Obituaries for January 8, 2026

 

Harve Holiday

MONUMENT VALLEY, Utah – Graveside service for Harve Holiday, 70, of Trainrock, Utah, will be held Friday, Jan. 9, at 11 a.m., at the Monument Valley community cemetery.

Harve was born in Monument Valley, Utah, and raised in the Trainrock area. He was Tłízí Łáníi (Many Goats Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). His cheii was Nóóda’í diné’é Táchíi’nii (Ute Division of the Red Running Into the Water Clan), and his nálí was Bit’ahnii (Under His Cover Clan). He passed away Dec. 29, 2025, in Phoenix.

Harve attended Highland High School in Albuquerque, where he was a varsity athlete in cross-country and track and field. He later attended Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado.

Harve worked 35 years with the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority as an electrical engineer. He also worked as a Legislative district assistant for the Navajo Nation.

Harve was active in community and environmental advocacy and served as a board member of Diné Bikéyah, where he supported efforts to protect Bears Ears National Park.

Harve was an accomplished athlete throughout his life. He was a bull rider with the American Indian Rodeo Cowboys Association and Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association. He also enjoyed running and loved playing basketball, including competing in 60-and-over basketball tournaments.

Harve especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews participate in sports. Family members remember him as a mentor who encouraged young athletes and shared advice.

Harve is survived by his children, Crystal, Robin, Harvin, Brooke, Brennan, and Tyra; siblings, Esther, Anna, Jean Sandrea, David, Doug, Eddie and Bryon; and many grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family.

Harve is preceded in death by his parents, John Holiday Sr. and Lula Holiday; grandparents, Rachel and Bob Atene; and siblings, Albert, John Jr. and Derwin.

A reception will take place at the Tsébii’ndzisgaii Elementary School gym beginning at 1:30 p.m.

 

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Caroline J. Kee

GALLUP – Funeral services for Caroline Joe Kee, 80, of Sundance, New Mexico, will be held Friday, Jan. 9, at 10 a.m., at the Grace Bible Church in Gallup, with Pastor Tom White officiating. Burial will follow in Rehoboth, New Mexico.

Caroline was born July 7, 1945, in Sundance, into the Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). Her cheii is Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water). She passed away Jan. 3, 2026, in Gallup.

Caroline worked as a housekeeper at various hotels. She was also a silversmith, rug weaver, owner/operator of TC Grill and a member of the Flame of Fire Church.

Caroline enjoyed traveling, shopping, spending time with family and drinking coffee with her husband.

Caroline is survived by her husband, Tom Jerry Kee; son, Tom Larry Kee; daughters, Virginia Ben, Elsie Kee, Christine Etsitty, Theresa Sam, Karen Kee and Gerri Kee; sisters, Katherine Joann Tso, Ella Mae Joe and Betty Joe; and 36 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

Caroline is preceded in death by her parents, Verona Livingston and Frank Joe Sr.; and sister, Janet Joe.

Pallbearers will be Buck Etsitty, Buford Ben, Andy Ben, Tommy Kee, Jeremiah Kee and Joel Yazzie.

Honorary pallbearers will be Tom Larry Kee, Leslie Sam, Tee-Jay Jimenez, Evan Jimenez, Ty Castillo and Warren Sam.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

 

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Yazzie Johnson

GALLUP – Funeral services for Yazzie Johnson, 88, of China Springs, New Mexico, were held Jan. 7 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup. Interment followed in Gallup.

Yazzie was born Aug. 8, 1937, in China Springs, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Tł’ááshchí’í (Red Bottom People Clan). He passed away Dec. 30, 2025, in Albuquerque.

Yazzie worked for the mines and enjoyed working with his hands on furniture and vehicles.

Yazzie is survived by his sons, Melton Barney and Frederick Johnson; daughters, Vera Johnson and Kathleen Saavedra; and sister, Francis Johnson.

Yazzie is preceded in death by his wife, Fannie Johnson; brother, Kee Johnson; sisters, Jennie Thomas and Alice Hale; and grandson, Richard Johnson.

Pallbearers were Jayson Johnson, Michael Johnson, Frederick Johnson, Derrick Johnson, Richard Smith and Ronald Saavedra.

Honorary pallbearers were Melton Barney and Ernest Hale.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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