Obituaries for January 2, 2025

Martin Link

GALLUP — A Celebration of Life for local historian, Martin Link, is Saturday, Jan. 4, at the St. Francis Parish Hall in Gallup, from 2-4 p.m.

Martin was born Sept. 26, 1934, in Madison, Wisconsin. He passed away Dec. 5, 2024, at his home in Gallup.

At the age of 12, Martin’s family moved to Brawley, California. Following graduation from Brawley High School, he attended the University of Arizona and majored in archeology and history.

After graduation, Martin took a job as a seasonal ranger-archaeologist at the Canyon de Chelly National Monument. For a time, he taught at St. Michael Indian School in St. Michaels, Arizona.

Martin’s career was interrupted by two years of military service. When his service time was completed, he returned to the Southwest and did field work for the Navajo Nation.

Subsequently, Martin became the first director of the Navajo Nation Museum and Zoo in Window Rock. During his years at the museum, he became active with the Navajo Code Talkers Association and was made an honorary code talker.

Concluding Martin’s term at Window Rock, he moved to Gallup and became the manager of Red Rock State Park. He also published and edited the Indian Trader, a publication devoted to Native American art.

In 1981, Martin was chairman of the Gallup Centennial. After leaving Red Rock Park, he taught for several years at the University of New Mexico-Gallup and Navajo Community College. His courses were well attended and known for their originality and student discussion.
Martin was active in the community and was a charter member of the Plateau Society, a group focused on the study of the Colorado Plateau, and the Gallup Historical Society, Sunrise Kiwanis Club, and Friends of the Celts.

Martin was also a member of the Historical Society of New Mexico, Kiwanis Club of Gallup, and Knights of Columbus.

Martin was a champion of historic preservation and was the chairman of the Old Fort Wingate Task Force, a group working to have the site of the old fort and former elementary school declared a national monument.

Martin found the time to write several books and articles. A few of his works are: “Navajo: A Century of Progress, Navajo Country Pioneers,” “New Mexico: Kicks On 66,” and the children’s book, “The Goat in the Rug.”

Martin is survived by his brother, Stephen.

Martin is preceded in death by his parents, Lucian and Lucille Link.

---

Jack Monroe

LEUPP, Ariz. — Funeral services for Jack Monroe, 82, of Leupp, Arizona, were held Dec. 27 in Leupp. Interment followed at the Desert View Cemetery.

Jack was born Oct. 5, 1942, in Tolani Lake, Arizona, into the Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan). He passed away Dec. 20, 2024, in Flagstaff.

Jack attended Winslow High School and enjoyed farming, reading the Bible, learning to write scriptures in Navajo, and visiting with his grandchildren.

Jack is survived by his significant other, Mary Bia; son, Darrell Monroe; sister, Darlene Monroe; and seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Jack is preceded in death by his son, Myron; siblings, Julius, James and Marjorie; and parents, Nancy and Perry Monroe.

Greer’s Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

---

Gail D. Chatto

RAMAH, N.M. — Funeral services for Gail Dezbah Chatto, 27, of Ramah, New Mexico, will be held today, Jan. 2, at 10 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ramah with Boyd Lewis officiating. Burial will follow at the Ramah cemetery.

Gail was born Feb. 24, 1997, in Gallup, into the Naaneesht’ézhi Táchii’nii (Charcoal Streaked Division of the Red Running Into the Water Clan), born for Dibéłzhíní (Black Sheep Clan). She passed away Dec. 19, 2024, in Pine Hill, New Mexico.

Gail attended school in Pine Hill and loved her classmates. She worked at the chapter house facilities.

Gail loved being a mother to her children, a wife to her husband, and being a sister, daughter, and best friend.

Gail is survived by her husband, Terrance Chatto; son, Moxley Chatto; daughter, Ally Chatto; father, Gary Eddie; brothers, Garrick Eddie, Marshall Begay and Garrison Eddie; sisters, Gladiola Eddie, Gerdaliah Eddie and Michelle Jefferson; and grandparents, Albert Eddie and Mitchie Eddie.

Gail is preceded in death by her mother, Anita Eriacho.

Pallbearers will be Garrison Eddie, Marshall Begay, Terrance Chatto, Clay Joe, Chance Joe, and Patrick Tom.

Honorary pallbearers will be Garrick Eddie, Gary Eddie, Toby Eriacho, Brandon Woody, Nate Jefferson, and Matthew Woody.

A reception will take place at the Ramah LDS Church following services.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

---

Taijzha W. Wilson

NAVAJO, N.M. — Funeral services for Taijzha Waleighla Wilson, 21, were held Dec. 26 at the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Navajo, New Mexico, with Pastor Tim Norton officiating. Interment followed in Wheatfields, Arizona.

Taijzha was born Nov. 6, 2003, in Fort Defiance, into the Tł’ááshchí’í (Red Bottom People Clan), born for ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan). She passed away Dec. 20, 2024, in Navajo.

Taijzha graduated from Wingate High School in 2020 and received an associate degree in automotive technology from the University of New Mexico in 2024.

Taijzha is survived by her boyfriend, Ashdon Sam; parents, Tanya Tso and Walter Wilson; and grandparents, Evelyn and Robert Tso, and Linda Williams.

Taijzha is preceded in death by her brother, Daniel Wilson.

Pallbearers were Fernando Sarracino, Laniden Bia, LeCaine Tso, Tyler Yazzie, Skylar Yazzie, Royce Billie, Andrew Desharme, and Tony Yazzie.

Honorary pallbearers were Walter Wilson, Ashdon Sam and Robert Tso.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

---