Obituaries for January 15, 2026

 

Etta H. Thomas

THOREAU, N.M. – Funeral services for Etta House Thomas, 81, of Smith Lake, New Mexico, will be held Saturday, Jan. 17, at 10 a.m., at the Thoreau Church of God with Pastor Florence Barker officiating. Burial will follow in Smith Lake.

Etta was born Nov. 5, 1944, in Crownpoint, into the Tó Baazhní’ázhí (Two Who Came to the Water Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). Her nálí is Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House); cheii is Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). She passed away Jan. 3, 2026, in Albuquerque.

Etta was enrolled in a nursing program at a national college and worked with the Navajo Police Department, sheriff’s department, state police, Smith Lake Chapter as a secretary, and teacher at a boarding school.

Etta enjoyed going to church, reading, cooking, sewing and cleaning.

Etta is survived by her daughters, Tammy Thomas, Tina Thomas and Bridgette Etcitty; brothers, Martin L. House, Limbert Perry and Gilbert Perry; sisters, Mary G. House, Darris Tsinnie, Marie Talk, Doreen Perry, Gwendolyn Begay, Delores Perry, Annie Sorrell, Pauline Brooks, Mary Rose House and Dorothy House; and 10 grandchildren and two great-grandsons.

Etta is preceded in death by her mother, Lucy Lee Perry; father, Leo House Sr.; husband, James C. Thomas; and son, Seneca Perry.

Pallbearers will be Grant Etcitty, Jayston Platero, Lyle Etcitty, Andrew Perry, Franklin Martin, Fred Westmoreland and Tarikziod Essauti.

Honorary pallbearers will be Martin L. House, Limbert Perry, Lansford Perry, Gilbert Perry, Brian Etcitty, Mitchell Begay, James T. Etcitty, Garrett Etcitty, Robert Etcitty and Gary James.

A reception will take place at the Thoreau Church of God Fellowship Hall following services.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

 

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Lynn R. Anner-Bolieu

GALLUP – Funeral services for Lynn Roberta Anner-Bolieu, 85, of New York and Gallup, will be held Saturday, Jan. 17, at 11 a.m., at the Church of the Holy Spirit Episcopal (1334 S. Country Club Dr.) in Gallup, with Rev. Dr. Hilary Smith officiating.

Lynn was born Oct. 15, 1940, in New York. She passed away Jan. 9, 2026, in Gallup.

Lynn earned a bachelor’s degree in home economics/nutrition from Hunter College in New York, and a master’s degree in divinity from the Yale Divinity School in New Haven, Connecticut.

Lynn was also an ordained deacon at the Episcopal Church of Navajoland and worked as a coordinator for the Vermont and New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension, coordinator for the Catholic Charities Social Services, instructor for Diabetes Wellness Breastfeeding and substitute teacher for the Gallup schools.

Lynn enjoyed reading, crafts, being a swimming instructor and graduate advisor at Prescott College.

Lynn is survived by her son, Steve Bolieu of Vermont and New Mexico; parents, Marie and George Anner of New York and Sarasota, Florida; sister, Georgette Toeus of New York and Maryland; and beloved service dog, Elvis.
Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

 

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Tom Nelson Jr.

KINLICHEE, Ariz. – Graveside service for Tom Nelson Jr., 84, of Cross Canyon, Arizona, was held Jan. 13 at the Kinlichee community cemetery in Kinlichee, Arizona.

Tom was born April 28, 1941, in Ganado, Arizona, into the Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). He passed away Jan. 9, 2026, in Albuquerque.

Tom attended Ganado Mission and Baylor University. He was first employed with Navajo Tribal Utility Authority and then Navajo Nation Facilities Maintenance where he retired.

Tom’s hobby was being a car mechanic.

Tom is survived by his daughter, Sonia Nelson; sisters, Rosabell Goldtooth and Janet Martinez; and four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Tom is preceded in death by his wife, Vida Nelson; son, Boris Nelson; and parents, Tom and Agnes Nelson.

Pallbearers were Matthew Willie, Greg Sterosky, Caden Dawes, Dylan Dawes, Maddox Goldtooth and Jerry McCabe.

Honorary pallbearers were Reginald Brown, Sterling Nelson, Alfred David and Corbert Fournier.

 

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Kenneth E. Todakonzie Jr.

FORT DEFIANCE – Funeral services for Kenneth Ervin Todakonzie Jr., 67, of Fort Defiance, will be held Friday, Jan. 16, at 10 a.m., at the Assembly of God Family Church in Fort Defiance, with Pastor Arthur Moore officiating. Burial will follow at the Fort Defiance cemetery.

Kenneth was born Nov. 12, 1958, in Fort Defiance, into the Tséńjíkiní (Honey Combed Rock/Cliff Dwellers People Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). His nálí is Bit’ahnii (Under His Cover); cheii is Tł’ááshchí’í (Red Bottom People).

Kenneth graduated from Window Rock High School in 1976 and attended Northern Arizona University and the University of New Mexico, majoring in education. He worked for Navajo Tribal Utilities in Fort Defiance, and Navajo Nation Facility Maintenance.

Kenneth loved to read, listen to music and fix things that needed repair. And fishing, bike riding, hiking and spending time with family.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Patricia; sons, Tyler Todakonzie of Fort Defiance, and Santiago Todakonzie of Page, Arizona; mother, Barbara Todakonzie; and five grandchildren.

Kenneth is preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Todakonzie Sr.; sister, Patronella Todakonzie; brothers, Verdean, Lance, and Kevin Todakonzie; son, Frank Todakonzie; maternal grandparents, Howard and Margaret Taliwood; and paternal grandparents, Frank and Marian Todakonzie.

A reception will take place at the Family Life Center Church following services.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

 

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Herbert J. Touchine

GALLUP – Funeral services for Herbert Junior Touchine, 61, of Church Rock, New Mexico, were held Jan. 12 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Rob McIntosh officiating. Interment followed at the Sunset Memorial Cemetery.

Herbert was born Nov. 13, 1964, in Gallup, into the Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Naasht’ézhí (Zuni Clan). His nálí is Ts’ah yisk’idnii (Sage Brush Hill); cheii is Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House). He passed away Jan. 1, 2026, in Church Rock.

Herbert enjoyed reading, hiking, taking walks, helping people in the community, listening to music and attending church and bible study.

Herbert is survived by his sister, Laberta Largo.

Herbert is preceded in death by his mother, Martha Becenti; and father, George Touchine Jr.

Pallbearers were the honor guard and Anthony Marnito Sr.

Honorary pallbearers were Galfur Largo, Gary Largo Jr., Galvenson Largo, and Mikey Largo.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

 

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Oswood Nez

FORT DEFIANCE – Funeral services for Oswood “Ozzy” Nez, 60, of Fort Defiance, will be held Friday, Jan. 16, at 10 a.m., at The Family Church Assembly of God in Fort Defiance. Burial will follow at the Fort Defiance community cemetery.

Oswood was born July 11, 1965, in Fort Defiance, into the Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan), born for Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan). His nálí is Naakai dine’é (Mexican); cheii is Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People). He passed away Jan. 9, 2026, in Fort Defiance.

Oswood attended Window Rock High School and was employed as a wildland firefighter (Type 1). He loved to entertain. He enjoyed sports, motorcycles, music, lifting weights, traveling and serving others.

Oswood is survived by his sons, Anthony Nez, Vincent Nez and Dominic Nez; daughter, Maria Nez; brother, Alvin Nez Sr.; and sisters, Virginia Silversmith and Elta Nez.

Oswood is preceded in death by his parents, Jenny (Long) Nez and Leonard Nez Sr.; and Albert Nez, Ivan Alexander and Laraine Nez.

Pallbearers will be Anthony Nez, Vincent Nez, Cecil Henry, Alvin Nez Jr., Ryan Jake and Charbuneaux Alexander.

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

Green Meadows Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

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