Obituaries for June 28, 2018

Nelson Sandoval

WHITEHORSE LAKE, N.M. — Funeral services for Nelson Sandoval, 77, were held June 27 at the Word of God Church in Whitehorse Lake, New Mexico, with Pastor Kevin Haynes officiating. Interment followed at the family plot.

Nelson was born Nov. 2, 1941, in Whitehorse Lake, to Norberto Sandoval and Mary Pinto, into the Naakai dine’é (Mexican Clan), born for Hashk’aa hadzohí (Yucca Fruit-Strung-Out-In-A-Line Clan).

Nelson graduated in May 1961 from Riverside Indian School in Anadarko, Oklahoma, and attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma. He eventually moved back home to be near and help his family.

Later, Nelson enlisted in the U.S. Marines Corps in April 1966. He did a tour of duty in the Vietnam War from 1966-67 in the areas of DaNang, Hue, Phu bai and the DMZ. He was part of the H Company, 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines, 3rd Marine Division (aka “The Nomads”).

Nelson married Carolyn T. Sandoval, the love of his life and his best friend. Over a period of time, the couple had a son and daughter together and he became stepfather to two daughters. He set about teaching them the importance of integrity, working hard, and continuing education.

Nelson’s children remember him as a kind, gentle, supportive, patient, driven father who encouraged them to pursue their goals. He was a generous, witty, and dedicated individual who loved helping others and who was passionate about education, honoring veterans, and helping his community. He was an active and dedicated member of the Navajo Nation veterans group and often volunteered his time helping other veterans.

Nelson is survived by his wife, Carolyn T. Sandoval; children, Neilson O. Sandoval (wife MiCheryl), Nelita Sandoval (husband Isaac), Debra L. Tolino, and Sophia L. Casuse; sisters, Annie S. Yazzie, Fannie A. Sandoval, and Lily Mace: and 15 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Nelson is preceded in death by his mother, Mary P. Atencio; brothers, Joe Sandoval Sr., Tom Atencio, and Billy Castillo; sister, Jean Tsosie; and niece, Carmelita Atencio.

Condolences can be sent to P.O. Box 67, Crownpoint, NM 87313.

Armondo Monroe

CHINLE — Funeral services for Armondo Monroe, 38, of Burnt Corn, Arizona, will be held Friday, June 29, at 9 a.m. at the Chinle Catholic Church with Father Pjey Pataboa officiating. Burial will follow at the Chinle community cemetery.

Armondo was born Feb. 14, 1980, at Sage Memorial Hospital in Ganado, Arizona, into the Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). He died June 23, 2018.

Armondo is a 2001 alumnus of Chinle High School and attended Diné College in Tsaile, Arizona. He graduated from Tulsa Welding School as a pipefitter on Nov. 21, 2014, and was employed throughout the United States as a pipefitter in various states.

Armondo enjoyed wood working, cooking/grilling food, capturing life’s beautiful moments through photos, making friends with all walks of life, music, and traveling to new places. He was upbeat and ready for an adventure at any given moment.

Armondo is survived by his sons, Malik Monroe and Romero Monroe; daughters, Ramona Monroe, Malia Monroe, Mahalia Monroe, and Naomi Monroe; parents, Ervin and Louise Monroe; brothers, Fernando Bedonie, Randall Monroe, and Ty Monroe; and twin sister, Amanda Monroe.

Armondo is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Skeet and Mary Ben Yazzie; and paternal grandparents, Bessie Johnson and Bahe Monroe.

Pallbearers will be Fernando Bedonie, Randall Monroe, Ty Monroe, Joseph Goga, Sean Casuse, and Donavan Young.

A reception will take place in Burnt Corn, following services.

Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Jerry Francisco

GALLUP — Funeral services for Jerry Francisco, 70, will be held Friday, June 29, at 10 a.m. at Cope Memorial in Gallup. Burial will follow at the Houck community cemetery.

Jerry was born June 12, 1948, in Fort Defiance, into the Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan), born for Dibélzhíní (Black Sheep Clan). He died June 21, 2018, in Phoenix.

Jerry attended school in Pine Springs, Fort Defiance, and Crystal, New Mexico, graduating from Intermountain in Brigham, Utah. He enjoyed playing baseball, basketball, football, and was swimming champion in high school. He enjoyed watching NASCAR and was an overall hard worker who loved, supported, and provided for his family.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Laura Francisco; sons, Craig Francisco, Carlton Francisco, and Gerald Francisco; brother, Donald Francisco; and sisters, Maggie Shirley, Lori Fowler, and Bessie Charley.

Jerry is preceded in death by Billy and Louise Kimble Francisco.

Pallbearers will be Lester Arthur, Carlton Francisco, Craig Francisco, Galloway Francisco, Tyrel Francisco, and Julius Arthur.

Cope Memorial is in charge of arrangements.

Lornette K. Maldonado

ACOMA, N.M. — Funeral services for Lornette K. Maldonado, 54, will be held today, June 28, in Acoma, New Mexico. Burial will follow in Acoma.

Lornette was born Feb. 25, 1964. She passed away June 25, 2018.

Lornette was self-employed and enjoyed making and painting pottery, traveling, visiting, and reading.

Lornette is survived by her husband, Rodger Maldonado; daughters, Erin, Karen, Sharon, and Ellan; and three grandchildren.

Lornette is preceded in death by her parents, Lillian and Kee Richard Yazzie; and grandparents, Maggie and Mark Slinkey Sr.

Shirley Ann Yazzie

SANDERS, Ariz. — Funeral services for Shirley Ann Yazzie, 59, were held June 27 at the LDS Church in Sanders, Arizona. Interment followed at the Silversmith family plot in Burntwater, Arizona.

Shirley was born June 19, 1959, in Fort Defiance, into the Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for Dibélzhíní (Black Sheep Clan). She died June 21, 2018, in Gallup.

Shirley graduated from high school in Huntington Beach, California, and received a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University. She lived in Northern California and eventually retired in Gallup.

Shirley is survived by her daughters, Heidi Hayame and Stephanie Hayame; sister, Rena Begay; and two grandchildren.

Shirley is preceded in death by her mother, Betty Lou Silversmith; father, Kee B. Yazzie; and brother, Randin B. Yazzie.

Pallbearers were Craig Begay, Drake Begay, Branden Begay, Corey Begay, Derrick Begay, Nicholas Begay, Charles Raining Bird, and Jeremy Begay.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Trinidad “Tom” Joe

LUPTON, Ariz. — Funeral services for Trinidad “Tom” Joe, 49, of Manuelito, New Mexico, were held June 27 at the LDS Church in Lupton, Arizona, with Earl Tulley officiating. Interment followed in Manuelito.

Trinidad was born Oct. 1, 1968, in Gallup, into the Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). He died June 22, 2018, in Gallup.

Trinidad attended Del Norte High School in Albuquerque, and enlisted in the U.S. Marines Corps, serving in the Desert Storm Persian Gulf War.

Trinidad is survived by his wife, Evangeline Peters; sons, Troy Joe and Trevor Joe; daughter, Avery Joe; parents, Leo Rocky Joe and Eva Ella Joe; brothers, Trineno Joe, Arno Joe, Roland Joe, and Leno Joe; sisters, Evangeline Tulley, Angeline Segura, Olivia Joe, and Misty Escamilla; grandmother, Marcella Tulley.

Trinidad is preceded in death by his brother, Zeno Joe; maternal grandfather, Willie Tulley; and paternal grandparents, Navajo T. Joe and Marie Begay-Joe.

Pallbearers were Trineno Joe, Stacy Turpen, Tristen Tom, Chance Myers, Gabriel Segura, and Elizur Shorty.

Honorary pallbearers were Leo Rocky Joe, Arnold Joe, Leno Joe, and Roland Joe.

Summit Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Paul D. Allen

RIO RANCHO, N.M. — Funeral services for Paul D. Allen, 58, of Seminole, Texas, will be held Monday, July 2, at 12 p.m. at the Faith Church in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Burial will follow at Vista Verde Memorial Park in Rio Rancho.

Paul was born Dec. 15, 1959, in Seminole. He passed away June 25, 2018, in Rio Rancho.

Paul received a bachelor’s degree from Southern Methodist University on May 21, 1983, and worked with the Taos Fire Department and Hopi Healthcare EMT.

Paul is survived by his wife, Renee Allen; daughter, Dawn Weston; and grandchildren, Faith Bird and Martin Bird III.

Paul is preceded in death by his mother, Wilma Allen; father, MJ Allen; and brother, David Allen.

A reception will take place at 296 Nicklaus Drive in Rio Rancho, following services.

Daniels Family Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.

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