Obituaries for March 27, 2025

By Navajo Times | Mar 27, 2025 | Obituaries |

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Alvin James

CHINLE – A service to honor and celebrate the life of Alvin James, 62, was held March 25 at the Grace Fellowship Church in Chinle.

Alvin James, Aug. 30, 1962 – March 18, 2025

Alvin was born Aug. 30, 1962, in Chinle, to George James and Anna Chischilly. He passed away March 18, 2025.

Alvin grew up with a love for basketball, baseball, and NFL football. He was an avid fan of the San Francisco 49ers and had a deep appreciation for music of all genres. He also enjoyed cooking and sharing meals with loved ones.

Alvin’s infectious laughter and warm bear hugs will forever remain in our hearts. Whether through his kind smile, heartfelt advice, or unwavering love, he left a lasting impact on everyone who was fortunate enough to know him.

Alvin is survived by his daughters, Michelle James, Lauren James and Hope Begay; siblings, Ida McVicker, Melvin Chischilly and Caroline Johnson; and 11 grandchildren.

Alvin is preceded in death by his daughter, Monique James; mother, Anna Chischilly; grandmother, Marie T. Chischilly; sister, Henrietta Chischilly; and uncle, James T. Chischilly.

The family warmly invites all who knew and loved him to join in the remembrance. A reception in his honor will follow at the same location after the service.

Though he may no longer be with us in person, his love, laughter, and cherished memories will remain in our hearts forever.

Ruth A. Brenner

FORT DEFIANCE – Funeral services for Ruth Ann Brenner, 91, of Nazlini, Arizona, were held March 26 at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Fort Defiance, with Father Pio O’Connor officiating. Interment followed in Nazlini.

Ruth Ann Brenner, Dec. 9, 1933 – March 20, 2025

Ruth was born Dec. 9, 1933, in Nazlini, into the White Mountain Apache Branch/Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for Deeshchii’nii (Start of the Red Streak People Clan). Her nálí is Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water); cheii is Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House). She passed away March 20, 2025, in Nazlini.

Ruth graduated from Intermountain School and worked for Turner’s Cafe and Motor Inn as a cook in Window Rock and was a Navajo rug weaver in Ganado and Two Grey Hills. She was also a rug weaver, sheepherder, fisherwoman, world traveler, squaw dance kitchen supervisor, and bingo player. She enjoyed crocheting granny square blankets, hand embroidery, and playing cards, especially Rummy and Navajo 10.

Ruth is survived by her sons, Bill M. Brenner and Robert J. Brenner; daughters, Judy A. Donaldson, Linda S. DeLeon and Sandra L. Brenner; brothers, Robert W. Tracey and Johnson Tracey; sister, Marie A. Gorman; and 18 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Ruth is preceded in death by her husbands, Larry M. Brenner (2004) and Bill M. Knight (1965); daughter, Patricia I. Webster; mother, Mary D. Tracey; father, Elmer T. Tracey; brothers, James Tracey, Nelson Tracey and Horace (Harrison) Tracey; and sister, Minnie Gorman.

Pallbearers were Wes Osborn, Cary Begay, Ashki Jumbo, Marwin Dedman, Eddie R. Horsely, and Timothy K. Horsely.

Honorary pallbearers were grandsons, Gary Donaldson, James Brenner, Kyle Campbell, William Brenner, Austin DeLeon, and Nicholas Donaldson.

Green Meadows Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

Jerry Sleuth

GALLUP – Funeral services for Jerry Sleuth, 81, of Naschitti, New Mexico, were held March 26 at the Rollie Mortuary Chapel in Gallup, with Jerome Sandoval officiating. Interment followed at Sunset Memorial Park in Gallup.

Jerry Sleuth, Nov. 15, 1943 – March 20, 2025

Jerry was born Nov. 15, 1943, in Naschitti, into the Naaneesht’ézhí Táchii’nii (Charcoal Streaked Division of the Red Running Into the Water Clan), born for ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan). He passed away March 20, 2025, in Thoreau, New Mexico.

Jerry attended Naschitti Elementary School and graduated from Wingate High School. He worked for Navajo Nation Water Development, Indian Jeweler’s Supply Company, and was NHA Construction supervisor and an independent contractor specializing in stucco.

Jerry was also a silversmith, leathercrafter and mechanic who enjoyed carpentry, raising livestock, cooking, playing and watching basketball and football, listening to country music, and was a fan of the Dallas Cowboys.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Isabelle Rose Sleuth; sons, Gerald Sleuth and Darryl Sleuth; daughters, Lucinda Bitsoí and Nasheen Sleuth; sisters, Anita Francis, Elsie Sleuth, Irene Rintila, and Marie Sleuth; and 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Jerry is preceded in death by his brothers, Edward Sleuth Sr. and Herman Sleuth; father, John Sleuth; and mother, Isabelle Roanhorse Sleuth.

Pallbearers were Leander Thomas, Lydell Thomas, Hershel Sleuth, Loren Thomas, Jimmy Wolff, and Dalwin Brown.

Honorary pallbearers were Gerald Sleuth, Darryl Sleuth and Jayolin Chee.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Henry Footracer

CHAMBERS, Ariz. – Graveside service for Henry Footracer, 76, of Wide Ruins, Arizona, was held March 22 in Chambers, Arizona.

Henry was born July 28, 1948, in Navajo, Arizona, into the Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Kinłichíi’nii (Red House People Clan). He passed away March 17, 2025, in Wide Ruins.

Henry attended Valley High School in Sanders, Arizona, and was a 100 percent disabled Vietnam veteran who served in the U.S. Army. He was also an auto mechanic who enjoyed doing electronic repairs and home improvement repairs.

Henry is survived by his sons, Darrell Footracer, Scottie Footracer and Aaron Footracer; daughters, Henrietta Footracer and Amanda Footracer; sisters, Amy Parker, Irene Footracer, Helen Footracer, and Gracie Footracer; and eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Henry is preceded in death by his mother, Sadie Lee Footracer; father, Frank Footracer Sr.; and brothers, Albert Footracer, Frank Footracer Jr., and Johnny Footracer.

Pallbearers were Scottie Footracer, Aaron Footracer, Melvin Turk, Edward Armenta, Brannon Yazzie, and Eric Lee.

Honorary pallbearers were Michael Parker and Otis Footracer.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Tommy R. Jackson

GANADO, Ariz. – Funeral services for Tommy Ray Jackson, 67, of Ganado, Arizona, will be held Saturday, March 29, at 10 a.m., at the Ganado Glory Temple in Ganado, with Brother Alex Holmes officiating. Burial will follow at the family plot in Ganado.

Tommy was born Jan. 20, 1958, in Phoenix, into the Bit’ahnii (Under His Cover Clan), born for Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). He passed away March 21, 2025, at Sage Memorial Hospital in Ganado.

Tommy graduated from Chinle High School and received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Arizona. He was a self-employed silversmith and goldsmith.

Tommy enjoyed horsemanship, team roping, traveling, culinary arts, movies, technology, and spending time with his family.

Tommy is survived by his wife, Marita Jackson; sons, Nate Blackrock, Owen Jackson, Loren Peshlakai, and Tommy Jackson Jr.; daughters, Laura Peshlakai, Tecia Jackson and Christina Jackson; brothers, Vernon Jackson Sr. and Danny Jackson; and 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Tommy is preceded in death by his parents, Martha and Gene Jackson; brother, Michael Jackson; and sister, Bernice Jackson.

Pallbearers will be Nate Blackrock, Owen Jackson, Loren Peshlakai, Tommy Jackson Jr., Jake Blackrock, and Elijah Gishie.

Honorary pallbearers will be Vernon Jackson Jr., Danny Jackson, Sammy Slivers, Roland Showa, and Wacey White.

A reception will take place at the Ganado Glory Temple following services.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Malvin D. Joe

GALLUP – Funeral services for Malvin Dale Joe, 57, of Lake Valley, New Mexico, were held March 21 at the St. Francis Church in Gallup, with Father David Tate officiating. Interment followed in Lake Valley.

Malvin was born Sept. 19, 1967, in Oakland, California, into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tsenabahiłnii (Sleep Rock People Clan). He passed away March 14, 2025, at the Rehoboth McKinley Hospital in Gallup.

Malvin graduated from Gallup High School and worked as a rancher and at various retail jobs. He enjoyed sports and watching the Oakland Raiders play. He loved spending time with his family, grandchildren, and pets.

Malvin is survived by his significant other, Yvonne Platero; mother, June Joe; brothers, Morris Begay, Brian Wauneka and Francis Wauneka; sister, Velma Begay; and seven grandchildren.

Malvin is preceded in death by his sister, Julie Joe; brother, Michael Roanhorse; and father, Peter Joe.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.