Obituaries for March 23, 2023

Edith E. Redhouse

TEEC NOS POS, Ariz. — The Lord called his faithful servant, Edith E. Redhouse, 92, of Teec Nos Pos, Arizona, to her eternal home on March 17, 2023. She was born Nov. 30, 1930, in Teec Nos Pos, to Earl and Helena Curley, into the Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together Clan), born for Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan).

Edith unwaveringly supported her husband’s service to the Navajo Nation, steadfastly upheld the Word of God as her life roadmap, and had many special Bible verses. Psalm 18:28-30 — “For thou wilt light my candle: The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. For by thee, I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall. As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.”

Edith sang Navajo hymns to testify to God’s faithfulness and praised him throughout her life. She kept the faith.

Edith is survived by her children, Herman Redhouse, Sam Redhouse, Ray Redhouse, Melanie Kurley, Harold Redhouse, Matilda Yazzie, and Joey Redhouse; sister, Nellie Bradshaw; brothers, Kenneth Curley, Frank Curley, and Benjamin Curley; and 20 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Edith is preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Rev. Paul H. Redhouse, and parents, brothers, sisters, and a granddaughter.

A private burial service has taken place. A memorial service will be held at a future date.

Dr. Merlee Arviso

GALLUP — Funeral services for Dr. Merlee Millie Arviso, 70, of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, will be held Friday, March 24, at 10 a.m., at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Gallup, with Father Pio officiating. Burial will follow at the St. Michael’s cemetery in St. Michaels, Arizona.

Merlee was born March 26, 1952, in Rehoboth, New Mexico, into the Hashk’ąą hadzohí (Yucca Fruit-Strung-Out-In-A-Line Clan), born for Tsénjíkiní (Cliff Dwellers People Clan). Nalí is ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan) doo Naasht’ezhi doo Irish doo Naakaii; cheii is Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). She passed away in hospice care on March 17, 2023, in Albuquerque. She was loved, cared for, and visited by family and friends to the very end.

Merlee was the daughter of Elsie and Kenneth Arviso, granddaughter to Bah and Charley Arviso of Tohatchi, New Mexico, and great-granddaughter to Jesus Casus Arviso, a Navajo translator.

Merlee attended St. Michael’s High School and completed her bachelor’s and master’s from the University of New Mexico. She earned a second master’s in education from the College of Santa Fe, with a Ph.D. in education from Fielding Graduate University.

In her free time, Merlee enjoyed sewing, beading, dancing at powwows, and watching sports, especially cheering on the Denver Broncos. As a UNM alumna, she proudly cheered on the UNM Lobos. She was passionate about learning, reading books, writing short stories, and advocating for Native American rights. She loved all animals, including her beloved cat, Kikki, who was always by her side.

Merlee was a wonderful and supportive mother, grandmother, friend, and sister. As a devout Catholic, faith was one of the most important things to her and guided her through difficult times. She was a kind, compassionate spirit, always willing to lend a hand when in need.

Merlee is survived by her daughters, ToniLisa Arviso-Jeans of Rhode Island, Krystle Arviso-Jeans of New Jersey, and Samantha PlainFeather; sister, Trudee Silversmith; brother, Tex G. Arviso; and two grandchildren and numerous cousins and relatives.

Merlee is preceded in death by her brothers, Louie Arviso, Kenneth Arviso Jr., and Leon Arviso; mother, Elsie Arviso; and father, Kenneth Arviso.

Xavier Anthony-Rufus Sherman, Bert Smith, Richie Frisella Jr., Marc Hillis, Chet Arviso, Dion Jeans, and Beau Bennett will be pallbearers.

Joshua Michael Neal Smith, Tex G. Arviso, and Wilfred C. Jeans will be honorary pallbearers.

Following services, a reception will take place at the St. Michael’s Chapter House.

Summit Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

Charley L. James Jr.

GANADO, Ariz. — Graveside service for Charley L. James Jr., 70, of Ganado, Arizona, was held March 22 in Ganado.

Charley was born June 13, 1952, in Ganado, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Tó’áhaní (Near the Water Clan). He passed away March 17, 2023, in Ganado.

Charley attended Ganado High School.

Charley is survived by his wife, Stella M. James; sons, Shawn L. James, B.R. James, Kymal James, and Mo Nako James; daughters, Charlena A. James, Cheryl L. James, Brianna L. Thomas, Bretta L. Dann, Cindy L. Smith, Char L. James, and Sheeron L. James; brothers, Elvis L. James and Richard Clark; sister, Nevelan S. Ross; and 45 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Charley is preceded in death by his parents, Mary L. James and Charley L. James Sr.; grandparents, Althnahbah Begay and Pete Nat; and Sharon M. Singer and Rhyas L. Vicenti.

B.R. James, Mo Nako James, Diron Thomas, Charleton Dann, Marty Benally, and Sherman Nelson were pallbearers.

Honorary pallbearers were Shawn James, Kymal James, Semas Vicenti, and Tre Jim.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Katherine Davis

CHINLE — Graveside service for Katherine Davis, 61, of Chinle, will be held Monday, March 27, at 10 a.m., in Chinle.

Katherine was born Nov. 20, 1961, in Ganado, Arizona, into the Tł’ááshchí’í (Red Bottom People Clan). She passed away March 19, 2023, in Phoenix.

Katherine attended Chinle High School and was employed at ITCA, Inc. for 36 years. She enjoyed playing Bingo and spending time with her family.

Katherine is survived by her daughters, Brenda Guy, Bernadette Guy and Geraldine Guy; brother, Victor Davis; sister, Vickie Davis; grandparent, Jessie Davis; and four grandchildren.

Katherine is preceded in death by her mother, Genevieve Davis.

Pallbearers will be Ronnie Davis, Shawn Shorty, Curtis Benally, and Kyle Watchman.

Honorary pallbearer will be Victor Davis.

A reception will take place at Vickie Davis’ residence following service.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Ernest Bigthumb

GALLUP — Funeral services for Ernest “Ernie” Bigthumb, 77, of Lake Valley, New Mexico, will be held Tuesday, March 28, at 10 a.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Everett Bigthumb officiating. Burial will follow at the New Mexico State Cemetery in Santa Fe.

Ernest was born Jan. 23, 1946, in Lake Valley, into the Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for Tsenabahiłnii (Sleep Rock People Clan). He passed away March 19, 2023, in Rehoboth, New Mexico.

Ernest attended Lake Valley Navajo School, Crownpoint Boarding School, and Chilocco Indian School. He worked for Crownpoint Indian Health Service, Fort Defiance Indian Health Service, Gallup Indian Medical Center, and Gallup Sand and Gravel.

Ernest enjoyed rodeos, basketball, and hunting and was a Dallas Cowboys fan.

Ernest is survived by his son, Everett Bigthumb and Eli Bigthumb, and sisters, Erma B. Begay, Sadie A. Billie, and Irene Etsitty.

Ernest is preceded in death by Lorraine Bigthumb, Elvina Bigthumb, Winston Bigthumb, and Lynch Bates.

Pallbearers will be Karlex Pablo, Orlando Nelson, Andre Pablo, Derrick Johnson, Jacob Scott, and Erwin Pablo.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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