Obituaries for June 18, 2015

Lillian Charley George

SUNFLOWER BUTTE, Ariz. –Funeral services for Lillian Charley George, 81, of Indian Wells, Ariz., will be held today, June 18, at 11 a.m. (MST) at the Sunflower Butte Family Church in Sunflower Butte, Ariz., with Pastor Artie Aragon officiating. Burial will follow at the Sunflower Butte family plot.

Lillian was born Feb. 13, 1934, in Castle Butte, Ariz., into the Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle Clan), born for T—dich’ii’nii (Bitter Water Clan). She died June 13, 2015, in Flagstaff.

Lillian attended Navajo Community College and received her GED and associate’s degree. She went on to the University of Arkansas and received her bachelor’s degree in education and culinary arts.

Lillian worked at Chinle Valley School for 28 years as a cook, residential aide and special education teacher retiring as a group home parent. She enjoyed reading, singing gospel songs, weaving rugs, beading, arts and crafts, and loved to travel meeting people.

Lillian is survived by her son, Edward George Jr. of Phoenix; daughters, Beulah George of Tuba City, Lucinda (Alvin) Williams of Glendale, Ariz., and Rosita (Bo James) Paddock of Dilkon, Ariz.; brother, Silas Charley; sisters, Mary Ann Morris, Sadie Lister, Ejaye Caldwell, Annie Bahe, and Betty Rose Charley; and 34 grandchildren and 70 great-grandchildren.

Lillian is preceded in death by her husband, Sgt. Edward George Sr.; daughter, Doretta Sohn; sons, Eddie George and Ronald Benally; parents, Albert and Sadie Charley; sister, Betty Chee Nez; brothers, George, Julius and Ernest Charley; and great-granddaughter, Niniliah Isaac.

Pallbearers will be Immanuel Harlan Charley, Benjamin Charley, Harley Charley, Ricky Charley, Samuel Lister Jr., and Dion Paddock.

Honorary pallbearers will be Edward George Jr., Silas Charley, Alvin Williams, Bo James Paddock, Randall George, William Isaac Jr., Bret Williams, Edward George III, Douglas George, Zenus Pringle, Perrin Hanley, Navarone George, Joshua Paddock, Daryl Benally, Duane Benally, and Darin Benally.

A reception will take place at the Sunflower Butte Family Church following services.

Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow is in charge of arrangements.

Shane Robert Todacheenie

WINSLOW, Ariz. – Funeral services for Shane Robert Todacheenie, 37, will be held today, June 18, at 10 a.m. (MST) at the Maranatha Assembly of God Church in Winslow, Ariz. Burial will follow at the Desert View Cemetery in Winslow.

Shane was born Dec. 22, 1977, to Julius R. Todacheenie and Alice Thompson, in Tuba City, into the Kinyaa’ ‡anii (Towering House Clan), born for Kinlichii’nii (Red House Clan). His nali is T—dich’ii’nii (Bitter Water); chei is Tl’izilani (Many Goats Clan). He died June 13, 2015, in Tuba City.

Shane was a very helpful, caring, outgoing person. The community of Tuba City knew him for his exceptional willing to help out without being asked. He always mastered any hobby (pool, golf and basketball). He would put his heart into whatever he did. He loved spending time with his family the most in life, especially spending time with his children, nieces and nephews. They all called him “Daddy Shane” and never considered him as uncle, but as a father figure. He will be missed by his family and friends.

Shane is survived by his wife, Chino Todacheenie; mother, Alice Thompson; father, Julius Todacheenie Sr.; children, Dana Benally, Shania Todacheenie, Shanice Todacheenie, and Ashantie Todacheenie; grandchild, Lesean Todacheenie; sisters, Shaunya Todacheenie and Vergilene Olveda; and brothers, Julien Todacheenie, Americo Curley, Donovan Yazzie, and Julius Todacheenie Jr.

Pallbearers will be Guillermo Clark Jr., Arturo Olveda, Derrick Clark, Denny Nez, Marcos Clark, and Christian Todacheenie.

Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Clark Jr. and Julien Todacheenie.

Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences can be sent to www.greersmortuary.com.

Teresa Bia Salabiye

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. – A rosary and full mass for Teresa Bia Salabiye, 89, were held June 9 at St. Michael’s Mission with Father Patrick Schafer officiating. Interment was held at the family plot in Tsezhin’setle’e (Wet Mesa/Greasewood Springs, Ariz.), with Brother Paul O’Brien officiating. A celebration of her life followed at Greasewood Springs Chapter House.

Teresa, a devout Catholic woman, teacher, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, nalii, aunt, and mentor was born inside a hogan Aug. 15, 1925, to Chee and Alice Chee Biah in White Cone, Ariz., into the Ma’ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass/Jemez Clan), born for Naakai dine’é (Mexican Clan). She died June 5, 2015, in Flagstaff, with family by her side.

Teresa received her education at St. Michael’s Mission, Fort Wingate High School, Fort Lewis College, Arizona Teachers College/Northern Arizona University and earned college credits at other universities in Colorado. She had a fondness for astronomy, however, she earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education while her husband earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona. While in school, they paved a pathway for other Dine’ and instilled the importance of higher education in their children. Most of the family ended up at NAU, as well, following in their footprints.

Teresa worked with and taught hundreds of children and kindergarten students from Indian Wells, Dilkon, Steamboat, Cornfields, Jeddito, Wide Ruins, Klagetoh, and Greasewood Springs areas during her tenure. She retired in 1990 with 41 years of service with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Her work has also been mentioned in the book ÒArizona’s War Town (Bellemont) and ÒNavajo CampÓ. She was also interviewed for research papers including doctoral dissertations.

After her husband died in 1984, Teresa continued to work in education. She also continued as a volunteer and advocate for veterans. She was a member of the Navajo Code Talker Association, White Eagle Gourd Dance Society, and Greasewood Springs Veteran’s Association, serving as one of the officers –these were her way of giving tribute and honoring her husband. She traveled extensively locally and nationally with members of the Navajo Code Talker Association. In 2001, she accepted a Congressional Silver Medal on behalf of her husband. She often joined Bill Toledo from Torreon, N.M., in his travels to educate the young and the old with academic presentations and stories. They became influential in various historical and academic capacities.

Teresa is survived by her children, Linda S. Yazzie (Thomas), Gloria J. Long (Louie), Dr. Leclare Salabiye-Gishey (Ron), Michael R. Salabiye (Darlene), and Deborah L. Salabiye; nephew, Edison Spencer (Mary Lou); and 20 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and numerous (great) nieces and (great) nephews.

Teresa is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jerry E. Salabiye Sr.; son, Jerry E. Salabiye Jr.; daughter, Velma Salabiye; brother, David Chee Biah; and stepbrother, James Larson.

Pallbearers were Jeremy Gishey, Ron Gishey Jr., Marc Gerren Salabiye Yazzie, Jason, Long, Jacob Manuelito Salabiye, and Jiron Edgar Bitah.

Honorary pallbearers were Ryan Salabiye Rumley, Kyden Kescoli Yazzie, Levi Long, Jared Bitah, Vinton Yazzie, Lewis Yazzie, Dennis Clah, Robert Clah, Randy Stewart, and Paul Stewart.

Memorial contributions and monetary donations can still be made to GoFundMe-Teresa B. Salabiye and Wells Fargo ÒDonations to Teresa SalabiyeÓ.

The family would like to thank all those who were in attendance at the mass, burial and reception. Special thanks to our aunt, Amy Clah, with Denise Clah for being with us every step of the way during our time of need.

Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow was in charge of arrangements.

Lt. Col. Michael James Belgarde

DUNSEITH, N.D. – Funeral services for Lt. Col. Michael James Belgarde, 47, of Fort Defiance, formerly of Dunseith, N.D., were held June 16 at the St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Dunseith. Interment followed at the Belgarde Cemetery in Dunseith. A wake was held June 15 with a prayer service in the Eagleheart Cultural Center in Dunseith.

Michael passed away June 8, 2015 at his home.

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