Obituaries for February 5, 2026

 

Leroy E. Thompson

OHKAY OWINGEH, N.M. – A memorial service for Leroy “Lee” E. Thompson, 78, of Okay Owingeh, New Mexico, is pending.

Leroy was born April 30, 1947, in Rehoboth, New Mexico, into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan). He passed away in Las Vegas, New Mexico.

Leroy graduated from Gallup High School and was a self-employed caterer and food vendor. He has worked in Gallup, at the Pueblo Feast Days, and at the Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. He loved gardening and cooking for friends and family.

Leroy is survived by his wife, Sandra L. Thompson; children, Rhanda Lewisport, Leroy Thompson, Joseph Montoya, and Michael Montoya; sister, Priscilla Becenti; and eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Leroy is preceded in death by his parents, Naomi Becenti and Fred Thompson; sister, Faith Jones Bitsie; and brothers, Ernest Thompson and Dr. Francis D. Becenti.

Cope Memorial will oversee arrangements.

 

---

Vamadevi R. Robson

SHIPROCK – Vamadevi “Vama” Ramachandran Robson was born on Jan. 10, 1943, in Kandy, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), the youngest of six children. She passed away Jan. 26, 2026.

Vama’s parents, Thanbiah and Saraswathy Ramachandran, died when she was a baby. She was raised in her ancestral home by her grandmother, Theivannai Ammal Veeriah.

Vama graduated from the University of Sri Lanka (1967) with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural chemistry, a master’s degree from Cornell University of the Philippines (1969), and a Ph.D. from Oregon State University (1974), majoring in biochemistry and nutrition.

Vama began her humanitarian work in Calcutta, India, under Mother Teresa. After her doctorate degree, she trained local people in public health and nutrition in Papua, New Guinea, for three years.

Vama returned to the United States where she married Bill Robson on March 7, 1978. She was a member of the International Rescue Committee and volunteered for refuge work as a nutritionist in the Thailand Cambodian border with Cambodian refugees in Sudan Ethiopian border and Somalian refugee camps.

When Vama was home (between refugee camps), she was a hospice volunteer in Klamath County, Oregon. She always desired to work with Native Americans so she and Bill moved to Farmington in 1990.

Vama began teaching as an instructor for chemistry, genetics, and nutrition at Diné College-Shiprock Campus on the Navajo Nation for over 20 years, retiring in 2012. She loved working with the Diné. Her pupils would lovingly call her “Momma Vama of the Rez” as she helped launch them on their public health and professional careers.

After Vama retired, she actively participated in the San Juan College Encore Program. She loved gardening, flowers and nature. She had said that the Four Corners region and its people were the first time in the United States that she truly felt at home.

A Celebration of Life is planned at the Diné College-Shiprock Campus later this year.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Basin Hospice.

Farmington Funeral Home oversees arrangements.

 

---

Nora McCray

TOHATCHI, N.M. – Graveside service for Nora McCray, 86, of Gallup, will be held Friday, Feb. 6, at 10 a.m., in Tohatchi.

Nora was born Dec. 25, 1939, in Fort Defiance, into the Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Nóóda’í Dine’é (Ute People). She passed away Feb. 2, 2026, in Phoenix.

Nora is survived by her husband, Frank McCray Sr.; sons, Mike and Melton Tom; daughter, Noreen McCray; brother, David Sherman; sisters, Hilda John and Nancy Tso; and 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Nora is preceded in death by Frank McCray Jr.; and Tom and Bertha Sherman.

A reception will take place at the Twin Lakes Chapter House following service.

Cope Memorial oversaw arrangements.

 

---

Marie S. Cornfield

FORT DEFIANCE – Funeral services for Marie S. Cornfield, 74, of Navajo, New Mexico, were held Feb. 3 at the Silver Creek Mortuary in Fort Defiance, with Arthur Moore officiating. Interment followed at the family plot in Navajo.

Marie was born May 9, 1951, in Fort Defiance, into the Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Naakaii Dine’é (Mexican Clan). Her nálí is Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People); cheii is ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People). She passed away Jan. 28, 2026, in Surprise, Arizona.

Marie graduated from high school and was employed as a food industry manager.

Marie is survived by her sons, Stanley Cornfield and Ricky Yoe; daughter, Cheryle C. Loley; brothers, Tommy and Alfred Scott; and grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Marie is preceded in death by her parents, John and Minnie Scott.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Get instant access to our many e-edition subscriptions HERE at our Navajo Times Store.

 

---