Obituaries for January 9, 2025
Sheldon M. Silversmith
TSE BONITO, N.M. — Funeral services for Sheldon Matt Silversmith, 26, of Oak Springs, Arizona, were held Jan. 3 at the Silver Creek Mortuary in Tse Bonito, New Mexico, with Pastor Derrick Garcia officiating. Interment followed at the Fort Defiance cemetery.
Sheldon Matt Silversmith, Sept. 2, 1998 – Dec. 25, 2024
Sheldon was born Sept. 2, 1998, in Fort Defiance, into the Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan). He passed away Dec. 25, 2024, in Phoenix.
Sheldon graduated with honors from Window Rock High School in 2018 and worked for Freddy’s in Gallup, Lowes in Burnside, McDonald’s in Window Rock, and Amazon in Phoenix.
Sheldon was also a skin care and makeup artist wanting himself and others to look fabulous. He enjoyed arts and crafts, dancing, listening to music, fishing, and spending time with his mother, sisters, brother, and family.
Sheldon is survived by his partner, Eric Kanuho; mother, Sharona Silversmith; father, Matthew E. Curley; brothers, Matthias Curley and Hamilton Yazzie Jr.; sisters, Hailie Yazzie and Laney Yazzie; and grandparents, Della Silversmith, Bruce Houston and Winnefred Curley.
Sheldon is preceded in death by his cousin sister, Shaylee Beyal; aunts, Sharon Silversmith and Sheryl Silversmith; and grandfathers, Melvin W. Silversmith and Fred Etsitty.
Pallbearers were Hamilton Yazzie Jr., Everette Begay Jr., Randolph Beyal Jr., Eric Kanuho, Terrill Lee, Tero Lee, Nathan Etsitty, and Matthias Curley.
Honorary pallbearers were Matthew Curley, Sharona Silversmith, Elridge Etsitty, Jared Murphy, Hailie Yazzie, and Laney Yazzie.
Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
Winter M. Draper
CHINLE — Funeral services for Winter Marie Draper, 19, of Del Muerto, Arizona, will be held today, Jan. 9, at 10 a.m., at the Chinle Potter’s House. Burial will follow at the Del Muerto cemetery.
Winter Marie Draper, Jan. 12, 2005 – Dec. 30, 2024
Winter was born Jan. 12, 2005, in Chinle, into the ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan), born for Mą’ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass-Jemez Clan). Her maternal grandfather is Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together People). She passed away Dec. 30, 2024.
Winter graduated from Chinle High School in 2023 and was a student at Central New Mexico Community College. She was employed as a server at Golden Corral in Albuquerque.
Winter loved photography, attending concerts, shopping, creating art, and listening to music.
Winter is survived by her parents, Dinah Garcia and Terrice Draper; siblings, Tiara Draper and Mykal-Michelle Lee; and grandmother, Marlena Draper.
Winter is preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Rose Ben Shorty; and paternal great-grandmother, Marie Draper.
Pallbearers will be Kee Draper Jr., Jonathan Garcia, Lane Draper, Rydell Todacheenie, Johnny Roanhorse, Blaine Beno, and Reynolds Draper.
Honorary pallbearers will be Terrice Draper, Marvin Draper, Ryan Draper, and Anthony Garcia.
A reception will take place at the Del Muerto Presbyterian Church following services.
Green Meadows Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.
Renette E. Kanuho
TSE BONITO, N.M. — Memorial service for Renette Ebah Kanuho, 46, of Tsaile, Arizona, will be held today, Jan. 9, at 1 p.m., at the Silver Creek Mortuary Chapel in Tse Bonito, New Mexico.
Renette Ebah Kanuho, Dec. 20, 1978 – Jan. 5, 2025
Renette was born Dec. 20, 1978, into the Naakétł’áhí (Flat Foot People—Pima Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). She passed away Jan. 5, 2025.
Renette is survived by her husband, Clifford Kanuho Jr.; sons, Adriano Kanuho, Tyler Kanuho and Brent Kanuho; daughters, Cadence and Summer Kanuho; daughter-in-law, Joshawna; parents, Janet Clairmont and Donald Thompson; and three grandchildren.
Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
Mary C. Saunders
GALLUP — Funeral services for Mary C. Saunders, 88, of Bááháálí, New Mexico, were held Jan. 3 at The Lighthouse Church in Gallup, with Herbert Francisco officiating. Interment followed at the Gallup States Veterans Cemetery.
Mary was born Dec. 3, 1936, in Bááháálí, into the Naaneesht’ézhí Táchii’nii (Charcoal Streaked Division of the Red Running Into the Water Clan), born for Haltsooí (Meadow People Clan). She passed away Dec. 23, 2024, in Bááháálí.
Mary attended Riverside Indian School in Sherman, California. She worked as a field worker with family in Idaho, a maid for private homes and hotels, and a silversmith at Sunburst Handcrafts in Gallup.
Mary enjoyed quilting, singing in the choir, studying the bible, traveling with family, beadwork, and Word Search books.
Mary is survived by her daughters, Lorraine S. Adeky and Lucy Cayatineto, both of Bááháálí; sisters, Lillie J. Josley of Bááháálí, and Annie Chee of Gallup; and eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Saunders; parents, John and Bah Mike Copey; brothers, Bobby Copey, Harry Billie, Mark Begay, Willie Copey, Mark Spencer, and Johnny Copey; and sisters, Nellie C. Begay and Mamie Willie.
Pallbearers were Jason Herbert, Herman Copi, Jerimiah Copi, Darryl Thomas, Melvin Begay, and Eli Bodie.
Honorary pallbearers were Glenn Adeky Jr., Michael Cayatineto, Glenn Adeky III, Clint H. Adeky, Brian Baumgardner, Kelby Smith, and Dallas Padgett.
Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
Jannifer Tom
FORT DEFIANCE — Graveside service for Jannifer Tom, 40, of Fort Defiance, will be held Friday, Jan. 10, at 10 a.m., at the Fort Defiance community cemetery.
Jannifer was born Sept. 22, 1984, in Fort Defiance, into the Mą’ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass-Jemez Clan), born for Hashtł’ishnii (Mud Clan). She passed away Jan. 2, 2025, in Fort Defiance.
Jannifer is survived by her sons, Megule Jesus, Cordell Tsosie and Jeremy Wauneka; mother, Julia Ann Jesus; brothers, Ray Jesus, Joey Jesus and Raymond Jesus Jr.; and sister, Genevieve Wauneka.
Honorary pallbearers will be Ray Jesus, Joey Jesus and Raymond Jesus Jr.
A reception will take place at the Fort Defiance Chapter House following service.
Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
Tashina A. Charley
BLUE GAP, Ariz. — Funeral services for Tashina Ann Charley, 31, of Fishpoint, Arizona, is currently pending.
Tashina was born June 14, 1993, in Chinle, into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan). She passed away Jan. 5, 2025, in Mesa, Arizona.
Tashina attended Westwood High School in Mesa, and Carrington College for medical billing and coding. She did church volunteer services with St. Mary’s Food Bank and was church treasurer for Blue Gap Bible Ministries.
Tashina enjoyed cooking, drawing, and spending time with her children.
Tashina is survived by her son, D’Angelo Jayden Burbank; daughter, Samia Ann Diles; mother, Tammy Burbank; sisters, Martika Ashley Charley, Roshawnda Crystal Charley, Naomi Lynn Burbank, Jacy Charley, Cierra Charley, and Mia Charley; and grandparents, Tom and Annie Burbank, and Nelson and Ruby Charley.
Tashina is preceded in death by her father, Gerald Vann Charley.
Silver Creek Mortuary is taking care of arrangements.
Henry Deal
TOHATCHI, N.M. — Funeral services for Henry Deal, 78, of Crystal, New Mexico, will be held Monday, Jan. 13, at 9 a.m., at the St. Mary Catholic Church in Tohatchi, New Mexico, with Sister Marlene Kochert officiating. Burial will follow in Naschitti, New Mexico.
Henry was born June 7, 1946, in Naschitti, into the Tódík’ózhí (Salt Water Clan), born for Tó’áhaní (Near the Water Clan). He passed away Jan. 6, 2025, in Crystal.
Henry attended Wingate High School and worked for the Navajo Nation Rangers.
Henry is survived by his wife, Lorraine M. Deal; sons, Kendrick Deal, Patrick Deal, Roderick Deal, Elderick Deal, and Hendrick Deal; brothers, Robert Deal, Edward Deal, Wallace Deal, and Anderson Deal; sisters, Bertha Deal, Gloria Dennison, Mary J. Begay, Victoria Avery, and Lorenda Sam; and 10 grandchildren.
Henry is preceded in death by his mother, Annie Denetdeal; father, Wilbert Deal; and brother, Delbert Deal.
Pallbearers will be Patrick Deal, Andy Avery, Ardele Bitsilly, Nathan O’Brien, Ira Cody Avery, Rance Thompson, and Jayson Yazzie.
Honorary pallbearers will be Robert Deal, Edward Deal, Wallace Deal, Anderson Deal, Roderick Deal, Hendrick Deal, and Elderick Deal.
A reception will take place at the Naschitti Chapter House following services.
Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
Kenneth Leupp
GALLUP — Funeral services for Kenneth Leupp, 75, of Tohlakai, New Mexico, will be held Friday, Jan. 10, at 10 a.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup. Burial will follow in Tohlakai.
Kenneth was born Nov. 25, 1949, in Fort Defiance, into the Tódík’ózhí (Salt Water Clan), born for Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan). He passed away Dec. 28, 2024, in Tohlakai.
Kenneth is survived by his sisters, Marie D. Begay, Alice Martinez and Clara Damon.
Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Grace Leupp; brothers, David Leupp, Joe Leupp Sr., Robert Leupp, Richard Leupp, and Harrison Leupp; and sisters, Maggie Silago, Annie Leupp and Mary Tsosie.
Pallbearers will be Anthony Francis, Matthew Francis, Franklin Smith, Colen Yazzie, and Rashawn Yazzie.
Honorary pallbearers will be Thaddeus Tsosie and Russell Wahl.
A reception will take place at the Twin Lakes Chapter House following services.
Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
Wayne E. Youvella
GANADO, Ariz. — Graveside service for Wayne Earl Youvella, 64, of Woodsprings, Arizona, was held Jan. 2 at the Ganado community cemetery in Ganado, Arizona.
Wayne was born March 11, 1960, in Keams Canyon, Arizona, into the Naakai dine’é (Mexican Clan), born for Kiisaani (Hopi). He passed away Dec. 19, 2024, in Woodsprings.
Wayne graduated from Ganado High School and received an associate’s degree from Haskell Indian Nations University. He worked as a heavy machinery operator and mechanic.
Wayne is survived by his sons, Primeaux Youvella and Layne Youvella; daughter, Dedra Tsosie; brothers, Fred Youvella and Patrick Draper; sisters, Ardythe Youvella and Wilma Draper; and five grandchildren.
Wayne is preceded in death by his mother, Irene Shondee; father, Arnold Youvella Sr.; and brothers, Arnold Youvella Jr. and Henry Draper.
Pallbearers were Fred Youvella, Primeaux Youvella, Layne Youvella, Ryan Youvella, Sean Yazzie, and Cleveland McCabe.
Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
Robert John Sr.
GALLUP — Funeral services for Robert John Sr., 62, of Redrock, New Mexico, were held Jan. 8 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Pastor Sister Terry officiating. Interment followed at the Gallup City Cemetery.
Robert was born Nov. 12, 1962, in Gallup, into the Haltsooí (Meadow People Clan), born for Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). He passed away Dec. 29, 2024, in Gallup.
Robert worked at Rico Auto Complex and Red Rock Chapter House. He enjoyed fixing cars, listening to classic metal music, and fixing homes for his community.
Robert is survived by his sons, Robert John Jr. and Brian Johnson; daughters, Brandy John, Tiffany John, Robyn John, Delphine Johnson, Delphina Johnson, and Shannon Johnson; brother, Marty John; sister, Lisa Lee; and 14 grandchildren.
Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Woody John and Rose Ann Lee; grandparents, Buck and Helen Smith, and Frank and Bah John; and Calvin Smith and John Chee Smith.
Pallbearers were Andrew Martinez, Christopher Washington, Tyson Begay, Peter John, Alvin Lee, and Myron Martin.
Honorary pallbearers were Robert John Jr. and Brian Johnson.
Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
Daryle N. Begay
FLATROCK, Ariz. — Graveside service for Daryle N. Begay, 53, of Chinle, was held Jan. 4 at the family plot in Flatrock, Arizona, with Rudy Yellowhair Sr. officiating.
Daryle was born Jan. 8, 1971, in Santa Clara, California, into the Hashk’ąą hadzohí (Yucca Fruit-Strung-Out-In-A-Line Clan), born for Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan). His nalí is Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water); cheii is Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). He passed away Dec. 29, 2024, in Tempe, Arizona.
Daryle graduated from Many Farms Boarding School and ran the Cellular One business for six years in Chinle. He also loved his job in the floral arrangement business. His last job was a medical transport driver in Phoenix.
Daryle enjoyed electronics, speaker and sound systems, driving, fashion, music, riding bikes, taking walks, traveling, and sightseeing.
Daryle is survived by his brothers, Marcus Begay and Brian Begay; and sister, Michelle Krull.
Daryle is preceded in death by his father, Larry P. Begay.
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