Obituaries for June 19, 2025

 

Jacob M. Little

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. – Celebration of Life services for Jacob “Jake” Morrison Little, 13, of St. Michaels, Arizona, will be held Saturday, June 28, at 10 a.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup.

Jacob was born Jan. 31, 2012, in Gallup, into the Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan), born for Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan). His nálí is Mą’ii Deeshgiizhnii (Coyote Pass-Jemez); cheii is Haltsooí (Meadow People). He passed away June 16, 2025, in Phoenix.

Jacob was home-schooled and completed the 8th grade in May of 2025. His life was a hobby. He enjoyed music, extreme sports, video games, outdoor exploration, and Therian cosplay as a cat.

Jacob is survived by his parents, Melinda Nez and Eddie Gene Little; brothers, Blaine Nez, Gabriel Little and Kyle Jensen; and grandmother, Nellie Rose Little.

Jacob is preceded in death by Wilbur and Lillian Nez, Vera Curley, Keith and Courtney Little, and Eric Chee. Honorary pallbearers will be Blaine Nez, Gabriel Little, Kyle Jensen, Fergueson Curley, Mikaelae Curley, and Richard Morgan.

A reception will take place at the Chi’hootso Church of Nazarene (31 Crest Road) in St. Michaels, Arizona, following services.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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Carmelita Beauvais and Juanita B. Tso

SHIPROCK – It is with profound sorrow and love that we announce the passing of two extraordinary sisters, Juanita “Neta” B. Tso and Carmelita “Carmen” Beauvais, whose lives were beautifully intertwined in service, education, faith, and family.

Their departures – just days apart – have left an immeasurable void in the hearts of their children, grandchildren, extended family, and communities across the Navajo Nation and beyond.

Carmen was born on Sept. 4, 1944, in Shiprock, to Loretta and Tom Johnson Sr. She was a proud member of the Navajo Nation.

Carmen began her education in Shiprock, attended Rehoboth Christian School, and graduated from Kirtland Central High School. She went on to earn her master’s degree in education from Northern Arizona University, dedicating her professional life to teaching and uplifting Native youth in schools throughout the Arizona and New Mexico communities.

Carmen was known for her elegance, grace, and fierce devotion to the community. A trailblazer in Indian education and a spiritual matriarch, she instilled values of resilience, faith, and cultural pride in all who knew her. She and her ex-husband, Archie Beauvais Sr., raised their children with unwavering love and guidance.

Carmen is survived by her children, Yvonne Beauvais and Anthony Brian Beauvais, grandchildren, and a wide circle of nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.
Carmen reunited with her Lord on June 2, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Juanita followed her beloved sister just days later, passing on June 8, 2025. Born in 1945, Juanita was Carmen’s lifelong companion, graduating from Kirtland Central High School and commuting nearly seven hours round-trip daily from Leupp, Arizona. She too earned her master’s degree in education from Northern Arizona University, mirroring her sister’s path and commitment to learning.

Juanita dedicated over 30 years of service as an educator at Tuba City Boarding School – a testament to her and younger sister. Like Carmen, Juanita began her education in Shiprock, and attended Rehoboth Christian School, later her passion and sacrifice. Her students often referred to her as a second mother, mentor, and role model. She was a proud community leader, devoted matriarch, and tireless advocate for youth.

Juanita is remembered for her meticulous care of her home, often found outside at sunrise tending to her yard. She lived with humility, strength, and grace.
Juanita is survived by her children, Michael L. Beauvais, Carla Beauvais, Marvin Beauvais, Jacquelyn Tso, Jerald Tso, the late Jerrod Tso, Carl Beauvais Jr., and Melton Beauvais, her cherished grandchildren, and countless loved ones.

The sisters were the daughters of Loretta and Tom Johnson Sr., and stepdaughters to Wofford Gus Bouldin. Together, they helped operate the historic Shiprock Hotel in their youth and were raised with deep-rooted values of service, perseverance, and family unity.

Through their father, they are survived by many beloved siblings, nieces, and nephews, including Evelyn “Dusty” Morgan, Elouise Johnson, Thompson Johnson, Louise Johnson Laura Johnson, Tom Johnson Jr., Marilyn Johnson, Pam Johnson, Thelma Brown, Kathleen J. Meese, Herbert Haley, and Roger Haley.

They are preceded in death by siblings, Bernice Johnson, Thomas “Tersh” Johnson, Tony Johnson, TK Johnson, David Reeves, Ella Johnson, Michael Johnson Sr., and Wilhelmina Johnson.

Together, Juanita and Carmelita leave behind a lasting legacy of leadership and education. Their dedication to Native youth, their shared academic accomplishments, and their unshakable bond as sisters reflect a lifetime of purpose, grace, and giving. Their simultaneous passing is a poignant reminder of their deep connection between life and spirit.

We rejoice in knowing they are now reunited, resting in the arms of our Creator.

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Bobby L. Benally

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. – Graveside service for Bobby Lane Benally, 49, of Window Rock, will be held Saturday, June 21, at 12 p.m., at the St. Michaels cemetery in St. Michaels, Arizona.

Bobby was born July 6, 1975, in Fort Defiance, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). His nálí is Hashk’ąą Hadzohó (Yucca Fruit-Strung-Out-In-A-Line); cheii is Dziłtł’ahnii (Mountain Cove). He passed away May 16, 2025, in Phoenix.

Bobby graduated from Window Rock High School in 1994 and attended Scottsdale Community College. He was employed as a counselor at Trinity Recovery Home.

Bobby enjoyed movies, music, football, basketball, and collecting comic books.

Bobby is survived by his children, Jeramy Lane Benally, Desmond Blane, Antonia Star Benally, and Marcus B. Yazzie; brother, David Lee Phelps; stepfather, Hardy Phelps; and one grandchild.

Bobby is preceded in death by his mother, Betty J. Phelps; and grandparents, Mary Ann and Allen Benally.

Honorary pallbearers will be Hardy Phelps, David L. Phelps and Jacob Livingston.

A reception will take place at a nearby restaurant TBA.

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Blair A. Leonard

TSAILE, Ariz. – Funeral services for Blair Ann Leonard, 42, of Lukachukai, Arizona, will be held Saturday, June 21, at 2 p.m., at the Tsaile Community Church in Tsaile, Arizona. Burial will follow at the St. Isabel Mission in Lukachukai.

Blair was born June 19, 1982, in Tucson, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together Clan). Her nálí is Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge); cheii is Tótsohnii (Big Water). She passed away June 12, 2025, in Tucson.

Blair graduated from Chinle High School in 2001 and ITT Technical Institute in 2014. She was employed with American Medical Response.

Blair enjoyed basketball, camping, football games, traveling, quad riding, and spending time with her family.

Blair is survived by her sisters, Valariet Stevens, Valdeena Leeth and Valarie Leonard; and mother, Mae Leonard.

Blair is preceded in death by Blase Leonard.

Pallbearers will be George Leeth, TeeJay James, Amadeo Stevens, Angel Leeth, Chance Wilson, and Brandon Leeth.

Honorary pallbearers will be Nelson, Augustine, Richard, and Leland Leonard, Jerren Leonard, Evander Leonard, Darrell Hosteen, and Miles Etsitty.

A reception will take place at the Lukachukai Chapter House following services.

Desert View Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

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Patricia A. Clauschee

FORT DEFIANCE – A Celebration of Life service for Patricia Ann Clauschee, 67, of Window Rock, will be held Saturday, June 21, at 11 a.m., at the Presbyterian Church, located next to That’s-A-Burger, in Fort Defiance.

Patricia was born Dec. 1, 1957, in Ganado, Arizona, into the Tązhii (Turkey People Clan), born for ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan). Her nálí is Tązhii; cheii is ‘Áshįįhí. She passed away June 8, 2025, in Fort Defiance.

Patricia attended Fort Defiance Elementary School and Fort Defiance Junior High School, graduating from Window Rock High School as the class of 1975 salutatorian. She received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Arizona State University in 1979.

Patricia was employed at Tséhootsooí Medical Center (formerly Fort Defiance Indian Hospital) as an obstetrics nurse from 1979 to 2010. She enjoyed music, sports, family gatherings, reading, and attending church services.

Patricia is survived by her brothers, David Clauschee and Gilbert Clauschee; and sister, Kelly Hopper.

Patricia is preceded in death by her parents, Lois and Guy Clauschee; brother, Calvin Clauschee; sister, Gayle Keller; and nephew, Joshua Clauschee.

Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

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Sarah Uentillie

FORT DEFIANCE – Graveside service for Sarah Uentillie, 83, of Low Mountain, Arizona, will be held Friday, June 20, at 10 a.m., at the Fort Defiance community cemetery.

Sarah was born May 12, 1942, in Low Mountain, into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). Her nálí is Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People); cheii is Tł’ízíłání (Many Goats). She passed away June 10, 2025, at the Bloomfield Nursing and Rehabilitation in Bloomfield, New Mexico.

Sarah was a homemaker who enjoyed sewing, cooking, traveling, and going to the flea market.

Sarah is survived by her son, Mark Naswood; daughter, Stella Naswood; sister, Lillie Uentillie; and 21 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Sarah is preceded in death by Starr Naswood, Jarvis Naswood, Lando Uentillie, Valentina Naswood, and Valerie Naswood.

Pallbearers will be Mark Naswood, Branden Naswood, Miguel Shirai, Jared Naswood, Delroy Sales, and Curtis Uentillie Jr.

A reception will take place at the Ch’ihootso Baptist Church in St. Michaels, Arizona, following service.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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Elliott R. Becenti

WINSLOW, Ariz. – Funeral services for Elliott Ross Becenti, 63, of Fort Defiance, were held June 16 at the Norvel Owens Chapel in Winslow, Arizona, with Pastor Norman Kay officiating. Interment followed at the Winslow community cemetery.

Elliot was born Feb. 8, 1962, in Fort Defiance, into the Hashtł’ishnii (Mud Clan), born for Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan). His nálí is Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water); cheii is Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together). He passed away June 11, 2025, in Flagstaff.

Elliott graduated from Window Rock High School and attended Crownpoint Institute of Technology and the University of New Mexico. He was employed with Tooh Dineh Industries Inc.

Elliott enjoyed being outdoors and loved to watch football and baseball.

Elliott is survived by Amy Thompson; sons, Ethan Becenti and Kellen Becenti; daughters, Angel Quochytewa, Allyson Becenti and Alyssa Benavidez; parents, Joanne and Edison Becenti Sr.; brother,

Edison Becenti Jr.; sisters, Diane Dawes, Jolynda Morgan and Joycietta Becenti; grandparents, Neal and Nonabah Belone; and one granddaughter.

Elliott is preceded in death by his sister, Sharon Greymountain.

Pallbearers were Kyle Becenti, Brent Manycows, Andrew Manycows, and Avery Thompson.

Honorary pallbearers were Edison Becenti Jr., Ethan Becenti, Richard Morgan, Edwin Becenti, and Darwyn Jackson.

Greer Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

 

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