Obituaries for June 4, 2020

Benjamin A. Yazzie

Nov. 10, 1955 – May 29, 2020

Benjamin A. Yazzie ‘s forestry career started in 1977 as a summer student worker. He earned his associates degree in range science in 1977. He worked with the Navajo Forestry Department up to 1980, when he decided to attend the BIA Basic Police Training (Indian Police Academy), where he successfully completed law enforcement training.

Although he completed law enforcement training, Ben was hired as a forest technician in 1982, performing the duties as a timber marker for the department. He became one of the original “Smurfs” with the Navajo Forestry Department’s Timber Management Program up to 1984. He took a leave of absence after 1984, returning to work in 1989 where he continued to perform his forest technician duties as a “Smurf.”

In 1991, Ben decided that he would put his Indian Police Academy training to use and he applied for and was promoted to a forest officer position, to enforce Navajo Nation natural resource laws, with the Navajo Forestry Department. This was the position he held until his retirement in 2011.

During his tenure as a forest officer, Ben attended numerous required training sessions to perform his duties to the highest standards. Benjamin’s goal in life was to practice traditional Navajo healing.

To fulfill this goal, Ben assisted his father, as an apprentice, conducting ceremonial healing ceremonies. Benjamin always accomplished what he set out to do. He was a good friend, colleague, son, uncle, brother, husband, grandfather and most of all a good father to his children. He always had a smile on his face and loved to joke with and tease his friends, colleagues and family.

Benjamin is survived by his three children, Timothy J. Yazzie, Terrance C. Yazzie, Nicole J. Yazzie-Sloan and 8 grandchildren. Benjamin will surely be missed. Rest in peace Dad, son, uncle, grandpa, friend, you have fulfilled your goals.

James C. Thomas Sr.

CROWNPOINT — Graveside service for James C. Thomas Sr., 82, of Crownpoint, were held June 3 at the Crownpoint community cemetery, with Carlos Baki officiating. James was born Feb. 25, 1938, in Crownpoint, into the Naasht’ézhí Dine’é (Zuni Clan), born for Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together Clan). He passed away May 25, 2020, in Bloomfield, New Mexico.

James is a third-grade graduate. He self-taught himself determined to receive his GED. He worked for the Navajo Nation Police, Laguna Police, Mounty Patrol, Navajo Nation News Media, Navajo Nation Revenue Services, and retired with the Navajo Nation Rangers.

James enjoyed reading the Bible daily, attending church weekly, playing his guitar, spending quality time with his grandchildren, welding, listening to oriental and Frank Sinatra music, crafting outdoor projects, loved indulging in food, and was a fan of the Chicago Bulls.

James is survived by his son, James Thomas Jr.; daughter, Geneva Thomas; sister, Etta Chavez; and six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

James is preceded in death by Diane Thomas; brothers, Raymond Paul and Alfred Thomas; son, Jameson Thomas; mother, Rosa Yazza; and father, Charley Thomas. Pallbearers were James Thomas Jr., Leroy Thompson Jr., Elway Gordo, Cameron Thompson, DeWayne Benally, and Stewart Thompson. Honorary pallbearer was Daylen Charley. Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Donovan Matthew Benally

CHINLE — Donovan “Donnie” Matthew Benally was born March 12, 1979, to Arthur and Cecelia (Haven) Benally. He made Heaven his home on May 27, 2020.

Donnie graduated from Chinle High School and served two tours in Iraq with the U.S. Marine Corps. He served as a missionary in China for four years.

On May 26, 2002, he married Cassandriss Benally. They raised two sons, Hayden and Joshua, and one daughter, Carrie.

Most recently, Donnie was the assistant pastor of The Potter’s House in Chinle. Donnie was greatly loved by family, community members and friends from all over the world.

His comrades-in-arms were lifelong friends. His life was given in service to others. He will be missed by many.

There will be a memorial service announced in the future. photo Bryan

Anthony Benally

BURLINGTON, Iowa — Bryan Anthony Benally, 27, of Burlington, Iowa, died May 24, 2020. He was born July 15, 1992, in Winslow, Arizona. Bryan was Native American and part of the Navajo Tribe.

He was a handyman and a jack-of-all-trades who enjoyed tinkering. Bryan was agnostic and loved the Burlington Bees and working at the stadium. He was always smiling and would never allow women to lift a finger; he was a true gentleman.

Bryan loved food, primarily tacos and Mexican entrees, and was a hard worker. He loved his family, nieces, nephews, and loved being around children and was everyone’s best friend.

Bryan is survived by his son, Julian Benally of Phoenix; mother, Victoria Dixon of Albuquerque; fathers, John Dixon of Canon City, Colorado, and Gene Benally of Newcomb, New Mexico; girlfriend, life partner and eternal love, Aurora Stewart of Burlington, and her daughter they were raising together, Hazel Dowell; siblings, Eugenia “Gi Gi” Johnson of Burlington, Crystal Edgington of Burlington, Kayla (Nick) Hafen of Albuquerque, Joshua Dixon of Iowa, and Reginald Dixon of Canon City, Colorado; and nieces and nephews.

Bryan is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather. According to Bryan’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral services. A memorial has been established for his family. Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Lunning Chapel. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.lunningfuneralchapel.com.

Pauline J. Williams

HOLBROOK, Ariz. — Pauline J. Williams peacefully passed away at the age of 83 on the morning of May 27, 2020, due to natural causes. Pauline was born Dec. 15, 1936, in Steamboat, Arizona, into the Naasht’ézhí Tábaahá (Charcoal Streaked Division of Water’s Edge Clan), born for Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan).

Pauline pursued her education at Chemawa Indian School in Salem, Oregon, where she was given the title as 1951 Chemawa Indian Princess and participated in many athletic sports.

In 1954, Pauline married Alvin L. Williams Sr. and later moved to Morenci, Arizona, where they started their family of seven. After the passing of her husband, Pauline moved to Holbrook, Arizona, where she lived most of her life as a cook and basket weaver. She enjoyed walking and exercising. Pauline’s love for her family was infinite and she spent her later years praying for her children and grandchildren’s well-being.

Her generosity extended to everyone and she never hesitated to help someone in need. Pauline is survived by her children, Jefferson (Aleta), Elmer (Sharyl), Hubert, Alberta (Calvin), Alvin Jr. (Laverna), Alton (Tina), and Alvina (Cameron); and 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Pauline is preceded in death by her mother, Yach’i’desbah’ Johnson; father, Kinyaa’aanii Bitsui; husband, Alvin Williams Sr.; sisters, Alice Yellowhair and Helen Johnson; and brothers, Fritz Johnson, Emmett Johnson, Billy Johnson, and Thomas Johnson.

In respect of the family’s wishes, there will be no service, due to the current pandemic situation.

Thomas Etsitty

FORT DEFIANCE — Graveside service for Thomas Etsitty, 71, of Window Rock, will be held today, June 4, at 10 a.m. at the Fort Defiance Veterans Cemetery. Thomas was born June 10, 1948, in Fort Defiance, into the Tsenabahilnii (Sleep Rock People Clan), born for Dibélzhíní (Black Sheep Clan). He passed away May 29, 2020, in Window Rock.

Thomas received an associate’s degree in electrical and automation technology. He served in the U.S. Navy and retired as a criminal investigator with the Navajo Nation Police. He was currently employed as a security officer with IHS Area Office.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Lorita Etsitty; sons, Ulman Etsitty, Ulrich Etsitty, Uziah Etsitty, and Ulan Etsitty; daughters, Ulanda Perez and Una Etsitty; brothers, Hoskie Etsitty, Gene Hale, Calvin Hale, and James Hale; sisters, Sadie Johns, Ruby Brown, Cindy Price, and Ann Hale; and 13 grandchildren.

Thomas is preceded in death by his mother, Sarah Hale; and father, Fred Etsitty. Pallbearers will be Ulman Etsitty, Uziah Etsitty, Jai Etsitty, Matthew Perez, Walter Brown, and John Ynzunza. Honorary pallbearers will be Hoss Etsitty, Ulrich Etsitty, James Hale, and Ulan Etsitty.

To-go trays will be available at the Etsitty’s residence, following service. Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Jamie “Bubba” George

WINSLOW, Ariz. — Graveside service for Jamie “Bubba” George, 40, was held May 22 in Winslow, Arizona. Jamie was born June 17, 1979, in Gallup, into the Tsé deeshgizhnii (Rock Gap Clan), born for ‘Áshiihí (Salt People Clan). Nali is Tábaahá (Water’s Edge); chei is Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water). He passed away May 19, 2020, in Winslow.

Jamie was residing in Bozeman, Montana, and had a love for travel and adventure.

He was a gentle giant with a gentle soul. Jamie’s family remembers him always smiling, laughing, joking around, and his ability to make friends in a heartbeat. Everyone that speaks of Jamie has only good things to say about him. He was a good person inside and out. He leaves us with good memories that we will cherish forever.

Jamie is survived by his mother, Linda Todicheeney originally from Teesto, Arizona; father, Albert George of Phoenix; brothers, Jaysin Todicheeney of Bozeman, Jake George of Phoenix, Jeremy George of Phoenix, Justin Todicheeney of Shelton, Washington, Jordan Todicheeney of Winslow, and Joshua Todicheeney of Winslow; and grandparents, Elsie and Leroy Clark of White Cone, Arizona, Lee Todicheeney of Gallup, Annie and Norman Monroe-W. of Dilkon, Arizona, and Jimmy and Marie George of Dilkon.

Jamie is preceded in death by his grandmother, Mary Young White; uncles, Melshaw Clark and Melvin George; aunts, Hannah Begay and Althea Begay; and grandfather, Francis James. Greer’s Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Willie Anthony KeVine

PINON, Ariz. — Our beloved father, Willie Anthony KeVine, passed away unexpectedly Saturday May 30, in Piñon, Arizona. He was born Oct. 18, 1942.

Willie was a family man and cared for his kids, grandkids and extended family. He was well known for his sense of humor, jokes and teasing. He also lived by the word of God and was always willing to help and pray for people in the community.

Our father would want us to rejoice and celebrate his life rather than mourn his death. He was a humble and modest man and he will be greatly missed by his children and grandchildren.

Our father went home to his savior our Lord Jesus Christ, which now he’s finally feeling the embrace of a loving father.

Willie is survived by his children, Calvin Chavez (Samantha), JeVon KeVine, Rene Francis (Daniel), Shannon Haglili (Oren), Coy KeVine (Tosh), Lace KeVine, and Juliet Austin. Funeral arrangements are pending due to COVID-19.

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