Obituaries for March 19, 2015

LeVon Lee Thomas

FLAGSTAFF – A memorial service for LeVon Lee Thomas, 67, of Kayenta, will be held Friday, March 20, at 10 a.m. at the Christ’s Church of Flagstaff (3475 E. Soliere Ave.).

LeVon was born Aug. 22, 1947, in Tuba City, to Ancil Thomas and Georgia Jane Thomas. He passed away March 14, 2015, in Kayenta.

LeVon was a long time resident of Kayenta, with his loving wife, Beverly (Singer) Thomas, whom were married for 36 years.

LeVon graduated from Tuba City in 1966 and attended Arizona State University. He was drafted into the Vietnam War, in which he served in the U.S. Army, 173rd Airborne, and returned home in 1969.

LeVon had a passion for life, enjoyed quality time with his family, friends, and the family dog, Sugar. He rode his motorcycle throughout the Navajo Nation, played recreational pool, an avid musical albums collector, photographer, computer and electronic enthusiast, rock collector, and a Green Bay Packers fan. He was known as the “Dad” behind the camera, capturing his family’s special moments and was a caring member of the Kayenta community. He worked as an electrician for Peabody Western Coal Company for over 35 years.

LeVon is survived by his children, Dawn Begay, Amanda Thomas, Michele (Thomas) Landavazo, Andrea (Thomas) Fuller, and Matthew Thomas; sister, Helen Bonnaha; brothers, Frank Freeland and Tom Lovell; and 10 grandchildren.

LeVon is preceded in death by his parents, Ancil and Georgia; siblings, Katherine Thomas, Sally Nez, Andrew Thomas, Anderson Thomas, and John Charles Thomas; and son, Justin Maloney.

Norvel Owens Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Norman B. Sam

PINEDALE, N.M. – Funeral services for Norman B. Sam, 47, were held March 17. Interment followed at the family plot at Rainbow Trail in Pinedale, N.M.

Norman was born Feb. 6, 1968, into the Kiyaa’aanii (Towering House Clan), born for Dziltl’ahnii (Mountain Cove Clan). His nali is Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People); chei is T‡baah‡ (Water’s Edge Clan). He died March 11, 2015, in Gallup.

Norman graduated from Wingate High School in 1986 and moved to Phoenix. He was employed at ATSCO and moved back to Gallup to care for his mother as a caregiver.

Norman is survived by his wife, Aileen Sam; son, Jay W. Sam; stepdaughters, Delilah Ramirez (Alex), and Shireen Martinez of Phoenix; mother, Marie Sam of Gallup; brothers, Jason Sam of Many Farms, Ariz., and Ronald Sam of Pinedale; and sister, Dora Slinkey of Tse Bonito, N.M.

Norman is preceded in death by his father, Jay B. Sam; grandmother, Mary Whitegoat; and grandfather, Tom Lee.

Pallbearers were Ronald Sam, Jay Sam, Alex Ramirez, Alzado Gorman, Jonathan Mann, Jerome Mann, and Delbert Hicks.

Honorary pallbearers were Leo Mann, Tyson Sam, Jason Sam, and Adrian Ramirez.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Norma Lee “Ann” Goldtooth

FARMINGTON – Norma Lee “Ann” Goldtooth, 83, passed away March 4, 2015, at the San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington.

Norma was a resident of Farmington for many years. She was born in Crystal, N.M., under the maiden name Norma Bell Lee born into the Dibélzh’n’ (Black Sheep Clan), born for Dziltl’ahnii (Mountain Cove Clan). She was buried at the Kirtland/Fruitland Cemetery, in Kirtland N.M.

Norma graduated from the Navajo Mission in Farmington, and earned her bachelor’s degree from San Diego State in microbiology during the mid 1950s. She earned her certification as a professional medical technologist, running medical and hospital laboratories from San Diego, Calif., Page, Ariz., Winslow, Ariz., Phoenix, and Sage Memorial Hospital in Ganado, Ariz., on the Navajo Reservation. She retired from the Navajo Nation after directing the Streptococcal Program of the Navajo Nation Division of Health Improvement Services and directing other health related programs for the Navajo Nation.

Norma also earned a master’s degree in public administration from Arizona State University. She loved dancing, attending rodeos and Navajo Nation celebrations.

Norma is survived by her son, Bruce “Tom” Goldtooth of Bemidji, Minn.; sisters, Myrtle Lincoln of Albuquerque, and Miriam Gescek of Florida; and nine grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, and many other extended relatives.

Norma is preceded in death by her father, Melvin E. Lee; mother, Virginia Peshlakai Lee; brother, Stanley Lee; a baby brother and granddaughter, Monica Goldtooth.

Rena C. Charley

TO’HAJIILEE, N.M. – Funeral services for Rena C. Charley, 78, of To’hajiilee, N.M., were held March 13 at the Assembly of God Chief Cornerstone Church in To’hajiilee, with Evangelist Angela Begaye. Interment and a reception followed in To’hajiilee.

Rena was born into the Kiyaa’aanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tl’—gi (Hairy Ones). She died March 7, 2015, in To’hajiilee.

Rena enjoyed weaving rugs, arts and crafts, and silversmith work.

Rena is survived by her sons, Alfred Charley, Thomas Charley, and Calvin Charley; daughters, Lucy Beaver, Alice Gruber, Grace Charley, Bessie Charley, Loretta Bailey, and Cassandra Estrada; brothers, Raymond Chapo and Andrew Chapo; and 32 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Rena is preceded in death by John Charley, Esther Charley, Theresa Baca, Ronald Baca, and Mario Estrada.

Pallbearers were Erik Gruber, Eugene Gruber, Colin Charley, Colten Charley, Elmer Ray Ramone Jr., Michael Antonio, Patrick Antonio, Chaz Estrada, Tyler Charlie, Jalio Jake, Jaylathan Jake, Vernon Jake, Jose Gonzalez, and Lalo Venzor.

Honorary pallbearers were Alfred Charley, Thomas Charley, Calvin Charley, Willie Charley, Davis Beaver, and John Bailey.

Daniels Family Funeral Services-Alameda Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

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