Obituaries for June 10, 2021

Pauline Neutonla Tsingine

FLAGSTAFF — Graveside service for Pauline Neutonla Tsingine, 96, was held June 9 at the Flagstaff Citizen’s Cemetery, Veterans Section, with Associate Pastor Lawrence Tsingine officiating.

Pauline was born Jan. 23, 1925, in Hotevilla, Arizona. Her mother is from the Tobacco Clan and her father is from the Snake Clan. She passed away June 5, 2021, in Phoenix.

Pauline attended Oraibi Day School from first to eighth grade and continued her education at Santa Fe Indian School, graduating in 1945. After graduating, she briefly worked in California and later returned to Arizona to work at Flagstaff Medical Center in the food service department. While she worked there, she later met her future husband, Byron L. Tsingine.

Pauline also worked as a dorm attendant for the Bureau of Indian Affairs boarding schools at Leupp, Nazlini, Many Farms, and Kaibeto, Arizona. She enjoyed ranching, traditional Hopi duties, and supporting her eight children, 21 grandchildren and 19 great-great-grandchildren.

Byron and Pauline were inducted into the Flagstaff Sports Foundation 2016 Hall of Fame.

Pauline is survived by her sons, Byron Tsingine Jr., Lawrence K. Tsingine, Willard Tsingine, and Raymond Tsingine, all of Tuba City, and Glenn W. Tsingine of St. Michaels, Arizona; daughters, Barbara J. Ashley of Gilbert, Arizona, and Janet Tsingine of Tuba City; brother, Bruce Talawyma of Hotevilla; and sister, Melvina Ovah of Polacca, Arizona; and 22 grandchildren and 19 great-great-grandchildren.

Pauline is preceded in death by her husband, Byron L. Tsingine; son, Ward Tsingine; father, Lester Quanitewa; mother, Nancy Talawyma; stepfather, Johnathan Talawyma; and brothers, Ervin Talawyma and Karl Talawyma.

Pallbearers were grandsons, Tyler Tsingine, Nolan Tsingine, Craig Tsingine, Dean Tsingine, Ryan Tsingine, Cameron Tsingine, and Kyle Ashley.

A celebration of Pauline’s life will take place in the near future.

Donations may be made to Pauline’s daughter, Janet Tsingine, at 928-606-0146.

Norvel Owens Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Julia Lydia Upshaw

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. — Graveside service for Julia Lydia Upshaw, 76, of St. Michaels, Arizona, will be held today, June 10, at 11 a.m., in St. Michaels, with Father Edgardo officiating.

Julia was born July 6, 1945, into the Bit’ahnii (Under His Cover Clan), born for Kinłichíi’nii (Red House People Clan). Her nalí is ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People); cheii is Tsenabahiłnii (Sleep Rock). She passed away June 6, 2021, in Fort Defiance.

Julia retired from the Navajo Nation and enjoyed driving, listening to KTNN and spending time with family and friends.

Julia is survived by her daughters, Vivian Upshaw, Juliana Upshaw and Victoria Upshaw; brothers, Tommy Castillo and Toni Castillo; and 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Julia is preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Upshaw Sr.; and sons, Stephen Upshaw, Irvin Upshaw, Herman Upshaw, and Raymond Upshaw Jr.

Pallbearers will be Kyle Upshaw Sr., Jaden Upshaw, Richard Castaneda, Calvin Castillo, Gary Largo, and Jimson Largo.

Honorary pallbearers will be Tommy Castillo, Toni Castillo, Ben Upshaw, Gerald Upshaw, and Bernard Lee.

A drive-thru reception will take place at the Upshaw residence in St. Michaels, following service.

Summit Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Marie Yazzie

PAGE, Ariz. — Funeral services for Marie Yazzie, 88, were held June 9 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building with Bishop Josh Smith officiating. Interment followed at the Page City Cemetery in Page, Arizona.

Marie was born in Steamboat, Arizona, to the late Harry and Yannebah Brown. She was Mą’ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass Clan), born into Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). Her maternal father’s clan is Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water) and her paternal father’s clan is Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). She passed away June 4, 2021, at the Beehive Assistant Living Facility in Page.

Marie obtained her education at the Chemawa Indian Boarding School, in Salem, Oregon. She was employed as an instructional/dormitory aid at several boarding schools from Richfield, Utah, to several other cities in Arizona, including Kinlichee, Snowflake, and Toyei.

In her later years, Marie was known as a cook’s helper at various local restaurants, including the famed Empire House, Holiday Inn, and several truck stops. She was a longtime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Marie was known for her excellent skills as a seamstress and cooking both traditional and modern dishes. Her hobbies included dancing, beading, knitting, gardening, and some weaving in the past.

Marie will be remembered for her outstanding homemaking skills, her love for all, remaining strong and determined, and her sweet and caring characteristics.

Marie is survived by her sister, Bessie Woody of Steamboat; children, Victoria (Johnny) Klain, Victor (Roberta) Mannie, of Page, and Andrew Mannie of Denver; and 23 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Marie is preceded in death by her husband, Joe M. Yazzie; first husband, Francis Mannie; daughters, Thelma and Colleen Mannie; and sons, Alfonso, Franklin, and Steven Mannie.

Marshall Wayne June

SAWMILL, Ariz. — Graveside service for Marshall Wayne June, 38, of Fort Defiance, was held June 5 at the family burial site in Sawmill, Arizona, with Rev. Cathalena Plummer officiating.

Marshall was born Dec. 22, 1982, in Rehoboth, New Mexico, into the Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan). He passed away May 29, 2021, in Albuquerque.

Marshall graduated from Window Rock High School in 2001 and received an associate’s degree in theater fine arts from Mesa Community College on May 9, 2014.

Marshall served in the U.S. Army as a cavalry scout sergeant and worked as a security officer at the Window Rock School District, salesman at Ed Corley Dodge, counselor at Crossroads, Inc., and security officer at Securitas.

Marshall enjoyed watching movies, Marvel and DC, collecting Batman memorabilia, and haunted attractions. He was a Dallas Cowboys fan and enjoyed acting in theatre plays and small parts in motion pictures.

Marshall is survived by his parents, Lynnette Etsitty and Michael Wayne June; brother, Wesley White; sisters, ReAnna Bahe, Leona Swanson (Bahe), Tarren June, and Ahedabah June; and grandparents, Rosemary Wade and Eustace Etsitty.

Marshall is preceded in death by his aunt, Elaine Faye Yazza; maternal grandmother, Dinah Mae Yazza; and paternal grandfather, Allen June.

Pallbearers were Stephen Swanson, Michael R. Yazza, Malcolm Yazza, Wilton Howard, Raymond Howard, and Shelby Lee.

Honorary pallbearers were Gilbert Bahe, Melvin Yazza, Wilbert Segodi, Michael Wayne June, and Dennison Shirley.

Cope Memorial was in charge of arrangements.

Jessi Marina Long

GALLUP — Funeral services for Jessi Marina Long, 28, of Standing Rock, New Mexico, will be held today, June 10, at 10 a.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Father Dale Jamison officiating. Burial will follow in Gallup.

Jessi was born March 3, 1993, in Gallup, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together Clan). She passed away May 30, 2021, in Albuquerque.

Jessi graduated from Crownpoint High School and was employed as a restaurant server. She enjoyed singing and cooking.

Jessi is survived by her parents, Shirleen and Marvin Long; brothers, Michael Long and Lance Lee; sisters, Sondra Long and Adrienne Long; maternal grandmother, Shirley Yazzie; and paternal grandmother, Helen Long.

Jessi is preceded in death by her sister, Dalenna Long; brother, Christian Long; aunt, Calandra Yazzie; uncles, Tommy Long Jr. and Ricky Long; maternal grandfather, Anson Yazzie; and paternal grandfather, Tommy Long Sr.

Pallbearers will be Marvin Long, Michael Long, Lance Lee, Nolan Charley, John Charley, and Jolan Dixon.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jaiden Long, Nicholas Yazzie, Jacob Yazzie, Kaleb Yazzie, Adrian Yazzie, Gerald Long, and Tylor Dixon.

A reception will take place at the Gallup Community Center, following services.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Jessie Etsitty

DEL MUERTO, Ariz. — Graveside service for Jessie Etsitty, 95, of Del Muerto, Arizona, will be held Friday, June 11, at 10 a.m., at the Del Muerto community cemetery with Kenneth Etsitty officiating.

Jessie was born March 26, 1926, in Del Muerto, into the ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). She passed away June 11, 2021, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Jessie worked at Mount Rose with sugar beets for 15 years. She loved to weave, do beadwork, pick piñons, and being in the canyon. She loved her animals, children and grandchildren.

Jessie is survived by her sons, Kenneth Etsitty and Dalton VanWinkle; daughter, Bessie VanWinkle; and 27 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and one fourth-generation grandchild.

Jessie is preceded in death by her husband, Wilfred Etsitty; brother, Ben Bahe Sr.; and parents, Blanche and Denet Bahe.

Pallbearers will be Manuel Tahnazani, Dennis VanWinkle Jr., Dennison VanWinkle, Delson VanWinkle, Kenrick Etsitty, and Kendrick Etsitty.

Honorary pallbearers will be Dalton VanWinkle, Kenneth Etsitty, Clarence Bahe, DaiShawn VanWinkle, Ben Bahe Jr., and Emerson Bahe.

A drive-thru reception will take place at the Twin Trails Miracle Church, following service.

Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Ethel Smith

GALLUP — Funeral services for Ethel Smith, 89, of Tohatchi, New Mexico, will be held Monday, June 14, at 10 a.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Pastor Roger Scarbro officiating. Burial will follow at the Tohatchi community cemetery.

Ethel was born Sept. 18, 1931, in Rehoboth, New Mexico, into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan). She passed away June 2, 2021, in Gallup.

Ethel attended primary education and was employed at Gallup McKinley County Schools as a cafeteria supervisor in Tohatchi. She was a notable seamstress, crochet award-winning artist, chef of renowned recognition, and her beadwork was of superior excellence. She enjoyed gardening and taking care of the livestock.

Ethel is survived by her sons, Virgil Smith of Gallup, Bobby Smith Jr. of Tohatchi, and Calvin Smith of Gallup; and six grandchildren and 6-plus great-grandchildren.

Ethel is preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Smith Sr.; daughter, Murlee Smith Hollowhorn; brother, John Henry Arviso; mother, Nellie Brink Arviso; father, Joe Jesus Arviso; and grandson, Mitt Hollowhorn.

Pallbearers will be Bobby Smith Jr., Calvin Smith, Konnor Hollowhorn, Colt Hollowhorn, Bogart Hollowhorn, and Tyler Allison.

A drive-thru reception will take place at the Tohatchi Chapter House, following services.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Chester Franklin Sr.

SHIPROCK — Funeral services for Chester Franklin Sr., 89, of Shiprock, will be held Friday, June 11, at 10 a.m., at Christ the King Catholic Church in Shiprock, with Father Patrick C. Wedekind officiating. Burial will follow at the Kirtland cemetery in Kirtland, New Mexico.

Chester was born May 30, 1931, in Newcomb, New Mexico, into the Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle Clan), born for Tł’ááshchí’í (Red Bottom People Clan). He passed away May 29, 2021, in Farmington.

Chester worked for Boeing Aircraft (Washington), the railroad, Navajo Forestry Products Industry, and P&M Coal Mine.

Chester is survived by his sons, Chester Franklin Jr., John Franklin, Richard Franklin, and Daryl Franklin; daughters, Jeannette Johnson, Janice Etcitty and Christine Talkalai; brothers, Harry Franklin and Wilfred Franklin Sr.; sister, Esther Begay; and 37 grandchildren and 54 great-grandchildren.

Chester is preceded in death by his mother, Mamie Franklin; father, Franklin “Billy” Yazzie; sons, Stephen Franklin, Angelo Begay and Andrew Begay; and grandson, Joey Franklin.

Pallbearers will be John Franklin, Richard Franklin, Bryan Franklin, Julian Franklin, Fillson Talkalai, and Derrick Franklin.

Honorary pallbearers will be Chester Franklin Jr., Jeremy Franklin, Ryan Franklin, Daryl Franklin, Bruce Stash, and Herman Whitney.

A reception will take place in Shiprock, following services.

Cope Memorial Chapel—Kirtland is in charge of arrangements.

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