Obituaries for February 8, 2024

Louise R. Boone

CAMERON, Ariz. — Graveside service for Louise Rose Boone, 87, of Gray Mountain, Arizona, were held Feb. 1 at the Cameron community cemetery in Cameron, Arizona.

Louise was born May 1, 1936, in Coal Mine Mesa, Arizona, into the Dziłt’aadí Kinyaa’áanii (Near the Mountain/Towering House Clan), born for Bįįh bitoodnii (Deer Spring Clan). She passed away Jan. 27, 2024, in Flagstaff.

Louise is preceded in death by her husband, Hugo Boone; and son, Rudy Singer.

Pallbearers were James Singer, Leighton Singer, Cameron Singer, Chandler Singer, Lee Blake Jr., and Doran Dale.

Honorary pallbearers were Ron Singer, Darrell Singer, Kim Bitoni, Delbert Bighorse, Walter Bighorse, and Nyle Singer.

Valley Ridge Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Samantha A. Tsosie

GALLUP — Funeral services for Samantha Ann Tsosie, 38, of Gallup, were held Feb. 7 at the Lighthouse Church in Gallup, with Edward King Sr. officiating. Interment followed at Sunset Memorial in Gallup.

Samantha was born Aug. 16, 1985, in Gallup, into the ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan), born for Tódík’ózhí (Salt Water Clan). She passed away Jan. 29, 2024, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Samantha attended Wingate School District from kindergarten to the 11th grade and graduated from Central High School.

Samantha is survived by her daughter, Kamellia Tsosie; parents, George Tsosie and Margie King-Jim; brothers, Derek Tsosie and Tyson Tsosie; and sister, Leah Tsosie-Boyd.

Samantha is preceded in death by her brother, Emmanuel King.

Pallbearers were Derek Tsosie, Randy Boyd Jr., Woody Jim Jr., Edward King Jr., Joshua Platero, and Tigger Tsosie.

Honorary pallbearers were George Tsosie and Tyson Tsosie.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

David Smith

GALLUP — Funeral services for David Smith, 85, of Iyanbito, New Mexico, will be held Friday, Feb. 9, at 10 a.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Pastor Mark Thomas officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial in Gallup.

David was born Nov. 8, 1938, in Fort Wingate, New Mexico, into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tó baazhní’ázhí (Two Who Came To the Water Clan). He passed away Feb. 1, 2024, in Gallup.

David graduated from Albuquerque Indian School in 1960 and excelled in football, basketball, and track. He worked in civil services for the U.S. government at Fort Wingate schools for 51 years.

David enjoyed rodeos, working with children, watching sports, attending traditional functions, and was a fan of the Dallas Cowboys and Wingate Bears.

David is survived by his wife, Darlene Tolino Smith; son, Ervin Smith; brothers, Phillip Smith, Delbert Smith and Rodger Smith; sisters, Evelyn Bartlett, Priscilla Smith, Virginia Smith, Anna Rose Smith, Roseanne Maestas, Delores Smith, Cheryl Smith, and Gloria Sam; and four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

David is preceded in death by his parents, Anita and Claude Smith Sr.; and brothers, Freddy Smith and Claude Smith Jr.; daughter, Pamala Longhair; and son, Darryl Smith.

Pallbearers will be Delbert Smith, Rodger Smith Jr., Quentin Castillo, and Marcus Hosteen.

Honorary pallbearers will be Phillip Smith, Rodger Smith, Ben Smith, Leonard Sam, Ervin Smith, Nicholas Smith, Ryan Watson, Stephen Bartlett, Donald Bartlett, and Bo Redd.

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

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Paul Lee Sr.

WIDE RUINS, Ariz. — A Native American Church farewell journey service for Paul Lee Sr., 85, of Wide Ruins, Arizona, will be held today, Feb. 8, at 10 a.m., in Wide Ruins, with Albert Yazzie officiating.

Paul was born Sept. 26, 1938, in Ganado, Arizona, into the Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Kinłichíi’nii (Red House People Clan). He passed away Jan. 18, 2024, in Wide Ruins.

Paul retired from the VA Hospital in Reno, Nevada, and was also employed with the Army at Fort Ord in California, and with the National Guard in Reno. He was a member of the Native American Church and enjoyed his little family and grandchildren.

Paul is survived by his son, Paul Lee Jr.; daughter, Crystal Lee; and seven grandchildren.

Paul is preceded in death by his mother, Mabel Lee; brothers, Jimmy Lee and Billy Lee; and sisters, Betty Lee and Lorraine Lee Jones.

Pallbearers will be Ronnie Lee Jr., Sharon Lee, Neal Johnson, Leonard Jones, Domenic Kee Jr., and Fernando Navajo.

Honorary pallbearers will be Paul Lee Jr., Crystal Lee, Cloud Hernandez, Alfred Jones, Lorenzo Jones, and Leonard Jones.

A reception will take place at the Wide Ruins Chapter House following service.

Summit Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

---