Obituaries for March 4, 2021

Kim Elaine Hanley

TUBA CITY — A private service for Kim Elaine Hanley, 62, of Tuba City, will be held Saturday, March 6.

Kim was born Dec. 14, 1958, in Cuba, New York. She is Bilagáana, born for Tł’ááshchí’í (Red Bottom People Clan). Her nalí is Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People); cheii is Bilagáana. She passed away Feb. 21, 2021, in Albuquerque.

Kim graduated from Window Rock High School in 1976 and worked for the Arizona Laborers Union and Tuba City Regional Health.

Kim doted on her granddaughter and two great-grandchildren. She had a passion for 70s rock and attended many concerts throughout her life seeing The Rolling Stones, The Eagles, Kiss, The Commodores, Stevie Nicks, and Rick James, to name a few.

Kim was very crafty, making beautiful jewelry and sparkly curios for her friends and family. She also loved collecting miniature figurines, including indigenous pottery, tea sets, and Kachina dolls.

Kim is survived by her daughter, Shawna L. Begay of Tempe, Arizona; parents, Mary and Wallace Hanley of Window Rock; brother, Mike Hanley of Window Rock; sisters, Gail Hanley and Carla Marques of Albuquerque; granddaughter, Kezia Owens of Mesa, Arizona; and great-grandchildren, Audrey and Kiera Nelson.

Kim is preceded in death by Max Hanley Sr., Sistah Hanley, and Harry and Ruth Wilson.

French Funerals and Cremation is in charge of arrangements.

Davis Steven Manuelito

NEWCOMB, N.M. — Davis Steven Manuelito entered into eternity with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on the morning of Feb. 18, 2021. He was born March 5, 1937, and was the youngest of six children.

Davis was of the Hooghan Łání (Many Hogans Clan), born for Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together Clan). Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water) was his maternal grandfather and Naashashí dine’é (Bear People) was his paternal grandfather.

Davis lived a wonderful life, colored with many moments of struggles and victories that defined him. He held various jobs through his life and retired in 2000 from Newcomb High School.

One cannot measure the loss of an individual such as Davis, and we are thankful for all of the happy, funny, sweet memories he has left behind in our minds and our hearts.

Although life was not always predictable for Davis, he endured many challenges with determination and commitment that allowed him to become an inspiration to those who loved and knew him. He was very much loved as a dad, grandfather and great-grandfather. He shared his life with Maryann Bigman for many years.

Davis was always about family, along with his strong belief in the Creator and strong religious values that defined much of his character. He formed many meaningful relationships during his journey through life. Many who knew him know that he loved visiting and laughing with family and friends.

Davis enjoyed helping others, being a sheepherder, was a respected traditional (prayer) medicine man, and a silversmith who had a talent for creating beauty with his craft.

Davis was also a musician who learned and enjoyed playing the guitar. He was partial to country western ballads and Christian songs. We were all blessed for having known him.

Davis is survived by his daughters, Princella “Mitch” Manuelito, Averil Manuelito-Lee, Gail Manuelito Tsosie (Clarence Jr.), and Peggy Manuelito (Larry Chambers); and eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Davis is preceded in death by his mother, Mary (James); father, Steven Manuelito; brothers, Bill Manuelito and Raymond Manuelito; and sisters, Nettie Silentman, Frances Manuelito and Helen Sam.

Davis’ family would like to extend their appreciation for the exceptional care and professionalism provided by Northern Navajo Medical Center in Shiprock.

Robert Taylor Jr.

CHINLE — Graveside service for Robert Taylor Jr., 51, of Chinle, will be held Friday, March 5, at 10 a.m., at the family plot at Porcupine Ridge in Chinle, with Waylon Haskie officiating.

Robert was born Jan. 19, 1970, in Fort Defiance, into the Tł’ááshchí’í (Red Bottom People Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). He passed away Feb. 28, 2021, in Chinle.

Robert graduated from Chinle High School in 1989 and attended Central Arizona College. He worked as an industrial construction pipefitter and is a veteran of the National Guard Navy branch. He enjoyed fishing and camping.

Robert is survived by his son, Cody Taylor; daughter, Courtney Taylor; parents, Ella Mae and Robert Taylor Sr.; brothers, Leon Taylor, Ervin Taylor, Rob Taylor, Elbert Taylor, and Eric Taylor; and sisters, Ann Taylor, Rilaria Taylor and Valeria Taylor.

Robert is preceded in death by his grandparents, Mary and Alfred Taylor, and Alice and Kee Steah.

Pallbearers will be Ervin Taylor, Rob Taylor, Elbert Taylor, Eric Taylor, and Cody Taylor.

A drive-thru reception will take place at Ervin Taylor’s residence, following service.

Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Marie J. Howard

RABBIT BRUSH, N.M. — Graveside service for Marie J. Howard, 78, of Navajo, New Mexico, will be held today, March 4, at 10 a.m., at the family plot in Rabbit Brush, New Mexico, with Maynard Shurley officiating.

Marie was born Aug. 20, 1942, in Fort Defiance, into the Dibélzhíní (Black Sheep Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). She passed away Feb. 24, 2021, in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Marie was a homemaker who enjoyed bingo, puzzles, movies, and attending her grandchildren’s sporting events.

Marie is survived by her sons, Everett Howard and Raymond Howard; daughters, Velvann Howard, Geraldine Howard and Flo Howard; brother, Wilbert Myers; and 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Marie is preceded in death by her husband, Johnnie Howard; son, Virgil Howard; and granddaughter, Chantell Howard.

Pallbearers will be Darrin Clyde, Wilton Howard, Rose Howard, Jeremiah Tsosie, Abe Wilson, and Uriah McCabe.

Honorary pallbearers are Ray Howard, Everett Howard, Terence Lee, Edward Johnson, Wilbert Myers, Tayden Lee, Tyrel Lee, Brandon Howard, Johnathan Johnson, and Wilfred Hubbard.

A drive-thru reception will take place at the family residence, following service.

Summit Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Susie Ann Roanhorse

KINLICHEE, Ariz. — Graveside service for Susie Ann Roanhorse, 67, of Fort Defiance, will be held Friday, March 5, at 10 a.m., at the Kinlichee cemetery in Kinlichee, Arizona.

Susie was born Dec. 18, 1953, in Gallup, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Naasht’ézhí dine’é (Zuni Clan). She passed away Feb. 27, 2021, in Fort Defiance.

Susie attended Coconino High School and was a homemaker. She loved animals, reading books, cooking, and visiting with her grandchildren.

Susie is survived by her husband, Marvin Yazzie; daughters, Carly Arnold and Collette Butler; stepdaughters, Sonya Yazzie and LaTonya Yazzie; brothers, Allen Roanhorse Jr., Elmer Roanhorse and Alonzo Roanhorse; sisters, Ellen Doctor, Elaine Ben and Johanna Roanhorse; and eight grandchildren.

Susie is preceded in death by her mother, Annie Wilson Roanhorse; father, Allen Roanhorse Sr.; and brothers, Daryl Roanhorse and Jonathan Roanhorse.

Pallbearers will be Nathan Roanhorse, Zachary Levi, Elmer Roanhorse, Brian Brown, and Arthur Ben.

A drive-thru reception will take place in Kinlichee, following service.

Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Leonard Ladeekewa Sheka Jr.

ZUNI, N.M. — Graveside service for Leonard Ladeekewa Sheka Jr., 77, of Zuni, New Mexico, will be held today, March 4, at 10 a.m., at the Zuni community cemetery with Silver Creek Mortuary officiating.

Leonard was born Feb. 26, 1944, in Zuni. He passed away Feb. 24, 2021, in Fort Defiance.

Leonard enjoyed beading various items, singing at gourd dances and powwows, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying his time at the casino.

Leonard is survived by his wife, Margaret Sheka; sons, Matthew Sheka Sr., Anderson Sheka and Bernard Sheka; daughters, Rhonda Hickman, Merylene Hickman and Beatrice Sheka; and 19 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Emery R. Whitegoat

FORT DEFIANCE — Graveside service for Emery R. Whitegoat, 57, of Window Rock, will be held Friday, March 5, at 10 a.m., at the Fort Defiance cemetery.

Emery was born Oct. 15, 1963, in Gallup, into the Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan), born for Tl’ógí (Weaver-Zia Clan). He passed away Feb. 24, 2021, in St. Michaels, Arizona.

Emery attended Payson High School in Payson, Utah, and Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He worked for General Dynamics in Fort Defiance, and housekeeping at Tséhootsooí Medical Center in Fort Defiance.

Emery is survived by his daughter, Stacey Whitegoat; parents, Lillian and George Whitegoat; sister, Gwendolyn Whitegoat; and brother, Wally Whitegoat.

Honorary pallbearers are Trenton Twofeathers, Turrell Sorrell, Anthony Nez, Wally Whitegoat, and George Whitegoat.

A reception will take place at the old NHA Housing No. 4, Kinlichee Court, in Window Rock, following service.

Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Duane Ross Freeland

GANADO, Ariz. — Graveside service for Duane Ross Freeland, 56, of Ganado, Arizona, was held March 1 in Ganado.

Duane was born Oct. 3, 1965, in Ganado, into the Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan), born for Tó baazhní’ázhí (Two Who Came To the Water Clan). He passed away Feb. 15, 2021, in Gallup.

Duane earned a GED from the state of New Mexico and enjoyed camping, listening to music and spending time with his nieces, nephews and grandchildren. He always gave a helping hand and loved going home to Navajo Station to be on the ranch.

Duane is survived by his daughter, LaTasha Freeland-Peterson; mother, Angelina R. Morgan; brother, Vern R. Freeland III; sisters, Shari Teller, Magdelina Freeland, LaVern Moore, Michelle Eighinger, and Bobbi Nevayaktewa; and four grandchildren.

Duane is preceded in death by his father, Vern J. Freeland Jr.; maternal grandparents, Magdelina and Jim Roanhorse; paternal grandparents, Phoebe and Vern Freeland Sr.; and granddaughter, Nakia Freeland.

Silver Creek Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

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