Obituaries for Feb. 2, 2023

LaVerta C. Archie

MICHAELS, Ariz. — Funeral services for LaVerta Christine Archie, 57, of Fort Defiance, will be held Friday, Feb. 3, at 10 a.m., at the Summit Funeral Home Chapel in St. Michaels, Arizona, with James Flores officiating. Burial will follow in Fort Defiance.

LaVerta was born Dec. 14, 1965, in Shiprock, into the Tódík’ózhí (Salt Water Clan). She was born for Kinłichíi’nii (Red House People Clan). She passed away Jan. 28, 2023, in Fort Defiance.

LaVerta graduated from the Santa Fe School for the Deaf and attended the Art Institute of Tucson. She enjoyed drawing, watching YouTube, playing games on her phone, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

LaVerta is survived by her brothers, LaVerle Archie, Steven Archie, and LaVon Archie, and sisters, Roberta Etsitty, Shirley Begay, and Shannon Slinkey.

LaVerta is preceded in death by her parents, William and LaVerne Archie, and sister, Melissa Ann Archie.

Pallbearers will be Steven Sanderson, Jon Archie, Ronald Slinkey, Shane Slinkey, Xander Stark, and Memphis Yazzie.

Honorary pallbearers will be LaVerle Archie, Steven Archie, LaVon Archie, Marklen Keeto, Victor Etsitty, and Eldon Slinkey.

Following services, a reception will occur at the Window Rock Christian Center (north of the old Civic Center).

Summit Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

Vivian D. Young

FORT DEFIANCE — Funeral services for Vivian D. Young, 65, of Fort Defiance, will be held Saturday, Feb. 4, at 10 a.m., at the Family Church Revival Center in Fort Defiance, with James Bennett officiating. Burial will follow at the family plot at Rainbow Ridge.

Vivian was born at Sage Memorial Hospital in Ganado, Arizona, into the Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan). She was born for Bilagáana. She passed away Jan. 27, 2023, in Phoenix.

Vivian attended the medical assistant program at the University of New Mexico and worked for the Women, Infants, and Children office in Fort Defiance. She also worked as a family planner with Indian Health Service in Fort Defiance and as a medical assistant with Indian Health Service in Fort Defiance and Gallup.

Vivian’s interest was jewelry, such as earrings and necklaces.

Vivian is survived by her husband, Glen Young; ex-husband, Steven P. Milford Sr.; son, Shay Milford; daughters, Larissa Wauneka and Stephanie Bryant; brother, Paul Diaz Sr.; and seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Vivian is preceded in death by her sons, Steven P. Milford and Randy Wauneka Jr.; mother, Joanne Dawes; sister, Valerie Garcia; brothers, Dexter Diaz and Daniel Garcia; grandmother, Pollyann Dawes; and grandfather, Theodore Dawes.

Pallbearers will be Shay Milford, Keillan K. Wauneka, Mauricio Waseta, Paul Diaz Jr., and Randy Wauneka Sr.

Honorary pallbearers will be Glen Young, Steven Milford Sr., and Paul Diaz Sr.

Following services, a reception will occur at the Family Life Center in Fort Defiance.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Wilson Barney Sr.

NAVAJO, N.M. — Funeral services for Wilson Barney Sr., 94, of Crystal, New Mexico, will be held Friday, Feb. 3, at 10 a.m., at the Navajo Baptist Church in Navajo, New Mexico, with Raymond Mullahon officiating. Burial will follow at the family plot in Crystal.

Wilson was born Jan. 29, 1929, in Mexican Springs, New Mexico, into the Tsénjíkiní (Honey Combed Rock People Clan), born for Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan). He passed away Jan. 29, 2023, in Crystal.

Wilson attended Crystal Boarding School, worked for Wingate Army Depot and Furniture Shop in Barstow, California, and retired from Water Development as a heavy equipment mechanic.

Wilson loved tending to his livestock and attending his grandchildren’s birthdays, graduations, and sporting events. He also enjoyed cookouts and watching his favorite TV shows, wrestling, rodeos, and Western movies.

Wilson is survived by his wife, Sally Barney; sons, Steven Barney, James Barney, and Wilson Barney Jr.; stepsons, Anthony Halona and Benjamin Halona; daughters, Doris Montoya, Mary Ann Stevens, and Janet Barney; stepdaughter, Gloria Halona; and brother, Anthony Barney.

Wilson is preceded in death by his son, Albert Barney; mother, Lucy T. Barney; father, Peter Tahe; brother, Wesley Barney; sisters, Maggie Benally and Isabelle Barney; and stepsons, George Halona Jr. and Larry Halona.

Pallbearers will be Lynold Halona, Gabriel Halona, Cody Halona, Micheal Mullahon, Ben Fuson III, Wilson Barney III, Larry Tallwood, and Tyler Milford.

Honorary pallbearers will be Anthony Barney, Francis Barney, and Gilbert Barney.

A reception will take place at the Tóniłts’ílí Baptist Church following services.

Desert View Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

Larry F. Halona

NAVAJO, N.M. — Funeral services for Larry Foster Halona, 67, of Crystal, New Mexico, will be held Friday, Feb. 3, at 10 a.m., at the Navajo Baptist Church in Navajo, New Mexico, with Raymond Mullahon officiating. Burial will follow at the family plot in Crystal.

Larry was born Sept. 16, 1955, in Fort Defiance, into the Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). He was born for Mą’ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass Clan). He passed away Jan. 28, 2023, at the Red Rock Care Center in Gallup.

Larry attended Crystal and Chuska Boarding School. He worked for Crystal Boarding School, Navajo Forest Products Industry, and Navajo Nation, and his last employment was maintenance in Farmington.

Larry was a Buccaneers fan and loved to watch football games and Professional Bull Riding. He also enjoyed reading the newspaper daily.

Larry is survived by his son, Lynold Halona; daughters, Clair Louis, Orlanthia Mosley, Krystal Halona, Jessica Halona, and Tiffany Jim; mother, Sally Barney; brothers, Anthony Halona and Benjamin Halona; sister, Gloria Halona; and stepsisters, Marlene Spencer, Charlene Bigthumb and Arlene Halona.

Larry is preceded in death by his wife, Evangeline M. Halona; sons, Larry Halona Jr. and Lane Frost Halona; father, George Halona Sr.; stepfather, Wilson Barney Sr.; brothers, Wilfred Halona and George Halona Jr.; and sister, Valorie H. Bahe.

Pallbearers will be Lynold Halona, Gabriel Halona, Cody Halona, Micheal Mullahon, Ben Fuson III, Wilson Barney III, Larry Tallwood, and Tyler Milford.

Honorary pallbearers will be Anthony Halona, Travis Carroll, and Benjamin Halona.

A reception will take place at the Tóniłts’ílí Baptist Church following services.

Desert View Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

Kendall Joe

PINE SPRINGS, Ariz. — Funeral services for Kendall Joe, 47, of Flagstaff, will be held Friday, Feb. 3, at 9 a.m., at Norvel Owens Mortuary in Flagstaff. Burial will follow in Pine Springs, Arizona.

Kendall was born April 8, 1975, in Phoenix, into the Naakai dine’é (Mexican Clan). He was born for Dibé Łizhiní (Black Sheep Clan). His nalí is Mą’ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass); cheii is Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge). He passed away Jan. 27, 2023, in Flagstaff.

Kendall attended Puerco Valley Elementary/Middle School in Sanders, Arizona, graduating from Sanders-Valley High School in 1994. He attended Northern Arizona University and Coconino Community College in Flagstaff.

Kendall was a carpenter with B3 Construction, JB Construction, K.T.C., Dixon Builders, and GRC Construction.

Kendall enjoyed fishing, hunting and walking/hiking with his dog and cat. He was also a mechanic who was sociable with neighbors and enjoyed coaching little league teams.

Kendall is survived by his wife, Teresa Joe; son, Matthew Joe; daughter, Leslie Joe; brother, Reuben Joe of Pine Springs; and sister, Nikarri Joe of Phoenix.

Kendall is preceded in death by his mother, Rose C. Joe; father, Wilson L. Joe; brother, Gregory Joe; and grandparents, Nora Ashley Frank and John Joe.

A reception will take place at Reuben Joe’s residence in Pine Springs following services.

Norvel Owens Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Christopher E. Harrison

FLAGSTAFF — Memorial service for Christopher E. Harrison will be held Saturday, Feb. 4, at 10 a.m., at Norvel Owens Mortuary in Flagstaff.

Chris was born July 19,1984, the youngest of three children to Jennifer L. Shelton and the late John B. Harrison Jr. He entered the gates of heaven on Jan. 21, 2023, in Flagstaff, surrounded by his family.

Chris loved the outdoors, camping, swimming, and hiking. He always enjoyed entertaining everyone by playing his guitar downtown and was the life of the party, always making everyone laugh. His love for people was deep, and he was always willing to help in any way possible.

Chris is survived by his mother, Jennifer L. Shelton; brother, Freeman Harrison; sister, Athena Cordova; and stepsister, Melissa Shelton.

Chris is preceded in death by his father, John B. Harrison Jr.; grandparents, John B. Harrison Sr. and Hope Harrison; and grandmother who raised him, Alice Largo.

A potluck reception will be held at The American Legion following service from noon to 3 p.m.

Monetary donations are very much appreciated and can be sent through Zelle to Athena Harrison at 928-522-3758 or directly to Norvel Owens Mortuary at 928-774-2211.

Kamra C. Frank

IYANBITO, N.M. — Kamra C. Frank, 36, of Iyanbito, New Mexico, was born Feb. 8, 1986, in Gallup, into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). She was born for Tsin sikaadnii (Clamp Tree Clan). She passed away Jan. 30, 2023, in Gallup.

Kamra attended Iyanbito Head Start and continued educational studies in Fort Wingate, New Mexico. She enjoyed dancing in the powwow circle as a fancy shawl and northern traditional dancer.

Kamra is survived by her son, parents, one sister, and five brothers.

Kamra is preceded in death by her grandparents, Bessie King-Martinez and Don Martinez, and Pauline King-Frank and Dan Frank.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Benjamin Lynch Sr.

TOHATCHI, N.M. — Funeral services for Benjamin Lynch Sr., 69, of Wide Ruins, Arizona, will be held Friday, Feb. 3, at 10 a.m., at St. Mary’s Mission in Tohatchi, New Mexico, with Father Dale officiating. Burial will follow at the St. Michaels cemetery in St. Michaels, Arizona.

Benjamin was born July 5, 1953, in Wide Ruins, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). He was born for Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). He passed away Jan. 26, 2023, in Albuquerque.

Benjamin worked for Navajo Nation EMT, Navajo Housing Authority, and Navajo Housing Services. He loved to haul wood and enjoyed attending Native American Church meetings.

Benjamin is survived by his sons, Jared Ben, Reggie Lynch, Riggin Lynch, Benjamin Lynch Jr., and Michael Lynch; daughters, Arlene Radisch and Mikala Lynch; brothers, Virgil Lynch and Alvin Lynch; sisters, Margret Jones, Virginia Joe, Mary Ann Jackson, and Raylene Charley; and 12 grandchildren.

Benjamin is preceded in death by his parents, Mary Rose Louise Lynch and Roger Lynch; and brother, Michael Lynch.

Pallbearers will be Reggie Lynch, Benjamin Lynch Jr., Michael Lynch, Albert Jones Jr., Ivan Charley, and Jacob Charley.

Honorary pallbearers will be Riggin Lynch, Jared Ben, Javeden Ben, and Jayden Ben.

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

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Brian M. Watchman

KINLICHEE, Ariz. — Funeral services for Brian Mark Watchman, 38, of Kinlichee, Arizona, will be held Monday, Feb. 6, at 10 a.m., at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Kinlichee, with Pastor Jonathan Chitwood officiating. Burial will follow at the Kinlichee community cemetery.

Brian was born March 23, 1984, in Fort Defiance, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii. He passed away Jan. 30, 2023, in Navajo, New Mexico.

Brian graduated from Shiprock Career Prep in 2003 and was employed as a shift manager at McDonald’s in Window Rock. He enjoyed listening to heavy metal music and collecting Marvel and DC action figures.

Brian is survived by his daughter, Angelique Beatrice Mevelyn Watchman.

Brian is preceded in death by Mevelyn Watchman and Mary K. McCabe.

Pallbearers will be William Bruce, Johnny Bruce, Kenny Begaye, Harley Dale, Raemus Catron, and Leo Mann Jr.

Honorary pallbearers will be Emerson Tully, Shay Tully, KeShawn Brown, Terry Kelewood, and Perry Kelewood.

A reception will take place at the Seventh Day Adventist Church following services.

Summit Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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