Obituaries for Feb. 18, 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.

Pallbearers were 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.

Irene Rose Destea

TOHATCHI, N.M. — Graveside service for Irene Rose Destea, 84, of Tohatchi, New Mexico, was held Feb. 13 at the Tohatchi community cemetery with Phillip Destea officiating.

Irene was born Feb. 20, 1936, in Tohatchi, into the Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle Clan), born for Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). She passed away Feb. 6, 2021, in Albuquerque.

Irene attended Tohatchi Boarding School and graduated from Intermountain Indian School in Brigham City, Utah. She worked in California after high school and worked in the early 60s at Paramount Café in Gallup.

Irene was a rancher and homemaker who enjoyed song-and-dances, bingo, senior citizen activities, reading, word search, and walking.

Irene is survived by her daughter, Melinda David; brothers, Robert Destea and Elwood Yazzie; and four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Irene is preceded in death by her son, Michael David; sisters, Bessie Denetdale and Betty Denetdale; brothers, Ernest Destea, Billy Destea Sr., William Destea, and Alfred Destea; and parents, Elsie and Carl Yazzie.

Pallbearers were Ellison Yazzie, Oscar Destea, Billy Destea Jr., and Ivan Destea.

Honorary pallbearers are Robert Destea and Elwood Yazzie.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Margaret Cousins Flake

SNOWFLAKE, Ariz. — Funeral services for Margaret Elizabeth Cousins Flake, 83, will be held Saturday, Feb. 20, at 2 p.m., at the Main Street Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Snowflake, Arizona, with a viewing at 1 p.m.

Margaret was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on June 24, 1937, to Robert and Elizabeth Cousins. She passed away peacefully in her Snowflake home on Feb. 12, 2021.

Margaret’s father lost his life while serving in the Canadian Army in World War II and her mother raised Margaret and her older brother John on a War Widows Pension.

Margaret attended Toronto City schools and finished high school trained in secretarial work. Following high school, the Cousins family moved to Utah, where Margaret and John enrolled at Brigham Young University in Provo, and both graduated trained as teachers.

While at BYU, Margaret met and married David K. Flake of Snowflake, and upon completion of their schooling, they moved to the Navajo Reservation where they lived and worked for the next 35 years.

While David was the breadwinner, Margaret’s desire was to be a good mother. She wanted four children and he wanted five. All their children were desired in turn and when her childbearing years were over, they each got their wish with nine children, each one loved as they came along.

Margaret also helped to supplement David’s teacher’s salary early on by being a Tupperware lady and after her youngest was in school, doing substitute teaching. Mostly she was happy being a good mom.

Margaret also gave a lifetime of service in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving a variety of callings as a leader and teacher of children, youth, Cub Scouts, Relief Society, and ward librarian.

After retirement, Margaret served a full-time church mission in Baltimore, Maryland, with her husband David.

Margaret is survived by her husband, David; children, David V. (Jacqueline), Gordon (Pakayvanh), Elizabeth (Joseph Enfield), Russell (Sandra), Alan, Cathaleen, Patricia (Robert Guevara), Rebecca (Steven Brinkerhoff), and Robert; brother, John (Jack) Cousins; and 21 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren with a 6^th expected in July.

Margaret is preceded in death by her parents and her sister-in-law, Suzanne Cousins.

Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Christina Gregg

TUBA CITY — Christina Gregg was born March 19, 1976, in Phoenix. She passed away Feb. 6, 2021, in Tuba City.

Christina lived in the outskirts of the Painted Desert, in the Navajo Nation town of Tuba City. She was one of five children raised by a single mother, Susan Gregg.

As a young child, Christina enjoyed reading and as a teenager she enjoyed two-stepping at the Blue Canyon Band dances often held at the Tuba City Community Center and Tuba City Boarding School.

Many Easter, Christmas and Fourth of July family gatherings were spent with relatives from LeChee and Kaibeto, often camping and fishing along the shores of Lake Powell, hiking through Antelope Slot Canyon, White Mesa, and the cliffs along LeChee.

Christina was a petite 5’2” Navajo woman who was headstrong, strong-minded and resilient. When she became a mother she started working as a waitress at the “world famous” Tuba City Truck Stop. With a smile and grace all her own she befriended many co-workers and community members.

Christina raised and supported her children, Jeremiah Secody, Cole Peterson and Evie Peterson, as a waitress working at Kate’s Café, the Hogan Restaurant, Cameron Trading Post, and the China Star Restaurant.

Christina created and established many friendships with many community members, including Navajo Nation Police officers, EMTs, doctors, and schoolteachers. She loved talking and interacting with people, listening to music, watching movies, and doting on her beloved grandson, Hyde Peterson.

Christina loved attending the Tuba City Fair and parade, the Tuba City Warrior homecoming parades and taking her then young children through the annual Halloween trick-or-treating through the doctors’ housing and boarding school housing. Tuba City was her home and she was the epitome of a strong Navajo woman. She was loved.

Christina will be missed by her children, grandson, mother, siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, friends, and acquaintances in the Tuba City community.

Due to COVID restrictions, a celebration of life will be held on Christina’s birthday, March 19, for immediate family members.

Donations are being accepted through GoFundMe at https://gofund.me/3fb5dc31. Money raised will go directly to her children.

Norvel Owens Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Tommy Montoya

TORREON, N.M. — Graveside service for Tommy Montoya, 80, of Fort Defiance, will be held Friday, Feb. 19, at 12 p.m., at the Montoya family plot in Torreon, New Mexico.

Tommy was born Feb. 5, 1941, into the Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). His nalí is Tl’ógí (Weaver-Zia); cheii is Hooghan lání (Many Hogans). He passed away Feb. 5, 2021, in Albuquerque.

Tommy attended Many Farms Community College and Utah State University. He worked for BIA Roads Department and Indian Health Services. He served in Vietnam from 1963-1965.

Tommy is survived by his wife, Eleanor Montoya; children, Jason Montoya, Agatha Montoya and Bernadine Montoya; siblings, Willie Montoya, Richard Montoya Sr., Robert Montoya, and Katherine Walters; and 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Tommy is preceded in death by his parents, Polito and June Montoya; brothers, Santiago Montoya, Kimsey Montoya Sr., John Montoya, and Joe Montoya Sr.; sisters, Pauline Tsinnajinnie and Margaret Walters; daughter, Geraldine Aubrey; and grandson, Rodney Aubrey.

Pallbearers will be Delwin Dooline, Adrian Dooline, Roderico Aubrey, Glenn Tom, Wallace Toledo, and Kialo Winters.

Honorary pallbearers are Jason Montoya, Jaden Montoya, Alex Montoya, Dan Montoya, Darian Tom, Christopher Rene Uriarte, and Tatum Tom.

Daniel’s Alameda Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Bernie James Webster Jr.

PHOENIX — Funeral services for Bernie James Webster Jr., 56, of Glendale, Arizona, will be held Monday, Feb. 22, with visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by the memorial service at 1 p.m. (capacity of 25). Burial (capacity of 50) will take place at the Phoenix Memorial Park and Cemetery (200 West Beardsley Road) in Phoenix.

Bernie was born in Tuba City. He passed away Feb. 9, 2021.

Bernie graduated from Wasatch Academy in Mount Pleasant, Utah, and earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Bernie began his career with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Fort Apache Agency in Whiteriver, Arizona, and Western Regional Office in Phoenix. His latest employment was with AME Electric in Phoenix.

Bernie loved his family, fishing, music, rebuilding his suburban, lifted trucks, and strumming his guitar. He will be missed by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and other loved ones.

Bernie is survived by his loving wife, Marchelle (Shelly) Lumpmouth Webster; children, James L. Webster, Robert M. Frizzell and Tricia A. Frizzell; brother, Bruce J. Webster; and parents, Bernie Sr. (Jim) and Stella Webster.

Bernie is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Isabelle P. Singer and Lee Phoenix Sr.; and paternal grandparents, Opal Syms and James K. Webster Sr.

Theresa Ann Padilla Jack

GALLUP — Funeral services for Theresa Ann Padilla Jack, 42, of Crownpoint, was held Feb. 16 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Ted Farris of Grace Navajo Baptist Church officiating. Burial followed in Rehoboth, New Mexico.

Theresa was born March 7, 1978, in Gallup, into the Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). She passed away Feb. 3, 2021, in Gallup.

Theresa attended Crownpoint Elementary and Crownpoint High School, graduating from Monument Valley High School in Kayenta. She attended Navajo Technical University in Crownpoint, studying to become a certified nursing assistant from 2008-2009.

Theresa was employed as assistant manager at Burger King in Kayenta, health caregiver at Dungarin in Gallup, and community living trainer at Coyote Canyon Rehabilitation Center.

Theresa enjoyed the health care field, crime and forensics, taking long drives while listening to music, watching horror movies, and collecting movies (DVDs).

Theresa is survived by her sons, Nicholas Singer and Anthony Miller; mother, Geneva Herrera; father, Gilbert Padilla Sr.; brothers, Gilbert Padilla Jr., Julio Yazzie, Bryce Padilla, and Cyrus Padilla; and sisters, Dian Nelson, Chenae Padilla, Lian Herrera, and Autumn Padilla.

Theresa is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Jack; grandparents, Ella B. and John C. DeVore; and nalí, Jenny and John Padilla.

Pallbearers were Nicholas Singer, Anthony Miller, John DeVore Sr., Orlando Nelson, Kevin Miller, and Rome Pacheo.

Honorary pallbearers are Nicholas Singer, Anthony Miller, Gilbert Padilla Sr., Gilbert Padilla Jr., Cyrus Padilla, Bryce Padilla, and Julio Yazzie.

A reception will take place at a later date.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Frank Hardy Sr.

GANADO, Ariz. — Graveside service for Frank Hardy Sr., 75, of Ganado, Arizona, was held Feb. 17 at the Ganado community cemetery, with Brother Paul officiating.

Frank was born Sept. 20, 1945, in Keams Canyon, Arizona, into the Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan). His maternal grandfather is Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People) and paternal grandfather is Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water). He passed away Feb. 12, 2021, in Albuquerque.

Frank served in the Army for two years active duty and four years ready reserve, serving in the Vietnam War. He left the military with a rank of specialist (E4).

Frank worked as a firefighter, later transitioning to automotive mechanic. He was a member of the Ganado Veterans Group and showed his patriotism at gourd dances.

Frank earned an associate’s degree in diesel mechanic from the University of New Mexico and worked as a mechanic at Navajo Engineering Authority, Apache County, and Chevron Mining, where he retired.

Frank enjoyed fishing, camping, sharing philosophy, and spending time with family.

Frank is survived by his wife of 52 years, Beverly Hardy; sons, Joseph Hardy, Frank Hardy Jr. and Hamilton Hardy; daughters, Sharon Salabye, Marie Shepherd, Esmeralda Hardy, Cheryl Hardy, Cassandra Hardy, and Mary Hardy; brothers, Silvantis Hardy, Howard Hardy, Arthur Hardy, and Dennis Lincoln; sister, Loretta Martin; and 33 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and countless extended family, relatives and friends.

Frank is preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Anderson; father, Howard Hardy Sr.; sisters, Alberta Wilson and Denita Lincoln; and brother, Ray Hardy.

Pallbearers were Joseph Hardy, Frank Hardy Jr., Hamilton Hardy, Arthur Hardy Jr., Silvantis Hardy Jr., and Victor Hardy.

Honorary pallbearers are Roland Begay Jr. and Roland Begay Sr.

Silver Creek Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Rev. George S. Jim

CROWNPOINT — Beloved father and grandfather, Rev. George S. Jim, was called home to be with our Heavenly Father on Feb. 12, 2021. He was born July 13, 1942, in Crownpoint.

George attended Chemawa Indian School in Portland, Oregon, and the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.

Part of George’s service to the community was as a local school board member/president and as the Littlewater Chapter House president for multiple years.

George was the pastor of the First Navajo Baptist Church in Crownpoint, for close to 60 years. He loved his congregation fully and always encouraged and supported them.

George helped build other churches in the area under the Crownpoint First Navajo Baptist Church ministry.

George enjoyed extensive travel and photography. Most importantly, he loved sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others.

George is survived by his daughters, Marilynn J. Holtsoi of Heart Butte, New Mexico, and Carolyn J. Shorty of Albuquerque; sons, C. Morgan and E. Jim of Crownpoint; and grandchildren, who he loved dearly, Michaela Holtsoi and Pastor Matthew Holtsoi.

George is preceded in death by his parents, Alice Willie and Slim Jim; wife, Mary T. Jim; and brother, Johnny Slim.

A celebration of life will be announced when circumstances permit.

Compassion Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Shondie John Tsosie

CHINLE — Graveside service for Shondie John Tsosie, 51, of Chinle, will be held Tuesday, Feb. 23, at 10 a.m., at the Chinle community cemetery.

Shondie was born Feb. 19, 1969, in Ganado, Arizona, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). He passed away Feb. 14, 2021, in Chinle.

Shondie attended Many Farms High School and was employed with Claw Screen Printing. He enjoyed drawing, painting, basketball, golfing, and country music.

Shondie is survived by his son, Stanley Ray Tsosie; daughter, Nichole Marie Tsosie; mother, Ida Marie James; stepfather, Guy James; brothers, Sylvester James and Erick James; sisters, Sharlene Tsosie and Sharon Tsosie; and six grandchildren.

Shondie is preceded in death by his father, Shonnie Tsosie.

Pallbearers will be Terrick Begay, Randy Begay Jr. and Sylvester James.

Honorary pallbearers are Stanley Tsosie, Roy Kelwood, Jimmy Claw Jr., and Alvin Gee.

Summit Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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