Obituaries for February 13, 2025
Maurine M. Williams
WINSLOW, Ariz. — Funeral services for Maurine Marie Williams, 100, of Indian Wells, Arizona, will be held Saturday, Feb. 15, at 10 a.m., at the First United Methodist Church in Winslow, Arizona. Burial will follow at the Winslow cemetery.
Maurine Marie Williams, March 15, 1924 – Feb. 8, 2025
Maurine was born March 15, 1924, in Indian Wells, into the Tótsohnii (Big Water Clan). She passed away Feb. 8, 2025, in Paradise Valley, Arizona.
Maurine was a Navajo rug weaver and Early Circuit Board designer at Califone International.
Maurine is survived by her daughters, Donna Smith and Etta Atwood; and eight grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.
Greer’s Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
Mildred R. Becenti
ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. — Funeral services for Mildred Rose Becenti, 80, of Kinlichee, Arizona, will be held Friday, Feb. 14, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in St. Michaels, Arizona, with Jerry McCabe officiating. Burial will follow at the Kin Dah Łichí’í community cemetery in Kinlichee.
Mildred Rose Becenti, Feb. 18, 1944 – Feb. 10, 2025
Mildred was born Feb. 18, 1944, in Ganado, Arizona, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Tsénjíkiní (Honey Combed Rock People Clan). Her nálí is Bįįh bitoodnii (Deer Spring); cheii is Deeshchii’nii (Start of the Red Streak People). She passed away Feb. 10, 2025, in Kinlichee.
Mildred attended Sherman Institue in Riverside, California, and was employed at General Dynamics in Fort Defiance. She enjoyed going to song and dances, and spending time with family and friends.
Mildred is survived by her son, Sam Becenti Jr.; daughters, Gloria Becenti, Delphine Becenti, Patricia Becenti, and Laura Becenti; sisters, Helen Brown and Christine Yazzie; and 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Mildred is preceded in death by her son, David Becenti; husband, Sam Becenti Sr.; brother, Jerry Yazzie; parents, James and Lucille Yazzie; granddaughter, Stacielynn Chee; and three sisters.
Pallbearers will be Bradley Becenti, Tristan Benallie, Brent Becenti, Marko Shirley, Lionel Kee, and Mark Tom.
Honorary pallbearers will be immediate family members.
A reception will take place at the Kin Dah Łichí’í Chapter House following services.
Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
Wilbur A. Curley Jr.
ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. — A Celebration of Life for Wilbur Arviso Curley Jr., 81, of Window Rock, will be held Saturday, Feb. 22, from 12-2 p.m., at the Navajoland Inn in St. Michaels, Arizona.
Wilbur Arviso Curley Jr. March 31, 1943 – Jan. 11, 2025
Wilbur was born March 31, 1943. He passed away Jan. 11, 2025, in Flagstaff.
Wilbur was an extraordinary son, brother, uncle, and friend. He grew up in Brigham City, Utah, and graduated from Box Elder High School in Brigham City.
Wilbur was an original member of the Bonneville Hot Rod Club and had a vast knowledge of vehicles. He enjoyed collecting and rebuilding them in his spare time. His passion was collecting Corvettes and driving them.
Wilbur attended Utah State University where he held records in swimming and track. He joined the U.S. Army in 1969 and served his country for the next 23 years.
Wilbur earned his wings as a helicopter pilot and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was stationed in Germany and later returned to the U.S. He was proud of his Army career where he earned the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1992.
Wilbur was employed by the Navajo Tribe and the Head Start Program in which he helped the different tribes with funding and auditing. He was dedicated to helping procure funds for programs for preschool children.
Wilbur made many friends with the people he worked with and was well respected and loved. He also owned a computer company.
Wilbur is survived by his loved ones, Elizabeth Sells; sister, Joyce Curley-Grieve (Scott); and many nieces and nephews.
Wilbur is preceded in death by his father, Wilbur Arviso Curley Sr.; mother, Rose Curley; brothers, Malcolm (Skip) Curley and Tom Curley; and sisters, Flora and Mary Ann Shirley.
Malachi L. Nez
STANDING ROCK, N.M. — Funeral services for Malachi Len Nez, 17, of Standing Rock, New Mexico, were held Feb. 11 at the Baptist Shepard Church in Standing Rock, with Pastor Aaron Nelson officiating. Interment followed in Crownpoint.
Malachi Len Nez, Sept. 20, 2007 – Feb. 3, 2025
Malachi was born Sept. 20, 2007, in Fort Defiance, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). He passed away Feb. 3, 2025, in Nahodishgish, New Mexico.
Malachi attended Navajo Pine Primary School, Tse’ii’ahi Community School, Crownpoint Community School, and Crownpoint High School. He worked every summer for the Standing Rock Chapter House youth employment.
Malachi lived with and was taken care of by his grandmother, Virginia Yazzie, and uncle, Ephriam Silversmith.
Malachi was an amazing artist who enjoyed drawing and a great carpenter who loved to build. He also liked to work on his grandmother’s vehicle.
Malachi is survived by his parents, Verlene Yazzie and Darren Nez; sisters, Ellucie Nez, Luann Watchman, Celest Watchman, Celestine Watchman, and Jasmine Watchman; uncle, Ephriam Silversmith; and grandparents, Virginia Yazzie, Thomas Silversmith, Lucy House, and Henry Nez.
Pallbearers were Alonzo Nez, Jay Nez, Carlyle Nez, Kevin Nez, Byron Smith, Nayah Thomas, and Floyd Lopez.
Honorary pallbearers were Derrick Nez, Aaron Nez, Ellucie Nez, Virginia Yazzie, Darren Nez, and Ephriam Silversmith.
Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
Lilly J. Josley
GALLUP — Funeral services for Lilly J. Josley, 81, of Bread Springs, New Mexico, will be held Tuesday, Feb. 18, at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Lorenzo Jimson officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial in Gallup.
Lilly was born Dec. 23, 1943, in Bread Springs, into the Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for Haltsooí (Meadow People Clan). She passed away Feb. 9, 2025, in Gallup.
Lilly enjoyed beading, quilting, traveling, making handmade arts and crafts, and spending time with family.
Lilly is survived by her husband, Charles Josley Sr.; sons, Herman Copi and Felix C. Josley; daughters, Shawna R. Thomas and Regina A. Herbert; sister, Annie Chee; and 13 grandchildren.
Lilly is preceded in death by her sisters, Nellie Begay, Mayme Willie and Mary Saunders; brothers, Johnny Copey Mark Spencer, Willie Copey, Harry Copey, Bobby Copey, and Mark Begay; and parents, John and Bah Mike Copey.
A reception will take place at the Lions Hall following services.
Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
Albert Footracer
PRESCOTT, Ariz. – Albert Footracer was born Aug. 7, 1942, into the Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Kinłichíi’nii (Red House People Clan) from Wide Ruins, Arizona. He passed away Feb. 4, 2025.
Albert served his county in the Navy and as a police officer in California for decades. He has been living in Prescott for the past 10 years.
Albert is survived by his wife, two children, and a grandson.
Albert will be interred at the Prescott Veterans Cemetery at a later time.
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