Obituaries for July 31, 2025
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Sharon A. Footracer-Shurley
GALLUP – Funeral services for Sharon A. Footracer-Shurley, 72, of Gallup, will be held Tuesday, Aug. 5, at 11 a.m., at the New Life Apostolic Church in Gallup, with Bruce Footracer officiating. Burial will follow at the Gallup Veterans Cemetery.
Sharon A. Footracer-Shurley, Jan. 21, 1953 – July 26, 2025
Sharon was born Jan. 21, 1953, in Gallup, into the Dibéłzhíní (Black Sheep Clan), born for Kinłichíi’nii (Red House People Clan). She passed away July 26, 2025, in Gallup.
Sharon received an associate degree and worked at Fire Rock Navajo Casino for 16-plus years, retiring in January 2025. She enjoyed baseball and football.
Sharon was active in sports with her grandchildren and was a Navajo Nation Band member for many years.
Sharon is survived by her daughter, Pharabe Littlecrow; brothers, Patrick Footracer and Bruce Footracer; and 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Sharon is preceded in death by her husband, Earl Shurley; son, John Toadlena; daughter, Deann Toadlena; mother, Carrie Ashley; and father, Patrick Footracer Sr.
Pallbearers will be Keanu Littlecrow, Justus Yazzie, Konner Littlecrow, John Patrick Toadlena, Marcus Toadlena, and Aiden Littlecrow.
Honorary pallbearers will be Carrie Toadlena, Asia Footracer, Hailey Footracer, Kayden Littlecrow, Emeril Livingston, Mackenzia Toadlena, and Abby Toadlena.
A reception will take place at the Saint Francis Reception Hall (212 W. Wilson), following services.
Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
Mary Ann Atencio
TORREON, N.M. – Graveside service for Mary Ann Atencio, 71, of Na’neelzhiin (Torreon), New Mexico, were held July 28 at the Torreon Navajo Mission.
Mary Ann Atencio, Feb. 3, 1954 – July 26, 2025
Mary Ann was born Feb. 3, 1954, in Torreon, into the Hashtł’ishnii (Mud Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). Her nálí is Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle); cheii is Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House). She passed away July 26, 2025, in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
Mary Ann graduated from Cuba High School in 1972 and attended the University of New Mexico and Navajo Community College. She was employed as a bus driver for the Indian Bus Line Company.
Mary Ann was a seamstress and silversmith who advocated for environmental justice.
Mary Ann is survived by her husband, Paul Atencio Sr.; parents, Mary Nez-Trujillo and Da’í Gilbert Nez Sr.; children, Paulette Atencio, Merle P. Atencio, Paul Atencio Jr., and Mario P. Atencio; siblings, Tracy Trujillo, Clifford Trujillo, Tulley Trujillo, Elmer Trujillo; grandfather, Mario Atencio; and two grandchildren.
Mary Ann is preceded in death by her father, Antonio Trujillo; and brother, Eddie Trujillo.
Pallbearers will be Vincent Largo, Erik Ignacio, Tynario Trujillo, Mervin Yazzie Jr., Terence Trujillo, and Brian Hoskie.
Honorary pallbearers will be Paul Atencio Sr., Merle Atencio, Paul Atencio Jr., Tracy Trujillo, Clifford Trujillo, Tulley Trujillo, and Elmer Trujillo.
Edward H. Shoulders
WILLITS, Calif. – Funeral services for Edward Homer Shoulders, 71, of Willits, California, will be held Friday, Aug. 1, at 10 a.m., in Willits. Burial will follow in Willits.
Edward Homer Shoulders, Nov. 25, 1953 – July 16, 2025
Edward was born Nov. 25, 1953. He passed away July 16, 2025, in Willits.
Edward graduated from Window Rock High School in 1972 and attended Yavapai College. He worked for Georgia Pacific and Metal FX.
Edward is survived by his children, Allen West and Evan Shoulders; brother, David Shoulders of Bend, Oregon; and eight grandchildren.
Edward is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Vay Shoulders.
Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Anderson Sr., Merle Anderson Sr., Michael Warren, Allen West Jr., Talon West, Raeden West, Trajen West, and Jase West.
Anker-Lucier Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
Sadie Woodie
GALLUP – Funeral services for Sadie Woodie, 78, of Little Water, New Mexico, will be held today, July 31, at 10 a.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Pastor Harry D. Largo officiating. Burial will follow in Little Water.
Sadie was born July 14, 1947, in Little Water, into the Tł’ógí (Weaver-Zia Clan), born for Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). She passed away July 24, 2025, in Standing Rock, New Mexico.
Sadie graduated from Gallup High School in 1968 and worked for JB Tanner as a silversmith. She also worked as a caretaker, quilt maker, and a shepherd.
Sadie enjoyed sewing, writing, traveling, playing bingo and board games, movies and shows, and listening to music.
Sadie is survived by her brothers, Alex Tom, Woody Ben Tom, James Tom, and Edison Woodie; and sisters, Louise Woody and Bernice Benally.
Sadie is preceded in death by her parents, Rita Woody and Little Tom; sisters, Bessie Enrico and Lillie Tom Woody; and brothers, Jones Tom, Samuel Tom, Samson Tom, and Bahe Tom.
Pallbearers will be Jesse James, James W. Tom, Jayson Tom, Justin Tom, Alex Tom, and Ashton Tom.
Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
Danny D. Yazzie
GALLUP – Funeral services for Danny Dan Yazzie, 52, of Nihodeeshgiizh, New Mexico, will be held Friday, Aug. 1, at 10 a.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Jonas High officiating. Burial will follow at the family plot in Nihodeeshgiizh.
Danny was born Dec. 11, 1972, in Crownpoint, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). His nálí is Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together); cheii is Tł’ááshchí’í (Red Bottom People). He passed away July 26, 2025, in Crownpoint.
Danny enjoyed fixing vehicles and spending time with his family.
Danny is survived by his brother, Darryl Yazzie of Nihodeeshgiizh; sisters, Bernice Begaye of Many Farms, Arizona, Gloria Largo, Diane Yazzie of Farmington, Mavis Yazzie of Nihodeeshgiizh, Deanna Yazzie, and Dora Largo of Crownpoint; and grandparents, Kee and Nallie Johnson of Standing Rock, New Mexico, and Jim and Molly Yazzie of Nihodeeshgiizh.
Danny is preceded in death by his parents, Dan and Evelyn Yazzie; sister, Darlene A. Yazzie; and brothers, Dennis Yazzie, Dan Yazzie Jr. and Daniel Yazzie.
Pallbearers will be Jerrickson Largo, Jaydan Largo, Shawn Yazzie, Steven Yazzie, Ronaldon Willie, and Wada Thompson.
Honorary pallbearer will be Darryl D. Yazzie.
A reception will take place at the Nihodeeshgiizh Chapter House following services.
McKay S. Spencer
CHINLE – Funeral services for McKay Sean Spencer, 21, of Chinle, will be held Saturday, Aug. 2, at 10 a.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints church in Chinle with Rudy Yellowhair Sr. officiating. Burial will follow in Chinle Valley, Arizona.
McKay was born Oct. 7, 2003, in Chinle, into the Bįįh bitoodnii (Deer Spring Clan), born for Tótsohnii (Big Water Clan). His nálí is Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People); cheii is Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water). He passed away July 26, 2025, in Chinle.
McKay attended Flagstaff High School and graduated from Chinle High School in 2022. He then attended Fort Lewis College.
McKay is survived by his parents, Erica Johnson and Zane Spencer; brothers, Mykiah Spencer, Brenden Johnson and Trent Johnson; sister, Nalani Spencer; maternal grandmother, Judy Tsosie; and paternal grandmother, Agatha Spencer.
McKay is preceded in death by his uncle, Matthew Anderson; and great-grandparents, Rena and Donald Tsosie.
Pallbearers will be Kyman Dashee, Kendrick James, Alejandro Gamero, Carlos Begay, and Donovan Harvey.
Honorary pallbearers will be Harrick Nez, Joshua Mitchell, Elijah Clark, and Christopher James.
A reception will take place at the Chinle LDS Church Culture Hall following services.
Green Meadows Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.
Highway 264,
I-40, WB @ Winslow