Obituaries for February 6, 2025

Fannie L. Kee

GALLUP – Funeral services for Fannie L. Kee, 91, of Red Rock, New Mexico, will be held Monday, Feb. 10, at 10 a.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Rev. Terry Goodin officiating. Burial will follow at the Gallup City Cemetery.

Fannie was born May 4, 1933, in Red Rock, into the Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). She passed away Jan. 31, 2025, in Red Rock.

Fannie enjoyed sewing and was well-known for her Navajo dolls.

Fannie is survived by her sons, Eddie John, Ernest John, Emerson John, Augustine John, and Matthew McReynolds; daughter, Mary Ann John; brother, Wilson Hoskie; sisters, Irene Chee, Louise Billie, Lorraine Distah, Lucy Hoskie, Marlene Hoskie, and Sadie Berg; and 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.

Fannie is preceded in death by her husband, John Kee; sons, Tom R. John and Phillip John; parents, Yanasbah Hoskie and John Lee; and siblings, Rose A. Lee, Nelson Lee, Bessie David, Arnold Baker, and Kenneth Baker.

Pallbearers will be EJ John, Augustine John, Michael John, Brandon Clark, Kyle Randolph, and Tristen John.

Honorary pallbearers will be Eddie John, Ernest John, Emerson John, Gary John, Matthew McReynolds, Jeremy John, and Jeremiah John.

A reception will take place at the KC Hall following services.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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Gayl Sandoval

FORT SUMNER, N.M. – Graveside service for Gayl Sandoval, 83, of To’hajiilee, New Mexico, will be held Saturday, Feb. 8, at 2 p.m., at the Fort Sumner cemetery in Fort Sumner, New Mexico.

Gayl was born April 5, 1941, in Boise, Idaho. She passed away Jan. 24, 2025, in Albuquerque.

Gayl met David Sandoval in Albuquerque, and they were married on May 7, 1960.

In 1994, Gayl settled in To’hajiilee. She loved to share the good news of the Lord and enjoyed singing and playing the accordion, tambourine and piano.

Gayl is survived by her children, Randle Sandoval of To’hajiilee, Jimmy Secatero Sr. (JoMarie) of To’hajiilee, and Peter Paul Sandoval and wife; and 38 grandchildren and 73 great-grandchildren.

Gayl is preceded in death by her husband, David Sandoval; son, Kenneth Guerro; and two daughters and parents.

Pallbearers will be Apollos Sandoval, Ivy Sandoval, Ulysses Gaona, Elizabeth Guerrero, Alazario Sandoval, Alan Goodman, and J.J. Corona.

Honorary pallbearers will be Randle Sandoval, Jimmy Secatero, Francisco Velasquez, and Peter Paul Sandoval.

Chavez Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

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Melva C. Ramsey

GANADO, Ariz. — Funeral services for Melva Carol Ramsey, 64, of Ganado, Arizona, were held Jan. 31 at the All Saints Catholic Church in Ganado. Interment followed at the Ganado community cemetery.

Melva was born Oct. 31, 1960, in Ganado, into the Tsénjíkiní (Honey Combed Rock People Clan), born for Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan). Her nalí is Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water); cheii is Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge). She passed away Jan. 26, 2025, in Phoenix.

Melva received an associate degree in liberal arts and retired as a financial technician for the Navajo Nation Judicial Branch. She enjoyed reading, hiking with her dog Gracie, and playing games on her tablet.

Melva is survived by her children, Larondo Stash, Pashanna Lano, Malorie Nelson, and Jaime Yazzie; sisters, Judy James and Ramona James; and six grandchildren.

Melva is preceded in death by Rhonda Stash.

Pallbearers were Jamison James, Jason Ramsey, Loren Nelson, Novik Louis, Daryl Lincoln, and Mack Lee Jr.

Honorary pallbearers were Robertson James and Larondo Stash.

Cope Memorial oversaw arrangements.

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Gary Baloo

NASCHITTI, N.M. – Funeral services for Gary Baloo, 69, of Naschitti, New Mexico, will be held Monday, Feb. 10, at 11 a.m., at the Naschitti Baptist Church. Burial will follow at the Naschitti community cemetery.

Gary was born Jan. 23, 1956, in Naschitti, into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Cheyenne/Arapaho. His nálí is Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water); cheii is Cheyenne/Arapaho. He passed away Jan. 28, 2025, in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

Gary attended Chinle High School from 1971 to 1975. He played basketball and was a star athlete for the Chinle Wildcats. He then went on to a vocational school in Albuquerque in 1977-1978 and received his auto mechanic certification.

Gary worked for the Sheepspring Store from 1970-1976 off and on during summer breaks from school. He started his certified auto mechanic career at Gurley Motor Company and Firestone in 1979, Chinle Auto Shop in 1981, Navajo Nation Chinle and Shiprock Motor Pool in 1982-1995, Ames Constructions and Rider Company Phoenix in 1995-2001. He was a shop foreman for Apache County in Chinle from 2001-2011, retiring in 2011. He was well known for his wellness to help his community, friends, and family with auto repairs and maintenance. He was an awesome mechanic.

Gary enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play sports and loved going to church, reading his bible, and listening to Christian music. He loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren, traveling with his wife after retirement, and watching the Phoenix Suns and the Dallas Cowboys play.

Gary is survived by his wife, Arlene Baloo; children, Lionel Tso of Water Flow, New Mexico; Liza Tso of Rio Rancho; Ariane Baloo of Albuquerque; Aaron Baloo of Naschitti; Arielle Stewart of Rio Rancho; Gerrison Baloo of Albuquerque; Troy Baloo of Gallup; Tahj Baloo of Naschitti; Tahliyah Baloo of Albuquerque; and Brenda Shorty of Rio Rancho; sisters, Ariel Rose Howard and Grace Cooley; and 24 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Gary is preceded in death by his mother, Ariel Kenneth; and brother, Leonard Kenneth.

Pallbearers will be Leonel Zapata, Isaiah Tso, Tyus Tso, Tyson Tsosie, Kevin Gray, and Keith Stewart.

Honorary pallbearers will be Lionel Tso, Aaron Baloo, Gerrison Baloo, Troy Baloo, Tahj Baloo, Jaden Baloo, and Nielson Howard.

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

Thank you to family, friends and the community for your love, support, comfort, prayers, and donations during this difficult time.

Daniels Family Funeral Services oversaw arrangements.

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John C. Tohtsoni Sr.

SHIPROCK – A memorial service for John C. Tohtsoni Sr., 86, of Shiprock, will be held Friday, Feb. 7, at 6 p.m., at the Tooh Worship Center in Shiprock. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Feb. 8, at 10 a.m., at the Hooghan Si’ani Bible Church in Mexican Water, Arizona. Burial will follow with full military honors at the Tohtsoni Family Cemetery in Mexican Water.

John was born Nov. 11, 1938, in Sweetwater, Arizona. He entered Heaven on Feb. 2, 2025, peacefully at his home surrounded by loved ones.

John came from a family of 15 siblings. He was a sheepherder, U.S. Army veteran, painter, power plant employee, and loving father. He served in leadership roles at every job he held and lived his life as a shepherd of Christ.

John and Mary met at Chilocco Agricultural Indian School in Oklahoma. He served in the 45th Division Reserve Unit where he was platoon leader stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. John and Mary were married Jan. 13, 1963, in Salina, Kansas. They started their small family of four in Salina before moving to Kirtland, N.M., and later Shiprock, where their family enlarged to seven.

John was employed at House Building Construction in Salina from 1962-1968, Fairchild Semiconductor in Shiprock from 1968-1975 and Arizona Public Service Co. in Fruitland, N.M. from 1975-1994. In 19 years with APS, he liked to brag he was only late two times. In semi-retirement, he obtained an associate’s degree, creating Bigwater Painter Contractor doing jobs across the Navajo Nation and served as director of Diné Trees of Life Inc.

John was a faithful servant of our Heavenly Father. He built two churches in Shiprock and Mexican Water, where he pastored at both churches. He was an avid horseman who enjoyed watching wrestling and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who called him “Che Che.”

Everyone John met would say how much he impacted their lives. He was charismatic, compassionate and loving.

John is survived by his wife, L. Mary Tohtsoni; children, Edgar, Sharon, Nathan (Tanya), John Jr. (Lesley), and Shannon (Shaun); brothers, Alvin, Jim John, and Paul; sisters, Clara Tohtsonie and Betty Lincoln; and 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

John is preceded in death by his parents, John and Louise Tohtsonie; brothers, Jim, Tom, George, and Andy; and sisters, Ada Badroads, Martha Paul, Esther Sage, and two others.

The family would like to thank the staff of Northern Navajo Medical Center, Dr. McMullin, Dr. Mohs and nurse Sue, Four Corners Cancer Center, San Juan Oncology, SW Home Health Care, and Guardian Angel Hospice.

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Raymond Pinto Jr.

REHOBOTH, N.M. – Funeral services for Raymond Pinto Jr., 65, of Rehoboth, New Mexico, will be held Monday, Feb. 10, at 11 a.m., at the Rehoboth Christian Reform Church in Rehoboth, New Mexico, with Kevin Ruthren officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial in Gallup.

Raymond was born Jan. 8, 1960, in Rehoboth, into the Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together Clan), born for Dibéłzhíní (Black Sheep Clan). He passed away Jan. 31, 2025, in Houck, Arizona.

Raymond received an associate degree in applied mechanics and retired as a mechanic and basketball coach for Tohatchi Middle School. He enjoyed swimming, fishing, reading, studying the Bible, spending time with his family and granddaughter, and watching the Buffalo Bills play.

Raymond is survived by his son, Ryan (Sonni) Pinto; daughter, Raven McMullin; brothers, Ronnie Pinto, Randy Pinto, Roderick Pinto, and Shannon Claw; sisters, Regina Hale, Ramona Pinto and Rozena Pinto; and granddaughter, Juniper McMullin.

Raymond is preceded in death by his parents, Esther and Raymond Pinto Sr.; and brother, Travis Claw.

Pallbearers will be Lance McMullin, Wayne Franklin, Roderick Pinto, Shannon Claw, Timothy Claw, and Cris Claw.

Honorary pallbearers will be Ronnie Pinto, Randy Pinto, Gerald Moore, Elvis Bitsilly, and Mervin Keeto.

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

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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Ernie Sylversmythe

GALLUP – Funeral services for Ernie Sylversmythe, 64, of Iyanbito/Red Rock, New Mexico, will be held today, Feb. 6, at 10 a.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup. Burial will follow at the Rehoboth cemetery in Rehoboth, New Mexico.

Ernie was born Oct. 23, 1960, in Gallup, into the Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for Bit’ahnii (Under His Cover Clan). His nálí is Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together); cheii is Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water). He passed away Jan. 24, 2025, in Red Rock.

Ernie attended Gallup High School and was employed as a maintenance specialist. He enjoyed watching movies, working on projects, selling at the local flea markets, and spending time with family.

Ernie is survived by his mother, Lula Sylversmythe; children, Antonio Sylversmythe, Gerald Jim, Johnathan Sylversmythe, Anthony Sylversmythe, and Michelle Sylversmythe; siblings, Geralene Billie, Jonathan Eldon Billie and Christopher Paul Billie; and five grandchildren.

Ernie is preceded in death by Sarah Billie, Jimmy Silversmith, Cecil Sylversmythe, and Alvin Sylversmythe.

Pallbearers will be Lance Francisco, Johnathan Sylversmythe, Anthony Sylversmythe, Landon Lucio, Dana Pinto, and Ansley Lyle Curley.

Honorary pallbearers will be Antonio Sylversmythe, Ashley Sylversmythe Ashawna Sylversmythe, and Michelle Sylversmythe.

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

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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Timothy J. Rogers Jr.

GALLUP – Funeral services for Timothy Joe Rogers Jr., 40, of Gallup, will be held Friday, Feb. 7, at 1:30 p.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup. Burial will follow in Rehoboth, New Mexico.

Timothy was born Aug. 17, 1984, in Gallup, into the Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan). He passed away Jan. 31, 2025, in Albuquerque.

Timothy graduated from Gallup High School in 2002 and was employed as a caregiver at Home Care Option in Gallup. He had computer skills and enjoyed music, sudoku, and collecting florescent green.

Timothy is survived by his mother, Eunice Johnson; father, Timothy Joe Rogers Sr.; brother, Erron Joe Rogers; and grandmother, Beatrice Johnson.

Timothy is preceded in death by his uncle, William Johnson Jr.; and grandfather, William Johnson Sr.

Pallbearers will be Gerald Willie, James Smith Jr., Kyle R. Billie, Andreus Sorensen, Sean King, and Malakai Washburn.

Honorary pallbearers will be Raymond King, Erron Rogers, Tony Hale, Raymond Endito Jr., Melvin Endito, Merle Endito, Eric King, and Timothy Rogers Sr.

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

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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Gerald G. Belone

GALLUP – Funeral services for Gerald Gene Belone, 39, of Twin Lakes, New Mexico, were held Feb. 1 at the First United Methodist Church in Gallup, with Rome Wager officiating. Interment followed at the Gallup Cemetery.

Gerald was born Aug. 8, 1985, in Gallup, into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). He passed away Jan. 25, 2025, in Gallup.

Gerald attended Wingate High School and Diné College. He was employed as a heavy machinery operator and enjoyed wrestling, bareback riding, beading, fishing, and was a fan of the Chicago Bears.

Gerald is survived by his spouse, Tammy Peters; son, Cael Belone; parents, Elouise Kee and Gene Belone; brothers, Ronald Belone, Elden Kee, Derrick Belone, Jimmy Belone, Brandon Belone, Daniel Belone, and Kevin Belone; and sisters, Sheryl Kee, Christina Belone, Tanaya Belone, Chassity Belone, and Danielle Belone.

Gerald is preceded in death by his brother, Dewayne Belone; maternal grandmother, Marie Kee; and paternal grandparents, Ella and James Belone.

Pallbearers were Jimmy Belone, Brandon Belone, Tyshawn Begaye, Eric Kee, Elden Kee, and Adrian Malone.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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Kenny R. Begaye

KINLICHEE, Ariz. – Graveside service for Kenny Roger Begaye, 37, of Kinlichee, Arizona, will be held Friday, Feb. 7, at 10 a.m., in Kinlichee, with Emerson Tully officiating.

Kenny was born May 19, 1987, in Phoenix, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). He passed away Jan. 18, 2025, in Shiprock.

Kenny attended Kin Dah Łichí’í Olta’ School and graduated from Shiprock High School in 2006. He worked a few years at the local swimming pool in Shiprock.

Kenny loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping, hiking, and helping friends who needed help. His favorite game was playing hide and seek in the evenings around his aunt’s land.

Kenny is survived by his brother, Kendall R. Begaye.

Kenny is preceded in death by his parents, Veronica Kelewood and Kenneth Begaye.

Pallbearers will be Keshawn Brown, Shay Tully, Emerson Tully, Kaleb Atcitty, Tijo Garnier, and Fernando Mitchell.

Honorary pallbearers will be Terry Kelewood, Perry Kelewood, Chavez family, Garnier family, McKenseley family, and John family.

A reception will take place at Sharon Kelewood’s residence following service.

Green Meadows Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

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