Obituaries for Jan. 24, 2019

Alfred K. Newman Sr.

FARMINGTON — Funeral services in honor of Alfred K. Newman Sr., 94, of Kirtland, New Mexico, were held Jan. 19 at the Maranatha Fellowship Christian Reformed Church in Farmington, with Pastor David Byron officiating. Interment followed at the Newman-Denetsone Family Cemetery in Whiskey Creek, New Mexico.

Alfred was born July 21, 1924, in Rehoboth, New Mexico, to Winnie Tso and Willie Kien, into the Naanesht’ézhí dine’é (Zuni Clan), born for Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan). He passed away Jan. 13, 2019, in Bloomfield, New Mexico.

Alfred enlisted with the U.S. Marine Corps on March 26, 1943, and became part of the 1st Battalion, 21st Marine Regiment, 3rd Division. He was honorably discharged Dec. 30, 1945, with the rank of corporal. As a Navajo Code Talker, using the Navajo language, Alfred fought with fellow Marines in the Bougainville Campaign, the Battle of Guam and the Battle of Iwo Jima.

After the war he worked as a munitions inspector at Fort Wingate.

Alfred married the love of his life on April 16, 1949, and together they had five children. In the 60s, Alfred moved his family to Kirtland, and was employed by Utah International Navajo Mine until he retired after 25 years.

Alfred is survived by his wife, Betsy E. Newman; sons, Alfred K. Newman Jr., Marvin C. Newman, Donovan W. Newman and Kevin T. Newman; daughter, Cherylin F. Newman; stepmother, Esther G. Newman; brother, Henry Newman; sisters, Violet Nez, Marjorie Newman, Vivian Pacheco, Miriam Newman, Virginia Newman and Hazel Newman; and 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Alfred is preceded in death by his parents, Willie Kien and Winnie Tso; stepfather, Andy Newman; brothers, Arthur Newman Sr. and Andrew Newman Jr.; and sisters, Christine Henio, Bessie Spicer, Ruth Wright and Melvina Newman.

Alfred’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to all those who have given their condolences and support during this time. Your kindness will always be remembered.

Cope Memorial Chapel of Farmington was in charge of arrangements. Those who wish to send condolences may do so at www.serenityandcompany.com.

Ruby Keams John

WINSLOW, Ariz. — Funeral services for Ruby Keams John, 78, were held Jan. 18 at the Winslow Funeral Home. Interment followed at the Desert View Cemetery.

Ruby was born Aug. 14, 1940, in Leupp, Arizona. She passed away Jan. 13, 2019, in Albuquerque. Ruby retired from Crownpoint Indian Health Service as a nurse. She enjoyed watching her team, the Denver Broncos, play, she loved George Strait, taking walks and traveling.

Ruby is survived by her daughters, Charlene John of Crownpoint, Deborah Burke of Albuquerque, and Diana James of Farmington; and eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Ruby is preceded in death by her mother, Sarah Keams; father, Ira Keams; husband, Bobby Murphy; and daughter, Marlene John.

Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow was in charge of arrangements.

Elsie Yazzie

FORT DEFIANCE — Funeral services for Elsie Yazzie, 72, of Fort Defiance, were held Jan. 22 at the Good Shepherd Mission in Fort Defiance, with Rev. Michael Sells officiating. Interment followed at the Fort Defiance cemetery.

Elsie was born June 10, 1946, in Nazlini, Arizona, into the Ma’ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). She passed away Jan. 10, 2019, in Fort Defiance.

Elsie graduated from Wingate High School and was employed with General Dynamics in Fort Defiance, and McDonald’s in Window Rock. She enjoyed weaving, crocheting, reading and doing crossword puzzles. Elsie is survived by her mother, Gladys Gorman. Elsie is preceded in death by her husband, David Yazzie; father, Clyde Thompson; and sister, Ethellena Brown.

Pallbearers were Darrel Smith, Javier Guerroro, Gilbert Bahe, Johnny Belone Jr., and Harold Brown Sr. Silver Creek Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Kenneth Becenti

GALLUP — Funeral services for Kenneth Becenti, 84, will be held today, Jan. 24, at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup. Burial will follow at the Gallup City Cemetery.

Kenneth was born April 22, 1934, in Standing Rock, New Mexico, into the Bit’ahnii (Under His Cover Clan), born for Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). His nali is Tsenabahilnii (Sleep Rock); chei is Naakai dine’é (Mexican). He passed away Jan. 18, 2019, in Albuquerque.

Pallbearers will be Matthew Luxon, Marvin Peters, Micheal Peters, Maurice Peters and Elrick Becenti. Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Lorenzo Scott Sr.

INDIAN WELLS, Ariz. — Funeral services for Lorenzo Scott Sr., 64, of White Cone, Arizona, will be held Saturday, Jan. 26, at 10 a.m. at the Broken Arrow Church in Indian Wells, Arizona, with Raymond B. Long officiating. Burial will follow at the family plot in White Cone.

Lorenzo was born June 14, 1954, in Keams Canyon, Arizona, into the Tótsohnii (Big Water Clan), born for Hopi. He passed away Jan. 16, 2019, in Mesa, Arizona. Lorenzo enjoyed working as a mechanic and was very talented with different instruments.

Lorenzo is survived by his wife, Charlene L. Scott; sons, Frederick J. Scott and Lorenzo Scott Jr.; daughters, Shirleen Scott, Carmen L. Scott and Trisha Scott; brothers, Eddie Scott, Michael L. Scott, Nephi J. Scott, Sam Scott, Audie Scott and Warner Scott; sisters, Ruby Bitsoie, Cheryl Belin, Pricilla Maktima and Jeannetta; and 10 grandchildren.

Lorenzo is preceded in death by his parents, Mary E. and Warren E. Scott; brothers, William Begaye and Raleigh Scott; and grandparents, Fred and Mary B. Dick. Pallbearers will be Andrew Bitsoie Sr., Lorenzo Scott Jr., Anthony Drake, Shawn Scott, Frederick Scott and Raymond Scott.

Honorary pallbearers will be Toney Scott, Aiden Scott, Kellin Scott, Roman Peters, Dulce Granados, Seleucia Granados, Kiana O’Neil, Mila Peters, Vanessa Quezada and Lorna Spencer.

A potluck reception will take place at the Broken Arrow Church following services.

Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Shirley Etcitty

GALLUP — Funeral services for Shirley Etcitty, 79, will be held Friday, Jan. 25, at 10 a.m. at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup. Burial will follow at the Rehoboth cemetery in Rehoboth, New Mexico.

Shirley was born Dec. 3, 1939, in Mariano Lake, New Mexico, into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). Her nali is Tódích’íi’nii; chei is Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). She passed away Jan. 21, 2019, in Farmington.

Shirley was employed by ONEO. She was a weaver and a rancher who enjoyed sewing, gardening, shopping and spending time with family.

Shirley is survived by her sons, Raymond Perry and Leonard Perry; daughters, Theresa Perry, Loretta Perry and Lea Tisha Etcitty; brothers, Bobby Etcitty, Edmund Etcitty and Edison Etcitty; and sisters, Renay Etcitty, Grace Lawrence, Genevieve Gibson, Deloris Tapaha and Darlene Etcitty.

Shirley is preceded in death by her son, Norman Perry; brother, Eddie Etcitty; sister, Pauline Joe; and parents, Cecil and Norma Etcitty. Pallbearers will be Nolan Barbone, Walter Barbone, Preston Perry, Rick Yazzie, Ronaldon Willie and Merlin Joe.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

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