Obituaries for January 22, 2026
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Donald R. Arviso
GALLUP – Funeral services for Donald Ray Arviso, 65, of Iyanbito, New Mexico, will be held Friday, Jan. 23, at 1:30 p.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Joe Davis officiating. Burial will follow at the family plot (north of Turtle Butte Circle) in Fort Wingate, New Mexico.
Donald Ray Arviso, Feb. 5, 1960 – Jan. 16, 2026
Donald was born Feb. 5, 1960, in Gallup, into the Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together Clan). His nálí is Naaneesht’ézhí Táchii’nii (Charcoal Streaked Division of the Red Running Into the Water); cheii is Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water). He passed away Jan. 16, 2026, at his home in Turtle Butte Circle.
Donald graduated from Gallup High School in 1978 and received an associate degree from the University of New Mexico-Gallup Branch. He also received his CDL certification.
Donald worked for Gallup McKinley County as a bus driver for 10 years and for Navajo Nation Claims as an investigator for 10 years.
Donald was a traditional herbalist who enjoyed attending traditional ceremonies, hiking, and was a bull rider in his early days and a jack-of-all-trades.
Donald is survived by his daughter, Celeste Yazzie; brother, Herman Arviso Jr.; sisters, Gertie White, Gloria Arviso and Geraldine Arviso; and five grandchildren.
Donald is preceded in death by his parents, Donna Murphy Arviso and Herman Arviso Sr.; brothers, Arnold Arviso and Dennis Arviso; and niece, Amanda Begay.
Pallbearers will be Tye Arviso, Raiff Arviso, Donovan Carlise, Wendall Murphy, Lional Hot and Sean Tyler Yazzie.
A reception will take place at the Iyanbito Chapter House following services.
Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
Jeffie B. Locket
FLAGSTAFF – Funeral services for Jeffie B. Locket will be held Saturday, Jan. 24, at 10 a.m., at the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (1601 N. San Francisco St.) in Flagstaff. Burial will follow at the Citizens Cemetery.
Jeffie B. Locket,
Viewing will take place Friday, Jan. 23, at Norvel Owens Mortuary (914 Route 66) in Flagstaff, from 4-6 p.m.
Jeffie went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Jan. 10, 2026, to begin her eternal journey.
Memories and condolences can be shared online at www.norvelowensmortuary.com.
Nellie T. Kurley
CORNFIELDS, Ariz. – Nellie T. Kurley, a beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and sister, passed away peacefully on Jan. 12, 2026, at the age of 103.
Nellie was born July 4, 1922, in Cornfields, Arizona, to De Has Bah and Tom Taliman, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Tséńjíkiní (Honey Combed Rock/Cliff Dwellers People Clan).
Nellie attended Cornfields Day School and continued her education at Albuquerque Indian School and Ganado Nursing School, where she pursued her calling in nursing.
After marrying Charles Kurley, Nellie devoted her life’s work to serving the Zuni community as a registered nurse and interpreter, touching countless lives through her compassion, dedication and care.
Following her retirement, Nellie and Charles returned to Cornfields where they built a peaceful life tending to livestock and staying closely connected to their family and community.
Beyond her service as a nurse and caregiver, Nellie had a lifelong love of sports, which she not only enjoyed herself, but passionately shared with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She could often be found cheering from the sidelines, encouraging each generation to compete with heart, discipline and confidence.
Nellie’s faith in the Lord was unwavering, and she lived it daily through her actions, her service and her love for others. She instilled these values of faith, perseverance and devotion deeply in her children and their children, leaving a legacy that will continue for generations.
Nellie’s life was defined by service, strength, faith and unconditional love. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
Nellie is survived by her children, Gloria Kurley, Winfred Kurley, Eddie Kurley, Stanley Kurley Sr., Floyd Kurley, Charlene West and Antoinette Begay; and 20 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.
Bernadine M. Cody
GALLUP – Funeral services for Bernadine Michelle Cody, 58, of Vanderwagen, New Mexico, were held Jan. 17 at the Grace Bible Church in Gallup, with Jerry Yonnie officiating. Interment followed in Vanderwagen.
Bernadine was born April 11, 1967, in Gallup, into the Dibéłzhíní (Black Sheep Clan), born for Hispanic. Her nálí is Hispanic; cheii is Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House). She passed away Jan. 11, 2026, in Flagstaff.
Bernadine graduated from Gallup High School in 1985 and from Haskell Indian Nations University in 1988. She was employed with the Gallup City Public Library and then with Zuni Dialysis, transferring to Zuni Pharmacy.
Bernadine also worked as a technician and Navajo interpreter. She was currently employed with Gallup-McKinley County Schools as a Navajo language teacher.
Bernadine enjoyed shopping and watching the Washington Commanders play. Her favorite animal was the bear. Her grandchildren were the highlight of her life.
Bernadine is survived by her husband, Joe Bennett Cody; sons, Joel Cody and Jonah Cody; daughter, Bethany Henry; father, Raymond Alonzo; sisters, Ramona Alonzo and Victoria Alonzo; and 12 grandchildren.
Bernadine is preceded in death by her mother, Effa Alonzo; brother, Erwin Alonzo Sr.; maternal grandparents, Hanasbah Skeets and Roger Skeets Sr.; and paternal grandparents, Juana and Aniceto Alonzo.
Pallbearers were Joel Cody, Jonah Cody, Josiah Cody, Nathaniel Cody, Taylor Jones, Deion Henry, Jaken Luckton and Erwin Alonzo Jr.
Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
Leanne Arnold
ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. – Funeral services for Leanne Arnold, 53, of Goat Springs, Arizona, were held Jan. 20 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints church in St. Michaels, Arizona, with Shelton officiating. Interment followed at the Samuel H. Damon family plot in Goat Springs.
Leanne was born Feb. 21, 1972, in Fort Defiance, into the Mą’ii Deeshgiizhnii (Coyote Pass Clan), born for Tsénahabiłnii (Sleep Rock People Clan). She passed away Jan. 13, 2026, in Santa Fe.
Leanne graduated from Window Rock High School and worked as a babysitter and had various other jobs. She enjoyed drawing, reading Stephen King books, planting and loved animals, especially puppies, cats and rabbits.
Leanne is survived by her sons, Alex Arnold, Albert Arnold, Quenton Arnold and Shelton Arnold; mother, Alberta Wauneka; brothers, Harold Owl, Jarvis Hoskie and Kevin Hoskie; and sister, Lajasta Wauneka.
Leanne is preceded in death by her father, Larry Davis Arnold; and brother, Craig Hoskie.
Honorary pallbearers were Shelton Arnold, Quenton Arnold, Alex Arnold, Albert Arnold and Jarvis Hoskie.
Green Meadows Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.
Charles S. Wauneka
ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. – Funeral services for Charles S. Wauneka, 74, of Goat Springs, Arizona, were held Jan. 20 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in St. Michaels, Arizona. Interment followed at the Samuel H. Damon family plot in Goat Springs.
Charles was born May 4, 1951, in Fort Defiance, into the Mą’ii Deeshgiizhnii (Coyote Pass-Jemez Clan), born for Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). He passed away Jan. 12, 2026, in Phoenix.
Charles is survived by his sons, Charleston Wauneka and Derek Wauneka; daughters, Heather Wauneka, Jennifer Wauneka-Begay and Vanessa Wauneka; sisters, Lorraine Nelson, Alice Damon-Wauneka and Alberta Wauneka; and 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Charles is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Margaret Wauneka.
Green Meadows Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.
Jonathan Vanwinkle
CHINLE – Funeral services for Jonathan Vanwinkle, 50, of Nazlini, Arizona, were held Jan. 17 at the Potter’s House in Chinle. Interment followed in Nazlini.
Jonathan was born July 3, 1975, in Fort Defiance, into the Deeshchii’nii (Start of the Red Streak People Clan), born for Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together Clan). He passed away Jan. 12, 2026, in Navajo, New Mexico.
Jonathan was employed as a mechanic and loved fishing, horseback riding, dogs and American muscle cars.
Jonathan is survived by his wife, Tanya Vanwinkle; sons, Timothy D. Yazzie, Jeremiah Vanwinkle and Owen Vanwinkle; mother, Tressia Dedman; sister, Priscilla Dedman; and 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Jonathan is preceded in death by Mary Vanwinkle, Jones Vanwinkle, Thelma Teller, Jerrold Teller, Jones Vanwinkle and Terri Dedman.
Pallbearers were Jeremiah Vanwinkle, Owen Vanwinkle, Timothy D. Yazzie, Seth Teller, Alvin and Robert Begay.
Honorary pallbearer was Luther Vanwinkle.
Green Meadows Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.
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