Obituaries for July 15, 2021

Julie H. Price

TUNNEL SPRINGS, Ariz. — Funeral service for Julie Harvey Price, of Tunnel Springs, Arizona, will be held today, July 15, at 10 a.m., at the Tunnel Springs Fellowship Center with Florence Barker officiating.

Julie was born Aug. 11, 1925, in Rabbit Brush, New Mexico, into the Hashtł’ishnii (Mud Clan), born for ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan). She passed away July 11, 2021, in Fort Defiance.

Julie is survived by her sister, Nellie H. Laughlin; nephews, Nelson Price and Julian Laughlin Sr.; niece, Julie Ann Clarke; and grandson, Wyatt Price.

Julie is preceded in death by Willis M. Price and Willard (Tex) Price.

Imogene Ruth Mitchell

RABBIT BRUSH, N.M. — Graveside service for Imogene Ruth Mitchell, 67, of Fort Defiance, was held July 14 at the family plot in Rabbit Brush, New Mexico, with Paula Henson officiating.

Imogene was born Nov. 5, 1953, in Fort Defiance, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan). She passed away July 7, 2021, in Fort Defiance.

Imogene attended Window Rock High School and was a Navajo Nation employee. She enjoyed cooking, sewing and writing.

Imogene is survived by her sons, Eric Mitchell and Dennis Mitchell Jr.; daughters, Michelle Lynn Mitchell and Melanie Mitchell; brothers, Walter Tulley and Anslem Tulley; sisters, Charlotte Tulley and Yolanda Jean Melvin; grandparents, Molly and Teddy Dawes; and eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Imogene is preceded in death by her husband, Dennis Mitchell Sr.; brother, Calvin Tulley; and parents, Eleanor Dawes and Keith Tulley.

Pallbearers were Eric Mitchell, Dennis Mitchell Jr., Dustin Melvin, Daryn Melvin, Leonard Lansing, Loren Begay, and Butler Seeley.

Summit Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Melvin Johnson

PAGE, Ariz. — Funeral services for Melvin Johnson, 54, will be held Friday, July 16, at 11 a.m., at the LDS Church (313 S. Lake Powell Blvd.) in Page, Arizona. Viewing will take place one hour prior to service at 10 a.m.

Melvin was born Feb. 12, 1967, in Page, to Max and Rose (Saganitso) Johnson. The beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, cousin, and friend got called home to be with the Lord unexpectedly on July 3, 2021.

Melvin grew up in Coppermine, Arizona, just south of Page, where he attended school. He graduated from Tuba City High School, where he excelled in running track and receiving many awards and medals.

After graduating high school, Melvin went to Salt Lake City, where he met Velma “Vel”. They got married and raised four children together as they kept traveling farther north and finally resided in Bountiful, Utah, where they continued to raise their family.

Melvin’s love of adventure was fulfilled as he traveled the country for work where he ended up in Phoenix, when he passed.

Melvin was always the one who could turn a silent room into a burst of laughter with just a few seconds. Anyone that met him has a funny story to tell about him. He was never without a Utes baseball cap or his cowboy hat on his head.

Mel was a lover of fishing, rock and roll, country music, rodeos, Utah Utes football, and his Kansas City Chiefs. He was completely overjoyed when they finally won the Super Bowl.

Mel was such a proud father and an even prouder cheíí (grandpa in Navajo). He would call his grandkids his little Chief’s fans. They all loved him immensely.

We will always remember Mel’s hilarious sense of humor, his smile, his laugher, and his ability to be able to fix absolutely anything. He was our handyman, sports coach, storyteller, teacher, adventure seeking, bull riding, and lord loving man.

Mel wouldn’t want anyone to be sad at his passing. When you think of him, celebrate all the good memories and laughter he would bring. He’s not gone, he’s gone fishing.

Mel is survived by his wife, Vel; children, Rafael (Vernell), Deann (Aaron), Melvena, and Mika (Beau); mother, Rose; siblings, Cecil, Calvin and Doreen; and 10 grandchildren (who called him Cheíí) and countless other family members and friends.

Mosdell Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Ben Thomas Jr.

GALLUP — Funeral services for Ben Thomas Jr., 66, of Tohatchi, New Mexico, will be held Friday, July 16, at 10 a.m., at the Rollie Mortuary Chapel in Gallup, with Ramone Yazzie officiating. A private burial will follow.

Ben was born Nov. 19, 1954, in Fort Defiance, into the ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan), born for Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). He passed away July 3, 2021, in Farmington.

Ben attended Tohatchi Boarding School, earning a diploma in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and attending the University of New Mexico. He worked for Navajo Nation Behavioral Health as a counselor, auto mechanic, and Sun West Bank as an accountant.

Ben was an avid reader and enjoyed fixing things such as vehicles, motorcycles, and radios.

Ben is survived by his brothers, Tony Tom and Conrad Thomas; and sisters, Kathy Standing Rock, Edith Whitecrow, Sandra Curley, Pearl Morgan, Charlotte Thomas, Jackie Thomas, and Alberta Bennett.

Ben is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Manuelito; father, Ben Thomas Sr.; sisters, Mary Ann Chewiwi, Julia Billiman and Brenda Thomas; and brothers, Bennie Thomas, Dave Thomas, Ernie Manuelito, Jerry Manuelito, and Elmer Manuelito.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Dean Paul James

LUKACHUKAI, Ariz. — Funeral services for Dean Paul James, 51, of Lukachukai, Arizona, will be held Friday, July 16, at 10 a.m., at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Lukachukai. Burial will follow at the Lukachukai cemetery.

Dean was born July 22, 1969, in Gallup, into the Dziłtł’ahnii (Mountain Cove Clan), born for Bit’ahnii (Under His Cover Clan). He passed away July 10, 2021, in Albuquerque.

Dean enjoyed traveling, concerts, hiking, camping, building bikes, teaching, and watching movies.

Dean is survived by his daughters, Natasha James and Gabriella James; brother, Patrick James of Round Rock, Arizona; and sister, Paula James of Round Rock.

Dean is preceded in death by his parents, Betty James and Paul Begay; maternal grandparents, Marietta and Sam James; and paternal grandparents, Helen and Walter Begay.

Summit Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Rashad Shylow John

GALLUP — Funeral services for Rashad Shylow John, 38, of Twin Lakes, New Mexico, were held July 14 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup. Interment followed at the family cemetery in Twin Lakes.

Rashad was born May 25, 1983, in Gallup, into the ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). He passed away July 2, 2021, in Albuquerque.

Rashad attended Tohatchi High School and worked for Wal-Mart, pipefitter in Redlands, California, Cheii Transport, and was a self-employed artist.

Rashad enjoyed traveling, listening to music, watching YouTube videos, painting, and astronomy.

Rashad is survived by his sons, Gavin, Daimien and Tristin John; brothers, Olsen and Ryan John; and sisters, Rosalie Redgun, Julianna, Clarapita, and Natasha John.

Rashad is preceded in death by his parents, Lucy and Jimmy John; sisters, Francine and Vivian; brothers, Arliss, Edward and Jaymi John; and grandparents, Lupita and Edward King, and Clara and Peter John.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

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