Obituaries for January 29, 2026
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Leita B. Pinto
WINDOW ROCK – Funeral services for Leita Brown Pinto, 91, of Window Rock, were held Jan. 27 at the Window Rock Christian Reform Church with Norman Chee officiating. Interment followed at the City of Gallup Cemetery.
Leita Brown Pinto, May 25, 1934 – Jan. 21, 2026
Leita was born May 25, 1934, in Tuba City, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). Her nálí is Bit’ahnii (Under His Cover); cheii is Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). She passed away Jan. 21, 2026, in Flagstaff.
Leita earned an associate degree from Navajo Community College and retired in 1997 from the Division of Social Services as a social worker II. She enjoyed hunting, camping, fishing and traveling.
Leita is survived by her sister, Cecelia Lopez.
Leita is preceded in death by her husband, Wilson Pinto; and son, Leander Pinto.
Pallbearers were Randy Jack Dahozy, Alvin Dahozy, Shaine DeGroat, Craig Marianito, Ben Dantouze, and Xander Mitchell.
Honorary pallbearers were Darin Lopez, Anthony Jake, Erdman Jake, Bob Tewksbury, Galen Pinto, Troy S. Yazzie, Lester Begay, Nelson Betoney, Zane Williams, Tony Davis, Marshall Arviso, Mike Martinez, Franklin Williams and Elroy Jake.
Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
Al M. Silver
TOHATCHI, N.M. – Funeral services for Al M. Silver, 87, will be held Saturday, Jan. 31, at 10 a.m., at the Tohatchi Christian Reformed Church with Stanley Jim officiating. Burial will follow at the Tohatchi community cemetery. Honor guard duties will be provided by the Tohatchi Veterans Organization.
Al M. Silver, March 10, 1938 – Jan. 21, 2026
Al was born March 10, 1938, in Tónízhóní, Arizona, to Hastiin Tónízhóní and Ethel Silverhatband. He passed away peacefully on Jan. 21, 2026, surrounded by his family at his home in Tohatchi.
Al dedicated 26 years of his life to working at the Pittsburg and Midway Coal Mining Company in Tse Bonito, New Mexico, providing for his family through years of hard work and dedication. He was an active member of the United Mine Workers of America and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with his fellow miners during several work strikes, including the 2000 strike, advocating for fair health care, overtime pay and guaranteed pensions.
A proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Al carried the values of service, strength, loyalty and sacrifice into his home and everyday life. He remained closely connected to fellow veterans through his involvement with the Tohatchi Veterans Organization, continuing a lifelong commitment to service and camaraderie.
As a faithful member of the Tohatchi Christian Reformed Church, Al’s faith in God was steady and sincere, and he lived that faith through his love, guidance, and faithful presence with his family and all who knew him.
Al is survived by his wife of 56 years, L. Dee Silver; daughters, Rachelle Silver-Tagaban (Brian Tagaban), Michelle Silver-Bighorse (Max Bighorse), Andrea Manuelito and Danielle L. Silver Thompson (Dyron C. Thompson); and six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren along with many other family and friends.
Al is preceded in death by his parents, Hastiin Tónízhóní and Ethel Silverhatband; sisters, Stella Redhair Begay and Lorraine Johnson; and brothers, Ben Silver, Lewis Silver, Roger Silver, Woody Silver and Leo Harrison.
Pallbearers will be Donyell T. Silverhatband, Aryton J. Tagaban, Kyrin Harrison, Dyron C. Thompson, Max Bighorse and Anthony Silver.
The family will receive relatives and friends at the Tohatchi Chapter House following services.
Darren D. Yazzie
GALLUP – Funeral services for Darren Darryl Yazzie, 58, of Nihodeeshgiizh, New Mexico, will be held Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 10 a.m., at the Rollie Mortuary in Gallup. Burial will follow at the family plot.
Darren Darryl Yazzie, March 16, 1967 – Jan. 24, 2026
Darren was born March 16, 1967, in Crownpoint, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). His nálí is Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together); cheii is Tł’ááshchí’í (Red Bottom People). He passed away Jan. 24, 2026, in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Darren attended Standing Rock Boarding School, Crownpoint Boarding School and Crownpoint High School. He was employed as a heavy equipment operator in Heyburn, Idaho, and enjoyed working on vehicles.
Darren is survived by his wife, Betty R. Yazzie; sons, Shawn and Steven Yazzie; daughters, Samatha and Sheyanna Yazzie; sisters, Bernice Begay, Gloria Largo, Dora, Deanna and Diane Yazzie; grandparents, Kee and Nellie Johnson, and Jim and Molly Yazzie; and one grandchild.
Darren is preceded in death by his parents, Dan and Evelyn Yazzie; brothers, Daniel, Danny, Dennis and Dan Jr.; and sisters, Darlene and Mavis Yazzie.
Pallbearers will be Shawn Yazzie, Steven Yazzie, and Jaydan Largo.
Honorary pallbearers will be Harry Johnson, Shawn Yazzie, Steven Yazzie, and Robert Yazzie.
A reception will take place at the Nihodeeshgiizh Chapter House following services.
Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
Benson James
ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. – Funeral services for Benson James, 68, of Ganado, Arizona, will be held Saturday, Jan. 31, at 10 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in St. Michaels, Arizona, with Ritchie Nez officiating. Burial will follow in Ganado.
Benson James, Feb. 26, 1957 – Jan. 25, 2026
Benson was born Feb. 26, 1957, in Ganado, into the Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan), born for Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan). His nálí is Tséńjíkiní (Honey Combed Rock/Cliff Dwellers People); cheii is Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge). He passed away Jan. 25, 2026, in Ganado.
Benson attended Ganado High School and Intermountain School. He was employed with Toyei Industries.
Benson was a well-known medicine man who loved family gatherings and singing traditional, peyote and George Jones songs. He loved his horses and dogs who he considered his faithful companions.
Benson is survived by his wife, Angelina Garrity; son, Michael Garrity Sr.; daughter, Rolanda Jean Barber; brothers, Alex and Vincent James; sisters, Blanche Slivers and Linda Cleveland; and 20 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Benson is preceded in death by his parents, Lillie and Billie James; and three siblings and three grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Alex James, Vincent James Sr., Mervin Slivers, Michael Garrity Sr., Patrick James and Nathan Nez.
Honorary pallbearers will be Tyrone Johnson, Gaege Upshaw, DeLattoya Barber, Nate Tom, and Aaron, Justin and Jarren Jymison.
A reception will take place at the Ganado Senior Center following services.
Green Meadows Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.
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