Obituaries for March 26, 2026
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Yvonne E. Begay
CHINLE – Funeral services for Yvonne E. Begay, 77, of Chinle, will be held Monday, March 30, at 10 a.m., at the Chinle Potter’s House with Pastor Artie Aragon officiating. Burial will follow at the family plot in Chinle.
Yvonne E. Begay, March 21, 1949 – March 21, 2026
Yvonne was born March 21, 1949, in Fort Defiance, into the Tótsohnii (Big Water Clan), born for Bit’ahnii (His Sheaves/Under His Cover Clan). She passed away March 21, 2026, in Phoenix.
Yvonne attended school in Church Rock, Indian Village, and Chinle High School. Her first job was babysitting at 12 years old and then as a teacher aide with Chinle School. She was also a parent coordinator and dispatcher for Chinle Police Department for 30 years.
Yvonne enjoyed making her famous sugar cookies, reading Tony Hillerman books and spending time with her granddaughters.
Yvonne is survived by her daughters, Abby Begay and Stefanie Bia; sisters, Pamela Whitman and Rebecca Tsosie; and nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Yvonne is preceded in death by her mother, Mary Ina Burnside; father, Johnny Willeto; son, Daniel D. Willeto; and grandmother, Christine Whitman.
Pallbearers will be Josiah Begay, Jeremiah Begay, Branden Bia, Tyler Bia, Eli Bia, and Isaac Preston.
Honorary pallbearers will be Ashley James, Chris Ray, Darren Badonie, Jeremy Tom, Jerry Tom Jr., Martin Tso and Alfred Tom.
A reception will take place at the Chinle Potter’s House following services.
Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
Mary Alice Benally
RED LAKE, Ariz. – Funeral services for Mary Alice Benally, 99, of Red Lake, Arizona, will be held Friday, March 27, at the Church of Jesus Christ in Black Hat, New Mexico. Burial will follow at a private family plot in Red Lake.
Mary Alice Benally, March 10, 1927 – March 22, 2026
Mary was born March 10, 1927, in Red Lake, into the Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan). She passed away March 22, 2026, at the Gallup Indian Medical Center.
Mary never attended school and spoke only in Navajo. She worked with Red Lake Chapter and as a waitress in Gallup. She spent most of her time being a homemaker and attended song and dances all over the Navajo Nation where she competed. She enjoyed sewing, weaving, crocheting, spending time with family and friends, sheepherding and being outdoors.
Mary is survived by her sister, Helen Tsabetsaye; son, Edward silversmith; daughter, Bernice Silversmith; and 12 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Kee Benally; siblings, Leo Milford, Lewis Milford, William Milford, Peter Milford, Bessie Silversmith, Francis Milford, Elliot Milford Sr., Paul Milford, and Helena Tsabetsaye; and grandsons, John silversmith and Ernest Bullhead.
Pallbearers will be Norbona Gordon, Kiyahn Bullhead, Diego Nabahe Suazo, Dion Halona, Kane Silversmith and Ontario Wauneka.
Honorary pallbearers will be Edward Silversmith Jr., Shay Silversmith, Lambert Benally, Walt Silversmith and Basilio Tsabetsaye.
Carl Whitehorse
GALLUP – Funeral services for Carl Whitehorse, 71, of Smith Lake, New Mexico, were held March 23 at the Cope Memorial Chapel in Gallup, with Pastor Marie officiating. Interment followed at the Smith Lake community cemetery.
Carl was born July 22, 1954, in Kayenta, into the Tł’ízí lání (Many Goats Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). He passed away March 16, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Carl attended Haskell Indian Junior College in Lawrence, Kansas, and was employed as a Navajo Nation Police officer for 32 years with Crownpoint District. He enjoyed watching TV and old movies, traveling, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Carl is survived by his daughters, Marcia Whitehorse, Carla Whitehorse and Kyla Whitehorse; brothers, Walker Whitehorse, Jimmie Whitehorse, Clark Whitehorse, and Tommy Whitehorse; sisters, Margaret Whitehorse, Alice Joe and Christine Clitso; and eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Carl is preceded in death by his son, Carlos Whitehorse; daughter, Carlene Whitehorse; parents, James and Stella Whitehorse; and brothers, Andy Whitehorse and Julius Whitehorse.
Pallbearers were Skylar Whitehorse, Marcus Morgan and Carmelita Morgan.
Honorary pallbearers were Vonerik Kien, Tristan Morgan and Sherlynn Morgan.
Cope Memorial oversaw arrangements.
Anthony Montoya
SHEEP SPRINGS, N.M. – Graveside service for Anthony Montoya, 22, of Sheep Springs, New Mexico, will be held Friday, March 27, at 10 a.m., at the Sheep Springs cemetery.
Anthony was born June 26, 2003, in Grants, New Mexico, into the Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan), born for Naakaii dine’é (Mexican Clan). His nálí is Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People); cheii is Naakaii dine’é. He passed away March 8, 2026, in Albuquerque.
Anthony attended Albuquerque High School and was employed at Mister Car Wash. He enjoyed the outdoor life and riding his motorcycle.
Anthony is survived by his brothers, Joefanthan Yazzie and Josiah Yazzie; sister, Shawtnee Montoya; and grandparents, David and Irene Peshlakai.
Anthony is preceded in death by his mother, Berlinda Yazzie; and father, Nolan Montoya.
Pallbearers will be Joefanthan Yazzie, Josiah Yazzie, Melvin Clark and Khris Kemosabe.
Honorary pallbearers will be Melvin Clark, Shawntee Montoya and Michelle Clark.
A reception will take place in Sheep Springs, following service.
Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
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