Obituaries for July 11, 2024

Marjorie F. Teller

FORT DEFIANCE — Funeral services for Marjorie Faye Teller (Thompson), 81, will be held Saturday, July 13, at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament in Fort Defiance. Rosary begins at 9 a.m., followed by mass at 10 a.m.

Marjorie was born to Sarah and Fred Thompson Sr. She resided in Fort Defiance and Window Rock before relocating to Mesa, Arizona, in December 2021. She passed away June 1, 2024, in Mesa.

Marjorie graduated from Phoenix Indian School and attended Haskell Indian Nations School in Lawrence, Kansas. She worked as secretary to former Navajo Nation President Peter MacDonald Sr., Indian Health Service medical records, and retired from the Navajo Nation as an accountant.

Marjorie was quick with a joke and always left us smiling. She loved her family and will be greatly missed by all.

Marjorie is survived by her daughter, Vanessa Jackson; and 11 grandchildren.

Marjorie is preceded in death by her husband, Vernon “Dee” Teller; son, Virgil D. Teller; parents, Sarah and Fred Thompson; and two sisters and eight brothers.

A reception will take place in the Parish Hall following services.

Alberta A. Ashley

GALLUP — Funeral services for Alberta Ann Ashley, 69, of Gallup, were held July 8 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup. Interment followed at the Gallup City Cemetery.

Alberta was born Nov. 12, 1954, in Gallup, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan). She passed away July 2, 2024, in Gallup.

Alberta completed the 9th grade and was employed as a bus driver for McKinley County Schools. She also did beadwork and made jewelry.

Alberta enjoyed beadwork, going to the casino and playing games on her tablet.

Alberta is survived by her son, Lucas Tim Chee; daughters, Glorianna Chee, Cheryl Chee, Miranda Chee, Larissa Chee, and Vikki Chee; brothers, Mervin Ashley, Everett Ashley and Francis Wauneka Jr.; sisters, Gloria Ashley-Morgan and Sharon Ashley; and 32 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

Alberta is preceded in death by Tully Ashley, Mabel Wauneka, Timothy Chee, Patricia Joe, Lee T. Ashley, and Joann Chee.

Pallbearers were Francis Wauneka Jr., Fernando Dedman, Vincent Rye Lee, Skylar Lee, and Glorianna Chee.

Honorary pallbearers were Miranda Chee and Lucas Chee.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Kerwin M. Billy

TUBA CITY — A Celebration of Life for Kerwin Marcus Billy will take place Saturday, July 13, at 10 a.m. (DST) at the Assembly of God Church in Tuba City.

Kerwin was born June 23, 1960. He passed away July 2, 2024.

Kerwin wrestled and played football for Tuba City High School, graduating in 1978. After, he went on to pursue higher education at Northern Arizona University.

Kerwin worked for Navajo Telecommunications, Gila River Telecommunications, Dish Network, and DirecTV. His love for hunting, fishing, and the New York Yankees was well known with his family and friends.

Kerwin’s charm, smile, and laugh will be greatly missed. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and son.

Kerwin is survived by his wife, Michelle Billy; children, Beau Billy, Brittany Billy, Abel Billy, Jordan Fieldcamp, and Kiana Billy; siblings, Everett Billy, Deanne Price and Delaine Billy; and six grandchildren.

Kerwin is preceded in death by his parents, Irving and Cecelia Billy; and children, Kerwin Billy Jr. and Muriel Billy.

With heavy hearts we extend an invitation to all who knew and loved him to join us as we celebrate his life here on earth.

Valley Ridge Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Joanne B. Peshlakai

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. — Graveside service for Joanne Beverly Peshlakai, 66, of St. Michaels, Arizona, was held July 5.

Joanne was born April 7, 1958, in Fort Defiance, into the Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan). She passed away June 28, 2024, in Albuquerque.

Joanne attended Window Rock High School and the University of New Mexico. She worked as an operator for Navajo Communications, Arizona Native Democrat, Voters Coalition, and Northeast Registrar.

Joanne enjoyed farming, livestock, cooking, baking, Avon, Tupperware, and family gatherings.

Joanne is survived by her husband, Joseph Peshlakai; daughter, Guyanna Lynn Jim; and two grandchildren.

Joanne is preceded in death by her son, Jacoby Honahni; mother, Betty John; father, Billy John; and brother, Thompson John.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Danny Mann

KLAGETOH, Ariz. — Funeral services for Danny Mann, 75, of Klagetoh, Arizona, were held July 9 at St. Anne’s Mission in Klagetoh. Interment followed in Klagetoh.

Danny was born May 2, 1949, in Ganado, Arizona, into the Tó’áhaní (Near the Water Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). He passed away July 2, 2024, in Phoenix.

Danny graduated from Intermountain Indian School in Brigham City, Utah, and was employed as a welder, rancher and construction worker. He enjoyed riding horses and taking care of cattle.

Danny is survived by his brothers, Edison, Larry and Patrick; sisters, Katherine, Virginia and Betty; and six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Danny is preceded in death by his parents, Dan and Mary Mann; brother, sister, and three nephews.

Pallbearers were family members, relatives and friends.

Honorary pallbearers were Elson Begay and Gregory Mann.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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