Obituaries for June 4, 2015

In memory of Mary Alice Manuelito (Dec. 25, 1931 – May 29, 2015)

Mary Alice Manuelito was born Dec. 25, 1931, at the Fort Defiance Indian Hospital, although the official records indicate Dec. 27, 1931. Her mother was Zonnie Billiman (maiden name Charley) and her father was Howard Billiman Sr.

Mary was born into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan). Her paternal grandfather was Bilagáana of English/Spanish descent and her cheii’s were of the Dibéłzhíní (Black Sheep). She was raised with the traditional customs of the Kiyaa’áanii Clan on the homestead of her parents in Buell Park, located between Sawmill, Ariz., and Navajo, N.M.

Mary was chosen to remain home with her parents and grandparents to tend to the large herd of sheep and goats while the rest of her siblings received a formal Western education at the Fort Defiance Boarding School. She was a sheepherder, horsewoman, and was taught traditional knowledge of herbal medicines used for medicinal and ceremonial practices, as well as wild herbs and vegetation gathered to supplement the daily diet. She was well-versed in traditional food preparation, including knowledge of the various types of corn, squash, beans, and melons.

In her teen years, Mary excelled in caring for horses, learning on her own to break and tame them. She also became a horse racer, entering a number of rodeos of her day. She won first place in horse racing two years in a row at the Flagstaff Rodeo and Powwow.
Mary worked in numerous jobs, in bulk Food Service, as a custodian, and lastly as a bus driver. She retired from the Window Rock School District in 1991.

Mary raised most of her children with the help of the late Dennis Manuelito Sr. who died in 1984. A few years later, she met Willard Parker of Navajo, with whom she spent most of her remaining years. Together, they farmed fields in Navajo, and Hogback, N.M., raising corn, squash, tomatoes, onions, chilies, melons, alfalfa, and oats.

In the last years of her life, Mary was cared for by her eldest daughter, Velma Yazzie, and one of her sons, Orlando Manuelito.
Mary took her last breath May 29, 2015. A heartfelt funeral was held at the St. Michaels Catholic Church in St. Michaels, Ariz., on June 1, 2015, and her body was laid to rest at the Billiman family plot in Buell Park, Ariz. She is now reunited with her loved ones: her parents, her daughter Lynette, her husband Dennis, her son William, her grandson Aaron, her son Julian, and her common-law husband Willard, along with all the departed loved ones.

Mary is survived by daughters, Velma Yazzie and Linda Kenny from her first husband, Bahe Price; son, Phillip Billiman, fathered by a man of Navajo and Oneida descent; son, Anthony Manuelito; daughter, Antoinette Short; sons, Dennis Manuelito Jr., Orlando Manuelito, and Cornelius Manuelito, from her marriage to Dennis Manuelito Sr.; sisters, Elvina Hale and Vida Kenny; and brothers, Thomas Billiman and Leroy Billiman.

Mary is also survived by six grandsons, seven granddaughters, 11 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren; and by the children she adopted and loved, including Charlene Worley and Robin Powers.

Nettie Yellowhair Young

CHILCHINBETO/BLACK MESA, Ariz. – Sprinkles of rain painted a rainbow as family, friends, and relatives observed traditionalist Nettie Yellowhair Young’s burial service and memorial reception on May 16, 2015.

Nettie is one of the original Chilchinbeto weavers of the World’s Second-Largest Navajo Rug, “the Little Sister Rug.” She wove the center panel, and is remembered as an intelligent, beautiful, creative, and very strong lady. Her husband, the late Frank C. Young Sr., deceased Feb. 10, 2015, was a traditional religious mentor, educator, and medicine man.

Their cultural contribution to the Diné traditional way of life is significant. Young’s weaving, embedded in the heart of the Chilchinbeto’s “Little Sister rug,” continues to serve as a backdrop for Navajo Nation presidential inauguration and many special occasions. Her husband’s teachings are part of the cumulative Navajo curriculum used across the Navajo Reservation in schools. Their lifetime accomplishments bring forth strength to the Diné cultural base.

Nettie Yellowhair Young, 76, died of natural causes May 12, 2015, at the hospital in Flagstaff. Her life and death bring forth awareness to each time we lose a cultural practitioner, a part our unique Navajo heritage goes, too. She only spoke Navajo and practiced daily the “hozhooji Dine k’ehgo iina.”

Young took pride in her children and grandchildren’s accomplishments in education, health services, and the world of rodeo. When her paternal granddaughter, Allison Young, Navajo actress and film student, took a stance against Native American stereotypes by walking off Adam Sandler’s “Ridiculous Six” movie set, she lauded, “It unfurled our traditional uniqueness and teachings of respecting oneself, all people, even animals, plants, the earth, and skies.”

She regarded many, “Shi yazhi, feel the powerful energy of the rug, as we felt it. Let it bring the great cultural Diné heritage into your heart, mind, and existence. Envision your lifetime goal as if you completed it. Then make that first movement towards your goal. Do not stop until you are done. May the ‘Little Sister’ rug bring blessings to guide and protect you as you move on with your dreams and prayers. Hard work is the essence of ‘hozhooji Diné k’ehgo iina.’”

Young is survived by her daughters, Lena Young, Marita Young, Hilda Y. Littleben, Nora Y. Lii’bilNaghahi, and Lucinda Young; and sons, Frank Young II, Clayton Ernie Young, Steven Young, Jerome Young, and Chavez Young.

Nettie Yellowhair Young ei To’ahoni nili nit’ee’, Deeshchiinii yashchiin, Bit’ahnii dabicheii, doo Kiyaa’aanii dabinali. She is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Lefty (Nitl’aai) and Alice Begay Sells of Rough Rock, Ariz.; paternal grandparents, Hastiin Kiyaa’aanii and Asdzaa Bitsii’ Litsooi; and parents, Descheenie and Mary Sells Yellowhair of Chilchinbeto; husband, Frank C. Young Sr.; and daughter, Rose Mae Young.

Our beloved mother’s teachings, memories, and prayers will always be a part of us as we move forward together.

Fernando Cruz

PHOENIX – On April 23, an advocate for Native Americans with Disabilities and Az Bridge Independent Living’s Reintegration Coordinator, Fernando Cruz, passed on in Phoenix. He worked tirelessly to advocate and assist people with disabilities.

Fernando was a proud member of the Tohono O’odham Nation. He is survived by family and grew up in the San Lucy Village near Gila Bend, Ariz.

Fernando received a degree from Glendale Community College and a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work from Arizona State University. While at ASU, he completed an internship with ABIL. His duties included meeting with individuals with disabilities who were currently living in nursing homes.

Through the years, Fernando helped hundreds of people (Native Americans included) make that transition from nursing home to independent community living.

In 2005, Fernando became a member and later the co-chair of the American Indian Disability Summit which plans an annual conference to provide interaction, networking, education and support for American Indians with disabilities and their families.

In 2013, Fernando began coordinating a program for Emergency Preparedness Planning for People with Functional Needs in Tribal Communities. He visited tribal communities across the state (Navajo, Hopi, TO, Gila River, Salt River Maricopa, Fort McDowell, Ak-chin, Pasqua Yaqui, Hualapai, White River, Tonto, San Carlos and Yavapai Apache nations) and worked to expand awareness and understanding of emergency preparedness.

Fernando demonstrated every day that the path of independence is best followed when we meet each challenge in life with humor, determination, and friends. His full-of-life personality, humor, kindness, and assertive advocacy will live on in all the people he empowered and touched.

Ella Mae Smith

VANDERWAGEN, N.M. – Funeral services for Ella Mae Smith, 75, will be held today, June 4, at 10 a.m. in Vanderwagen, N.M. Burial will follow at the family plot in Chichiltah, N.M.

Ella, a homemaker, was born in Breadsprings, N.M., into the Kiyaa’aanii (Towering House Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). She died May 28, 2015, in Gallup.

Ella is survived by her sons, Raymond Smith and Michael Smith; daughters, Geraldine Tsosie, Germaine Smith, and Eva D. Smith.
Pallbearers will be Griffin Smith, Joe Yazzie, George Curley, Thurman Smith, Merwin Curley, and Brandon Yazzie.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Phillip Travis Collins

ALBUQUERQUE – Funeral services for Phillip Travis Collins, 56, of Albuquerque, will be held today, June 4, at 11 a.m. at French Mortuary (University) in Albuquerque, with Allen Taylor officiating. Burial will follow at the Seama Village Cemetery.

Phillip was born July 8, 1958, in Durango, Colo., into the Laguna Badger People, born for Tábaahá (Water’s Edge Clan). He died May 31, 2015, in Albuquerque.

Phillip attended Window Rock High School and Central New Mexico College. He was employed with Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, Goodyear in Tse Bonito, N.M., Stonegate Turfgrass Ranch in Albuquerque. He was a mechanic instructor and enjoyed watching Nascar and Buffalo Bills football.

Phillip is survived by his daughters, Tanieko Collins of Farmington, Angel Alexander of Albuquerque, and Natasha Singer of Farmington; father, Richard Emerson Collins of Shiprock; brother, Paul Collins of Shiprock; sisters, Jolene Tom of Phoenix, Leigh Ann Campbell of Montana, and Karen Hanley of Albuquerque; and three grandchildren.

Phillip is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Paisana-Boyland; sister, Margaret Collins; and sister, Tracy Sandoval.
Pallbearers will be Paul Collins, Carlos, Adam, Raymond, Chris, Javier, Fabien, Tony, and Ramone.

Honorary pallbearers will be Chris Chavez, Travis Collins, Maynard Becenti, Randy Collins, Brandon Begaye, and Marcus Singer.
A reception will take place at the Stonegate Turfgrass Ranch following services.

French Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Fernando Cruz

PHOENIX – On April 23, an advocate for Native Americans with Disabilities and Az Bridge Independent Living’s Reintegration Coordinator, Fernando Cruz, passed on in Phoenix. He worked tirelessly to advocate and assist people with disabilities.

Fernando was a proud member of the Tohono O’odham Nation. He is survived by family and grew up in the San Lucy Village near Gila Bend, Ariz.

Fernando received a degree from Glendale Community College and a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work from Arizona State University. While at ASU, he completed an internship with ABIL. His duties included meeting with individuals with disabilities who were currently living in nursing homes.

Through the years, Fernando helped hundreds of people (Native Americans included) make that transition from nursing home to independent community living.

In 2005, Fernando became a member and later the co-chair of the American Indian Disability Summit which plans an annual conference to provide interaction, networking, education and support for American Indians with disabilities and their families.

In 2013, Fernando began coordinating a program for Emergency Preparedness Planning for People with Functional Needs in Tribal Communities. He visited tribal communities across the state (Navajo, Hopi, TO, Gila River, Salt River Maricopa, Fort McDowell, Ak-chin, Pasqua Yaqui, Hualapai, White River, Tonto, San Carol and Yavapai Apache nations) and worked to expand awareness and understanding of emergency preparedness.

Fernando demonstrated everyday that the path of independence is best followed when we meet each challenge in life with humor, determination, and friends. His full of life personality, humor, kindness, and assertive advocacy will live on in all the people he empowered and touched.

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