Obituaries for June 11, 2026
The Navajo Times thanks you for being a valued reader. We truly appreciate your trust and support. We would like to inform our readers of a new service fee for obituary submissions. This decision was not made lightly, but it has become necessary because of rising printing costs. The cost of producing the Navajo Times, including paper, ink and printing plates, has continued to increase. Beginning July 2, 2026, obituary announcements will be $25. Photos will be an additional $5 per photo. Military announcements will remain free of charge with a military insignia as we continue to honor our veterans. Despite this change, we remain committed to providing quality printing services as families share and honor the lives of their loved ones. If you have an obituary you would like to submit, follow this link to the online submission form. We look forward to serving you.
Leta M. Begay
CHINLE – Funeral services for Leta Mae Begay, 78, of Chinle, will be held Friday, June 12, at 10 a.m., at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Chinle, with Father Florecito Pabatao officiating. Burial will follow at the family plot on top of the mesa.
Leta M. Begay, Dec. 15, 1947 – June 4, 2026
Leta was born Dec. 15, 1947, in Chinle, into the Tó’áhaní (Near the Water Clan), born for Tł’ááshchí’í (Red Bottom People Clan). Her nálí is Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People); cheii is Dibé łizhíní (Black Sheep). She passed away June 4, 2026, in Mesa, Arizona.
Leta earned two master’s degrees in education and was employed as a teacher at Rock Point Elementary School. She enjoyed reading, weaving rugs and grazing livestock (horses/cattle).
Leta is survived by her husband, Johnny D. Begay; sons, Vincent Begay, Vernon Begay and Darrick Begay; daughters, Arleta Yazzie and Karena Begay; brothers, Leonard Kee Yazzie Sr., Michael Kee Yazzie, Jones Kee Yazzie, Felix Kee Yazzie, Rudy Kee Yazzie, Charlie Kee Yazzie Jr. and Myron Kee Yazzie; sisters, Stella Mae Sleuth, Ruth Mae Becenti and Rita Mae Yazzie; grandparents, Ping Paul and Anna Nez; and nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Leta is preceded in death by her parents, Alice Evans Yazzie and Charlie Kee Yazzie.
Pallbearers will be Vernon Begay, Darrick Begay, Kevin Johnson and Corde Chiquito.
Honorary pallbearers will be Vincent Begay, Vernon Begay and Darrick Begay.
A reception will take place at The Potter’s House following services.
Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
Mike H. Nez
PHOENIX – Funeral services for Mike Henry Nez, 69, of Phoenix, will be held Saturday, June 27, at 10 a.m., at Prepare the Way (18777 N. 32nd St.) in Phoenix. Burial will follow in Phoenix.
Mike Henry Nez, June 26, 1956 – May 30, 2026
Mike was born June 26, 1956, in Fort Defiance, into the Tódích’íí’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan). He passed away May 30, 2026, in Phoenix.
Mike graduated from Gallup High School in 1975 and attended the University of Washington. He was employed as a safety director and executive director for the Navajo Nation. He also worked as a federal inspector for Salt River.
Mike lived a life dedicated to faith, family, reading his Bible and giving back to the community.
Mike is survived by his wife, Helena Peshlakai-Nez; children, Twila Dickson, Moriko Nez, Christopher Nez, Donavan Nez, and Elizabeth Nez; brother, Kee Becenti Sr.; sister, Veronica Rogers; and 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Mike is preceded in death by his mother, Nellie Weidmeyer; father, Arthur Nez; and son, Tyrone Nez Sr.
Best Funeral Services oversaw arrangements.
Troy A. Gallegos
HOLBROOK, Ariz. – Graveside service for Troy Anthony Gallegos, 60, of Holbrook, Arizona, will be held Saturday, June 27, at 10 a.m., at the Holbrook cemetery.
Troy A. Gallegos, Feb. 6, 1966 – May 19, 2026
Troy was born Feb. 6, 1966, in Holbrook. He passed away May 19, 2026, in Holbrook.
Troy graduated from Holbrook High School in 1982 and attended DeVry Institute. He was employed at Joe & Aggie’s Cafe.
Troy is survived by his daughter, Noreen Alissa Bridges; siblings, Stanley Steven, Kimberley Ann (Tammie), and Sharlene Guttery (John); and granddaughter, Ashlynn Bridges-Luna.
Troy is preceded in death by his parents, Alice Montano Gallegos and Stanley Montoya Gallegos; maternal grandfather, Jesus Montano; and paternal grandfather, Ted K. Gallegos.
A reception will take place at the Holbrook Catholic Family Center following service.
Andrew Chicharello Jr.
RAMAH, N.M. – Funeral services for Andrew “Ju” Chicharello Jr., 34, of Ramah, New Mexico, will be held today, June 11, at 10 a.m., at Ramah’s The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with Flint Tietjen officiating. Burial will follow at the Ramah community cemetery.
Andrew Chicharello Jr., Jan. 26, 1992 – June 4, 2026
Andrew was born Jan. 26, 1992, in Zuni, New Mexico, into the Tó Dík’ǫ́zhí (Salt Water Clan), born for Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). His nálí is Italian; cheii is Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People). He passed away June 4, 2026, in Albuquerque.
Andrew graduated from Ramah High School in 2010 and attended the University of New Mexico earning an automotive certificate in 2012. He was employed as a CDL truck driver for Core Mark International.
Andrew enjoyed being a mechanic, horseman, playing the guitar, listening to music, concerts, and spending time with his son, nephew, nieces and family.
Andrew is survived by his son, Rashad W. Chicharello; parents, Clara and Andrew Chicharello Sr.; brothers, Kevin and Kerry Chicharello; and sister, Denisa Chicharello.
Andrew is preceded in death by his grandparents, Nesbah and Joe C. Begay, and Mary and Dominic Chicharello.
Pallbearers will be Lester Bob, Truman Bob Jr., Manuel Shirley, Micheal Suina, Nataani Begay and Landon Secatero.
Honorary pallbearers will be Andrew Chicharello Sr., Truman Bob Sr., Kerry Chicharello, Kevin Chicharello, Nathaniel Begay, Uriah Begay and Rashad Chicharello.
A reception will take place at Ramah’s LDS Church following services.
Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
Get instant access to this story by purchasing one of our many e-edition subscriptions HERE at our Navajo Times Store.
Highway 264,
I-40, WB @ Winslow