Obituaries for March 30, 2023

Verna C. Whipple

WINDOW ROCK — Funeral services for Verna C. Whipple, of Window Rock, will be held Friday, March 31, at 11 a.m., at the Window Rock Reformed Christian Church with Pastor Stanley Jim officiating. Burial will follow at the Fort Defiance cemetery.

Verna was born Aug. 9, 1935, in Winslow, Arizona. She passed away March 23, 2023, in Fort Defiance.

Verna attended Winslow High School and was employed as a bank teller and apartment agent. She enjoyed cooking, reading and going to Fire Rock Casino.

Verna is survived by her husband, Henry L. Whipple; son, Henry D. Whipple; and daughter, Donna L. James.

Verna is preceded in death by her son, John M. Whipple.

Pallbearers will be Leon Sandoval, Vincent Yazzie, Robert Allan, Robert J.G. Allen, Henry D. Whipple, and family member.

A reception will take place at Quality Inn following services at 2 p.m.

Summit Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Robert A. Begaye

JEDDITO, Ariz. — Graveside service for Robert Attakai Begaye, 65, of Jeddito, Arizona, was held March 27 at the Jeddito community cemetery with Emery Jackson officiating.

Robert was born Oct. 13, 1957, in Keams Canyon, Arizona, into the Tótsohnii (Big Water Clan), born for Naasht’ézhí dine’é Tábąąhá (Zuni/Water’s Edge Clan). He passed away March 20, 2023, in Prescott, Arizona.

Robert attended Tuba City High School and ABC Welding School in Phoenix. He served in the Army and worked for CDI Asbestos, Navajo Housing Authority, and Cedar Unified School.

Robert was a rancher and family man who enjoyed carpentry, riding his horses and was a big fan of the Arizona Cardinals.

Robert is survived by his wife, Sarah Nelson Begaye; sons, Shawn Nelson, Royce Begaye, Hollis Begaye, and Colton Begaye; daughters, Jessica Iron, Clarice Begaye and Robin Begaye; brothers, Denny Attakai, Julius Yazzie and Arthur Attakai Jr.; sisters, June Tsosie, Sarah Attakai, Grace Attakai, and Laura Attakai; and three grandchildren.

Robert is preceded in death by his son, Doyle Begaye; brothers, Benny Attakai, Cecil Attakai and Kee Attakai; sister, Mary May Attakai; parents, Julia Y. Attakai and Arthur Attakai Sr.; adoptive parents, Hosteen Bitsi, Lakai Begaye and Annie Y. Begaye; and grandfather, Hosteen Clay.

Pallbearers were Shawn Nelson, Hollis Begaye, Jack Begaye Jr., Shane Sangster, and other family members.

Honorary pallbearers were Cleveland Sangster, Clifford Sangster, Arthur Attakai Jr., Denny Attakai, and Julius Yazzie.

Greer’s Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

---