Obituaries for March 12, 2026

Wilson C. Gorman

FORT DEFIANCE – Funeral services for Wilson C. Gorman, 83, of Sawmill, Arizona, will be held today, March 12, at 10 a.m., in Fort Defiance. Burial will follow at the Deer Spring family plot.

Wilson was born March 9, 1943, into the Kin naazt’ínii (Rows of House Clan), born for Deeshchii’nii (Start of the Red Streak People Clan). His nálí is Tsin sikaadnii (Clamp Tree); cheii is Bįįh bitoodnii (Deer Spring). He passed away March 8, 2026, in Fort Defiance.

Wilson earned two bachelor’s degrees in adult education at Arizona State University and general education at Prescott College. He was a Roman Catholic deacon since 1995 and adult educator teaching GED throughout the Navajo Nation and New Mexico.

After retiring from adult education, Wilson continued as a deacon with Sawmill St. Francis Catholic Church.

Wilson is survived by his wife, Julia S. Gorman; children, Beverly Gorman, Lucynda Dahozy-Gorman, Jenni Gorman and John-Phillip Gorman; siblings, Lena Gorman, Kenneth Gorman, Marie Gorman, Annie Gorman and Leonard Gorman; and six grandchildren.

Wilson is preceded in death by James Gorman.

Pallbearers will be Ferguson Gorman, John-Phillip Gorman, Dorviel Dahozy, Dominic Dahozy, Matthew Clark and Toni Rael.

Honorary pallbearers will be Kenneth Gorman, Leonard Gorman and Donna Montoya.

A reception will take place at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament following services.

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Grace Willeto Mansfield

ALBUQUERQUE – Funeral service for Grace Willeto Mansfield, 89, will be held Monday, March 16, at 9:30 a.m., at the Fellowship Christian Reformed Church in Albuquerque. Burial will follow at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Grace was born into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). Her nálí is Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People), Naakaii dine’é (Mexican), and Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together); cheii is Naaneesht’ézhí. She passed away March 2, 2026.

Grace is preceded in death by her husband, Francis Mansfield; parents, Mary and Frank Willeto Sr.; sisters, Rose Cowboy and Julie Badonie; and brothers, Frank Jr., Johnny Sr. and Bobby Willeto.

A small reception will follow church services in Albuquerque.

French Funerals of Albuquerque oversaw arrangements.

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Liahona L. Fulton

MICHAELS, Ariz. – Funeral services for Liahona Lynn Fulton, 24, of Fort Defiance, were held March 9 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in St. Michaels, Arizona, with Bishop Prince officiating. Interment followed at the family plot in Fort Defiance.

Liahona was born May 12, 2001, in Fort Defiance, into the Dík’ǫ́zhí (Salt Water Clan), born for Tséńjíkiní (Honey Combed Rock People Clan). Her nálí is Deeshchii’nii (Start of the Red Streak People); cheii is Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle). She passed away Feb. 28, 2026, in Mesa, Arizona.

Liahona attended St. Johns High School, Pima Medical Center, Pioneer College and Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute. She was employed as a UPS driver, medical assistant and heavy equipment operator.

Liahona enjoyed repairing equipment, building, camping, hiking and taking care of her brothers, sisters and anyone in need.

Liahona is survived by her father, Nephi S. Fulton; brothers, Harley D. Fulton and Nephi R. Fulton; sister, Courtney Fulton; and grandparents, Loretta Yazzie, LeNora Fulton and Harley Y. Fulton.

Liahona is preceded in death by her mother, Karolyn Yazzie; grandfather, Bobby Yazzie; great-grandmother, Blanche C. Lee; and great-grandfather, Robert E. Lee.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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VcRay Gleason

NEWCOMB, N.M. – Funeral services for VcRay Gleason, 59, of Newcomb, New Mexico, will be held Saturday, March 14, at 10 a.m., at the Pentecostal Church in Newcomb, with Harry Plummer officiating. Burial will follow at the Gleason family plot in Newcomb.

VcRay was born April 3, 1966, in Gallup, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan). He passed away March 4, 2026, in Phoenix.

VcRay graduated from Tohatchi High School in 1986. During his high school years (1984-1986), he was an active basketball player. He dedicated many years to his work, including 18 years at the Hampton Inn, as well as time with FNF Construction Company and Cactus Asphalt Company. Most recently, he worked for Joe Browns for more than 20 years.

Outside of work, VcRay enjoyed butchering and cherished the time he spent hanging out with his nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

VcRay is survived by his brothers, Zolton Gleason and Zacharias Gleason; sisters, Elvira Gleason-Hubbard, Berdie Gleason and Caroline Gleason; and many beloved grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

VcRay is preceded in death by his parents, Tsosie Gleason and Edith Kinsel Gleason; brother, Ron Ray; and nephew, Jeremy Gleason.

Pallbearers will be Jeremson Gleason, Walton Watchman, Aaron Kinsel, Cyrus Gleason, Melis Yazzie and Jacey Yazzie.

Honorary pallbearers will be Elvira Gleason-Hubbard, Berdie Gleason, Zacharias Gleason, Zolton Gleason and Caroline Gleason.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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Allen Peshlakai Jr.

GALLUP – Funeral services for Allen Peshlakai Jr., 56, of Sheepsprings, New Mexico, will be held Friday, March 13, at 10 a.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup. Burial will follow at the Sheepsprings community cemetery.

Allen was born Sept. 11, 1969, in Shiprock, into the Bit’ahnii (Under His Cover Clan), born for ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan). He passed away March 3, 2026, at the Lovelace Hospital in Albuquerque.

Allen is survived by his son, Tyler Peshlakai.

Allen is preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Allen Peshlakai Sr.

A reception will take place at the Sheepsprings Chapter House following services.

Donations are being accepted at the Sheepsprings West NHA Housing No. 6 (Harry and Rose Nez residence). Money donations can also be submitted to Rollie Mortuary under Allen Peshlakai Jr.

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