Obituaries for July 23, 2010

Betty Joann Russell

GALLUP — Graveside service for Betty Joann Russell, 77, of Houck, Arizona, will be held Friday, July 24, at 10 a.m. at the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Gallup, with Pastor David DuBois officiating. Betty was born Oct. 14, 1942, in Fort Defiance, into the Naasht’ézhí Táchii’nii (Zuni Clan/Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for Bit’ahnii (Under His Cover Clan).

She passed away June 29, 2020, in Albuquerque. Betty worked as a dishwasher in Show Low, Arizona, and Fort Courage, Arizona, and custodian at the Houck Chapter House.

Betty was a homemaker and prayer warrior who enjoyed beadwork, preaching, reading the Bible, cooking, traveling, spending time with her grandchildren, and most of all, her authentic genuine love she had for everyone.

Betty is survived by her son, Darty Russell of Houck; daughters, Mildred Russell of Houck, Pearl Russell of Gallup, Verlaine Russell-Sam of Houck, Verna Yepez of Gallup, and Sylvania Russell of Warm Springs, Oregon; brother, Edward Shirley of Klagetoh, Arizona; sister, Jennette Ashley of Houck; and 17 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Russell; mother, Mary Seeley; father, Isadore Burnside; and brother, Wilfred Six. A memorial reception will take place at a later date.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Willetta Nabahe

SHIPROCK — Willetta Nabahe was born May 28, 1985, to the late William Tso and Kerlena Tso. She was of the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for ‘Áshiihí (Salt People Clan). Her maternal clan was the Tl’ááshchí’í (Red Bottom) and paternal clan is Hashk’aa hadzohí (Yucca Fruit-Strung-Out-In-A-Line). Willetta was a longtime resident of Shiprock.

She completed her education at Northwest High school and received her cosmetology license at San Juan College. Willetta is survived by her sister, Willa Haceesa; and children, Matthias and Alesia Nabahe. Willetta was a loving daughter, sister, mother, niece, granddaughter, aunt, and friend to all of us. So many memories were made with her.

Her children are going to miss her cooking, her braiding their hair, her hugs and kisses. We’re all going to miss her one-of-a-kind sarcasm. Willetta loved helping with whatever needed to be done. She never said no to offer her assistance.

Her unexpected phone calls to just talk were great. She’d talk into a room full of people and make sure her presence was known. Her Tso humor (some were mean, but that was just her and only a few understand that kind of humor). Willetta’s bebop attitude will be missed (she made sure she was the last one standing or won any argument).

The list goes on about bebop … a lovely, beautiful, pretty, bold, strong lady will be extremely missed. Please keep Willetta’s children in prayers. If she touched your heart with her presence, take that as a lifetime gift of memories. God Bless.

Jerry P. Yazzie

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. — Graveside service for Jerry P. Yazzie, 90, of Hunters Point, Arizona, were held July 20 at the St. Michaels community cemetery in St. Michaels, Arizona, with Brother Daniel Gammill officiating. Jerry was born May 5, 1930, in Hunters Point, into the Dibélzhíní (Black Sheep Clan), born for Tl’ógí (Hairy Ones Clan).

He passed away July 14, 2020, in Albuquerque. Jerry graduated from Lamson Business College with a degree in accounting. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a sergeant and was employed with the U.S. Postal Service for 32 years. Jerry enjoyed hunting, camping, riding horses, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Jerry is survived by his sons, Jerry Yazzie Jr. and Jude Yazzie; daughters, Jeanette Yazzie and Josephine Ramos; brother, Thomas Yazzie; sisters, Melinda Peshlakai, Mary Yazzie and Juanita Sam; and eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Jerry is preceded in death by his wife, Jane Nelson Yazzie; daughter, Jennifer Yazzie; and parents, Annie Mose Yazza and Mose Yazzie. Pallbearers were Jerin Yazzie, Zane Ramos, Richie Ramos, Henry Dooline Jr., Johnny Bahe, and Nathan Sam.

Honorary pallbearers were Jerry Yazzie Jr., Jude Yazzie, Rudy Yazzie Jr., Eugene Nelson, and Rudy Yazzie Sr.

Summit Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Kendrick Tyrus Rafael

TORREON, N.M. — Graveside service for Kendrick Tyrus Rafael, 28, of Torreon, New Mexico, will be held Friday, July 24, at 10 a.m. at the Torreon Navajo Mission Cemetery with Lydell Rafael officiating. Kendrick was born Jan. 21, 1992, in Albuquerque, into the Kinlichíi’nii (Red House People Clan), born for Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle Clan).

He passed away July 10, 2020, in Albuquerque. Kendrick graduated from Cuba High School and was employed as a forklift operator at Friedman Recycling since 2015. Kendrick followed Lebron James’ NBA career and his favorite team was the New England Patriots.

He enjoyed going to concerts and loved his nephews, nieces, family, and friends. Kendrick is survived by his parents, Sadie and Kenneth Rafael; brothers, Craig and Kendall Rafael; sisters, Karennina Rafael and Karanishia Rafael; and maternal grandmother, Millie Cayaditto.

Kendrick is preceded in death by his aunts, Reva and Nellie Cayaditto and Sheila Castillo; maternal grandfather, Kee Wilson; and paternal grandparents, Juanita and Woody Rafael. Pallbearers will be Craig Rafael, Kendall Rafael, Dewayne Rafael, Greg Roe, Victor Castillo, BJ Trujillo, Brennon Chiquito, Trent, Joe Chavez, and Gerard Ramone.

Honorary pallbearers will be Kenneth Rafael, Carlito Thomas, Wayne Rafael, Lydell Rafael, Jaydin Yazzie, Jaystin Yazzie, Elijah Jake, Keenan Rafael, Kolton Rafael, and Emmerson Cayaditto.

Daniels Family Funeral Services-Alameda Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Dennis Anthony Calabrese

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. — On July 16, 2020, after a lifetime of dedicated service to his family, his community and his God, Dennis Anthony Calabrese, 77, of St. Michaels, Arizona, lost his battle with COVID-19 and was welcomed home by His Savior.

Dennis was the husband of Anne (Wilson) Calabrese with whom he celebrated 27 years of marriage in early July.

Dennis was born April 24, 1943, in Lorain, Ohio, to the late Joseph and Victoria (Thomas) Calabrese. Dennis graduated from Lorain High School, completed his bachelor’s degree at Cal State Northridge and earned his master’s degree from Northern Arizona State University.

A major turning point in Dennis’ life was his move to the Navajo Nation from California in 1974, where he served as a pastor and missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ for over 45 years. Dennis was also a devoted educator with a great love for his students and teaching.

As a teacher, he cared greatly for his students and positively impacted countless lives before retiring with over 35 years of service in the Window Rock Elementary School District.

Deeply loved by his family, Dennis was known for his beautiful tenor voice, excellent ping-pong skills, and tremendous kindness and mercy. He had a gentle word and a listening ear for all who knew him and was ever ready to drop one of his corny puns into the conversation.

Dennis is survived by his wife Anne; daughters, Kaila Calabrese of Albuquerque, and Kimberly Honda and husband Dean of Kamuela, Hawaii; son, Cameron Calabrese and wife Melanie of Chandler, Arizona; stepson, Ryan Wilson of Fort Defiance; sisters, Bonnie Smith and husband Isaac of Pinetop, Arizona, Cheryl Smith and husband Harry of Pinetop, and Candace Genaro and husband Peter of Huntersville, North Carolina; brother, Joel Calabrese and wife Edna of Ashland, Ohio; and seven grandchildren and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be made to: Eagle Wings Community Greenhouse c/o The Church of Jesus Christ, P.O. Box 916, Window Rock, AZ 86515, or online at https://app.easytithe.com/app/giving/eaglewings.

The Community Greenhouse is designed to provide high tech, high yield solutions to food insecurity issues on the Navajo Nation. Personal donations can be sent to P.O. Box 772, Window Rock, AZ 86515.

Please view and share memories of Dennis at https://denniscalabrese.lifeweb360.com/

Phillip Luna Jr.

CHILCHINBETO, Ariz. — Graveside service for Phillip Luna Jr., 62, of Kayenta, will be held Friday, July 24, at 10 a.m. at the family plot in Chilchinbeto, Arizona. Phillip was born Oct. 26, 1957, in Ganado, Arizona. He passed from this life on Friday, July 17, 2020, in Phoenix. Phillip is in the care of Desert View Funeral Home.

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