doing mechanic work, and listening to blues and country music.

Johnny is survived by his wife, Laverne Pettigrew; sons, Tully John Pettigrew and Donaldson Pettigrew, both of Spencer Valley, New Mexico; daughters, Verlinda Pettigrew of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Delfina Crow of Surprise, Arizona, Rochelle Pettigrew of Portales, New Mexico, Joni Pettigrew of Spencer Valley, and Marita Pettigrew of Spencer Valley; brother, Donald Pettigrew of Manuelito; sisters, Freida Pettigrew Anderson of Texas, Hilda Allen of Texas, Matilda Hawkins of Texas, and Linda Pettigrew of Manuelito; and 24 grandchildren, four nieces, and six nephews.

Johnny is preceded in death by his parents, Rita Joe and John Pettigrew, and Linda Pettigrew, Matilda Hawkins and Rochelle Pettigrew.

Pallbearers will be Tully John Pettigrew, Donaldson Pettigrew, Roland Joe, Rocky Joe, Arno Joe, Adam Crow, James Joe, Malik Jeff, Michael Jeff, and Agamemnon Goodluck.

The honorary pallbearer will be Tully John Pettigrew.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Emery H. Begay

STEAMBOAT, Ariz. — Funeral services for Emery H. Begay, 56, of Steamboat, Arizona, were held Dec. 18 at the Bethel Navajo Baptist Church in Steamboat, with Larry Noble officiating. Interment followed at the family plot in Steamboat.

Emery was born Feb. 8, 1968, in Ganado, Arizona, into the Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Naakai dine’é (Mexican Clan). He passed away Dec. 11, 2024, in Steamboat.

Emery attended Ganado High School and was employed as an ironworker. He was a man of God and enjoyed the cowboy/Western lifestyle.

Emery is survived by his wife, Christine Smith; sons, Kyle Begay and Tyron Begay; daughters, Chentel Begay and Tamara Begay; brothers, William Begay Sr., Franklin Roger, Teddy Begay, Tulley Begay, Ernest Begay, Peter Begay, and Merwin Begay; sisters, Elaine Fowler and Bertha Toledo; and seven grandchildren.

Emery is preceded in death by his parents, Christine and James H. Begay; brother, Davis Begay; and sister, Emma Begay.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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