Obituaries for February 20, 2025

Charlene Cambridge

HOUCK, Ariz. — Graveside service for Charlene Cambridge, 66, of Houck, Arizona, will be held Friday, Feb. 21, at 10:30 a.m., at the Houck community cemetery with Larry Kinbetoney Sr. officiating.

Charlene was born Nov. 9, 1958, in Rehoboth, New Mexico, into the Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together Clan), born for Tsénahabiłnii (Sleep Rock People Clan). She passed away Feb. 2, 2025, in Albuquerque.

Charlene graduated from high school in Lincoln, Nebraska, and worked as a cashier at Red Dot in Ogden, Utah, and was a teacher for four years in Ogden. She enjoyed sewing, cross-stitching, painting, and all various types of creating art.

Charlene is survived by her husband, Junior Smith; mother, Sylvia Slowboy Cambridge; brother, Nelson Cambridge of Two Grey Hills, Arizona; sisters, Stella Mae Yazzie of Shiprock, and Valerie Begay of Ogden; and grandparents, Archie and Lucy Hunt of Two Grey Hills.

Charlene is preceded in death by her father, James Kennedy Cambridge Sr.; brothers, James Melvin Cambridge and Sammie James Cambridge; and sister, Gracie Dick.

A reception will take place at the Good News Church following service.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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Sophie J. Belone

FORT DEFIANCE — Funeral services for Sophie Jane Belone, 38, of Fort Defiance, were held Feb. 18 at the Assembly of God Church in Fort Defiance, with Pastor Scott Marrit officiating. Interment followed in Fort Defiance.

Sophie was born May 28, 1986, in Fort Defiance, into the Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan). Her nálí is ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People); cheii is Naakaii Dine’é (Mexican). She passed away Feb. 9, 2025, in Goodyear, Arizona.

Sophie is survived by her sons, Devin Bahe and Jeremiah Pete; daughters, Shanika Bahe and Gianna Pete; mother, Sylvia Belone; sisters, Sophina Belone, Christina Belone and Albertina John; and one grandchild.

Sophie is preceded in death by her father, Gilbert Yazzie; brother, Ferguson Belone; and grandparents, Julius and Mabel Belone.

Pallbearers were Ivan Bahe, Jared Burbank, Naldo Yazzie, Tyler Watts, Clarence Archie, and Arnoldson Woodman.

Honorary pallbearers were Albertina John, Devin Bahe, and Nana.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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Sandra A. Saunders

THOREAU, N.M. — Funeral services for Sandra A. Saunders, 33, of Thoreau, New Mexico, will be held Saturday, Feb. 22, at 11 a.m., at the First Baptist Church in Thoreau, with Rev. Jacob Gonzales officiating. Burial will follow at the Thoreau cemetery.

Sandra was born Dec. 12, 1991, in Crownpoint. She is Apache, born for Hashtł’ishnii (Mud Clan). She passed away Feb. 12, 2025, in Albuquerque.

Sandra attended Thoreau Head Start, Thoreau Elementary School and Thoreau Middle School, graduating from Thoreau High School in 2010. She worked as a cashier at Bowlins Travel Center from 2012-2013, correctional officer at Crownpoint Adult Detention Center from 2013-2014, warehouse clerk at McKinley Paper Mill from 2014-2017, laborer at People Reddy in Albuquerque from 2017-2018, security officer at Phoenix Indian Medical Center and Fort McDowell Casino from 2018-2019, heavy equipment operator at Lead Point from 2020-2021, forklift operator at Banker Building Supply from 2021-2022, armored guard at Garda Company from 2022-2023, and supervisor at Manheim Company from 2023-2024.

Sandra enjoyed traveling, attending basketball and football games, building furniture, fixing vehicles, and listening to music.

Sandra is survived by her parents, Laverne Endito and Robert Saunders Sr.; brothers, Lance Williams, Sherwin Saunders, Robert Saunders Jr., and Latham Saunders; sisters, Lisa Williams and Cassandra Saunders-Curley; maternal grandparents, Alice and Eddie Endito; and paternal grandparents, Dorothy and Phillip Saunders.

Sandra is preceded in death by her brothers, Brian Endito and Stanford Saunders; and Shane Chen.

Pallbearers will be Zachariah Williams, Isaac Williams, Kevin Curley, Ezekiel Gonzales, Jimmy Yazzie, Ryan Jeff, Jaykee Thompson, and Dillon Mariano.

Honorary pallbearers will be Robert Saunders Sr., Lance Williams, Robert Saunders Jr., Latham Saunders, Elijah Williams, Daniel Williams, Ralim Westmoreland, Xavier Westmoreland, Rowen Westmoreland, Dylan Chone, Kaden Curley, Wallace Chone, and Sherwin Saunders.

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

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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Robert Wauneka Sr.

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. — Funeral services for Robert Wauneka Sr., 77, of Goat Springs, Arizona, will be held Friday, Feb. 21, at 10 a.m., at The Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Church in St. Michaels, Arizona.

Robert was born May 24, 1947, in Fort Defiance, into the Mą’ii Deeshgiizhnii (Coyote Pass Clan), born for Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). He passed away Feb. 14, 2025, in Goat Springs.

Robert graduated from Window Rock High School in 1966 and attended Thatcher College for one year. He was employed with Navajo Tribal Utility Authority for several years.

Robert enjoyed watching all sports and was an avid reader of books and newspapers.

Robert is survived by his sons, Donovan Wauneka, Gerald Wauneka and Robert Wauneka Jr.; daughter, Roberta Wauneka; mother, Margaret Damon Wauneka; brother, Charles Wauneka; sisters, Lorraine Nelson, Alice Damon Wauneka and Alberta Wauneka; and four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Robert is preceded in death by his father, Albert Wauneka; and grandparents, Samuel and Bahe Damon.

Pallbearers will be Robert Wauneka Jr., Christopher Yazzie, Jason A. Yazzie, Alex K. Arnold, Albert Arnold, Quentin Arnold, Garrett Nelson, and Tyler Nelson.

A reception will take place at The Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints following services at 1 p.m.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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Harvey Tom

SANDERS, Ariz. — Funeral services for Harvey Tom, 70, were held Feb. 19 at the LDS Church in Sanders, Arizona, with Jason Waters officiating. Interment followed in Houck, Arizona.

Harvey was born May 14, 1954, in Fort Defiance, into the Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan), born for Naaneesht’ézhí Táchii’nii (Charcoal Streaked Division of the Red Running Into the Water Clan). His nálí is Honágháahnii (One-walks-around); cheii is ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People). He passed away Feb. 8, 2025, in Cedar Point, Arizona.

Harvey attended Sanders Elementary and Vicinity of Utah, graduating in 1973 from Valley High School in Sanders. He worked as an electrician and carpenter in various construction companies, Navajo Housing Authority, and in Albuquerque.

Harvey enjoyed fishing, basketball, going to rodeos, drumming, and spending time with family, especially his nieces and nephews.

Harvey is survived by his daughter, Shauna Tom; brothers, Edison Tom and Fred Tom; and sisters, Marie T. Gleason, Lillie T. Morrison, Eileen T. Ashley, and Evelyn Tom.

Harvey is preceded in death by his parents, Don and Pauline Tom; and four brothers and four sisters.

Pallbearers were Joshua Tom, Myron Tom, Shauna Tom, Adrian Yazzie, Andres Atsitty, and Jonah Kelly.

Honorary pallbearers were Edison Tom, Ray Gleason, John Ashley, Randin Begaye, and Charles Morrison.

Tse Bonito Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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Albert Footracer

PRESCOTT, Ariz. — Albert Footracer, 82, of Prescott, Arizona, was born Aug. 7, 1942, in Ganado, Arizona, into the Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Kinłichíi’nii (Red House People Clan).

Albert passed away Feb. 4, 2025, in Prescott. He was buried at the Prescott National Cemetery.

Albert served his country in the U.S. Navy and was a police officer in California for decades.

Albert is survived by his wife, Anna Footracer; children, Nicholas Footracer and Katherine Footracer; and grandson, Wesley Footracer.

Helen L. James (Cronemeyer)

SANDERS, Ariz. — Funeral services for Helen Laura James (Cronemeyer), 84, of Phoenix, will be held Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 11 a.m., at the Living Waters Baptist Church in Sanders, Arizona. Burial will follow at McCarrell Memorial in Chambers, Arizona.

Helen was born July 2, 1940, in Fort Wingate, New Mexico, into the Kinłichíi’nii (Red House People Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). Her nálí is Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water); cheii is Béésh Bich’ahii (German). She passed away Feb. 9, 2025, in Flagstaff.

Helen is survived by her children, Jonathan James and Janelle Mickelson; sisters, Jean Brown, Mae Hilliard, and Bertha; and numerous grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Helen is preceded in death by her sister, Katherine Hillis; son-in-law, Leon James; and parents, Hoska and Florence.

Owens Livingston oversaw arrangements.

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Tilly Golden

FORT DEFIANCE — A memorial service for Tilly Golden, 65, of Hunters Point, Arizona, will be held today, Feb. 20, at 12 p.m., at The Family Church Assembly of God in Fort Defiance.

Tilly was born Feb. 8, 1960, in Fort Defiance, into the Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan), born for Dibéłzhíní (Black Sheep Clan). Her nálí is Tł’ógí (Hairy Ones); cheii is Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House). She passed away Feb. 13, 2025, in Querino, Arizona.

Tilly graduated from Window Rock High School in 1979 and was a medical assistant graduate. She was employed with Navajo Communications for 21 years.

Tilly enjoyed working out, body building competitions, microneedle stitching, crocheting, number puzzles, crossword puzzles, movies, and always kept in touch with family. Her favorite color was purple, and she had a strong bond with her grandson Arris.

Tilly is survived by her son, Lasheo Golden; daughter, Chantilly Chee; parents, Mary C. Yazzie and Joe Ray Yazzie; brothers, Gerald Yazzie, Anderson Speen, Ronald Yazzie, and Lorenzo Speen; sisters, Carmelita Anderson, Veronica Fowler, Evangeline Wooten, and Virginia Sandoval; grandparents, John and Francis Sam, and Moses and Helen Yazzie; and seven grandchildren.

A reception will take place at The Family Church Assembly of God following service.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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