Obituaries for July 30, 2015

Florence Henry

SEAMA, N.M.– A wake for Florence Henry was held July 26 at Florence’s residence in Seama, N.M. Funeral services took place July 27 at the Laguna-Acoma Baptist Church with Jerry Yonnie officiating.

Florence was born in 1937 in Albuquerque, to Clara Encino and Walter Hardie, into the big Turkey and little Oak Clans. She is from the Pueblo of Laguna and lived in the village of Seama.

Florence had three sisters, Dorothy Yazzie, Ruth Remillard and Peggy Rose Jaehnig, all from the Pueblo of Laguna.

Florence was a loving mother, sister, aunt, friend, and neighbor to everyone she knew. She worked at Fort Wingate Boarding School and transferred to Chuska Boarding School, were she was employed there for 33 years and retired.

Florence is survived by her children, Cheryl Henry and Benjamin Henry III; grandchildren, Robyn, Tracy, Robert, and Krystle; and great-grandchildren, Isaiah, Isaac, Jacob, Iris, and Noah.

Max S. Perez Sr.

GALLUP – A celebration of life service for Max S. Perez Sr., 77, were held July 25 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Gallup. Interment followed at the Sunset Memorial Garden Cemetery.

Max was born June 8, 1938, in Concho, Ariz., to Rose Mazon and Pete Perez. He passed away July 17, 2015, in Gallup.

Max lived most of his life in Gallup. He was married to Amelia Perez until Jan. 27, 1996, when she passed away.

Max retired from what is now known as Western Refining Company, formerly Shell and Giant Industries. He was very well known for his energy, enthusiasm, generosity, and love for people. He was known for his famous barbecue and many stories.

Max is survived by his wife, Zoriada Perez; children, Max Perez Jr. and his wife Alice Perez of Gallup, Michael Perez of Gallup, Cecelia Kuykendall and her husband Howard of Cortez, Colo., and Theresa Silva and her husband Tony of Billings, Mont.; sister, Martha Perez of Gallup; Charles Perez of Sparks, Nev., and Johnny Mazon of Thoreau, N.M.; stepchildren, Kelvin Deluc, Pedro Miguel Concepcion, Steven Concepcion, and Brian Concepcion, all of Gallup; and 19 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

Max is preceded in death by his mother, Rose Mazon; first wife, Amelia Perez; and brothers, Juan Lopez, Isauro Lopez Jr., Michael Lopez, and Fernando Perez.

The family received friends and family at the Community Pantry in Gallup.

Blase Leonard

TSAILE, Ariz.– Funeral services for Blase Leonard, 67, of Lukachukai, Ariz., were held July 28 at the Tsaile Community Church with Everett Teller officiating. Interment followed at the St. Isabel Catholic Church burial site in Lukachukai.

Blase was born Jan. 22, 1948, in Lukachukai, into the Tó’aheedliinii (The Water Flow Together Clan), born for Tótsohnii (Big Water Clan). He died July 25, 2015, at the Flagstaff Medical Center.

Blase graduated from Chinle High School in 1969 and was employed at BHP Mine retiring as a road constructor. He enjoyed sightseeing, playing softball, watching the Dallas Cowboys play, camping, doing puzzles, and visiting his favorite place, Rico, Colo.

Blase is survived by his wife, Mae Marie Leonard; daughters, Valariet Stevens, Valdeena Leeth, Valarie Leonard, and Blair Leonard; brothers, Augustine Leonard, Nelson Leonard, Raymond Leonard, Leo Leonard Jr., Richard Leonard, and Leland G. Leonard; sisters, Nellie Teller, Leona Johnson, Priscilla Leonard, and Virginia Leonard; grandparents, Alice Ray and Ray Zithclanie; and three grandchildren.

Blase is preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Mary Leonard; brothers, Williford Leonard and Leland Lee Leonard; and sister, Virginia Hosteen.

Pallbearers were Andy Leonard, Evander Leonard, Amadeo Stevens, Aldee Hosteen, Jerren Leonard, and Alfonso Stevens.

Honorary pallbearers were Richard Leonard, Nelson Leonard, Auggie Leonard, Raymond Leonard, Leo Leonard Jr., Leland G. Leonard, Chance Wilson, and Teejay James.

Silver Creek Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Leonard John Watchman III

TOHLAKAI, N.M.– Graveside service for Leonard John Watchman III, 35, were held July 27 at the family burial site in Tohlakai, N.M.

Leonard was born April 15, 1980, in Gallup, into the Tl’izi lani (Many Goats Clan), born for Tódich’ii’nii (Bitter Water Clan). His nali is Tó’‡hani (Near the Water). He died July 17, 2015, in Churchrock, N.M.

Leonard attended Window Rock High School and Navajo Technical Institute. He was a lifetime rancher and enjoyed baking, cooking, silversmith work, hunting, fishing, and riding his dirt bike.

Leonard is survived by his father, Leonard John Watchman Jr.; sons, Kevin Watchman, Kenneth Watchman and John Hunter Watchman; daughter, Kaitlyn Watchman; sister, Teri Lynn Watchman; and brothers, Lorne Watchman, Ivan Watchman, Chris Watchman, and Tylen Watchman.

Leonard is preceded in death by his mother, Romana J. June-Watchman.

Pallbearers were Lorne Watchman, Ivan Watchman, Chris Watchman, Tylen Watchman, Randall Tabaha, and Dyron Thompson.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

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