Obituaries for June 25, 2020

Jodell F. Thomas-Haskie

INDIAN WELLS, Ariz. — Graveside service for Jodell “Sissy” Thomas-Haskie, 64, of Indian Wells, Arizona, will be held Thursday, June 25, at 10 a.m. (DST) at the Haskie family plot in Indian Wells, with Cecil Haskie officiating.

Jodell was born July 9, 1955, in Los Angeles, California, into the Tl’ízí lání (Many Goats Clan), born for ‘Áshiihí (Salt People Clan). She passed away June 19, 2020, in Gilbert, Arizona, after a valiant battle against cancer.

Jodell is survived by her husband, Cecil Haskie; son, Christopher G. Nez Jr.; daughters, Kimberly S. Thomas, Shannon Thomas Marr, Roxanne Haskie, and Cecelia Light; brothers, Joseph Thomas, Ronald Thomas, Elton Arthur, Holbrook Towne, Sanford Towne, and Leroy Towne Jr.; sisters, Erline Holtsoi, Christina Arthur and Royetta Towne; and 22 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Jodell is preceded in death by her parents, Joe Thomas and Grace H. Foley; grandparents, Mary Slivers Foley and John J. Foley Sr.; and grandson, Michael Thomas.

A reception for immediate family only will take place in Burnside, Arizona, following service. Summit Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Jimmie DeGroat

MARIANO LAKE, N.M. — Graveside service for Jimmie DeGroat, of Fort Defiance, was held June 20 at the family cemetery in Mariano Lake, New Mexico, with Rev. Stanley Jim officiating.

Jimmie was born May 28, 1958, in Crownpoint, into the Áshiihí (Salt People Clan), born for Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). He passed away June 12, 2020, in Santa Fe.

Jimmie was self-employed as a construction worker, silversmith and artist.

Jimmie is survived by his wife, Virginia Hardy; sons, Delfred DeGroat and Kevin DeGroat; daughter, Shaandin DeGroat; brothers, Jack DeGroat, Jerry DeGroat and Jay DeGroat; and sisters, Joyceann Kenneth, Jean Tahe, Jenny DeGroat, and Karen Mannly.

Jimmie is preceded in death by his parents, Hazel and Harry DeGroat; and son, Melfred DeGroat. A reception will take place at a later date. Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Michael E. Lee

CHINLE — Funeral services for Michael E. Lee, 50, of Chinle, will be held Thursday, June 25, at 10 a.m. at The Potter’s House in Chinle, with Pastor Artie Aragon officiating. Burial will follow in Del Muerto, Arizona.

Michael was born Sept. 8, 1969, in Fort Defiance, into the Tl’ááshchí’í (Red Bottom People Clan), born for Tó baazhní’ázhí (Two Who Came to Water Clan). He passed away June 18, 2020, in Phoenix.

Michael graduated from Chinle High School in May of 1987 and worked for Tsaile Veterinary for one year, bus driver and assistant teacher for Navajo Nation Head Start for four years, 10 years for the Window Rock Police Department, and 19 years for the Chinle Police Department.

Michael enjoyed horseback riding, running, traveling, hauling and feeding livestock, watching Star Trek, and helping his community.

Michael is survived by his wife, Virginia Lee; sons, Mario E. Lee and Erik E. Lee; daughter, Mikhail E. Lee; mother, Betty Ahasteen; stepfather, Lowery Ahasteen; and sister, Herberta John. Michael is preceded in death by his father, Herbert E. Lee; grandfather, Chester Kadelty; maternal grandparents, Jim and Barbara Ben; and paternal grandparents, Kenneth and Bessie Lee.

Honorary pallbearers will be Calvin Redhorse, Anderson Ben, Amos Ben, Garrett John, Derrick John, Irvin Attson, Walter Bia, and Valentino Billie. A reception will take place at the Chinle Police District, following services. Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Ruth Ann Jim

HOLBROOK, Ariz. — Graveside service for Ruth Ann Jim, 77, was held June 24 in Holbrook, Arizona. Ruth was born Feb. 3, 1943, in Rabbit Springs, White Cone, Arizona, to Todacheenie Nez Begay and Hasbah James Begay. She was Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born to Tábaahá (Water’s Edge Clan).

Her maternal grandfather was Tsénjíkiní (Honey Combed Rock People) and paternal grandfather was Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water). She passed away June 16, 2020. Ruth resided in Fort Defiance most of her life and attended Keams Canyon Boarding School in her early years.

She then attended Chemawa Indian School in Salem, Oregon, for six years, graduating from Holbrook High School in 1964. Ruth attended Albuquerque Business School earning an associate’s degree in accounting in 1966.

Soon after she began working for the Navajo Nation as a court auditor. In 1978, she began her job with the BIA as a reality assistant and retired in 2008.

Ruth married Larry Jim in 1968 and raised three children, Jennifer, Conrad, and Marwin, and later was blessed with a grandson, Robert Jim. She was a devoted mother and grandmother.

Ruth enjoyed taking road trips around the western U.S. and even flew to Washington, D.C. for a presidential inauguration. She also supported her nieces and nephews by attending college and military graduations.

Ruth was a classy lady, always dressed to impress and a strong proud Navajo woman. She will be remembered by family and friends as a life fulfilled with love, laughter, friendship, and vacations.

Ruth is survived by her son, Marwin; brother, Theodore Begay; and sisters, Lucy Begay and Pauline Ben. Ruth is preceded in death by her husband, Larry Jim; daughter, Jennifer Jim: son, Conrad Jim; and grandson, Robert Jim.

Pallbearers were Randall Begay, Willie Ben, Willis Ben, and Delbert Begay. Owens Livingston Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Peggy Sage-Bolszio

JEDDITO, Ariz. — Graveside service for Peggy Sage-Bolszio, 74, of Jeddito, Arizona, was held June 23 at the Jeddito community cemetery.

Peggy was born Aug. 25, 1945, in Jeddito, into the Tábaahá (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Ma’ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass Clan). She passed away June 13, 2020, in Jeddito.

Peggy graduated from Barstow High School and attended cosmetology school in Phoenix. She enjoyed being a beautician for many years and took a break to work for Motorola and later returning to doing hair again. Peggy enjoyed spending time with her family, shopping, going to the casino, reading books, and watching her favorite television shows.

She was a loving person who had a fun personality and a great sense of humor.

Peggy is survived by her husband, William Bolszio; sons, Daniel Bex and Christopher Bex; daughters, Debby Newman and Stephanie Bolszio; brothers, Danny Sage and Gilbert Sage; and seven grandchildren.

Peggy is preceded in death by her parents, Elsie and Charlie Sage. Pallbearers were Daniel T. Bex, Christopher J. Bex, Danny Sage, Terry Newman, and Kyle Pashkewitz. Silver Creek Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Larry Mallahan

CRYSTAL, N.M. — Graveside service for Larry Mallahan of Crystal, New Mexico, was held June 22 at the family cemetery in Crystal. Memorial services were held June 19, 2020, in Mesa, Arizona.

Larry was born Dec. 10, 1958, in Fort Defiance, into the ‘Áshiihí (Salt People Clan), born for Tábaahá (Water’s Edge Clan). He passed away June 11, 2020.

Larry attended Brigham Young University and University of Phoenix, where he received his MBA. He worked for Pittsburg & Midway Coal Mine, Chevron Mining and Peabody Mine. Larry enjoyed farming, ranching and was an avid sports fan.

Larry is survived by his son, Christian Mallahan; daughter, Jade Mallahan; brothers, Marlin Mallahan, Ernest Mallahan and Francis Mallahan; and sister, Mae Mallahan. Larry is preceded in death by his father, Joe Mallahan; mother, Marjorie Mallahan; and brother, Frank Mallahan.

Pallbearers were Christian Mallahan, Marlin Mallahan, Ernest Mallahan, Franklin Mallahan, Michael Mallahan, and Colin Tompson. Honorary pallbearers were Francis Mallahan, Gary Mallahan, Marvin Curley, and Clifford Tompson.

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