Obituaries for March 28, 2019

Annette G. Conley

TSE BONITO, N.M. — Funeral services for Annette G. Conley, 82, will be Saturday, March 30, at 10 a.m. at the Church Assembly of God in Fort Defiance, Ariz., with Pastor David Hilderman of Community Bible Church officiating. Burial will follow at the St. Michaels community cemetery in St. Michaels, Arizona.

Annette was born July 15, 1936, in Burnham, New Mexico, into the Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flows Together Clan), born for Tsin sikaadnii (Clamp Tree Clan). She died March 24, 2019, in Peoria, Arizona.

Annette graduated in 1957 from Navajo Methodist Mission high school in Farmington. She was a passionate seamstress and was very creative in her sewing and quilting. She was skilled at designing dresses, traditional Navajo outfits and custom Pendleton coats.

Annette was an avid runner and received many medals at 5K and 10K events around the Navajo Nation, including places like the Narbona Pass, Duke City Marathon, Just Move It events and the Phoenix New Times 10K.

Annette received a business certificate from a small business college in Albuquerque, and was employed with the Navajo Nation Courts and was an accounting technician with the Navajo Area Indian Health Service. She retired after 50 years of service to the federal government.

Annette is survived her sons, Donovan Conley and Troy Conley, both of Phoenix; and 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Annette is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband Tom Conley, and daughter Natalie Conley.

Pallbearers will be Marques Conley, Keanen Barton, Tyrone Collins, Francis Collins, Adrian Werito and Lyle Begaye.

A reception will follow the burial for family and friends at the Hilltop Christian School.

Monetary donations to support the funeral costs and cards may be sent to Donovan Conley, P.O. Box 424, Window Rock, AZ 86515.

Andrea “Andi” Jean Kovacs

GALLUP — A memorial service for Andrea “Andi” Jean Kovacs will be held Saturday, April 6, at 11 a.m. at the Lighthouse Church in Gallup.

Andi was born in Yonkers, New York, on May 25, 1944, to Margaret Dempsey and Andrew Kovacs Jr. She went to be with the Lord on March 5, 2019, at the Red Rock Care Center in Gallup.

Andi grew up in Atlantic City, New Jersey, where she resided for more than 50 years. She worked as a registered nurse and had a natural gift for serving others.

Andi had also been a long-term resident of St. Michaels, Arizona, where she was a dedicated member of the community and Summit Training Post ministry. She loved working in the church and cherished praising the Lord. She gained so much joy working with the families and children of the community.

Andi had a passion for music and a beautiful voice. Surely she is singing praises in heaven. All who knew her loved and adored her. She will always be remembered as a loving, kind, compassionate and giving person. She has touched so many lives. She is irreplaceable and will be missed but not forgotten.

Andi is survived by her son, Daniel Johnson (Shaunee Olson); brother, Robert (Debbie) Kovacs; niece Chris; nephews, Tommy and Alan; and five grandchildren.

Jerald Jay Platero

TINIAN, N.M. — Funeral services for Jerald Jay Platero, 34, of Tinian, New Mexico, will be held Saturday, March 30, at 10 a.m. at the Tinian Baptist Church with Pastor Florence Barker officiating. Burial will follow in Cuba, New Mexico.

Jerald was born May 1, 1984, in Crownpoint, into the Tó baazhní’ázhí (Two Who Came To the Water Clan), born for Apache. He passed away in Watford City, North Dakota.
Jerald worked in construction as a forklift operator.

Jerald is survived by his wife, Kamela Platero; daughters, Destiny Platero, Kaydence Platero, Amellia Padilla and Kataleena Platero; parents, Paddy Platero and Doreen Perry; brothers, Seneca Perry, Jayston Platero, Patrick Platero and Jeffrey Platero; sisters, Bridgette Etcitty, Selvina Platero and Cynthia Platero; maternal grandparents, Andy and Lucy Lee Perry; and paternal grandparents, Mary and Phillip Platero.

Pallbearers will be Shawn Riley, Jayston Platero, Eddie Kosea Sr., Eddie Kosea Jr., Charles Peno, Fernado Peno and Seneca Perry.

Daniels Family Funeral Services—Alameda Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Capt. Steven M. Richards

GALLUP — Funeral services for Capt. Steven M. Richards, 66, will be held Friday, March 29, at the First Baptist Church (2112 College Drive) in Gallup, followed by a private burial ceremony.
Capt. Richards was born June 26, 1952, in David City, Nebraska. He passed away March 23, 2019, in Gallup.

Capt. Richards is survived by his children, Stephani Fabela (spouse Luis Fabela), Micah Richards (spouse Hazel Richards), and Nathan Richards (spouse Honey Richards); siblings, Ralph and Sharol Richards; and grandchildren, Devin Richards, Micah Richards Jr. and Laura Richards.

Capt. Richards is preceded in death by his wife, Laura Jo Richards; parents, Maurice and Sharon Richards; and sisters, Christine Borunda and Kimberly Richards.

Honorary pallbearers will be Devin Richards and Micah Richards Jr.

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