Obituaries for Jan. 26, 2023

Ruby A. George

KLAGETOH, Ariz. — Ruby Ann George, 61, of Klagetoh, Arizona, journeyed on Jan. 17, 2023, surrounded by family who loved her very much.

Ruby was Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan) and was born for Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan). Her maternal grandfather is Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water), and her paternal grandfather is Tsénjíkiní (Honey Combed Rock/Cliff Dwellers).

Ruby grew up in Wide Ruins and Klagetoh, surrounded by her Kinyaa’áanii and Tábąąhá relatives. Throughout her childhood, she attended boarding schools in Wide Ruins and Winslow graduating from Holbrook High School in 1980. From there, she joined the U.S. Navy and served until 1986. She then received her college education in North Carolina as a certified nurse’s assistant.

Ruby had a fulfilling career in nursing before she fell ill and struggled with various health issues for over 20 years. Even in those times, she came out fighting until the very end.

Ruby was a strong-willed, compassionate, free-spirited being who had a love for all the finer things in life and a passion for her friends and family. She had a lifelong dedication to her Christian belief while holding on to some Diné traditions.

Ruby is survived by her daughters, Sapphira Garner (Gabe Garner) and Tara Oddo; grandsons, Salem, Miloh, and Jaxon Garner; mother, Bessie George; five sisters, seven brothers, and many nieces and nephews.

Ruby will be sorely missed, as her family forever loves her.

Judith A. Hudson

WINDSOR, Mo. — Funeral services for Judith Ann “Judy” Hudson, 78, of Calhoun, Missouri, formerly of Kayenta, will be held Friday, Jan. 27, at 1:30 p.m., at the Hadley Funeral Home in Windsor, Missouri. Burial will follow at the Calhoun Cemetery in Calhoun.

Judy was born Sept. 24, 1944, in Clinton, Missouri, to James Albert and Gladys Irene (Vandiver) Young. She passed away Jan. 20, 2023, at the Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

On Feb. 10, 1962, Judy married Gary Dean Hudson in Calhoun. Gary preceded her in death on June 3, 2000.

Judy was retired but previously worked as a desk clerk at the Hampton Inn in Kayenta. She was also a bank teller, grocery cashier, and substitute teacher.

Judy enjoyed bowling, fishing, gardening, trail riding, raising livestock, traveling, spending time with family and friends, volunteering at Wednesday Night Bingo at the Kayenta Catholic Church, watching the Kansas City Chiefs play, going to the casino, baking, and making Christmas candy.

Judy is survived by her companion, Russell Hudson; sister, Sharon Church (Dale) of Clinton; sister-in-law, Linda Young of Warsaw, Missouri; daughter, Frances Stevens (Henry) of Navajo Mountain, Utah; and four grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and numerous relatives and friends.

In addition to her husband Gary, Judy is preceded in death by her son, Donnie Dean Hudson; parents, James Albert Young Sr. and Gladys Irene (Vandiver) Young; brother, James Albert “Jimmie” Young Jr.; and nephew, James Richard Young.

The family will receive friends today, Jan. 26, at Hadley Funeral Home from 5-7 p.m.

The family suggests contributions to the Calhoun Methodist Church or the Calhoun Cemetery in care of the Hadley Funeral Home, 405 E. Benton St., Windsor, MO 65360.

Hadley Funeral Home oversaw arrangements. Condolences may be left online at www.hadleyfuneralhome.com.

Sam GrayEagle

SANTA FE — Funeral services for Sam GrayEagle were held Jan. 25 at the Santa Fe National Cemetery with a full military honor guard.

GrayEagle was born July 22, 1951, in Rehoboth, New Mexico, into the Hashtł’ishnii (Mud Clan). He was born for Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). He departed peacefully Jan. 5, 2023, in Albuquerque.

GrayEagle graduated with a master’s degree in gerontology, business technology, and social sciences. He also developed and coordinated the Navajo Veterans Organization for the Navajo Tribe.

GrayEagle entered the military (U.S. Navy) in 1980 and was honorably discharged in 2008. He was called upon for many conflicts to serve as a reservist for the Navy in the Desert Storm (Endurance Freedom) crisis and was recalled again for the 9/11 attack on United States soil. He loved, served, and protected his country, the United States of America.

GrayEagle was a professional silversmith and won many blue ribbons throughout the Southwest.

GrayEagle is survived by his wife, Linda; sons, Chris of Indiana and Jonathan of California; daughter, Cherylyn; sisters, Lucille and Loretta of Pinedale; grandsons, Seth and Samuel of Washington; and two nieces, one nephew, three grandnephews, and two grandnieces.

GrayEagle is preceded in death by his parents, Chloe and Sam Gray Jr.; grandparents, Mary and Sam Gray Sr.; and nephew, Leander Gray.

The Neptune Society of Albuquerque oversaw arrangements. To share memories, visit www.NeptuneSociety.com.

Raylando L. Billie

KAYENTA — Funeral services for Raylando Laron Billie, 29, of Sawmill, Arizona, were held Jan. 25 at the Kayenta LDS Chapel. Interment followed in Kayenta.

Raylando was born Aug. 13, 1993, in Fort Defiance. He passed away Jan. 15, 2023, in Gallup.

Raylando graduated from Navajo Pine High School in 2013. He loved working on vehicles, doing tattoo work, fishing, cooking, and grilling.

Raylando is survived by his wife, Tamara Billie; son, Raylando Billie Jr.; daughter, Ryleigh Billie; mother, Racheal Begay; brothers, Rolando Billie, Rowland Billie, and Sheridon Tsosie; and sister, Shyanne Tsosie.

Raylando is preceded in death by his son, Logan J. Billie.

Summit Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

Logan J. Billie

KAYENTA — Funeral services for Logan Jax Billie, 4, of Gallup, were held Jan. 25 at the Kayenta LDS Chapel. Interment followed in Kayenta.

Logan was born Nov. 24, 2018, in Fort Defiance, into the Tł’ízí lání (Many Goats Clan) and was born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). He passed away Jan. 15, 2023, in Gallup.

Logan loved playing with his red cars, playing outside with his brother, and watching movies.

Logan is survived by his mother, Tamara Billie; brother, Raylando Billie Jr.; and sister, Ryleigh Athena-Dream Billie.

Logan is preceded in death by his father, Raylando L. Billie Sr.

Summit Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

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