Obituaries for July 29, 2021

Laramie McSparron Jarvi

PRESCOTT, Ariz. — Funeral services for Laramie McSparron Jarvi, 87, of Chinle, will be held Friday, Oct. 1, at 10 a.m., at The First Congregational Church in Prescott, Arizona, with Pastor Jay officiating. Burial will follow at the Middle Verde Cemetery in Camp Verde, Arizona.

Laramie was born June 6, 1934, in Gallup. She passed away July 17, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Laramie was not part of a clan, but because her parents were so integrated into the community between 1919 and 1956, we feel that people will want to know our mother has passed who knew her parents and sister.

Laramie attended the University of Arizona earning a bachelor’s degree in education in 1956. In the early 1980s, she earned a dual master’s degree from Northern Arizona University in special education and school administration.

Laramie was employed as a preschool and kindergarten teacher until just after her 70th birthday.

Laramie’s primary interest was her five children. She was a 4-H leader, den mother, and school volunteer. She also spent many hours teaching Sunday School at the First Congregational Church.

Laramie is survived by her daughters, Katie Russell of California, and Amy (Weldon) Spangler of Minnesota; sons, Jim Cody (Lydia Williams) of California, David (Kathleen) Williams of Nevada, and Michael (Justine) Williams of Oregon; and eight grandchildren.

Laramie is preceded in death by her mother, Inja Constant McSparron (formerly of Thunderbird Ranch in Chinle); father, Leon Hugh (Cozy) McSparron; sister, Marion Vincenti (formerly of California); and husband, Charles E. Jarvi (formerly of Prescott).

A reception will take place at The First Congregational Church, following services.

Simple Cremations in Las Vegas, is in charge of arrangements.

Ken Yellowhair Sr.

TSE BONITO, N.M. — Funeral services for Ken Yellowhair Sr., 56, of Window Rock, were held July 26 at the Community Bible Church in Tse Bonito, New Mexico, with Rev. David Hilderman officiating. Interment followed at the Fort Defiance community cemetery.

Ken was born Jan. 20, 1965, in Fort Defiance, into the Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan). He passed away July 20, 2021, in Albuquerque.

Ken graduated from Window Rock High School and attended Tulsa Welding School. He worked for TLC Plumbing and Utility, and was a welder and Jack-of-all-trades.

Ken enjoyed spending time with family, listening to classic rock and country music, and watching UFC, NFL and NBA. His favorite teams were the Arizona Cardinals and Phoenix Suns.

Ken is survived by his wife, Lynette Yellowhair; sons, Victor Yellowhair, Kevin Yellowhair, Ken Yellowhair Jr., and Nicholas Yellowhair; daughters, Lynelle Yellowhair and Kaitlynn Yellowhair; father, Skeet Yellowhair Sr.; brothers, Boyd Skeet Yellowhair Jr. and Edward Yellowhair; sister, Leanne Yellowhair; and two grandchildren.

Ken is preceded in death by Shirley N. Yellowhair, Stephen Yellowhair (Sugar) and Brittany Yellowhair.

Pallbearers were Victor Yellowhair, Kevin Yellowhair, Ken Yellowhair Jr., Nicholas Yellowhair, Sheridan Yellowhair, and Kyl Boye Yellowhair.

Honorary pallbearers were “Boyd” Skeet Yellowhair Jr., “Wez” Ramondo Rico, Jason Fanene, William Archie, and Edward Yellowhair.

Silver Creek Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Willie Payne Montoya

OJO ENCINO, N.M. — Funeral services for Willie P. Montoya, 86, of Torreon, New Mexico, were held July 18 at the Eagle Springs Baptist Church in Ojo Encino, New Mexico. Interment followed at the Montoya family plot in Torreon.

Willie was born Nov. 28, 1938, in Torreon, to Polito and June Trujillo Montoya. He was of the Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). He passed away peacefully on July 11, 2021, in Albuquerque, with family members at his side.

Willie attended school in Chilocco, Oklahoma, in the late 1950s where he met Dorothy Reed Montoya of Klagetoh, Arizona. He retired after working 25 years for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Crownpoint, Klagetoh, Toyei, Arizona, and Dilkon, Arizona.

Willie received certificates from the Albuquerque School of Theology in Baptist history and polity, missions, evangelism and church planting; and a diploma in Christian ministry from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. He pastored the Eagle Springs Baptist Church in Ojo Encino, retiring several years ago.

Some of Willie’s hobbies were watching the Kansas City Chiefs, old western movies, making leather crafts for his siblings, and reading his bible.

Willie is survived by his sons, B. Alex Montoya of Klagetoh, Danny (Vivian) of Anchorage, Alaska, and Daniel of Torreon; daughters, Wylma June Montoya of Phoenix, P. June Montoya of Livingston, Texas, and Deborah Montoya Boyd (Garrison) of Glendale, Arizona; brother, Robert Q. Montoya (Shirley) of Shiprock; sister, Katie Walters (David) of Torreon; and 19 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Willie is preceded in death by his parents, Polito and June Trujillo Montoya; siblings, Joe Montoya Sr., Margeret Walters, Pauline Tsinijinnie, Kimsey Montoya Sr., Tommy Montoya, Santiago Ortiz Montoya, Richard Montoya Sr., and Isabelle Folsomito; and grandson, Levi Montoya.

Pallbearers were Lance Cpl. Martine Begay, Isaiah Montoya, Pfc. Zachary Montoya, Staff Sgt. Wayne A Begay, Sgt. Laman Arviso, and Garrison J. Boyd.

Honorary pallbearers were William Begay, Pvt. Chadwick Arviso, B. Alex Montoya, Santiago A. Montoya; and veterans, Nolan Montoya, Wyatt Arviso, Dan Montoya, Daniel Montoya, and Isaias Arturo Carranza.

Brenda Etsitty

GALLUP — Funeral services for Brenda Etsitty, 55, of Twin Lakes, New Mexico, will be held Saturday, July 31, at 10 a.m., at the Rollie Mortuary Palm Chapel in Gallup, with Darrell Yazzie officiating. Burial will follow in Gallup.

Brenda was born July 11, 1966, in Fort Defiance, into the Haltsooí (Meadow People Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). She passed away July 24, 2021, in Albuquerque.

Brenda attended Tohatchi High School and was employed with Thunderbird Jewelry as a silversmith. She loved traveling with her family to Silverton, Colorado, playing softball with various teams, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Brenda is survived by her daughter, Regina Yazzie; brother, Allison Etsitty; and two grandchildren.

Brenda is preceded in death by her mother, Norma Etsitty; and father, Edison Etsitty.

A drive-thru reception will take place at the Grace Navajo Baptist Church, following services.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Dave Halona

GALLUP — Funeral services for Dave Halona, 50, of Tohatchi, New Mexico, were held July 28 at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Gallup, with Father Dale officiating. Interment followed at the Tohatchi community cemetery.

Dave was born Oct. 12, 1970, in Gallup, into the Tsénjíkiní (Cliff Dwellers People Clan), born for Bit’ahnii (Under His Cover Clan). He passed away July 24, 2021, in Gallup.

Dave attended Tohatchi High School and was self-employed. He enjoyed playing bingo, shooting guns, playing pool, and looked forward to completing projects with his brother.

Dave is survived by his wife, Eugenia Allison; daughter, Erica Halona; father, David Halona; brother, Tyler Halona; and sisters, Jolene Halona and Jaclyn Halona.

Dave is preceded in death by his mother, Carol Halona; grandfather, Wallace Halona; and maternal grandparents, Grace and Jimmie Thompson.

Pallbearers were Steve Thomas, Kendrick Reed, Tyler Halona, Erron Tabaha, Shane Halona, and Trevor Vivian.

Honorary pallbearers were Erwin Allison, Marvin Allison, Shawn Mitchell, Ron Halona, David Halona, Dewayne Hanley, Dave Allison, and Lorenzo Delores.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Stanley Curtis Robbins (Sept. 26, 1953 — July 18, 2021)

DEER SPRINGS, Ariz. — Graveside service for Stanley Curtis Robbins, 67, of Fort Defiance, was held July 22 in Deer Springs, Arizona, with Father Blaine officiating.

Stanley was born Sept. 26, 1953, in Fort Defiance, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan). His cheii is Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People); nalí is Honágháahnii (One-walks-around). He passed away July 18, 2021, in Mesa, Arizona.

Stanley graduated from Window Rock High School in 1972. He was a cross-country runner and obtained many medals, as well as taking the Arizona State Track Champion title.

Stanley attended Diné College and served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He was employed as a purchasing agent at various locations within the Navajo Tribe and worked for the Northern Arizona VA Health Care System in Prescott, Arizona, where he worked in the prosthetics department helping fellow veterans. He retired two years ago after over 20 years of service.

Stanley enjoyed sweatlodges with friends, going to casinos and spending time with his family. He also co-founded the Prescott Powwow alongside his co-worker and friend, Robert Rice.

Stanley is survived by his companion, Veronica Begay; daughters, Janell M. Robbins, Monica Rose Robbins and Marlena C. Robbins; brothers, Bennie B. Robbins Jr. and Leonard Robbins; sisters, Victoria Birch, Marjorie Frame, Christine Hale, and Charlotte S. Damon; and two grandsons.

Stanley is preceded in death by his parents, Mary Ann and Bennie B. Robbins Sr.; brothers, Joey Robbins and Franklin Robbins; sisters, Virginia Jones and Myrtle Hickson; maternal grandparents, Onebah and John E. Watchman; paternal grandparents, Nellie and Benino Robbins; and niece, nephews and grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Dahveed Telles, Aaron Joe, Robert Rice, Eldon Jones, Daniel Damon III, and Treston Damon.

Honorary pallbearers were Leonard Robbins, Bennie B. Robbins Jr. and Daniel Damon Jr.

Summit Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Lydia Lynn James

HOUCK, Ariz. — Funeral services for Lydia Lynn James, 32, of Houck, Arizona, will be held Monday, Aug. 2, at 10 a.m., at the Good News Mission Church in Houck, with Eugene Chee officiating. Burial will follow at the Houck cemetery.

Lydia was born Aug. 3, 1988, in Gallup, into the Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan), born for Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). She passed away July 24, 2021, in Phoenix.

Lydia attended Valley High School and Apollo College for medical administrative assistant.

Lydia is survived by her mother, Linda James; brother, Brandon James; sister, Donna James; and grandmother, Vernie Nez.

Lydia is preceded in death by her father, Ernest James; and brother, Lance James.

Pallbearers will be Shane Ashley, Chris Cly, Garrison George, Michael Murphy, Derrick Nez, and Jeremia Nez.

A reception will take place at the Cly residence (rural community, No. 38) in Sanders, Arizona.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Nelbert Lee

JEDDITO, Ariz. — Graveside service for Nelbert Lee, 40, of Jeddito, Arizona, was held July 28 at the Jeddito community cemetery.

Nelbert was born July 1, 1981, in Gallup, into the Lók’aa’ dine’é (Reed People Clan), born for Tó baazhní’ázhí (Two Who Came To the Water Clan). He passed away July 1, 2021, in Albuquerque.

Nelbert enjoyed bull riding, riding horses and string art.

Nelbert is survived by his sons, Netavin Lee and Neldon Lee; daughter, Natalia Lee; brothers, Norbert Lee, Nathaniel Begay, Francisco John, and Orlando John; and nalí lady, Margaret Peterson.

Nelbert is preceded in death by his mother, Carol A. Begay; father, Ricky Lee; sister, Felicia Lee; and masaní, Mary Pete-Begay.

Pallbearers were Norbert Lee, Nathaniel Begay, Francisco John, Avelor Nachin, Evan Nachin, and Xavier Nachin.

Honorary pallbearers were Cory Jim, Caleb Jim and David Brown.

Silver Creek Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

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