Obituaries for January 4, 2024

Sue Martin Tsosie

PAGE, Ariz. — Funeral services for Sue Martin Tsosie, 104, of Kaibeto, Arizona, were held Dec. 28 at the LDS Church in Page, Arizona, with Bishop Ernie Whitehorse officiating. Interment followed at the Page cemetery.

Sue was born Oct. 15, 1919, to Frank Martin and her mother, commonly known by her Navajo name, “Nonabah bimá.” She was born into the Kinłichíi’nii (Red House People Clan) and Tł’ízíłání (Many Goats Clan), born for Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). Her maternal grandparents are Naakai dine’é (Mexican) and her paternal grandparents are Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge). She passed away Dec. 22, 2023, at the Beehive Homes of Page.

Sue was one of 17 siblings and had a traditional education. She was a shepherdess and assumed a role as a helper to the medicine man and was tasked with gathering the plants necessary to perform ceremonies.

At 14 years old, Sue married her husband, the late Shanks Tsosie Sr., with whom she shared 18 children. During this marriage, she transitioned into motherhood, taking on this new role as she did any other: with grace, strength, and determination.

As a mother, Sue experienced several hardships, including the unfortunate and untimely passing of children, the displacement of her children to boarding schools in distant parts of the reservation, and the passing of her husband in 1975. However, she remained resilient, strong-willed, and above all else, selfless in the service of her family.

Sue had a love for animals and the natural world around her. She possessed a deep understanding of the earth on which she lived, acquiring the ability to identify plants, their properties, and location, as well as their application. In this way, she became a valuable resource to those around her.

Ever the social butterfly, Sue enjoyed visiting regularly with her friends and loved ones, continuing to establish k’é as she connected with the staff who took great care in ensuring her health and happiness, making sure she was well-tended to through her final days and hours.

Sue is survived by her son, John Tsosie; daughters, Ada Lister, Ida Walker, Lori Mannie, Carole Croxton, and Brenda Harry; and 225-plus grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Wilson Lister Jr., Darrick Smith, Jonathan Tsosie, David Mannie, Matthew Croxton, Jordan Harry, and Trevor Burrows.

Honorary pallbearers were Wilson Lister Sr., John Tsosie, Randy Croxton, and Gordan Glazier.

Mosdell Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Dorothy Claw Bigman

GALLUP — Dorothy Claw Bigman, of Gallup, succumbed to ALS on Dec. 12, 2023, at the age of 89.

Dorothy was born Nov. 12, 1934, on the high plains between Tsaile and Many Farms, Arizona, to Clinton Claw and Tazbah Sally Owl. She was of the ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). She was the elder sibling to James Claw, Sam Claw, Alfred Claw, Dennis Claw, Tim Claw, and Guy Claw.

As a child, Dorothy started school in Many Farms. She would fondly recall her aunt Elizabeth gathering all her cousins and cooking a meal for them near the school.

Dorothy transferred to Riverside Indian School in California and later to Fort Sill Indian School where she graduated in May 1955. She worked for MaxFactor Cosmetics in California when she met her husband, Ross Bigman.

In 1956, Dorothy attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, until her marriage to Ross in October of 1957. Together they had four children, Vernon Bigman, Patricia Ramirez, Petrina Davis, and Colleen Bigman.

Dorothy started her career with the federal government as a clerk typist. She progressed to social worker aide and finally social worker. She endured the 638 transition of the Social Services Program to the Navajo Nation where she retired in 2001.

Dorothy had the heart of an artist. Numerous family members have quilts showcasing her work. She was an ardent painter, sculptor, photographer, and sports fan. She enjoyed watching the Olympics and felt personally responsible for Shaun White’s 2022 loss as she failed to offer Navajo prayer for his success.

Dorothy had seven grandchildren, Chloe Sanchez, Megan Ramirez, Bobbi Ramirez, Shelby Ramirez, Sophia Davis, Arica Lope, and Dakota Lope.

Dorothy and Ross alternated visits to each of her children’s households weekly to spend time with their family. They took their grandchildren on many long and exciting road trips. Her grandchildren loved her deeply and will miss hearing her voice and all the treasures hidden in her purse. Her grandchildren especially loved when she shouted “Ross! The kids are hungry!” on long car rides across the Southwest.

Dorothy was a kind person. She cared for strangers and wanted families to care for each other.

In lieu of sending her family prayers, cards, and condolences, perform an act of kindness for a stranger.

Dee Tsosie

GALLUP — A Celebration of Life for Dee Tsosie, 54, of Crystal, New Mexico, will be held Friday, Jan. 19, in Gallup.

Dee was born Jan. 19, 1969, in Ganado, Arizona, into the Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan), born for Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan). She passed away Dec. 22, 2023, in Albuquerque.

Dee graduated from Navajo Pine High School in 1987 and earned a degree at Heights Beauty College in Albuquerque. She was employed as a hairstylist in Albuquerque, Farmington, and Gallup.

Dee enjoyed going to concerts, listening to music, traveling, drawing, coloring, and spending time with her son and grandson.

Dee is survived by her son, Devin Tsosie; mother, Lillie Tsosie; brother, Ericson R. Tsosie; and grandson, Seth Tsosie.

Dee is preceded in death by her father, Edison R. Tsosie Sr.; and brothers, Edison R. Tsosie Jr. and Wilbert Rob Tsosie.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Daniel H. Yazza

FORT DEFIANCE — Funeral services for Daniel Harrison Yazza, 74, of Fort Defiance, will be held today, Jan. 4, at 9 a.m., at the Good Shepard Mission in Fort Defiance, with Rev. Leon Sampson and Rev. Cahon Cathlena Plummer officiating. Burial will follow at the Fort Defiance Veterans Cemetery.

Daniel was born Aug. 5, 1949, in Fort Defiance, into the Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Tł’ááshchí’í (Red Bottom People Clan). His nálí is Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People); cheii is Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together). He passed away Dec. 27, 2023, in Albuquerque.

Daniel attended Window Rock High School and earned an associate degree at the University of New Mexico. He also attended Northern Arizona University and Diné College.

Daniel served in the U.S. Air Force and was a Vietnam veteran. He served as commander of the Tséhootsooí Twin Warrior Society for over 10 years.

Daniel enjoyed veterans affairs and community service. He was an advocate for funding for VA programs and held various political positions with Fort Defiance Chapter.

Daniel is survived by his brother, Charles Yazza; and sisters, Charlotte Caytinento and Linda Little Elk.

Daniel is preceded in death by his parents, Peter C. Yazza and Hazel T. Yazza; and children, Danny and Donna Ray Yazza.

Pallbearers will be the Twin Warriors Color Guard.

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

Summit Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

Larry Plummer

GALLUP — Funeral services for Larry Plummer, 63, of Gallup, will be held Friday, Jan. 5, at 1:30 p.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Leon Sampson officiating. Burial will follow in Coalmine, New Mexico.

Larry was born Aug. 15, 1960, in Fort Defiance, into the ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). He passed away Dec. 28, 2023, in Flagstaff.

Larry graduated from Gallup High School and worked for Gallup McKinley County School for 23 years. He enjoyed traveling, cleaning around the house, and working on his car.

Larry is survived by his wife, Priscilla Yazzie; daughters, Rochelle Plummer and Michelle Plummer; and sisters, Annie Plummer and Marie Plummer.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Edith and Johnston Plummer.

Pallbearers will be Anthony Slim, Adrian Perez, Roman Perez, Bobby Sandoval, Elliot Sandoval, and Lamar Sandoval.

A reception will take place at the St. Mark Church in Coalmine following services.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Christine House

FORT DEFIANCE — Funeral services for Christine House, 73, of Fort Defiance, will be held Friday, Jan. 5, at 10 a.m., at the Good Shepard Mission in Fort Defiance, with Rev. Leon Sampson officiating. Burial will follow at the Fort Defiance community cemetery.

Christine was born April 25, 1950, in Fort Defiance, into the Mą’ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). She passed away Dec. 28, 2023, in Albuquerque.

Christine attended Window Rock High School and earned an associate degree in business from Diné College. She was employed with Indian Health Service in Window Rock for 40 years, retiring in 2011.

Christine enjoyed baking, weaving, making quilts, and was a beauty enthusiast as an Avon representative.

Christine is survived by her husband, Marty Jesus; sons, Darrell House and Marcus Jesus; daughters, Carol House and Christina House; parents, Eva and Eddie Dooline; sisters, Nellie Blackgoat, Virgie White and Elma Lewis; and seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Christine is preceded in death by her brothers, Edward Dooline, Henry Dooline, Richard Dooline, and Leo Dooline.

Pallbearers will be Roger Begay, Roderick Begay, Montero Dooline, Kintaro Dooline, Aldo Chavira, and Byron White.

Honorary pallbearers will be Martinez Jesus, Marcus Jesus, Darrell House, and Wacey Yellowhair.

A reception will take place at the Fort Defiance Chapter House following services from noon to 4 p.m.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Elmer B. Yazzie

GALLUP — Funeral services for Elmer Begay Yazzie, 63, of Greasewood, Arizona, will be held today, Jan. 4, at 10 a.m., at the Rollie Mortuary Chapel in Gallup, with Pastor Russell Aaron officiating. Burial will follow at the Greasewood community cemetery.

Elmer was born April 29, 1960, in Ganado, Arizona, into the Tsénjíkiní (Honey Combed Rock People Clan), born for Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan). He passed away Dec. 22, 2023, in Pine Hill, New Mexico.

Elmer graduated from Holbrook High School in 1979, Diné College in Tsaile, Arizona, and the University of New Mexico-Gallup Branch. He worked for the Navajo Nation in Window Rock and was currently employed with the Peacemaking Program as a traditional program specialist.

Elmer enjoyed watching football, boxing, reading, welding, fixing vehicles, and loved to work outdoors.

Elmer is survived by his wife, Brenda Lee Yazzie; son, Ellery Brent Yazzie; daughter, Merinda Stel Yazzie; mother, Stella B. Yazzie; brothers, Anin Yazzie and Burton Yazzie; and sisters, Grace Yazzie and Alberta Lee.

Elmer is preceded in death by his son, Emery Roscoe Yazzie.

Pallbearers will be Dempsey Harvey, Elphonso Curley, Nate Williams, Chris Yazzie, Tully Yazzie Jr., and Ralph Lee III.

Honorary pallbearers will be Garrett Begay and Darin Yazzie.

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

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Emery R. Yazzie

GALLUP — Funeral services for Emery R. Yazzie, 33, of Ramah, New Mexico, will be held today, Jan. 4, at 10 a.m., at the Rollie Mortuary Chapel in Gallup, with Pastor Russell Aaron officiating. Burial will follow at the Greasewood community cemetery in Greasewood, Arizona.

Emery was born Jan. 9, 1990, in Zuni, New Mexico, into the Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle Clan), born for Tsénjíkiní (Honey Combed Rock People Clan). He passed away Dec. 22, 2023, in Pine Hill, New Mexico.

Emery attended Pine Hill High School, Youth Challenge Academy in Roswell, New Mexico, and Diné College in Tsaile, Arizona. He was employed as a painter for Blueridge Services from February 2008 to March 2008.

Emery enjoyed collecting jerseys of famous artist rappers, collecting caps of teams, and writing rapping lyrics.

Emery is survived by his mother, Brenda Lee Yazzie; brother, Ellery Brent Yazzie; sister, Merinda Stel Yazzie; and grandparents, Esther M. Jose, Stella B. Yazzie and Kenneth Lee.

Emery is preceded in death by his father, Elmer Begay Yazzie.

Pallbearers will be Dempsey Harvey, Elphonso Curley, Nate Williams, Chris Yazzie, Tully Yazzie Jr., and Ralph Lee III.

Honorary pallbearers will be Garrett Begay and Darin Yazzie.

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

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Vincent L. Yazzie

SPRINGSTEAD, N.M. — Funeral services for Vincent Lee Yazzie, 62, of Springstead, New Mexico, were held Jan. 3 at the Happy Valley Gospel Church in Springstead, with Robert Arviso officiating. Interment followed in Springstead.

Vincent was born March 9, 1961, in Phoenix, into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Naakai dine’é (Mexican Clan). He passed away Dec. 28, 2023, in Albuquerque.

Vincent completed the 9th grade and was a Dallas Cowboys fan.

Vincent is survived by his wife, Sally Arviso; son, Eric Yazzie; daughters, Vanessa Etsitty, Veronica Yazzie, Erica Livingston, Shania Yazzie, and Eliza Yazzie; parents, Mary T. Yazzie and Lee K. Yazzie; sisters, Marylene Yazzie,

Linda Yazzie and Dorothy Yazzie; and six grandchildren.

Pallbearers were family members.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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