Obituaries for July 25, 2024

Bernard Sorrell Sr.

GALLUP — Funeral services for Bernard Sorrell Sr., 92, of Yahtahey, New Mexico, will be held today, July 25, at 10 a.m., at the Rollie Mortuary Chapel in Gallup, with Pastor Kenneth Hielkemo officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Gallup.

Bernard was born in Round Rock, Arizona, into the Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together Clan), born for ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan). He passed away July 12, 2024, in Yahtahey.

Bernard attended Morenci High School in Morenci, Arizona, and retired from PNM Coal Mine as a dragline operator. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Bernard is survived by his sons, Mike Sorrell, Tim Sorrell and David Price; daughters, Sherilyn Whitman, Annette Flores and Valencia Ruschmeier; brothers, Justin Sorrelman and Joe Sorrelman; sister, Mary Morgan; and 19 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Bernard is preceded in death by his wife, Annabelle Sorrell; sons, Stanley Price and Bernard Sorrell Jr.; brothers, David Sorrell and Jerome Sorrelman; sisters, Ella Begay and Hilda Sorrelman; mother, Annie Sorrelman; father, Frank Sorrelman; and grandson, Anthony Sorrell.

Pallbearers will be Jeremy Sorrell, Isaiah Smith-Sorrell, Gabriel Sorrell, Joshua Sorrell, Zachary Sorrell, and Isaac Viclales.

Honorary pallbearers will be Mary Morgan, Justin Sorrelman, Joe Sorrelman, Mike Sorrell, Tim Sorrell, Sherilyn Whitman, and Annette Flores.

A reception will take place at the St. Francis Reception Hall in Gallup following services.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Sylvia A. Johnson

GANADO, Ariz. — Funeral services for Sylvia A. Johnson, 64, of Ganado, Arizona, will be held Saturday, July 27, at 10 a.m., at the Navajo Station Nazarene Church in Ganado. Burial will follow at the family cemetery in Ganado.

Sylvia was born April 17, 1960, in Fort Defiance. She passed away July 17, 2024, in Chinle.

Sylvia was raised and lived in Ganado, until she moved with her family to Flagstaff in early 1970. She graduated from Coconino High school in 1979 and worked for Indian Health Service for 30-plus years.

Sylvia enjoyed cooking for her family, camping, traveling, and spending time with her children and relatives. She also enjoyed sharing the word of God.

Sylvia is survived by her son, Warren Bluehouse of Ganado; daughter, Audrey Bluehouse of Arkansas; and siblings, Sheila Dickens and Brenda Watson, both of Phoenix, Marjane Johnson and Tim Watson, both of Flagstaff, and Barbara Johnson of Tempe, Arizona.

Sylvia is preceded in death by her brother, David Johnson; sister, Rose Ann Dickens; mother, Joan S. Dickens; father, Rev. Luke Kee Johnson; brothers, Luke Johnson Jr. and Darkmoon Cliffdweller; aunts, Marjorie Reyna, Genevieve Denisho of Window Rock, Rev. Annabelle Pino, Nettie Smith, Roberta Abe, and Ella Mae Silversmith; parents, John and Sarah Silversmith; and grandparents.

Memories and condolences can be shared with the family online at www.norvelowensmortuary.com.

Betty S. Yazzie

FORT DEFIANCE — Funeral services for Betty S. Yazzie, 86, of Fort Defiance, will be held Friday, July 26, at 10 a.m., at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Fort Defiance, with Father Pio officiating. Burial will follow at the Fort Defiance cemetery.

Betty was born May 12, 1938, in Fort Defiance, into the Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan). She passed away July 21, 2024, in Albuquerque.

Betty graduated from St. Michael Indian School in St. Michaels, Arizona, and worked for Indian Health Service for 46 years, retiring from the Fort Defiance Indian Hospital.

Betty loved puzzles, crossword puzzles, listening to oldies, and watching The Dallas Show and soap operas, Search for Tomorrow and the Young and the Restless.

Betty is survived by her sons, Sylvester, Jonathan and Jerold; daughters, Monica, Jennifer, Jacqueline, Jacinta, and Jerrilene; brothers, Larry, Armond, Elvis, and Lawrence; sisters, Elouise, Darlene, Edna, Sandra, and Marcella; and nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Victor Yazza and Mary Johnson; brothers, Jeff and Henry; sister, Marie; and uncle, Otto Stewart.

Pallbearers will be Kris, Mike W., Ralph, and Jordan.

Honorary pallbearer will be Jerold.

A reception will take place at the Fort Defiance Chapter House following services.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Vester S. Benally

LUKACHUKAI, Ariz. — Graveside service for Vester S. Benally, 37, of Lukachukai, Arizona, will be held Monday, July 29, at 1 p.m., in Lukachukai.

Vester was born March 13, 1987, in Chinle, into the Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). He passed away July 19, 2024, in Lukachukai.

Vester attended Wingate High School.

Vester is survived by his son, Eli Benally; daughters, Michelle Benally, Kierra Benally, Taneshia Benally, and Ceara Benally; mother, Loretta Benally; brothers, Silvester Allen Jr. and Syllivan Allen; and sisters, Twila Bahe, Shannon Allen and Sylvania Allen.

Vester is preceded in death by his father, Silvester Dan Allen Sr.; and brother, Shawn Benally.

Honorary pallbearers will be Rex Allen, Dan Allen, Gerald Allen, Silvester Allen Jr., and Ronald Sandavol.

A reception will take place at Dan Allen’s residence in Lukachukai following service.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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