Obituaries for Jan.6, 2022

Mary L. Smiley

LUKACHUKAI, Ariz. — Funeral services for Mary Louise Smiley, 73, of Lukachukai, Arizona, are pending.

Mary was born Oct. 10, 1948, in Lukachukai, into Mą’ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass Clan), born for Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together Clan). She passed away Jan. 1, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Mary attended Riverside High School in Andarko, Oklahoma, and was employed with the Navajo Nation for 30 years. She also worked with the Office of Social Services.

Mary was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and reading.

Mary is survived by her husband, George Smiley of Rock Point, Arizona; son, Harrison Nez-Smiley; daughters, Tina Burnside and Sheila Roanhorse; and seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Rita Hobb and Frank Nez; brother, Cecil Nez; and sister, Betty Nez.

Pallbearers will be Norman Begay, Brian Burnside, Harrison Nez-Smiley, Ryan Roanhorse, Neilson Roanhorse, Travis Tso, and Rayando Leonard.

Honorary pallbearers will be George Smiley, Andy Wilson, Arnold Wilson, and Ernest Wilson.

Desert View Funeral is in charge of arrangements.

Buster Burton Jr.

GALLUP — Funeral services for Buster “Jay” Burton Jr., 45, of Lupton, Arizona, were held Jan. 5 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Ray Loy officiating. Interment followed at the Gallup City Cemetery.

Buster was born April 29, 1976, in Albuquerque, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan). He passed away Dec. 29, 2021, in Flagstaff.

Buster attended Valley High School in Sanders, Arizona, and was employed as a cook at Virgie’s Restaurant in Gallup, and Speedy’s Truck Stop in Lupton. He also worked as a veterinarian technician for the Humane Society in Gallup.

Buster was a big social butterfly. He loved to cook, loved animals and enjoyed meeting new people.

Buster is survived by his father, Buster H. Burton; brothers, Calvin Chester of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Tony Ray Curley of Ganado, Arizona, and Nathaniel Burton of Lupton; and sister, Clarinda Yazzie of Denver.

Buster is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Slivers; maternal grandparents, Laura and Nat Slivers; and paternal grandparents, Emma and Loyd Burton.

Pallbearers were Nathaniel Burton, Jeff Goodluck, Mervin Yazzie, Elroy Yazzie, Leonard Yazzie Jr., Lorenzo Julian Jr., Tonia Yazzie, and Dylan Devore.

Honorary pallbearers were Buster Burton, Bruce Yazzie, Lorenzo Julian, and Mescalito Devore.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

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