Obituaries for December 5, 2024

Jennifer Tahy

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. — Funeral services for Jennifer Tahy, 49, of Fort Defiance, were held Nov. 29 at the Jesus Christ Church of Latter Day Saints in St. Michaels, Arizona. Interment followed in Fort Defiance.

Jennifer was born July 9, 1975, in Fort Defiance, into the ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan), born for ‘Áshįįhí. She passed away Nov. 14, 2024, in Coalmine, New Mexico.

Jennifer attended school up to the 8th grade in Navajo Pine, New Mexico. She was self-employed as a silversmith and enjoyed making jewelry.

Jennifer is survived by her sons, Derrick Tahy, Fabian Nez, Elisha Nez, and Keoni Nez; daughters, Francine Nez and Kaelin Nez; parents, Elsie Peterson and Harold Tahy Sr.; brothers, Lawrence Tahy and Emerson Peterson; sisters, Augustina Peterson, Sharon Peterson, and Lorretta Peterson; grandparents, Earl Upshaw and Ruth Benally-Upshaw; and six grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Andrew Woody Jr., Emerson Peterson, Eric Scott, Brandon Upshaw, Anderson Scott, Manuel Cleveland, Albert Cleveland, and Lawrence Tahy.

Honorary pallbearers were Derrick Tahy and Fabian Nez.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Earvin D. Toledo

PINE HILL, N.M. — Funeral services for Earvin Dale Toledo, 63, of Ramah, New Mexico, will be held Friday, Dec. 6, at 10 a.m., at the Pine Hill Nazarene Church in Pine Hill, New Mexico. Burial will follow in Santa Fe.

Earvin was born July 31, 1961, in Rehoboth, New Mexico, into the Tódík’ózhí (Salt Water Clan), born for Mą’ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass-Jemez Clan). He passed away Nov. 20, 2024, in Albuquerque.

Earvin attended school in Winslow, Arizona, and Southwest Indian School in Peoria, Arizona. He graduated from Zuni High School and received an associate degree in culinary arts from Navajo Technical University.

Earvin worked as a police officer with the Navajo Nation, on various construction projects, as a firefighter in forestry, and as a food service worker at the Veteran Administration Hospital.

Earvin was honorably discharged in 1985 as a communication operator and received badges and ribbons for his services with the U.S. Marine Corps. He enjoyed watching football and Professional Bull Riders.

Earvin is survived by his son, Erickson Toledo; daughter, Stevie Delacour; sisters, Valerie Toledo and Irma Sanders; and grandchild, Adrien Delacour.

Earvin is preceded in death by his mother, Rose Toledo; father, William Toledo; brothers, Arvin Toledo and Melvin Toledo; and sister, Beverly Toledo.

Pallbearers will be Darwyn Pino, Rueben Pino, Pearson Martine, Gary Kniffin, Delphino Antonio, Maynard Alonzo, and Joseph Begay.

A reception will take place at the Pine Hill Nazarene Fellowship Hall following services.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Justin M. Abeita

GALLUP — Funeral services for Justin Martin Abeita, 41, of Blackhat, New Mexico, were held Dec. 4 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with family clergy officiating. Interment followed at Sunset Memorial Park in Gallup.

Justin was born June 19, 1983, in Fort Defiance, into the Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan), born for Isleta Pueblo. He passed away Nov. 20, 2024, in Phoenix.

Justin graduated from Gallup High School in 2002 and was employed with Magellan Health Services. He enjoyed going to the movies, listening to music, writing poetry, karaoke, traveling, and taking care of his two dogs.

Justin is survived by his parents, Lorraine and Dennis Abeita; brothers, Alexander Abeita and Uriah Abeita; and sisters, Jonelle Abeita and Lauren Abeita.

Justin is preceded in death by his grandparents, Franklin and Annie Davis; and Frankie Davis.

Pallbearers were Kayden Milford, Nathaniel Tsosie, Dennis Abeita, Alexander Abeita, Uriah Abeita, and Kyrin Blackhorse.

The honorary pallbearer was Raymond Davis.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Victor Bowman

NASCHITTI, N.M. — Graveside service for Victor Bowman, 59, of Naschitti, New Mexico, was held Dec. 2 in Naschitti, with Pastor Ron Yazzie officiating.

Victor was born July 3, 1965, in Fort Defiance, into the Tódík’ózhí (Salt Water Clan), born for Comanche/Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). He passed away Nov. 21, 2024, in Window Rock.

Victor graduated from Wingate High School in 1984 and attended Job Corps in Tucson. He worked for the Navajo Housing Authority and Navajo Tribal Utility Authority.

Victor was also a silversmith who enjoyed beading, attending concerts and Native American Church meetings, playing video games, carpentry, and drawing.

Victor is survived by his daughter, Shenowa Sammie Becenti; brother, Stanley Bowman; and sisters, Tina Bowman Tommy and Pasqulita Bowman Sam.

Victor is preceded in death by his mother, Elsie Dawes Bowman; father, Jimmy Henry Bowman; and sister, Theresa Ann Bowman.

Pallbearers were Carl Bowman, William J. Tommy, McCory Yazzie, and Joaquin Yazzie.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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