Obituaries for March 20, 2025

Annie S. Tsosie

GALLUP – Funeral services for Annie S. Tsosie, 95, of Tohlakai, New Mexico, will be held Friday, March 21, at 10 a.m., at the East Aztec Baptist Church in Gallup, with Pastor Richard Malone officiating. Burial will follow in Tohlakai.

Annie was born Jan. 7, 1930, in Tohlakai, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). She passed away March 12, 2025, in Gallup.

Annie worked for the Navajo Nation and was a chapter official for Twin Lakes. She was a pianist who enjoyed crocheting, singing, and traveling.

Annie is survived by her sons, Gordan Toadlena, Al Toadlena, Aaron Toadlena, Titus Toadlena, and Edwin Toadlena; daughters, Ophelia Sam, Judy Tsosie, Dornelia Tsosie, and Andrea Tsosie; and 34 grandchildren, 62 great-grandchildren and 17 great-great-grandchildren.

Annie is preceded in death by her daughters, Cornelia Begay, Amelia Mestas and Bernelia Toadlena; brothers, Joe Peterson and Kenneth Peterson; sisters, Grace Help, Dorthy Peterson and Mary Ann Jimmie; and parents, Jim and Mary Peterson.

Pallbearers will be Jason Toadlena, Marcus Toadlena, Erwin Yazzie, Martin Lastyona, Kamrin Toadlena, Kollin Toadlena, Matthew Toadlena, and John Lastyona.

Honorary pallbearers will be Gordan Toadlena, Al Toadlena, Aaron Toadlena, Titus Toadlena, Edwin Toadlena, and Lawrence Sam.

A reception will take place at Chee Dodge Elementary following services.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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Alma J. Sutherland (1947 – 2024)

MONUMENT VALLEY, Utah – Funeral services for Alma Jean Sutherland, 77, will be held Saturday, March 22, at 10 a.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel in Monument Valley, Utah, located on U.S. 163 and Monument Valley Road. Burial will follow at the Monument Valley cemetery.

Alma was born Nov. 23, 1947, in Westwater (Blanding), Utah, into the Yé’ii Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan) and born for ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan).

Alma bravely faced the challenges of dementia and often sought the comfort of walking outdoors. Unexpectedly on Dec. 4, 2024, she went missing. The search for her continued until her remains were found. Under these circumstances, the family is grateful for all who helped during these past months of uncertainty, pain, and sorrow.

Alma grew up in the Utah portion of the Navajo Nation. As a young child, she approached life with curiosity and vigor that was both inspiring and infectious. One of her early talents was learning to tap dance. She loved outdoor activities, animals, and laughing.

Alma participated in the LDS placement program. During high school, she returned to live with her older sister Tinna (and Wilbert) Willie in Blanding. She attended San Juan High School and became involved in various student activities. She participated in the musical “Oklahoma,” was one of the baton twirlers (wearing Navajo outfit) for the high school marching band, and performed the Navajo Feather Dance for the “Traveling Assembly,” which toured numerous high schools in the Four Corners region.

Alma attended Bacone College in Muskogee, Oklahoma, obtaining a cosmetology license. Later she attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, and married her husband, Pat Sutherland. Together they had two children and resided in the Navajo Nation until they divorced years later.

Alma always maintained a deep commitment and love for her children. Through the years she displayed a passion for learning, a desire to create artistic items, and a zest for life. She was extremely gifted in sewing, drawing, crocheting, beadwork, knitting, Navajo basket weaving, Navajo traditional pottery, and cooking.

Alma explored her surroundings with a sense of adventure and a deep appreciation of the land, animals, plants, and people. She attended the College of Eastern Utah and obtained her associate degree. Upon completing that milestone, she later continued her educational studies at Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah.

As a single mother, Alma obtained land and had a home built in the beautiful landscape of Monument Valley. She had a unique way of making people feel valued and loved, as her home was a place of warmth and laughter.

Alma worked in various jobs in housekeeping, cashiering, and waitressing. She loved country dancing and family reunions because she could spend enjoyable time with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and relatives.

Alma will be missed by all who loved her. Her greatest joy was seeing her grandchildren and great-grandchildren progress in life. She was known for waking up early before dawn, meeting each new day with happiness and joy, and opening the curtains of her house so the sunlight could come in.

Alma is survived by her son, Nathan Eaglespeaks Sutherland; daughter, Tarah Sutherland Perez; sisters, Tinna H. Willie of Fort Defiance, Caroline Simpson of Lehi, June M. Wauneka of Cedar City, Velma Perez of Phoenix, Maeta Beck of Birdseye, Linda Williams of Monument Valley, Audrey Payton of Cameron, Verlene Henry of Smith Lake, Julene Price of Farmington, Darlene Holiday, Julie Ann Holiday, Elaine Holiday, and Carol Holiday of Monument Valley; and brother, Carl Holiday of Kayenta; and 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Alma is preceded in death by her father, Calvin Holiday Sr.; mother, Evelyn Crank Huskon; and brothers, Lawrence Williams, Alex Williams, Calvin Holiday Jr., and Alvin Holiday.

A reception will take place at the chapel following services.

The family is grateful for the FBI, Navajo Nation Police, volunteers, first responders, MMIW/MMIP coordinators, family, relatives, community members, and individuals who assisted in the search and stood by our family through this heartbreaking time and those who contributed monetary donations for the burial expenses. Ahe’hee.

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Bernie J. Webster Sr.

FARMINGTON – A Celebration of Life service and reception for Bernie James (Jim) Webster Sr., 86, of Farmington, will be held Saturday, March 22, at 1 p.m., at the First Presbyterian Church (865 N. Dustin Ave.) in Farmington with Rev. Doctor James Klotz officiating.

Bernie was born Sept. 3, 1938, in Fort Defiance, into the Hashtł’ishnii (Mud Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). He passed away on March 13, 2025, in Shiprock.

Bernie graduated from Riverside Indian School in Anadarko, Oklahoma, where he met his sweetheart, Stella Phoenix (Webster). He earned a certificate in drafting from Haskell Institute in Lawrence, Kansas, and served his country in the 101st Airborne Division, U.S. Army, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where he earned his paratrooper Jump Wings.

Bernie began his career with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Western Agency, in Tuba City. He later transferred to the Bureau of Reclamation Office in Farmington, where he served as a civil engineer technician on the Navajo Indian Irrigation Project. He retired from that office in 1997 with an exemplary service record.

Bernie was a lifelong athlete. He played basketball, and football, and competed in track, swimming, shuffleboard, bowling, archery, air rifle, and karate. He regularly competed in the Senior Olympics and qualified all the way to the National Senior Games.

Bernie loved his family, music, movies, traveling, and his church where he served in the congregation and the synod.

Bernie is survived by his loving wife Stella; son, Bruce J. Webster; sister, Christine Gonzales; grandsons, James L. Webster and Robert M. Frizzell; and granddaughter, Tricia A. Frizzell. He will be missed by many cousins, aunts, nieces, nephews, and significant loved ones.

Bernie is preceded in death by his parents, Opal and James Kenneth Webster Sr.; son, Bernie J. Webster Jr.; and sisters, Ingrid W. Jefferson and Fannie (Melba) Yazzie.

In place of flowers, please consider making donations to First Presbyterian Church in memoriam of Bernie James Webster Sr.

Cope Memorial oversaw arrangements.

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Janet L. Nez

GALLUP – Funeral services for Janet Long Nez, 54, of Manuelito, New Mexico, will be held Friday, March 28, at 10 a.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Pastor David Duboise officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial.

Janet was born March 15, 1970, in Gallup, into the Naakaii dine’é (Mexican Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). She passed away March 14, 2025.

Janet graduated from Gallup High School in 1988 and received a degree in criminal justice from the University of New Mexico-Gallup. She worked for the McKinley County Court House, District Attorney’s Office.

Janet enjoyed sewing, arts and crafts, storytelling, playing Candy Crush, watching the 49ers play, and spending time with her family.

Janet is survived by her ex-husband, Matthew Nez; sons, Jasper Nez and Joaquin Nez; daughters, Jennifer and Oceanna Nez; and sister, Bernice Dawes.

Janet is preceded in death by her mother, Rose Long; stepfather, Alferd Long; and brother, Kenneth Long.

Pallbearers will be Jasper Nez, Danielle Dawes, Richard Barber, Keith Long, Oceanna Nez, and Alessia Plummer.

The honorary pallbearer will be Quentin Talamente.

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

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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