Obituaries for June 26, 2025
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Elias J. Leslie
SHOW LOW, Ariz. – Funeral services for Elias James Leslie, 18, of Lakeside, Arizona, will be held today, June 26, at 10 a.m., in Show Low, Arizona. Burial will follow at the Lakeside Cemetery.
Elias James Leslie, Oct. 31, 2006 – June 21, 2025
Elias was born Oct. 31, 2006, in Fort Defiance, into the Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). His nálí is Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge); cheii is Tsénahabiłnii (Sleep Rock People). He passed away June 21, 2025, in Lakeside.
Elias studied fire science at Northland Pioneer College and Northern Arizona University. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and the outdoors.
Elias is survived by his mother, Heather Bia; sister, Abigail Dawes; brother, Vernon Jefferson; maternal grandmother, Sophina Bia; paternal grandparents, Murray and Desdemona Leslie; and James and Lenajean Morgan.
Elias is preceded in death by his father, Dominic Leslie.
Pallbearers will be Bryant Yazzie, Vernon Jefferson, Nehamiah Hardy, Marcus Shirley, Ryan Rooney, Josh Armstrong, Darron Abeita, and JR Gushoney.
Honorary pallbearers will be Daryl A., Roger L., Tyrone G., Wilbert G. Sr., Harlan H., Brenden B., Robert P., and Gannon M.
A reception will take place at the LDS Stake Center in Lakeside, following services.
Owens Mortuary-White Mountain Chapel oversaw arrangements.
Rev. Eric V. Heidecker
RENO, Nev. – Funeral services for Rev. Eric V. Heidecker, 67, of Waterford, Pennsylvania, will be live streamed on Saturday, June 28, at 10 a.m., at the Trinity Cathedral in Reno, Nevada. Burial will follow in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Rev. Eric V. Heidecker, Sept. 18, 1957 – June 14, 2025
Rev. Heidecker was born Sept. 18, 1957, in Erie. He passed away June 14, 2025, in Reno.
Rev. Heidecker was the Episcopal priest on the reservation for many years.
Rev. Heidecker is survived by his mother, Dorothy Heidecker; and sisters, Susan Starcher and Heidi Anderson.
Phillip D. Denny
FORT DEFIANCE – Funeral services for Phillip D. Denny, 61, of Window Rock, will be held Saturday, June 28, at 10 a.m., at the Presbyterian Church in Fort Defiance, with Custer Lowe Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Fort Defiance.
Phillip was born July 9, 1963, in Ganado, Arizona, into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan). His nálí is Dibéłzhíní (Black Sheep); cheii is Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water). He passed away June 15, 2025, in Show Low, Arizona.
Phillip graduated from Window Rock High School and attended Arizona Tech in Phoenix. He worked for the Navajo Nation and NNTV 5 Television Station.
Phillip enjoyed golf, baseball, football, and was a fan of the Seattle Seahawks.
Phillip is survived by his son, Atlee Samuel Denny; mother, Dorothy Denny; brother, Kevin Denny; sister, Beverly Denny; and seven grandchildren.
Phillip is preceded in death by his father, Sam Denny; and grandparents, Grace and Roger Davis.
Frank G. Willie Jr.
GALLUP – Funeral services for Frank Glenn Willie Jr., 63, of Gallup, will be held Tuesday, July 1, at 11 a.m., at the Rollie Mortuary Chapel in Gallup. Burial will follow at the Gallup State Veterans Cemetery.
Frank was born July 17, 1961, in Gallup, into the Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan). He passed away June 17, 2025, in Gallup.
Frank attended Gallup High School.
Frank is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Deswood; mother, Bernice Willie; brother, Gerald Willie; sister, Denise Willie; and 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Frank is preceded in death by his wife, Carlene Willie; father, Frank Glenn Willie Sr.; sister, Irene Willie; and brother, Darrell Willie.
Pallbearers will be Gerald Willie, James Smith Jr., Eric King, Sean King, Malakai Washburn, and Leon Palo.
Honorary pallbearers will be Raymond King, Darwin Endito, Melvin Endito, Raymond Endito, Merle Endito, Tedd Etsitty, Tony Hale, and Justin Smith.
A reception will take place at the Red Rock Room in Gallup, following services at 1:30 p.m.
Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
Alonzo J. Jim
GALLUP – Funeral services for Alonzo J. Jim, 32, of Twin Buttes, New Mexico, were held June 24 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Pastor Don Phoebus officiating. Interment followed in Gallup.
Alonzo was born Oct. 1, 1992, in Gallup, into the Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). He passed away June 10, 2025, in Gallup.
Alonzo attended Diné Mission, Stagecoach Elementary School, Chief Manuelito Middle School, and Gallup High School. He worked at Taco Bell, Little Caesars, KFC, and Del Taco.
Alonzo enjoyed playing basketball and softball with his brothers, fishing, listening to music, going to concerts, spending time and helping his family, and watching the Lakers, Steelers, and Rockies play.
Alonzo is survived by his mother, Lucinda John; brothers, Johnson John, Orlando Jim and Felando Jim; sister, Lashanda Jim; and maternal grandmother, Marie John.
Alonzo is preceded in death by his father, Lorenzo Jim; paternal grandmother, Margaret Jim; and maternal grandfather, Joe John.
Pallbearers were Charleston Bennett, Christopher Bennett, Jeremiah Spencer, Jeremy Spencer, Terrie Charlie, and Leanderson Yazzie.
Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
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