Obituaries for February 27, 2025
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Nelson D. Becenti
SHIPROCK — Funeral services for Nelson Dexter Becenti, 85, of Tohatchi, New Mexico, will be held today, Feb. 27, at 10 a.m., at the Desert View Funeral Home in Shiprock. Burial will follow at the Kirtland-Upper Fruitland Cemetery in Kirtland, New Mexico.
Nelson was born June 15, 1939, in Tohatchi, into the Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together Clan). His nálí is Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water); cheii is Táchíi’nii (Red Running Into the Water People). He passed away Feb. 19, 2025, in Farmington.
Nelson Dexter Becenti, June 15, 1939 – Feb. 19, 2025
Nelson enjoyed farming, ranching, rodeos, watching the Dallas Cowboys play, and spending time with his family.
Nelson is survived by his wife, Jean Becenti; children, Dorene Becenti, Dexter Nelson Becenti and Tommy Lewis; and 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Nelson is preceded in death by Annie and Andrew Becenti, Louise Becenti-Davis, Henry Becenti, and Edison Becenti.
Pallbearers will be Edwin Becenti, Garret Becenti, Nysaiah Sleuth, Kaidon Becenti, Devyn Becenti, Lonnie Harvey, and Orion Martwinski.
Honorary pallbearers will be Myron Tanner, Dexter Nelson Becenti, Harrison Jim, Tommy Lewis, and David Becenti Sr.
A reception will take place at the 953 Union Hall in Kirtland, following services.
Desert View Funeral Home oversaw the arrangements.
Christopher Castillo
GALLUP — Funeral services for Christopher Castillo, 49, of Lupton, Arizona, will be held Friday, Feb. 28, at 10 a.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup.
Christopher Castillo, June 6, 1975 – Feb. 18, 2025
Christopher was born June 6, 1975, in Gallup, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together Clan). He passed away Feb. 18, 2025, in To’Hajiilee, New Mexico.
Christopher graduated from Gallup High School and attended Job Corps, where he was the No. 1 welder fabricator. He did construction work and was employed with T.I.C. Welder.
Christopher enjoyed welding, fishing, camping, the outdoors, and spending time with family. He was a breakdancer and enjoyed listening to heavy metal music.
Christopher is survived by his girlfriend, Verna Platero; father, Jeffery Castillo; brother, Darryl Duboise; and sisters, Thelma Scott, Bertha Damon, Roberta Duboise, Kathy Duboise, and Diane Duboise.
Christopher is preceded in death by his mother, Gloria Etsitty; stepmother, Helen Castillo; and brother, Ricky Castillo.
Pallbearers will be Zane Scott, Aaron Castillo, Leonard Castillo Jr., Kenneth Long Jr., Emery Lee, and Adrian Castillo.
The honorary pallbearer will be Darryl Duboise.
A reception will take place half a mile west of Route 66 in Lupton following services.
Rollie Mortuary oversaw the arrangements.
Rosenda Slivers-Peshlakai
GANADO, Ariz. — Funeral services for Rosenda Marie April Slivers-Peshlakai, 47, of Ganado, Arizona, will be held Saturday, March 1, at 9 a.m., at the Glory Temple Church in Ganado, with Alvora Slivers-Welsh officiating. Burial will follow at the Ganado community cemetery.
Rosenda was born April 1, 1977, in Fort Defiance, into the Mą’ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass-Jemez Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). Her nálí is Tséńjíkiní (Cliff Dwellers People); cheii is Mą’ii deeshgiizhinii. She passed away Feb. 19, 2025, in Flagstaff.
Rosenda graduated from Ganado High School and was employed with the Kayenta Unified School District. She enjoyed listening to country music, dancing, sports, and family celebrations.
Rosenda is survived by her husband, Odie Peshlakai; sons, Allen Peshlakai and Albert Peshlakai; daughters, Trina Slivers-Smith and Niera Peshlakai; brothers, Ronald Haskie and Norman Reid; sisters, Senoria Slivers-Blackbear and Alvora Silvers-Welsh; maternal grandparents, John and Mary Celo Reid; paternal grandparents, Yanasbah Woody and Albert Slivers Sr.; and two grandchildren.
Rosenda is preceded in death by her brothers, Danny Reid, Alfred Slivers and Alvin Slivers; and parents, Grace and Albert Slivers Jr.
A reception will take place at the Ganado field house following services.
Green Meadows Funeral Home oversaw the arrangements.
Calvin N. Martinez
SMOKE SIGNAL, Ariz. — Graveside service for Calvin Nez Martinez, 66, of Smoke Signal, Arizona, was held Feb. 24 at the family plot in Smoke Signal.
Calvin was born March 24, 1958, in Keams Canyon, Arizona, into the Nát’oh dine’e (Tobacco People)/Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for Bįįh bitoodnii (Deer Spring Clan). He passed away Feb. 15, 2025, in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Calvin attended high school and some college. He enjoyed socializing and attending outings and traditional ceremonies.
Calvin is survived by his son, Alvin Martinez; daughters, Brenda Martinez, Marenda Martinez and Martina Martinez; brothers, Roger Martinez, Richard Tom, Augustine Martinez, Charles Martinez, and Loren Martinez; and sisters, Delphina Woody, Carol Tom and Gloria Martinez.
Calvin is preceded in death by his parents, Mary Tom and Charley Martinez; a son, four brothers, maternal grandparents, and paternal grandparents.
Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw the arrangements.
Gregory Roan
KLAGETOH, Ariz. — Funeral services for Gregory Roan, 45, of Klagetoh, Arizona, will be held today, Feb. 27, at 10 a.m., at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Klagetoh. Burial will follow in Klagetoh.
Gregory was born March 20, 1979, in Ganado, Arizona, into the Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). His nálí is Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water); cheii is Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge). He passed away Feb. 21, 2025, in Phoenix.
Gregory is survived by his mother, Lela Sangster.
A reception will take place at the Klagetoh Chapter House following the services.
Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw the arrangements.
Highway 264,
I-40, WB @ Winslow