Obituaries for January 11, 2024

Linda L. White

RIO RANCHO, N.M. — Funeral services for Linda Lu White, 70, of Kayenta, will take place Saturday, April 27, at 2 p.m., at the Chapel of Central United Methodist in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

Linda was born Aug. 20, 1952, in Midland, Texas. She passed away Dec. 12, 2023, in Albuquerque.

Linda is survived by her brother, Larry White.

Linda is preceded in death by Charles and Mary (Parks) White.

Fannie Lane Begay

FLAGSTAFF — A Celebration of Life for Fannie Lane Begay was held Dec. 29 at Norvel Owens Mortuary in Flagstaff. She was laid to rest in Fort Defiance.

Fannie was born Oct. 10, 1938, in White Mesa, Arizona. She passed away Dec. 21, 2023, in Tuba City.

Fannie was originally from Cedar Ridge, Arizona, but called Tuba City her home. She was employed with the Office of Navajo Economic Opportunity as a nutritionist and helped create the cookbook with the Commodity Food Program. She also worked for Navajo Head Start as a cook for many years in Tuba City.

Fannie was truly a woman of God and a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. She was a loving mother, full of faith and wisdom, a teacher, and a prayer warrior. Her compassion for folks was well received and she always addressed you as one of her own. She will be greatly missed.

Fannie is preceded in death by her brother, Frank Lane; and parents, Wilda Hale Lane and Henry Lane.

Norvel Owens Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Susan R. Begay

GALLUP — Funeral services for Susan R. Begay, 65, of Pinedale, New Mexico, will be held Friday, Jan. 12, at 1:30 p.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup. Burial will follow at the Gallup City Cemetery.

Susan was born July 26, 1958, in Gallup, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle Clan). She passed away Jan. 2, 2024, in Sundance, New Mexico.

Susan attended Gallup High School, Many Farms High School and Job Corps. She worked for United Nuclear Corp., Allsups, Big Bear Inc., Giants, Inc., Payless, Blue Magic Laundromat, Wash-N-Save, and 7-Eleven in Cleveland, Ohio.

Susan enjoyed cooking, going to casinos and spending time with her grandchildren.

Susan is survived by her husband, Franklin H. Begay; son, Leland H. Begay; daughters, Natasha R. Begay, Bernadette L. Begay and Calandra R. Begay; sisters, Elsie Arthur, Lenora Chee and Clara Harry; and six grandchildren.

Susan is preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Elizabeth M. Livingston; brothers, Lewis Brown and Tommy Livingston Sr.; and Dorothy Morris and Gloria Harry.

Honorary pallbearers will be Franklin H. Begay, Leland H. Begay, Freddie Tabaha, Gregory Norton, Nathaniel Deschene, and Wendell Begay.

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

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Max Bradley (Jan. 11, 1939 — Jan. 1, 2024)

KIRTLAND, N.M. — Funeral services for Max Bradley, 84, were held Jan. 9 at Kirtland Cope Memorial in Kirtland, New Mexico. Interment followed with military honors at the Bradley family cemetery in Burnham, New Mexico.

Max was born Jan. 11, 1939, in Bisti, New Mexico, to Lydia and Russell Bradley. He was Tł’ááshchí’í (Red Bottom People Clan), born for Naakai Dine’é (Mexican Clan). His maternal grandparents clan is Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge) and paternal grandparents clan is Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle). He went home to be with his Heavenly Father on the evening of Jan. 1, 2024.

Max graduated from Navajo Methodist Mission (now known as Navajo Prep) on May 21, 1960. He served in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany. Upon his military discharge, he built homes all over the reservation with his buddies.

Max retired from BHP and lived in Sand Springs, New Mexico, for years and then in Aztec, New Mexico, for his remaining years until his death.

Max is survived by his children, Emery, Cindy, Maxine, Marsha, Jeffersina, and Melanie; and siblings, Shirley, Wilson, Linda, Wilfred, Watson, and Faye.

Max is preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Lydia Bradley; wife, Lucy Bradley; and grandparents, Hosteen Biye Ettcitty, Minnie Silversmith and Redhorse Begay.

A Celebration of Life and memorial service will take place on Saturday, March 23, at the Tíís Tsoh Sikaad (Burnham) Chapter (time to be determined).

Johnny C. Begay (Nov. 15, 1939 — Dec. 27, 2023)

FARMINGTON — Funeral services for Johnny C. Begay “JC” will be held today, Jan. 11, at 10 a.m., at the Oasis Ministries Church in Farmington. Burial will follow at the Greenlawn Cemetery in Farmington.

Johnny was born Nov. 15, 1939, in Shiprock, to Alice and Joe C. Begay, the first of four children. He is Tàchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan). His maternal grandfather is Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge), and paternal grandfather is Hashk’ąą Hadzohí (Yucca Fruit-Strung-Out-In-A-Line). He passed away Dec. 27, 2023, surrounded by his beloved.

Johnny is the maternal grandson of Lee Tome (1886-1978), who served in the Navajo Tribal Council from 1943-1957.

Johnny graduated high school in 1957 from Ignacio, Colorado, and studied at Fort Lewis College earning an associate degree in 1959. He pursued his bachelor’s in education from Western State Colorado University and a master’s from the University of New Mexico. He completed 60 credit hours at the University of Arizona for a doctorate in education with his dissertation remaining.

Johnny began his career in 1965-1969 in leading and creating eight programs of the newly launched Project Head Start under the congressional bill through President Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty. In 1970, he began teaching at the Red Rock Day School under the Bureau of Indian Affairs and later became school principal. He also served as principal at Aneth Community School and retired in 1993. During his retirement, he played an influential role in establishing Red Valley/Cove High School in 2008.

Johnny then proceeded to politics and served for the Red Valley, Cove, Mitten Rock and Shiprock community. He served as a Council delegate for Red Valley Chapter from 1999-2003 and 2017-2021; Red Valley Chapter president from 2003-2005; Northern Navajo Medical Center Health Board member; and member of the San Juan Water Users District.

Inheriting his family’s commitment to land and livestock, Johnny was an avid rancher in Mitten Rock and Salt Creek. He also farmed 36 acres of land in Shiprock.

Johnny is survived by his wife of 63 years, Grace N. Begay; daughter, Dr. Jonnye Kaibah Begay; sibling, Annie C. Begay; and six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Johnny is preceded in death by his sons, Llewellyn and Shanahan Begay; siblings, Tommy C. Begay and Betty Lameman; parents, Alice C. Begay and Joe C. Begay; grandparents, Virginia and Lee Tome; and uncles, Marshall Tome, Harry Tome and Kenneth Benally.

Herbert B. Yellowhair

GALLUP — Funeral services for Herbert Begay Yellowhair, 81, of Piñon, Arizona, will be held today, Jan. 11, at 10 a.m., at the Rollie Mortuary Chapel in Gallup. Burial will follow in Pine Springs, Arizona.

Herbert was born Feb. 19, 1942, in Piñon, into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tł’ízí lání (Many Goats Clan). He passed away Jan. 3, 2024, in Albuquerque.

Herbert attended Brigham High School in Brigham, Utah, and worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs Roads Department and Navajo Engineering and Construction Authority.

Herbert enjoyed traveling and loved his sheep. He was also a Native American Church member as a roadman.

Herbert is survived by his wife, Alice Begay Yellowhair; sons, Michael Begay, Seam Begay and Richardson Begay; daughters, Matilda A. Bia and Arlene Ersh Begay-Nez; brothers, Tywannie Begay, Archie Begay, Wallace Begay, and Woodie Y. Begay; sisters, Martha Gorman and Lucy Curley; and 18 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

Herbert is preceded in death by his son, Robbie T. Begay; mother, Pauline Old Gambler; father, Yellowhair Begay; aunt, Constance Begay; and stepson, Leander Frank.

Pallbearers will be Malcolm Attson, Brian Begay, Garrick Begay, Leroy Little, Talon Foster, and Nehemiah “Nemo” Williams.

Honorary pallbearers will be Tywannie Begay, Archie Begay and Wallace Begay.

A reception will take place at the Pine Springs residence following services.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Brent T. Brokeshoulder

GALLUP — Memorial service for Brent T. Brokeshoulder, 39, was held Jan. 8 at Cope Memorial with dinner at the Gallup Community Center. Interment followed Jan. 9 at the Santa Fe National Veterans Cemetery.

Brent was born in Anchorage, Alaska, and attended Fort Sill Sheridan Road Elementary School, Kennedy Middle School, graduating in 2004 from Gallup High School. He earned an associate degree in design and digital media from the University of New Mexico-Gallup campus.

Brent participated in Native dance and traveled to many states competing in powwow events in his category of Grass Dance and Chicken Dance. In 2001, he was the Head Young Man Dancer at the Gathering of Nations Powwow as part of their Head Staff.

In 2006, Brent participated in a Native dance group named the “Native Star Dance Team” bringing entertainment to the troops at nine combat bases in Iraq.

Brent was also a child actor having a speaking role in “Walker Texas Ranger” and earned recognition for Best Young Actor in a television series from the First American in the Arts program in Beverly Hills. He and his brother Randy appeared in “Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman” for three seasons. He also appeared in “On Deadly Ground” with Steven Seagal and in “Geronimo, the Legend” with Gene Hackman and Matt Damon.

As an artist, Brent was a Hopi traditional style carver and crafted Hopi katsina dolls. He earned many accolades making and selling his artwork. He showed at the Heard Museum, Santa Fe Indian Market, Eiteljorg Museum, and Gallup Ceremonial. He sold his art at Bahti Indian Arts, Nugget Gallery, Richardson’s Trading, and the Heard Museum Gift Shop.

Brent served our country as an Army medic and was stationed in Korea in the 2nd Infantry Division with 6th Bn-37th Field Artillery and at the Medical Readiness Battalion William Beaumont Medical Center at Fort Bliss, Texas. As an emergency room medic, he saved the lives of several retiree and dependents from traumatic episodes and supported many personnel in trauma incidents. He earned the rank of Specialist E4 and is forever known as a “soldier”.

Brent was a humorous, kind, patient, and an observant person who enjoyed all that he had met in his life.

Donations can be made to Lozano Funeral Home at 800-774-1467. Contact Randy for the GoFundMe site or Nick at 505-488-8035.

Thanks to all who called and made heartfelt expressions to the Brokeshoulder family.

Isaac J.D. Lee

WINDOW ROCK — Funeral services for Isaac James Dean Lee, 36, of Old Coalmine, Arizona, will be held Friday, Jan. 12, at 10 a.m., at the Window Rock Church of God with Pastor Jerry Tom officiating. Burial will follow at the family plot on Old Coalmine Road.

Isaac was born Aug. 2, 1987, in Gallup. He passed away Dec. 28, 2023, in Gallup.

Isaac graduated from high school and was pursuing a degree in computer technology. He worked as a security guard with El Mezquite Market in Albuquerque.

Isaac was an artist and muralist who enjoyed hiking, adventures, going to church, and listening to music.

Isaac is survived by his mother, Charlene Dean; brothers, Orlando Lee and Zachary Lee; sisters, Sheila Lee and Tanona Antone; and grandmother, Nellie Lee.

Isaac is preceded in death by his father, Bobby Lee Jr.; paternal grandfather, Bobby Lee Sr.; and Mary Dean and Calvin Dean Sr.

Pallbearers will be Orlando Lee, Zachary Lee, Ryan Phillips, Kevin Jim, Dalvin John, and Kevin John.

Honorary pallbearers will be Beau Dean, Darnell Dean and Calvin Dean Sr.

A reception will take place at the Window Rock Church of God following services.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Ernie E. Begay

LEUPP, Ariz. — Ernie Ernest Begay, of Leupp, Arizona, passed away peacefully on Jan. 6, 2024. He was born into the Tł’ízíłání (Many Goats Clan).

Ernie is survived by his children, Lyndia, Rena, Sheldon, Carmelita, Michael, and Rocella; siblings, Mary Lou Lewis and Robert Begay; and many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.

Greers Mortuary of Winslow is handling the arrangements. Donations can be made by calling Greers Mortuary or Zelle to Carmelita at 602-813-6425.

Sadie C. Hardy

GALLUP — Funeral services for Sadie C. Hardy, 97, of Wildcat Springs, New Mexico, were held Jan. 10 at the Family Church Assembly of God with James Bennett Jr. officiating. Interment followed at the Sunset Memorial Park.

Sadie was born April 10, 1926, in Tohatchi, New Mexico, into the Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan), born for Haltsooí (Meadow People Clan). She passed away Jan. 5, 2024, in Wildcat Springs, New Mexico.

Sadie worked at the Griswold Café, Motor Inn Restaurant, and Navajo Forest Product Industries, retiring from Gallup McKinley County Schools.

Sadie is survived by her daughters, Verna Brownhat, Janet Hardy, Debbie Clichee, Marjorie Kee, Beverly Hardy, Laura Chato, Geraldine Thompson, and Bernadine Hardy; sister, Ella Begay; and 36 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren.

Sadie is preceded in death by her husband, Tim D. Hardy; son, Timothy Hardy; daughters, Marilyn Hardy and Miriam Charles; parents, Nedebah and Jack Chato; brothers, Melvin Chato, Edgar Chato, Vincent Chato, and Everett Chato; and sisters, Mary Chato, Sally Johnny and Jeannette Thomas.

Pallbearers were Troy Tsosie, Orien Tsosie, O’Brien Williams, Blaine Arviso, Shane Hardy, Jacoby Thompson, Dominic Clichee, and Eddie Brownhat Jr.

Cope Memorial oversaw arrangements.

Ernest B. Chischilly

GALLUP — Funeral services for Ernest B. Chischilly, 68, of Sundance, New Mexico, were held Jan. 8 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Eddie Rodriguez officiating. Interment followed in Gallup.

Ernest was born April 11, 1955, in Church Rock, New Mexico, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Naakai dine’é (Mexican Clan). He passed away Jan. 1, 2024, in Albuquerque.

Ernest attended Shiprock High School, New Mexico State University, TVI, and earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of New Mexico.

Ernest retired from the Navajo Nation and enjoyed visits from his grandchildren and watching basketball and the NFL Las Vegas Raiders.

Ernest is survived by his wife, Helena Becenti; son, Brian Chischilly; brothers, Max Chischilly Jr., Melvin Chischilly and Marvin Chischilly; sisters, Maxine Chischilly, Della Chischilly, Laverne Sanchez, and Marnita Chischilly; and four grandchildren.

Ernest is preceded in death by his son, Brandon Chischilly; brother, Calvin Chischilly; parents, Margaret and Max Chischilly; and grandparents, Chischilly Nez and Ellen and Frank Collins.

Pallbearers were Brian Chischilly, Melvin Chischilly, Max Chischilly Jr., and Marvin Chischilly.

Honorary pallbearer was Logan Chischilly.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Anson R. John

KLAGETOH, Ariz. — Funeral services for Anson Robert John, 64, of Wide Ruins, Arizona, were held Jan. 9 in Klagetoh, Arizona. Interment followed in Klagetoh.

Anson was born Aug. 3, 1959, in Ganado, Arizona, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). He passed away Jan. 2, 2024, in Klagetoh.

Anson enjoyed roping and supporting his grandchildren.

Summit Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

Carnes D. Burson

RAMAH, N.M. — Funeral services for Carnes D. Burson, 81, of Ramah, New Mexico, will be held Friday, Jan. 12, at 11 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Ramah, with Bishop Austin Clawson officiating. Burial will follow the service.

Carnes was born May 14, 1942, in Fort Duchesne, Utah. He passed away Jan. 3, 2024, in Ramah.

Carnes earned a bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees in education from Northern Arizona University. He was also a postgraduate from Brigham Young University.

Carnes served in the Army from 1968-1972 and served an LDS mission with the Southwest Indian Mission. He worked for Eastern Arizona College as an American Indian counselor from 1976-1983 and was a teacher at Whiteriver High School in 1986, teacher and coach at Ramah Middle/High School from 1986-2009, and at Pine Hill High School from 2010-2011.

Carnes is remembered for his beautiful American Indian music, especially as co-author of “Go My Son”. He enjoyed music, particularly Native American, both contemporary and traditional. He also enjoyed sports and coaching basketball, volleyball, and track.

Carnes is survived by his wife, Linda L. (Neal) Burson; sons, Daniel Carnes Burson, Adam Neal Burson and Gabriel Kent Burson; daughter, Dawnee Lynn Burson; brother, Howard (Sherry) Mitchell; sisters, Arlene (Jack) Gardner and Carma (Tony) Gonzalez; and six grandchildren.

Carnes is preceded in death by his son, David Levi Burson.

A reception will take place at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Ramah following services.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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