Obituaries for March 21, 2024

Julie M. John

TSE BONITO, N.M. — Funeral services for Julie Marie John, 60, of Window Rock, will be held Friday, March 22, at 10 a.m., at the Gateway Community Church in Tse Bonito, New Mexico, with Roscoe Smith officiating.

Julie was born May 23, 1963, in Fort Defiance. She was Cherokee, born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). She passed away March 17, 2024, in Window Rock.

Julie graduated from Window Rock High School in 1981 and attended Northern Arizona University and the University of New Mexico. She was employed with Window Rock Unified School District for 36 years.

Julie was a member of Mothers Against Drunk Driving and was an organizer for New Mexico Highway Cleanup. She was also an Early School Success child advocate and a fan of the Washington Commanders (formerly Redskins).

Julie is survived by her daughters, Nicole Marie John and Joy Gonzales; brothers, Dr. Glenn Haven of Magdalena, New Mexico, Floyd Haven of Buckeye, Arizona, Randall Haven of Gallup, and Adrian Haven of Window Rock; sisters, Sharyl Williams of Window Rock, Pandora Watchman of Shiprock, Janelle Allen of Chandler, Arizona, and LaDonna Haven-Spencer; and grandson, Nicholas Leo Mitchell-John.

Julie is preceded in death by her husband, Leo John; infant son, Nicholas Lee John; father, Leo Haven; mother, Amelia Haven; sister, Denise Haven; and father-in-law, Lewis John Sr.

Pallbearers will be Jason Haven, Joshua Haven, Ivan Williams, Matthew Williams, Derrick Williams, Duane Haven, Noah Haven, and Jaren Barney.

A reception will take place at the Window Rock Unified School District multi-purpose room following services.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Erwin M. Allison

TOHATCHI, N.M. — Funeral services for Erwin Michael Allison, 57, of Tohatchi, New Mexico, will be held Monday, March 25, at 10 a.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tohatchi, with Father Dale Jamison officiating. Burial will follow in Tohatchi.

Erwin was born March 3, 1967, in Fort Defiance, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii. He passed away March 19, 2024, in Tohatchi.

Erwin graduated from Window Rock High School. He worked in Taos for many years as a support staff and was a truck driver for a year. He was also worked at Navajo Tribal Utility Authority as a mail delivery service for 18 years.

Erwin was a huge Dallas Cowboys fan and loved to play bingo and spend time with his family.

Erwin is survived by his sons, Lyle Allison and Dwight Allison; brothers, Elmer Allison, Eldred Allison and Earlando Allison; and sisters, Barbara Olvera, Edwina Allison and Eugenia Allison.

Erwin is preceded in death by Edward and Betty Allison, Edwin Allison, Elaine Allison, and Charlotte Watchman.

Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be family members.

A reception will take place at St. Mary’s Parish Hall following services.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Agnes G. Nelson

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. — Graveside service for Agnes G. Nelson, 72, of St. Michaels, Arizona, were held March 18 at the St. Michaels community cemetery.

Agnes was born Oct. 16, 1951, in St. Michaels, into the Naakai dine’é (Mexican Clan), born for Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). Her maternal grandfather is Honágháahnii (One-walks-around) and paternal grandfather is ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People). She passed away March 11, 2024, in Flagstaff.

Agnes attended St. Michaels Indian School and Haskell Indian University. She worked at Navajo Communications and Fort Defiance Indian Hospital. Spending time with her grandchildren gave her much joy.

Agnes is survived by her husband, Raymond Nelson; children, Terry Nelson, Dallas Nelson and Raquel Nelson; siblings, Albert Gale, Percy Gale Jr., Arthur Gale, Ronald Gale, Nellie Anderson, Nancy Gale-Begay, and Marlene Gale; and six grandchildren.

Agnes is preceded in death by Florence and Percy Gale Sr.

Pallbearers were Dallas Nelson, Nathaniel Nelson, Darnell Nelson, Olin Graymountain, Drake Graymountain, and Arthur Gale.

Summit Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

---