Obituaries for July 9, 2020

Bernie Leo Hastings

REHOBOTH, N.M. — Graveside service for Bernie Leo Hastings, 93, will be held Friday, July 31, at 2 p.m. at the Rehoboth cemetery in Rehoboth, New Mexico.

Bernie was born Oct. 26, 1926, in Mishongnovi Village in Second Mesa, Arizona. He passed away May 12, 2020, in Gallup.

Bernie worked various jobs throughout his life. He worked as a pastor, truck driver, mechanic, baker, and maintenance and construction worker.

Bernie enjoyed talking and being around his family. He had many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren that he loved dearly.

Bernie is survived by his sons, Ray Hastings of Shiprock, Durwin Hastings of Gallup, and William Hastings of Phoenix; daughters, Bertha Franco of Farmington, Diana Stigar of Crystal, New Mexico, Norma Nelson of Tse Bonito, New Mexico, Vera Murphy of Church Rock, New Mexico, and Esther Cometsevah of Gallup; brother, Willie Wallace Hyeoma; and 32 grandchildren, 60 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great-grandchildren.

Bernie is preceded in death by his infant daughter, Bernice Hastings; son, David Hastings; father, Hastings Humiwaitewa; mother, Edna Humiwaitewa; brothers, Calvin Hastings and Lucious Hyeoma; sisters, Alice Hilda Nahpi, Elva Haney Pena and Lydia Mansfield; and grandfather, Bruce Nuvanginewa.

Only 10 family members allowed during burial. Please wear a mask and follow all CDC guidelines and practice social distancing. The 10 members at the burial will be determined amongst the family.

A celebration of life will be determined at a later date.

Kathleen Wilson Ashley

KINLICHEE, Ariz. — Graveside service for Kathleen Wilson Ashley, 97, of Cross Canyon, Arizona, will be held Monday, July 13, at 10 a.m. at the Kinlichee community cemetery in Kinlichee, Arizona.

Kathleen was born Aug. 25, 1922, in Klagetoh, Arizona, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan). She passed away July 3, 2020, in Gallup.

Kathleen was a homemaker, rancher and caregiver. She enjoyed looking after her grandchildren, weaving rugs for her family, putting together puzzles, tending to her sheep, and spending time with family and friends.

Kathleen is survived by her sons, Edison Ashley, Herman Ashley and Bruce Ashley; daughters, Annita M. Ashley and Dorothey Ashley; and 16 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

Kathleen is preceded in death by her husband, DeSales Ashley; son, Clifford Ashley; and daughters, Katherine Ashley and Gloria Ashley.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Ashley, Leighton Ashley, Edison Ashley, Dylan Moreno, Lance Pinto, and Christopher Yazzie.

Honorary pallbearers will be Herman Ashley, Bruce Ashley and Bobby Clark.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Wilson Dahozy Jr.

GALLUP — Funeral services for Wilson Dahozy Jr., 70, of Fort Defiance, was held July 6 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Stanley Jim officiating. Interment followed in Fort Defiance.

Wilson was born Nov. 14, 1949, in Parker, Arizona, into the Hashk’aa hadzohí (Yucca Fruit-Strung-Out-In-A-Line Clan), born for ‘Áshiihí (Salt People Clan). He passed away June 30, 2020, at the St. Joseph Hospital in Phoenix.

Wilson graduated from Window Rock High School in 1970 and worked as a heavy equipment operator and a diesel truck driver for various companies: P&M Coal Mine, Kiewit Construction, Pulice Construction, and Granite Construction.

Wilson was a member of the Operator Engineers Union and worked throughout the state of Arizona. He was a member of several Indian rodeo associations, the PRCA and the USTRC. He excelled in the events of steer wrestling and team roping. He always had top of the line horses and traveled to rodeos all over the U.S. and Canada, and was so well known and respected.

Wilson is survived by his wife, Carol Jean McCabe-Dahozy; son, Roger Dahozy; daughter, Christina Dahozy; mother, Louva Dahozy; brother, Rodger Dahozy; sisters, Katherine Arviso, Eva Platero and Dina Wauneka; and seven grandchildren.

Wilson is preceded in death by his father, Wilson Dahozy Sr.

Pallbearers were Randy Schmallie, Wyatt Dahozy, Brooks Dahozy, Olin Arviso, and Duane Platero.

Honorary pallbearers were Rodger Dahozy, Hank McCabe, Damon Platero, Ben Bates, Norman Bates, Richard Bates, Karl Dennison, Delfred Begay, Wilbur Murphy, Mike Etsitty, Ken Whyte, Clinton Jim, Robbie Murphy, Sam Bird, Andrew Hunt, John Boyd Jr., Amos Monroe, Dale Little Soldier, Hank Blair, Timothy Murphy, and Willie Murphy.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Jason Michael Dahozy

GALLUP — Funeral services for Jason Michael Dahozy, 42, of Fort Defiance, will be held today, July 9, at 9 a.m. at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Stanley Jim officiating. Burial will follow in Fort Defiance.

Jason was born April 25, 1978, in Fort Defiance, into the Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for Hashk’aa hadzohí (Yucca Fruit-Strung-Out-In-A-Line Clan). He passed away June 23, 2020, at the St. Joseph Hospital in Phoenix.

Jason graduated from Window Rock High School in 1997 and completed course work at Mesa Community College, Fort Lewis College, Art Institute of Phoenix, and Phoenix Truck Driving Institute.

Jason enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp and served a two-year tour. He was stationed at the Marine Corp Air Station at Miramar, located in San Diego, California. He worked as a logistics officer.

Jason worked various jobs that included: Windshield Glass Sales for Safelite Auto Glass, Native Resource Solutions where he promoted LED light sales, and Uber and Lyft driver. He also worked for WAYMO, a self-driving technology company, and recently accepted a promotion with WAYMO and was preparing to move to Dallas, Texas, to begin the WAYMO diesel truck-driving program.

Jason loved music. He was a disc jockey and well known throughout the world as “DJ Wreck”. He was also a basketball coach for the NYS Program in Chandler, Arizona.

Jason is survived by his son, Tysaiah; daughters, Shauntea, Isabella and Sophia; parents, Wilson Dahozy Jr. and Carol Jean McCabe-Dahozy; brother, Roger Dahozy; sister, Christina Dahozy; and paternal grandmother, Louva Dahozy.

Jason is preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Wilson Dahozy Sr.; and maternal grandparents, Katherine McCabe and Johnathon Maurice McCabe.

Pallbearers will be Wilson Martinez, OJay Arviso, Jon McCabe, Henry McCabe, and Sean McCabe.

Honorary pallbearers will be Roger Dahozy, Burley Cole, JaiDee, and Jason (DJ Abel) Allison.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Russell Norman Wato

ZUNI, N.M. — Funeral mass for Russell Norman Wato, 80, were held July 3 at Saint Anthony’s Catholic Mission in Zuni, New Mexico. Interment followed in Zuni.

Russell was born Jan. 9, 1940, in Zuni. He passed away June 22, 2020, in Zuni.

Russell graduated from Zuni High School in 1959 and attended vocational training in California, becoming a certified welder. He worked on shipyards in San Pedro and Montebello, California.

Russell retired after 36 years of service as a gas operations superintendent with the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority in Fort Defiance. After retirement, he received his CDL and was a bus driver for Saint Anthony School, Firefighters Express, Inc., and Expeditors Fire Support Services.

Russell loved spending time with his family and watching sunsets with his wife of nearly 61 years. He enjoyed keeping busy in his shed, taking nature walks, listening to oldies, gardening, reading, and watching sports.

Russell is survived by his wife, Vivian E. Wato of Zuni; sons, Keith Wato of Tucson, and Michael Wato of Zuni; daughter, Karyn Wato of Gallup; and 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Russell is preceded in death by his mother, Blanche Watacelu; father, Ken Wato; sister, Martha Rose Wato; brother, Edison Wato Sr.; granddaughter, Robyn Kateri Wato; and great-grandchildren, Adrianna Renee Garcia and Toby Nava.

Honorary pallbearers were Cody Bennette, Kaitlyn Gishie, Megan and Madyson Wato, Gabriella and Isaiah Nuckols, Ciana and Rylee Berg, Izabella Garcia, Adrian Franco, Ayiana Nava, Julian and Kayla Baldenegro, and Ava Wato.

Cope Memorial was in charge of arrangements.

Kee Litsui

MONUMENT VALLEY, Ariz. — Graveside service for Kee Litsui, 82, of Monument Valley, Arizona, was held Wednesday, July 8, at 10 a.m. at the Monument Valley cemetery.

Kee was born in the spring of 1937, but was given Feb. 7, 1938, for an official date. He passed away June 30, 2020.

After retirement from Peabody Coal Company, Kee spent most of his time caring for his livestock. He enjoyed farming in Narrow Canyon, where he spent a lot of time in his childhood.

Kee also enjoyed reading his Bible, watching old western movies and watching football games every Sunday, especially the Dallas Cowboys.

Kee is survived by his wife, Ida, of 62 years; and eight children, 21 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and four siblings.

Kee is preceded in death by his mother, Anna Atene Litsuie; father, Tall Litsuie; and three children and 12 siblings.

Franklin Delano Nicholas

MESA, Ariz. — Funeral services for Franklin Delano Nicholas, 72, of Mesa, Arizona, will be held at a future date.

Franklin was born March 14, 1948, in Ontario, Canada. He passed away June 30, 2020, in Mesa.

Franklin worked as a machinist at Otis Elevators, Sundstrand, Benchmark, and most recently, Pump Pro.

Franklin liked to spend his spare time camping and fishing. He also liked making things out of wood and metal.

Franklin is survived by his wife, Cecelia Nicholas; sons, Richard Nicholas and Aaron Nicholas; daughter, Lucille Nicholas; and four grandchildren.

Franklin is preceded in death by his parents.

Angels Cremation and Burials is in charge of arrangements.

Elmer Tom

MARIANO LAKE, N.M. — Graveside service for Elmer Tom, 50, of Mariano Lake, New Mexico, will be held Tuesday, July 14, at 10 a.m. at the family plot in Mariano Lake, with Pastor Larry Peshlakai officiating.

Elmer was born Oct. 17, 1969, in Crownpoint, into the Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan)/Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for Biih bitoodnii (Deer Spring Clan). He passed away July 4, 2020, in Mariano Lake.

Elmer attended Magdalena High School in Magdalena, New Mexico, and Kicking Horse Job Corps in Montana, receiving a GED from the University of New Mexico-Gallup.

Elmer worked for the BIA Forestry Department, Navajo Fire Department, and Western Refinery as a security guard. He also made pottery and was a silversmith.

Elmer loved pets and enjoyed fishing, camping, being outdoors, and being with his family.

Elmer is survived by his son, Shawn-Shay Tom; daughters, Shawndané Tom and Reanna Sam; mother, Agnes Lee of Dilkon, Arizona; brothers, Leo Tom and Brandon Pete; and two grandchildren.

Elmer is preceded in death by his father, Sam Tom; brother, Leroy Tom; sisters, Freda Pete and Jennifer Tom; maternal grandparents, Alice B. and Joe Kee Charley; and paternal grandparents, Jennie and John Tom Sr.

Pallbearers will be Charley Tom Jr., Albert Chapo, Levi DeMarce, Alex DeMarce, Venard Martinez Jr., and Jerome Martinez.

Honorary pallbearers will be Chester Charley, Leo Tom and Shawn-Shay Tom.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Melvin Murphy

GALLUP — Funeral services for Melvin Murphy, 65, of Crownpoint, were held July 2 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup. Interment followed at Sunset Memorial Park in Gallup.

Melvin was born Dec. 24, 1954, into the Ts’ah yisk’idnii (Sage Brush Hill Clan), born for Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). His cheii is Tsenabahiłnii (Sleep Rock People), and his nalii’ is Tódích’íiʼnii (Bitter Water). He passed away June 19, 2020, in Crownpoint.

Melvin went to school in Crownpoint and attended Crownpoint High School where he was a gifted, star athlete. Eventually he became a husband and a father.

Melvin was a skilled carpenter and a master at woodwork. His skills as a musician were well known throughout the local country western music scene. He was happy playing honky tonk music and gospel tunes. He thoroughly enjoyed playing guitar and singing songs with his brothers Bobby, Nelson and Don, and his nephew Tim (The Outlaws). He was an original member of the Rockin Rebels Band and occasionally played with the Sundowners. His musical inspiration and idol was his late uncle, Ernest Murphy, of the Wingate Valley Boys.

Melvin loved to be with his grandchildren and family members. Starting as a young boy, he was taught to tend to the family sheep, horses, cows, and he helped to take care of and work the family cornfield.

Growing up, Melvin came up with a number of hobbies to do at home such as building innovative basketball goals and bucking barrels from scrap materials he found at home.

Melvin was a quiet, kind, and proud Navajo man. He was happiest when he was taking care of and providing for his family, children and grandchildren. He had many qualities and talents that he will be remembered by.

Melvin is survived by his wife, Bernice Murphy of Crownpoint; daughters, Shyna Pablo and Lana Murphy of Crownpoint; sisters, Loretta Ann Miller of Gallup, Lynda M. Lovejoy of Albuquerque, Vera Murphy, Rita Capitan, Valerie Murphy, and Tanya Tsosie, all of Crownpoint; brothers, William Murphy, Calvin Murphy, Donald Murphy, and Tyrone Tsosie, all of Crownpoint; and six grandchildren, three great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Melvin is preceded in death by his father, Tommy Murphy; mother, Grace A. Tsosie; stepfather, Edward Tsosie; grandparents, Mary Bah Arviso and Leo D. Arviso, Joe Tom Murphy, and Jean (Grandma Red) Murphy; and brothers, Bobby Murphy, Nelson Murphy and Raymond Murphy.

Pallbearers were Ethan Pablo, Jaden Murphy, Tyler Capitan, William Craig, Byron Murphy and Marvin Murphy.

Honorary pallbearers were Olsen Arviso Jr., Tommy Arviso Jr., Darrell Arviso, Art Arviso Jr., Elliott Murphy, Robbie Murphy, Casey Watchman, George Henry Jr., Henry Antonio, Wilson Zospah and Tim Shorty.

Funeral arrangements were provided by Rollie Mortuary.

Danny Blackgoat

FORT DEFIANCE — Graveside service for Danny Blackgoat, 81, of Old Coalmine, New Mexico, was held July 6 by Good Shepherd Mission at the Fort Defiance cemetery in Fort Defiance, with Rev. Cathlene Plummer officiating.

Danny was born July 22, 1938, in Fort Defiance, into the Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan), born for Tábaahá (Water’s Edge Clan). He passed away June 27, 2020, in Gallup.

Danny attended an off-reservation school and was a self-employed rancher, helping many family herd sheep.

Danny was skilled at shearing sheep and butchering. He was also a fan of Chuck Norris and Charles Bronson movies.

Danny is survived by his son, William Blackgoat of Hunters Point, Arizona; daughter, Josephine Harvey of Chinle; stepbrothers, Harry Tom, Jerry Tom, Nelson Tom, and Jimmy Tom; sisters, Nellie S. Blackgoat and Linda Harvey; stepsister, Laverne Jaramillo; and eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Danny is preceded in death by his parents, Isabelle and Tsosie Blackgoat; and son, Herman Blackgoat.

Pallbearers were Brian Lynch, Josephine Harvey, Verna Harvey, and Elton Harvey.

Honorary pallbearers were Nellie S. Blackgoat, Linda Harvey and William Blackgoat.

A reception will take place at a later date.

Tse Bonito Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Virgil Attson

STEAMBOAT, Ariz. — Graveside service for Virgil Attson, 56, of Steamboat, Arizona, was held July 3 at Hosteen Tsosie’s family plot with Rev. Nathan Noble officiating.

Virgil was born June 28, 1963, in Ganado, Arizona, into the Tsénjíkiní (Honey Combed Rock People Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). He passed away June 26, 2020, in Phoenix.

Virgil graduated from Window Rock High School and received a degree in automotive technology in Tucson. He was employed with the Navajo Nation Election Office as a voter registrar specialist, Apache County as a voter registrar specialist, bus driver with Ganado Unified School District, and mechanic for Dallas Area Rapid Transit in Dallas, Texas.

Virgil loved his children and family. He enjoyed restoring vehicles, ranch work with horses and visiting with neighbors. He loved the gospel and would share his testimony of the gospel with anyone.

Virgil is survived by his wife, Joann Yazzie; daughters, Virlonda Attson of Tsaile, Arizona, and Johanna Attson of Steamboat; mother, Genevieve Noble Attson; brothers, Irvin L. Attson of Ganado, Johnny F. Attson Jr. of Fort Defiance, and Timothy Attson of Steamboat; and sisters, Jennifer Attson of Navajo, New Mexico, and Dorothy Attson-White of Pinedale, New Mexico.

Virgil is preceded in death by his father, Leonard Sneddy; adopted father, Johnny F. Attson Sr.; sister, Joan Attson-Zungia; and grandparents, Francis Kee Noble and Dorothy T. Noble.

Pallbearers were Jones Begay, Corey L. Attson, Andrew Sahmie Jr., Nelton Begay, Harrison Yazzie, and Nelson Yazzie.

Honorary pallbearers were Irvin L. Attson, Johnny F. Attson Jr., and Andrew Sahmie Sr.

Summit Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

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