Obituaries for February 29, 2024

Louise G. Peters

GALLUP — Funeral services for Louise Gloria Peters, 81, of Tohlakai, New Mexico, were held Feb. 27 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Clarence Benally officiating. Interment followed in Gallup.

Louise was born Dec. 12, 1942, in Kinlichee, Arizona, into the Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). She passed away Feb. 21, 2024, in Flagstaff.

Louise enjoyed weaving rugs, watching sports, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Louise is survived by her sons, Gerald H. Peters and Eugene H. Peters; daughters, Janice Peters-Begay, Beverly Peters and Jill Ann Peters; and four grandchildren.

Louise is preceded in death by her husband, Gene H. Peters; parents, Bah and Jim James; brothers, Jimmie James and Joe James; and sisters, Faye Yazzie and Clara Bia.

Pallbearers were Nathan Peters, Phillip James, Walter Yazzie Jr., Ryan Ayze, Nathan Earl Bitsoie Jr., and Paul Mansfield.

Honorary pallbearers were Gerald H. Peters, Eugene H. Peters, Kyle G. Begay, Gerald C. Begay, Elliot J. Silversmith, and Jason Peters.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Delfred L. Smith

GALLUP — Funeral services for Delfred Leonard Smith, 79, of Gallup, were held Feb. 22 at the St. Francis of Assisi Church in Gallup, with Father David Tate officiating. Interment followed at the Gallup State Veterans Cemetery.

Delfred was born Oct. 26, 1944, in Fort Wingate, New Mexico. He passed away Feb. 12, 2024, in Albuquerque.

Delfred earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and general management at Northern Arizona University. He worked as general manager for KTNN, Alamo KABR AM, and KSHI in Zuni, New Mexico, from December 1978 to September 1988.

Delfred also worked for the Navajo Nation for 32-plus years as a manager for the Division of Health, Communications and Utilities, Navajo Nation Television, and deputy director of General Services.

Delfred was very well-known to do public speaking at all Navajo Nation events. He loved family and friend gatherings and everyone knew him as a friendly and kind-hearted gentleman.

Delfred is survived by his sons, Dana Smith and Ritchie Simplicio; daughter, Tawny S. Smith; parents, Lorenzo and Bertha Smith; and 17 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Delfred is preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine Judy Smith; daughters, Nichelle K. Edeakie, Kimberly M. Smith and Amber F. Smith; brothers, Larry Smith and Lorence Smith; sister, Geraldine Howard; and grandparents, Katherine Bia and Hosteen Biteesi.

Pallbearers were Wilbur Laweka Jr., Jedd Sandy, Johnson Laweka, Angus Bobelu, Sonny Smith, and Scott Sherman.

Honorary pallbearers were Ray King, Milford Keene, Dana Smith, Ritchie Simplicio, Larry Smith, and Lorence Smith.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Davidson D. Tso

GALLUP — Funeral services for Davidson Daron Tso, 39, of Gallup, will be held Friday, March 1, at 10 a.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Pastor John Thumman officiating. Burial will follow in Gallup.

Davidson was born Oct. 8, 1984, in Chinle, into the Tł’ááshchí’í (Red Bottom People Clan), born for Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan). He passed away in Tsaile, Arizona.

Davidson was employed as a rancher and enjoyed riding horses and playing with his children.

Davidson is survived by his wife, Caroline H. Tso; stepsons, Cordarrell Francis Shay, Corderick Daron Shay and Cordell Shay; stepdaughter, Delfeena Ann Shay; stepmother, Genevieve Jimmy; sisters, Doreen Nez, Darlene Tso and Tina Tso; and nine grandchildren.

Davidson is preceded in death by David Tso and Genevieve (Bahe) Tso.

Pallbearers will be Cordarrell Shay, Cordell Shay, Eddie Willie, Orlando Charley, Mitchell Bahe, and Micalson Bahe.

Honorary pallbearers will be Corderick Shay and Coro Shay.

A reception will take place in Tsayatoh following services at 2 p.m.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Jarrod R. Johnson

SEATTLE, Wash. — Loving husband, son, brother, uncle, and nephew, Jarrod Ryan Johnson, started his eternal journey on the evening of Feb. 20, 2024, at the Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, Washington.

Jarrod was born Oct. 25, 1986, in Shiprock, into the ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). His maternal grandfather is Hooghan Łání (Many Hogans) and paternal grandfather is Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge). He was the youngest of three children.

Jarrod attended school in Farmington and college in Albuquerque. He married the love of his life Veronica (Daniels) Johnson on Nov. 11, 2011, and soon after they moved to Washington.

Jarrod lived a full life with many moments and experiences that made him the man that he became. His strong belief in the Creator and his religious values allowed him to appreciate life.

Jarrod formed many meaningful relationships during his life and enjoyed the times he was able to visit and laugh with family and friends.

Jarrod was an avid sports fan with his favorite teams: San Francisco 49ers, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Indians, Florida Seminoles, and University of New Mexico Lobos. His favorite pastimes were watching UFC fights with his favorites: Johnny Bones Jones and Holly Holmes.

Jarrod was partial to hip hop/rap and enjoyed watching fireworks shows and playing Fortnight, Red Dead, Mario games, and Fantasy Football with his team “Niner Empire”.

We were all blessed for having known Jarrod. He was very much loved by all who knew him. We are thankful for all of the happy, funny, sweet memories he left behind in our minds and our hearts.

Jarrod is survived by his wife, Veronica; mother, Princella Manuelito; sisters, Lindsay Manuelito and Lynette Johnson (Sonya); nephews, Ethan Manuelito-Gonzalez, Hunter Manuelito-Gonzalez and Jaxon Manuelito-Gonzalez; and niece, Nevaeh Young.

Jarrod is also survived by his Washington family. His mother-in-law, Winona Youckton; brothers-in-law, Philip Youckton (Althea), Joseph Daniels and Jerome Wells; sister-in-law, Samara Daniels; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jarrod is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, “Cheii” Davis Manuelito.

Jarrod’s family would like to extend their appreciation for the exceptional care and professionalism provided by the Swedish Medical Center ICU Unit (First Hill Campus) in Seattle.

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