Obituaries for July 9, 2026
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Christine J. Dale
NASCHITTI, N.M. – Funeral services for Christine J. Dale, 77, of Farmington, will be held Friday, July 10, at 10 a.m., at the Naschitti Christian Reformed Church in Naschitti, New Mexico, with Pastor Carlos Baki officiating. Burial will follow at the Naschitti community cemetery.
Christine J. Dale, Nov. 30, 1948 – July 1, 2026
Christine was born Nov. 30, 1948, in Naschitti, into the Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Hashtł’ishnii (Mud Clan). She passed away July 1, 2026, in Farmington.
Christine attended Chilocco Indian School in Newkirk, Oklahoma, and was employed with the Crownpoint Community School Athletic Program for over 40 years. Since 1977, she served as an athletic specialist, coach, counselor, dorm assistant, administrator, transporter and certified volleyball referee. She retired in 2014.
Christine was a devoted Christian whose unwavering faith shaped every part of her life. She was known for her kindness, warmth and gentle spirit. She touched countless lives through her love, humor, and dedication to her family and the community.
Christine is survived by her husband, Arthur Dale Sr.; sons, Len, Cec, Jay, Mike, Wayne (John), Art Jr., Alfred, Albert, Marcus, Otis and Joshua (Dale); daughters, Henrietta (Mushy), Pauletta (Paula), Marietta (Baba), Fayetta (Rae) and Erika Dale; brother, Larry Jim Sr.; and sisters, Etta Sandoval, Della Alfred and Lucy Cly.
Christine is preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Linda Jim; brothers, Phillip Jim and Norman Jim; and sister, Lillie Jim.
A reception will take place at the Naschitti Chapter House following services.
Desert View Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.
John R. Willeto Jr.
ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. – Funeral services for John “Johnny” Robert Willeto Jr., 53, of Goatsprings, Arizona, were held July 7 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in St. Michaels, Arizona. He was laid to rest at the Willeto Family Cemetery at his beloved summit, where he grew up.
John “Johnny” Robert Willeto Jr., Oct. 19, 1972 – July 2, 2026.
Johnny was born Oct. 19, 1972, in Fort Defiance, to John Robert Willeto Sr. and Delphine Damon Willeto. He passed away July 2, 2026, in Fort Defiance.
Johnny served his community as chief administrative officer at Tséhootsooí Medical Center in Fort Defiance.
Johnny was a lifelong sheepherder who loved fishing, hunting, riding his motorcycle and exploring the backcountry in search of Bigfoot. He believed the fun was in the searching and every trip with him was a story worth retelling. For him, the adventure was in the getting lost.
Johnny is survived by his wife, Carol Joy Willeto; children, John Robert Willeto III, Jacinda Joy Willeto, Jeffrey Thomas Willeto and Jaiden Rose Willeto; grandchildren, Malakai Money, Azimuth Willeto, LuLu Willeto, Ruby Willeto and Judy Willeto; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends.
“Death ends our physical life but not our friendship. Our spirits will move on.” – Johnny Willeto.
Morgan Yazzie
WINSLOW, Ariz. – Funeral services for Morgan Yazzie, 63, of Dilkon, Arizona, were held July 8 at the Winslow Funeral Home with Melvin Tsosie officiating. He was laid to rest in Winslow.
Morgan was born Nov. 9, 1962, in Winslow, into the Naasht’ézhí dine’é/Tábąąhá (Zuni/Water’s Edge Clan), born for Nát’oh dine’e/Táchii’nii (Tobacco/Red Running Into the Water People Clan). His nálí is Tsé Deeshgiizhnii (Rock Gap); cheii is Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water). He passed away July 1, 2026, in Dilkon.
Morgan was employed at Cholla Power Plant and Sundt Road Construction as an electrician and for Carbell Construction and Taft Construction as a carpenter. He enjoyed drawing, spray art, rebuilding cars, and small construction projects.
Morgan is survived by his wife, Isabelle Pinto-Yazzie; son, Nathan Hanley; daughters, Christina Kinlacheeny, Melanie Arredondo and Meghan Yazzie; brothers, Lewis Yazzie and Teddy Yazzie; grandchildren, Ryan, Deshi, Sloane, Madison and Terry; and great-grandchildren, Callie, Ruston and Lilith.
Morgan is preceded in death by his parents, Jimmie and Daisy Yazzie; and brothers, Louie Alex Yazzie, Oliver David Yazzie, Roger Yazzie and Daniel Yazzie.
Pallbearers were Nathan Hanley, Alexander Arredondo, Dalton Pinto, Louis Chuyate, Carleton Begay and Charlton Begay.
Honorary pallbearers were Ryan Kinlacheeny, Lewis Yazzie and Teddy Yazzie.
Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow oversaw arrangements.
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Highway 264,
I-40, WB @ Winslow