Obituaries for July 3, 2025
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Betty A. Benally
WINDOW ROCK – Betty Ann Benally, 92, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2025, in Scottsdale, Arizona. She was born in Zuni, New Mexico, and resided in Window Rock, where she raised a family with the love of her life, Johnson D. Benally.
Betty Ann Benally, 92
A self-taught silversmith and rug weaver, Betty continued to create Navajo-style jewelry well into her later years. She passed knowledge of her craftsmanship on to her children and grandchildren.
Betty is survived by her children, Floyd Benally, Jennifer Benally, Geraldine Benally, Theresa Benally, Stanford Benally, Lydia Yazzie, Byron Yazzie, and Darrell Yazzie; sister, Etta Smiley; and 21 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Johnson D. Benally; children, Elliott Benally, Jacqueline Yazzie and Tyrone Benally; parents, Isabelle and Saybolt Yazzie; and brothers, Harrison Varner, Wilson Yazzie and Henry Yazzie.
A private burial will be held. Family and friends will gather for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, July 19.
Etta M. Yazzie
GALLUP – Funeral services for Etta M. Yazzie, 86, of Tohlakai, New Mexico, will be held today, July 3, at 1 p.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Evangelist Ted Etsitty officiating. Burial will follow in Tohlakai.
Etta M. Yazzie, July 15, 1938 – June 23, 2025
Etta was born July 15, 1938, in Tohlakai, into the Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Tł’ógí (Hairy Ones Clan). She passed away June 23, 2025, in Albuquerque.
Etta worked part-time and was a homemaker. She loved her animals, spending time with her family, attending revivals, cookouts with family, and attending her grandchildren’s sports events.
Etta is survived by her son, Victor Yazzie of Tohlakai; daughters, Matilda Yazzie, Elta Yazzie, Marian Yazzie, and Madeline Smith, all of Tohlakai, and Marline Shorty of Gallup; and 23 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.
Etta is preceded in death by her husband, Ben K. Yazzie; son, Vincent K. Yazzie; parents, Artoy and Addie Willie; and brothers, Albert Willie, Arthur Willie and Paul Willie.
Pallbearers will be Tyler Yazzie, Skylar Yazzie, Jerrod Hoskie, Sheniel Shorty, Vanessa Hoskie, and Althea Smith.
Honorary pallbearers will be Victor Yazzie, Raymond Shack and Willie Sherman.
A reception will take place at the Twin Lakes Chapter House, following services.
Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
Charles O. Lee
FORT DEFIANCE – Funeral services for Charles O. Lee, 86, of Fort Defiance, were held July 1 at the Navajo Bible Church in Fort Defiance, with Ted Etcitty officiating. Interment followed in Mountain View, New Mexico.
Charles O. Lee, June 15, 1939 – June 27, 2025
Charles was born June 15, 1939, in Fort Defiance, into the Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan). He passed away June 27, 2025, in Fort Defiance.
Charles graduated from high school and served in the U.S. Army. He attended college to become a certified engineering technician and studied structural engineering drafting and general engineering.
Charles was superintendent of Diné Bi Ghan Construction Inc., and owner and president of Tse’ Zhin Construction Inc. He enjoyed building, hunting, and spending time with his family.
Charles is survived by his sons, Anthony Lee and Anderson Lee; daughters, Charlene Lee and Theresa Lee; and 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Charles is preceded in death by his wife, Angeline Lee; mother, Mary Lee; father, John Lee; sisters, Barbara Lee, Della Lee and Fannie Lee; and brothers, Tom Lee and Paul Lee.
Pallbearers were Christopher Curley, Orren Lee, Hayden Howard, Sean Lee, and Justin Lee.
Honorary pallbearers were Anthony Lee and Anderson Lee.
Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
William S. Bald
TSE BONITO, N.M. – William “Bill” Samuel Bald, 88, of Tse Bonito, New Mexico, passed away June 23, 2025. He was born April 19, 1937, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
William “Bill” Samuel Bald, April 19, 1937 – June 23, 2025
Bill attended Prescott High School where he participated in the marching band. In the 1960s, he worked for Navajo Forest Products in Navajo, New Mexico, and owned Dirtwork and Gravel Business from 1975 to 2025.
Bill enjoyed doing classic truck restoration, camping, and water skiing with family.
Bill is survived by his wife of 69 years, Barbara Bald; son, Ken Bald of Tse Bonito; daughter, Carolyn Bald of Tse Bonito; maternal grandparents, Samuel Beam and Nannie Maddox; and paternal grandparents, William Bald and Nellie Horst.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Marie Bald; and sister, Jayne King.
Dennis W. Buckman Sr.
ALBUQUERQUE – Dennis Wayne Buckman Sr., 74, of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, passed away June 24, 2025, in Rio Rancho. He was born June 21, 1951, in Albuquerque.
Dennis Wayne Buckman Sr., June 21, 1951 – June 24, 2025
Dennis managed and owned stores in Farmington, Chinle, Monument Valley, Tó Hajiileehé, Pueblo Pintado, and more.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Brenda Buckman; children, Kimberly, Valerie and Dennis Jr.; sister, Jeanette Fenton; and seven grandchildren.
Jasper Long
BIRDSPRINGS, Ariz. – Funeral services for Jasper Long, 73, of Birdsprings, Arizona, will be held Saturday, July 5, at 11 a.m., at the Sky Light Ministry Church in Birdsprings, Arizona, with Lambert Curtis officiating. Burial will follow at the Birdsprings community cemetery.
Jasper Long, Aug. 17, 1951 – June 23, 2025
Jasper was born Aug. 17, 1951, in Birdsprings. He passed away June 23, 2025, in Flagstaff.
Jasper enjoyed singing, playing the guitar, writing gospel songs, and outdoor activities.
Jasper is survived by his sons, Joseph Long, Darrell Wayne, Bruce Long, Roland Long, and Eric Nez; daughters, Trina Rendon (Long), Maria Long and SueAnn Long; brothers, Raymond Long, Ernest Long and Anthony Long; sisters, Lydia Long, Helen Harlow and Eileene Long; and many grandchildren.
A reception will take place at the Shield of Faith Community Church (Indian Road 15, milepost 32) in Birdsprings, following services.
Greer’s Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
Jo A. McClanahan
LUKACHUKAI, Ariz. – Funeral services for Jo Ann McClanahan, 59, of Navajo, New Mexico, were held July 1 at the St. Isabel Catholic Church in Lukachukai, Arizona, with Father Joseph Hund officiating. Interment followed at the family plot in Black Rock, Arizona.
Jo was born May 30, 1966, in Fort Defiance, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan). Her nálí is Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People); cheii is Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House). She passed away June 25, 2025, in Gilbert, Arizona.
Jo received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Northern Arizona University and a master’s degree in education from Arizona State University. She was a teacher at Tsaile Public School for 18 years teaching first and second grade.
Jo loved teaching, cooking, watching the Price is Right and Wheel of Fortune, and spending time with her family.
Jo is survived by her husband, Stephen Litson; daughters, Stephanie Jo Litson, Stacey Jo Litson and Shelby Jo Litson; parents, Joey and Peggy McClanahan; brother, Jonathan McClanahan; sister, Joyce McClanahan; and granddaughter, Raylynn Lake.
Pallbearers were Arlin Billy, Lelon Craig Homer, Kevin Hardy, Kurt Bahe, Martin Benally, and Lyle Howell.
Honorary pallbearers were Jonathan McClanahan, Stephen Litson, Thomas Litson, Duane Yazzie, Stanford Litson, and Marvin Shorty.
Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
Highway 264,
I-40, WB @ Winslow