Obituaries for December 21, 2023

Laura Thomas Bennett

GALLUP — Funeral services for Laura Thomas Bennett, 98, were held Dec. 20 at the Saint Francis Church in Gallup, with Father Josh officiating. Interment followed at Sunset Cemetery.

Laura was born July 20, 1925, in Fort Defiance, into the Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan), born for Little Eagle Clan for the Laguna Tribe. She passed away Dec. 15, 2023.

Laura attended Albuquerque Indian School, Waterflow Academy, and graduated from Winslow High School and Fort Lewis College where she participated in many activities, including radio plays and choir.

Laura loved life. She was a fan of fine arts, music, dancing, cooking, camping, entertaining, and sports. She and the late Russ Lindgren were Arthur Murray dance students, and with their knowledge, would teach local children the steps to all the latest dances.

On other Friday nights, Laura would chaperone “sock hops” for the locals. She was also active with the Little Theater at the Window Rock Recreation Center/Library. The recreation center had two bowling lanes in the basement where her love for bowling grew. She bowled for most of her adult life, driving all over the Southwest for tournaments. She also bowled in the Gallup League for more than three decades.

Community involvement was important to Laura. She was a Cub Scout leader, charter member for the first Window Rock High School Booster Club, 4H club leader, chaperone for the Miss Navajo Nation Pageant, and was involved with the Fine Arts exhibit at the Navajo Nation Fair.

As the administrative assistant to the superintendent of police, Laura was the first non-commissioned person to wear a police uniform. She also worked for Indian Health Service in Window Rock and human resources for the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority where she later retired from.

Laura was also involved in her church, Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, where she was a communion minister and a lector, as well as bingo and concession worker. After retirement, bingo became one of her greatest pleasures. She would travel many miles just to yell, “Bingo!”

Laura is survived by her daughters, Beverly Sarmiento and Teresa Bennett; and 13 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.

Laura is preceded in death by her parents, Miriam and Stanley Thomas Sr.; brothers, Stanley Thomas Jr. and Lawrence Thomas; daughter, Barbara A. Norris; son, Thomas A. Bennett; sons-in-law, Phillip Norris Sr. and Pete Sarmiento Jr.; and three great-grandchildren.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Irvin Bekis

GALLUP — Funeral services for Irvin Bekis were held Dec. 18 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with a funeral mass on Dec. 19 at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Gallup. Interment followed Dec. 20 at the Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Albuquerque.

Irvin was born Nov. 14, 1951, in Beclabito, New Mexico, into the ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan), born for Oozei Táchíinii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). His nálí is Kinłichíi’nii (Red House People); cheii is Tódich’ii’nii (Bitter Water). He passed away Dec. 11, 2023, in Gallup, at the age of 72.

Irvin received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of New Mexico School of Engineering in 1974. He worked for over 40 years as a civil and supervisory highway engineer for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Navajo Region, roads division, and as a supervisory general engineer for the Office of Facility Management, before retiring in 2015.

Irvin enjoyed spending time with his large extended family, caring for his two dogs, Pepper and Lobo, RVing with his wife, playing with his grandchildren, battling with Sudoku puzzles, playing chess, and was an avid Broncos fan.

Irvin is survived by his wife, Paula Puente Bekis; son, Karlton Bekis; stepdaughter, Elizabeth Jochem (Joel Mora); stepson, Stephen Jochem (Megan Jochem); brothers, Donald Joe Bekis and Gary Bekis; sisters, Barbara Platero, Shirley Smith, Joann Lewis, Patricia Moone, and Melva Bekis; and nieces, nephews and three grandsons.

Irvin is preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Anna Mae Bekis; sister, Rose Ann Kenneth; and brother, Jonah Johnson.

Pallbearers were Cary Moone, Arnola Smith, Sandre Harrison, Rylan Lewis, Marlon Lewis, Stephen Jochem, Joel Mora, Chris Spurlin, and Bobby Oakerson.

Honorary pallbearers were Karlton Bekis, Dennis Barentincich and Elizabeth Jochem.

Kenneth B. Henry

GALLUP — Funeral services for Kenneth Bill Henry, 72, of Iyanbito, New Mexico, will be held Friday, Dec. 22, at the Rollie Mortuary Chapel in Gallup. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Gallup.

Kenneth was born May 28, 1951, in Gallup, into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). He passed away Dec. 11, 2023, in Albuquerque.

Kenneth served in the Army and attended Technical Vocational Institute. He worked at the Iyanbito Senior Center and VA Hospital. He enjoyed reading the newspaper and watching Westerns and the Dallas Cowboys play.

Kenneth is survived by the mother of his children, Jennie DeGroat; sons, Keyah Henry, Kin Henry and Niya DeGroat; sisters, Ines, Ramona, Vivian, Carol, Sharon, Tanya, and Tanita; brothers, Patrick and Pascal; and three grandchildren.

Kenneth is preceded in death by his mother, Alice Henry; father, Paul Henry; brother, Ronald Henry; and sister, Verna Ortiz.

Pallbearers will be Keyah Henry, Kin Henry, Joey Henry, Iina Nabahe-Henry, Chance Komalestewa, and Ernie Benally.

Honorary pallbearers will be Julson Lewis, Patrick Henry and Pascal Henry.

A reception will take place at the Iyanbito Chapter House following services.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Pete Curtis Jr.

WINSLOW, Ariz. — Funeral services for Pete Curtis Jr. were held Dec. 18 at the Winslow Funeral Chapel in Winslow, Arizona.
Greers Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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