Obituaries for Feb. 11, 2021

Anna Wilson

FORT DEFIANCE — Graveside service for Anna Wilson, 90, of St. Michaels, Arizona, was held Feb. 10 at the Fort Defiance cemetery with Father Pio O’Connor officiating.

Anna was born March 6, 1930, in Hunters Point, Arizona, into the Kinłichíi’nii (Red House People Clan), born for Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan). She passed away Jan. 30, 2021, in Albuquerque.

Anna was a homemaker who enjoyed cooking, sewing and hand-spinning wool.

Anna is survived by her son, Donald Wilson; daughter, Mary Shirley; and 17 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.

Anna is preceded in death by her husband, Chee Wilson; sons, James Wilson, Anson Wilson and George McCabe; daughter, Bertha Wilson; mother, Alc’áziba’ Nez; and father, John Nez.

Anna is preceded in death by Chressanthis Silversmith, Johnathan Benally, Christian Benally, Gary Lee, Daniel Yazzie, and Rex Castillo.

Honorary pallbearers are Johnnie Ashley and Kien Morgan.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Freda Marie Drake

WINDOW ROCK — Freda was born April 29, 1941, in Ganado, Arizona, into the Naakai dine’é (Mexican Clan), born for Tł’ízí lání (Many Goats Clan). She passed away Jan. 6, 2021, at the Heart Hospital of New Mexico at Lovelace Medical Center in Albuquerque.

Freda was raised in Green River and Brigham City, Utah. She graduated from Box Elder High School in Brigham City, and played basketball and volleyball in high school along with being very fashionable.

Freda attended Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, and the University of New Mexico branch in Gallup. She loved to bake, cook and sew in her free time.

Freda had three children with Kenneth Lee Begay: Gloria Kellogg, Karen Lee and Kristine Jantzi. She married Elroy Drake in 1969 and they had one child, Benjamin Sean Drake Sr.

One of Freda’s joys in life was keeping tabs on all the activities of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Freda worked for the Indian Health Service for nearly 24 years, starting in 1979 and ending in 2003 as a supervisor HR specialist in Chinle. She had about 41 years of employment with the federal government, initially working for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in 1962.

Freda is survived by her husband, Elroy Drake; daughters, Karen Lee and Kristine Jantzi; son, Benjamin Sean Drake Sr.; sisters, Harriet Sloan-Carter, Betty Davidson and Virginia Weaver; brothers, Harry Sloan Jr., David Sloan, Robert Sloan, Leroy Sloan, and Jacob Sloan; and 12 grandchildren two great-grandchildren.

Freda is preceded in death by her daughter, Gloria Kellogg; parents, Harry and Hilda Sloan; sister, Darlene Sloan; and brothers, Freddie Sloan and Daniel Sloan. Her brother Jerry Sloan passed away shortly after she did.

A memorial will take place sometime in 2021 when family and friends can safely gather.

Dr. Jacqueline Benally

CHINLE — Dr. Jacqueline (Jackie) Benally, a teacher to hundreds, a mentor to many, and a friend to all passed away Jan. 30, 2021, at the age of 54.

Jackie was born May 12, 1966, in Crownpoint, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Tsenabahiłnii (Sleep Rock People Clan).

Jackie, a gifted leader and athlete, obtained a softball scholarship to Eastern Arizona College in 1984 upon graduating from Chinle High School. In 1986, she earned her associate’s degree from EAC. In 1993, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Grand Canyon University. She then went on to earn two master’s degrees, the first in 1997 from Arizona State University and the second in 2001 from Northern Arizona University.

Being a lifetime advocate for education and in the pursuit of her own educational endeavors, Jackie earned her doctorate degree in education in 2014 from Arizona State University. Throughout the years, she worked as a teacher and administrator at the Chinle School District, Kayenta Unified School District and Many Farms Community School. Her happiest memories as an educator was with the students, faculty and staff at the “old” Kayenta Primary School.

Jackie will always be remembered for her generous smile and laugh, her leadership abilities, and her ability to connect with others.

Jackie is survived by her husband, Max J. Benally; daughter, Alura Benally; parents, Jones Charley Sr. and Annie Bryant; siblings, Jimmy Charley, Laverne Guy, Jones Charley Jr., Jerry Charley, Johnny Charley, Jonathan Charley, and Jerrison Charley; and nieces, nephews and the children of her nieces and nephews who will always remember “Grandma Jackie.”

The family wishes to thank Mr. Richard Lozano of Lozano’s Flagstaff Mortuary and Officiate Jeremiah Barber for their thoughtful graveside service on Feb. 8 at the Chinle community cemetery.

The family also wishes to thank her Kayenta family for their generous donations and outpour of love and support, and to the numerous friends and family who have expressed their condolences through love and prayer.

Cornelia Carroll

ALBUQUERQUE — Funeral service for Cornelia Carroll, 52, of Sawmill, Arizona, will be held today, Feb. 11, at 3 p.m., at the Cremation Society of New Mexico in Albuquerque. She will be laid to rest in Sawmill.

Cornelia was born March 1, 1968, in Fort Defiance, born for Naakai dine’é (Mexican Clan). She passed away Jan. 20, 2021, in Albuquerque.

Cornelia enjoyed Egyptian history, space exploration, crime dramas, and Native American films.

Cornelia is survived by her spouse, Darvin Legah; children, Corlee Carroll, Cordell Carroll and Lyle Carroll; sisters, Mavis Bia, Delphina Bia, Carolyn Arms, Candelaria Brown, and Norma Carroll; and 25 grandchildren.

Cornelia is preceded in death by Maggie Yoe and Melvin Lee Bia.

Cremation Society of New Mexico is in charge of arrangements.

Henry Eddie Yazzie

MOENAVE, Ariz. — Graveside service for Henry Eddie Yazzie, 72, of Moenave, Arizona, was held Feb. 9 at the family plot in Moenave.

Henry was born Dec. 20, 1948, in Tuba City, into the Whitecorn Zuni Edge Water Clan, born for Mexican. His nalí is Nát’oh dine’e Táchii’nii (Tobacco Red Running Into the Water People); cheii is Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House). He passed away Feb. 1, 2021, in Tempe, Arizona.

Henry attended Tuba City Boarding School, Tuba City Public School and Chemawa Indian School in Salem, Oregon, graduating from Coconino High School in Flagstaff. He attended two years at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, and served in the Army from 1972-1974. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal-Korea.

Henry was employed as a diesel mechanic at Peabody Coal Company from 1974-1976; auto mechanic at Jim Babbitt Ford in Flagstaff, 1977-1979, and at Sandersons Ford in Phoenix, 1980-1982; and a welder from 1983-1988.

Henry enjoyed watching sports, traveling, family gatherings, and spending time with family and friends.

Henry is survived by his sons, Myron Yazzie and four other sons (names unknown); daughters, Kimberly Yazzie, Crystal Yazzie, Karenina Yazzie, and three other daughters (names unknown); brothers, Roy Zahne Sr., Paul Frank, Robert Yazzie, Leonard T. Yazzie Sr., Lorenzo Yazzie, Roy C. Yazzie, and Stanley D. Yazzie; sisters, Mary Sampson, Alyce Charles, Priscilla Yazzie, and Susie Tracey; and 18 grandchildren.

Henry is preceded in death by his mother, Stella Jean Attakai; father, Eddie A. Yazzie; sisters, Nellie Tsinnie and Betty Zahne; and brothers, Gary Yazzie and Frank T. Yazzie.

Pallbearers were Royal Yazzie, Joelee Tsinnie, Lorenzo Yazzie, Leonard T. Yazzie Sr./Jr., Marvin Woody, Anthony Carmona, and Isaah Garcia.

Honorary pallbearers are Roy Zahne Sr., Robert Yazzie, Lorenzo Yazzie, Leonard T. Yazzie Sr., and Roy C. Yazzie.

A reception will take place at a later date.

Valley Ridge Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Earl Dennis Charles

KINLICHEE, Ariz. — A private funeral service for Earl Dennis Charles, 61, of Ganado, Arizona, was held Feb. 9, attended by family and friends. He was laid to rest at Kinlichee cemetery in Kinlichee, Arizona.

Earl, precious son of Sam and Martha Charles, was born Aug. 3, 1959, in Los Angeles, California. He was born into the ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan), born for Naakai dine’é (Mexican Clan). Maternal grandmother is Nát’oh Táchii’nii and paternal grandfather is Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House). He passed away Jan. 21, 2021, at his home.

Throughout his formative years, Earl attended several schools in Arizona and New Mexico, including participating in the LDS Indian Placement program in Ferron, Utah. As a student at Grand Canyon High School, he enjoyed playing on the basketball team and was blessed with an artistic talent and found pleasure in drawing. Eventually he earned his high school equivalency diploma. While living and working in the Phoenix area, he attended classes at Phoenix College.

Earl enjoyed life and had a friendly disposition. Anyone who knew him probably remembers his infectious laugh and how he loved to joke around with people. Like the rest of the family growing up on the reservation, life was simple and though conditions on the reservation were different than today, our memories of those past years will always resonate with us as a family, especially our time spent with our beloved brother.

Earl is survived by his daughters, Charlesia Charles, Waukesha Medina, Caya Charles Begaye, Tawnia Lee, and Mikell Marks; son, Corey Marks; sisters, Elsie Snell and Elaine Sombrero; brothers, James Charles, Timothy Charles and Sam Charles; the Niebergall family who Earl considered as his family; and many beloved nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

Earl is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Dorothy Sam; and brothers, Raymond and Anthony Charles.

It is the family’s sincere wish that Earl finds peace and comfort in his final journey. We will miss our loving brother, father, and uncle.

Summit Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Angela Rose Scott

COALMINE, N.M. — Graveside service for Angela Rose Scott, 86, of Fort Defiance, will be held today, Feb. 11, at 10 a.m., in Coalmine, New Mexico, with Jerry Tom officiating.

Angela, a homemaker, was born in Coalmine, into the ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan), born for Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). She passed away Jan. 30, 2021, in Albuquerque.

Angela is survived by her sons, Roland Scott, Durando Scott and Juan Scott; daughter, Angie Scott; brother, George Gordy of Coalmine; and six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Angela is preceded in death by her husband, John Scott; son, Randolph Scott; mother, Mary Gordy; and father, Kee Gordy.

Pallbearers will be Durando Scott, Juan Scott, Larry E. Gordy, Cordell Whitney, and Tlaashchii Bahozhonni Gordy.

A reception will take place at the Scott residence in Fort Defiance, following service.

Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Laura Mae Bahe

NAZLINI, Ariz. — Graveside service for Laura Mae Bahe, 59, was held Feb. 9 in Nazlini, Arizona.

Laura was born Sept. 5, 1961, in Fort Defiance, into the Deeshchii’nii (Start of the Red Streak People Clan), born for Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle Clan). She passed away Jan. 31, 2021, in Albuquerque.

Laura attended Chinle Boarding School and Many Farms High School. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, playing bingo, checkers, and spending time with family. She loved Starbucks and was a 49ers football fan.

Laura is survived by her husband, Anthony Bahe; son, Amos Joe Bahe; daughters, Cynthia Mae Lee, Antanya Bahe, Natasha Mae Bahe, Latonya James, and Ashley Bahe; brothers, Harry Wilson, Jonah Wilson, Paul Wilson, Bennie Wilson, and Herbert Wilson; sister, Bernice Lee; and 17 grandchildren.

Laura is preceded in death by her parents, Elizabeth and Joe Wilson; brother, Ernest Wilson; and grandparents, Zonnie and Fred Dedman.

Pallbearers were Erin Dokey, Amos Joe Bahe, Leander H. Lee Sr., Lloyd B. James Jr., and Kristopher B. Sandoval.

Martin Sam Becenti

GALLUP — Graveside service for Martin Sam Becenti, 78, of Pinedale, New Mexico, will be held Friday, Feb. 12, at 10 a.m., at the Gallup State Veterans Cemetery with the family pastor officiating.

Martin was born Sept. 30, 1942, into the Haltsooí (Meadow People Clan), born for Nihoobáanii (Gray Streaked-Ends Clan). He passed away Feb. 7, 2021, at the Albuquerque Veterans Hospital.

Martin attended Intermountain School and enlisted in the U.S. Army from 1967-1969. He was employed as a carpenter at Southwest Indian Foundation.

Martin is survived by his wife, Annabelle Largo Becenti; daughters, Thomascina A. Becenti and Myrna A. Davis; brother, Gilbert Becenti; and nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Martin is preceded in death by his daughter, Terri Marie Becenti; stepchildren, Oscar and Sharon Largo; brother, Frances Becenti; and parents, Sadie and Willie Becenti.

Pallbearers will be Lane Becenti Sr., Jarrett, Cordell, Dylan Davis, Stacy Becenti, and Gilbert Becenti.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Eva Jean Ashley

BURNTWATER, Ariz. — Graveside service for Eva Jean Ashley, 54, of Houck, Arizona, will be held today, Feb. 11, at 10 a.m., in Burntwater, Arizona.

Eva was born May 14, 1966, in Gallup, into the Tó baazhní’ázhí (Two Who Came To the Water Clan), born for Naaneesht’ézhi Táchii’nii (Charcoal Streaked Division of the Red Running Into the Water Clan). She passed away Feb. 7, 2021, in Mesa, Arizona.

Eva attended Valley High School in Sanders, Arizona, and was employed at the Navajo Nation Special Education and Rehabilitation Services. She enjoyed sewing quilts and spending time with family.

Eva is survived by her sons, William Gilmore and Leroy Gilmore Jr.; parents, Rose and Tom J. Ashley; brothers, Simon Ashley, Tommy Ashley, Clifford Ashley, and Alex Ashley; and sisters, Rosie Herbert, Evelyn Martin and Jacklyn Mann.

A reception will take place at Tom Ashley’s residence, following service.

Summit Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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