Obituaries for March 9, 2023

Lillian L. Lujan

TAOS, N.M. — Funeral services for Lillian L. Lujan will be held today, Mar. 9, from 3-7 p.m., at Rivera’s Family Funeral Home in Taos, New Mexico. Military burial honors will follow on Friday, Mar. 10, from 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the Santa Fe National Veterans Cemetery.

Lillian was a 104-year-old proud Diné woman of the ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan) from Coalmine, Arizona, born for Naasht’ézhí Tábąąhá (Zuni Water’s Edge Clan) in the winter of 1918. She passed away peacefully Mar. 6, 2023, at her home in Taos Pueblo.

Lillian attended Albuquerque Indian School and New Mexico Highlands University-Las Vegas. After graduation, she enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps on Jan. 28, 1943, and served as a sergeant in the Detachment 3809 Service Command Unit. She was honorably discharged on Dec. 4, 1945, after World War II ended.

Once World War II ended, Lillian married Jimmy K. Lujan Sr. (U.S. Bataan Death March survivor) and had four children. She worked throughout the Navajo Nation with the Bureau of Indian Affairs aiding in job placement, teaching home economics, and helping with local 4-H Club functions.

Lillian was an occupational counselor stationed in Gallup, Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Fort Sam in Houston, Texas. Medals awarded during her service include Good Conduct Medal, the Victory Ribbon, American Theater Campaign Medal, and WAC Ribbon.

Lillian is survived by her son, Jimmy K. Lujan Jr., and his wife, Lucy M. Lujan of Fruitland, New Mexico; and daughters, Marilyn L. Atcitty of Flagstaff and Karilyn L. Haozous of Albuquerque.

Lillian is preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy K. Lujan Sr.; parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Young; and son, Jeffery E. Lujan.

The family of Lillian would like to thank the Navajo Nation Women’s Color Guard and the State of New Mexico for recognizing our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother for her military service.

Leoma Chester

NASCHITTI, N.M. — Graveside service for Leoma Chester, 58, of Fort Defiance, will be held Friday, Mar. 10, at 10 a.m., at the Naschitti community cemetery in Naschitti, New Mexico, with Father Blaine Greene officiating.

Leoma was born Feb. 9, 1965, in Glendale, California, into the ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan), born for Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan). She passed away Mar. 5, 2023, in Flagstaff.

Leoma attended the Tohatchi Area Office of Special Education and worked for the Hozhoni Foundation and the Tohatchi Area Office of Special Education. She enjoyed bowling, arts and crafts, crossword puzzles, and the Special Olympics.

Leoma is survived by her brothers, Troy Chester, Dion Chester, and Shane Chester; sister, Arnie Sarracino; and four grandchildren.

Leoma is preceded in death by her parents, Lee Chester and Alice Bryant; maternal grandmother, Emily Johnson; and paternal grandparents, Ramona and Francis Chester.

Pallbearers will be Troy Chester, Dion Chester, and Shane Chester.

Honorary pallbearers will be Andrew Sarracino, Rexson Bryant, Simental Francisco, Patrick Lynch, and Samson Bryant.

A reception will take place at the Naschitti Chapter House following the service.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Nelson Becenti

COYOTE CANYON, N.M. — Nelson Becenti, 83, of Coyote Canyon, New Mexico, was born July 20, 1939, in Coyote Canyon, into the Deeshchii’nii (Start of the Red Streak People Clan), born for ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan). He passed away March 7, 2023, in Albuquerque.

Nelson is survived by his stepsons, Jones Bahe, Ray Bahe and Earl Bahe; daughter, Geneva Becenti; brother, Thomas Becenti; and sisters, Sarah Howe and Louise Becenti.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Caleb Roanhorse

GALLUP — Graveside service for Caleb Roanhorse, 72, of Navajo Station, Arizona, was held Mar. 1 at the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.

Caleb was born into the Tótsohnii (Big Water Clan), born for Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan). He passed away Feb. 25, 2023.

Caleb received a bachelor’s in education from the University of Arizona, and a master’s in education from Northern Arizona University.

Caleb had a lifelong career in the following Navajo Nation education and government leadership positions: Ganado Unified School District Board president, Cornfields Chapter president, vice president, secretary/treasurer, and president of Dineland Senior Rodeo Association.

Caleb enjoyed riding horses and traveling.

Caleb is survived by his wife, Bertha Aguirre; sons, Shane Roanhorse and Sherrick Roanhorse; daughters, Sharilyn Roanhorse-Aguilar and Kylie Roanhorse; and two grandchildren.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Mabel T. Pino

GANADO, Ariz. — Graveside service for Mabel T. Pino, 88, of Cornfields, Arizona, will be held Friday, March 10, at 10 a.m., at the Ganado Presbyterian Church in Ganado, Arizona, with Jerry Tom officiating.

Mabel was born Feb. 19, 1935, in Ganado, Arizona, into the Kinłichíi’nii (Red House People Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). She passed away Mar. 5, 2023, in Cornfields.

Mabel was a homemaker who attended Sherman Indian School in Riverside, California. She enjoyed crocheting, listening to gospel songs, praying daily, and reading the bible.

Mabel is survived by her husband, Lee Pino; son, Tom Toadecheenie; daughters, Amy Johnson, Freda Jinnity, and Sharon Toadecheenie; brother, Tony Livingston; sisters, Bessie T. Nez, Annie Caballero, and Flora Toadecheenie; and 23 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Mabel is preceded in death by her son, Marcello S. Lee; brother, George Livingston; sister, Glady T. Chee; and grandson, Joel S. Lee.

The honorary pallbearer will be Lee Pino.

A reception will take place at the Cornfields Chapter House following the service.

Summit Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

Lorenzo Nopah

WINSLOW, Ariz. — A Celebration of Life for Lorenzo Nopah, 93, of Seba Dalkai, Arizona, was held Mar. 3 at the Maranatha Assembly of God in Winslow, Arizona. Interment followed at the Desert View Cemetery in Winslow.

Lorenzo was born Jul. 4, 1933, in Oljato, Utah, into the Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). His nalí is Bit’ahnii (His Sheaves); cheii is ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People). He gained his angel wings on the evening of Feb. 23, 2023, in Seba Dalkai.

Lorenzo began working for Santa Fe Railroads (BNSF) when he was 17 and worked there for 41 years, retiring as a machine operator for the Extra Gang.

Upon retirement, Lorenzo enjoyed fishing and traveling with his beloved wife Helen and loved the company of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He encouraged education, self-respect, and, most importantly, achievement in their lives.

During his younger years, Lorenzo’s hobbies were being a self-taught mechanic, hunting games, and butchering. He did some acting jobs as an extra with John Wayne in Monument Valley, which he often talked and laughed about.

Lorenzo was also a strong Christian man, a gentleman of Christ.

Lorenzo is survived by his daughters, Kathy Sands, Lucinda (Timothy) Young, and Elizabeth Quintana; sister, Grace Sharkey; grandson he raised, Norman Salt; and eight grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Lorenzo is preceded in death by his wife, Helen Nopah; parents, Bert and Bessie Yazzie Nopah; sisters, Bessie Doctor, Mary Gray, Betty Gon, and Effie Singer; brother, Lloyd Nopah; grandson, Kevin Young; and great-granddaughter, Daysha Sands.

Steven Salt, Larry Roy, Alton Roy, Tommie Curtis Jr., Mikee Eskey, Steven Young, Dylan Young, Angus Niedo, Davey Lopez, and Reuben Paddock were Pallbearers.

Honorary pallbearers were Grace Sharkey, Kathy Sands, Lucinda Young, and Elizabeth Nopah-Quintana.

Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow oversaw arrangements.

Michael Nez

PARKER, Ariz. — Funeral services for Michael Nez, 76, of Parker, Arizona, will be held Saturday, Mar. 11, at the Sacred Heart Church in Parker.

Michael was born in Albuquerque, the second son of Nathaniel and Winifred Nez, into the Mą’ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass Clan), born for Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan). He departed from us Mar. 1, 2023, in Parker.

Michael graduated from St. Michaels Indian School and Northern Arizona University, receiving his bachelor’s in police science. While attending NAU, he worked for

NAU Security and also for the Flagstaff Police Department.

After Michael graduated from NAU, he was employed with the Navajo Tribal Police Department in Window Rock. He later joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a special agent.

Michael is survived by his siblings, Nathaniel Nez Jr. and Rosalie Gould; children, Natalie Wilber, Chris Nez, and Kelly Nez; and seven grandchildren.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Nathaniel and Winifred Nez.

Pallbearers will be Peyton and Kai Wilbur, Shotah and Ohiyesa Miller, Travis Nez, and Cisco and Abram Caudras.

Arnold Skeets Sr.

GALLUP — Funeral services for Arnold Skeets Sr., 64, of Gallup, were held Mar. 8 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Pastor Nathan Lynch officiating. Interment followed at Sunset Memorial.

Arnold was born Apr. 20, 1958, in Fort Defiance, into the Naakai dine’é (Mexican Clan), born for Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). He passed away Feb. 26, 2023, in Albuquerque.

Arnold attended Gallup High School and received certification as a journey carpenter apprentice from the Carpenters Union Local 1319. He worked for Burlington Northern Railroad as a machine operator, journeyman carpenter, truck driver, Intel Corporation, Sandia National Labs, and Los Alamos National Labs.

Arnold enjoyed being an automotive mechanic, cooking, carpentry, attending National Hot Rod Association races, and target shooting.

Arnold is survived by his wife, Lolita Grace Skeets; sons, Cordero Castillo, Arnold Skeets Jr., Nathan Bitahey, and Johnny Bitahey Jr.; daughters, Roxanna Skeets and Stacey H. Enriquez; brothers, Raymond Skeets and Anderson Skeets; sisters, Susie Tom, Elsie Johnson, and Rhoda Johnson; and five grandchildren.

Arnold is preceded in death by his mother, Mattie Skeets; father, Johnny Skeets; sons, Sharbenold Skeets and Derrick A. Skeets; brothers, Leonard Skeets and Bobby Skeets; niece, Lenora Skeets; and nephew, Ernie Skeets.

Arnold Skeets Jr., Nathan Bitahey, Leonard Tom Jr., Darrell Skeets, Albert Brodie, and Ernest Johnson were pallbearers.

Honorary pallbearers were Anderson Skeets, Raymond Skeets, Johnny Bitahey Jr., Roxanna Skeets, Jeremy Skeets, and Rich Enriquez.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Victor Vandever

GALLUP — Funeral services for Victor Vandever, 42, of Little Water, New Mexico, were held Mar. 4 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Pastor Wesley Castillo officiating. Interment followed at the family plot in Little Water.

Victor was born May 13, 1980, in Gallup, into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Ts’ah yisk’idnii (Sage Brush Hill Clan). He passed away Feb. 24, 2023, in Crownpoint.

Victor attended Crownpoint High School.

Victor is survived by his wife, Edwinta Vandever; sons, Corey Vandever and Ronaldon Vandever; daughters, Rylicia Vandever, Candace Vandever, and Emily Vandever; adoptive mother, Etta Garcia; biological mother, Lena Platero; brothers, Murphy Platero, Jerry Vandever, Jimmy Garcia Jr., James Garcia, and Jameson Garcia; sisters, Tina Platero, Patrica Platero, Victoria Vandever, Rosita Abeiyta, and Sylvia Capture; and one grandchild.

Victor is preceded in death by his biological father, Jerry Vandever Sr.; adoptive father, Jimmy Garcia Sr.; maternal grandparents, Zonnie and Joe Hebert; and paternal grandparents, Chee and Nelly D. Vandever.

Pallbearers were Cory Vandever and Renaldon Vandever.

Honorary pallbearer was Victoria Vandever.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Cecelia Tracy

GALLUP — Funeral services for Cecelia Tracy (aka Cecelia Bydonie), 72, of Fort Defiance, were Mar. 3 at the New Life Apostolic Church in Gallup. Interment followed in Blue Canyon, Arizona.

Cecelia was born Nov. 30, 1950, in Fort Defiance, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). Her nalí is Tótsohnii (Big Water Clan); cheii is Naakai dine’é (Mexican Clan). She passed away Feb. 21, 2023, in Albuquerque.

Cecelia received a bachelor’s in education and was a teacher at Tséhootsooí Middle School.

Cecelia is survived by her children, Jessie Bitsuie and Ronald Bydonie; siblings, Guy Hoskie, Jimmy Hoskie, Darlene Bydonie, Robert Hoskie Jr., and Rose Hoskie; and eight grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Cecelia is preceded in death by Thomas Hoskie.

Cope Memorial oversaw arrangements.

Lucille A. Saunders

IYANBITO, N.M. — Funeral services for Lucille Ann Saunders, 58, of Iyanbito, New Mexico, were held Feb. 28 at the Gospel Lighthouse Church in Iyanbito, with Pastor Mark Thomas officiating. Interment followed in Rehoboth, New Mexico.

Lucille, who enjoyed sewing, was born Jun. 29, 1964, in Gallup, into the Dziłtł’ahnii (Mountain Cove Clan), born for Tó baazhní’ázhí (Two Who Came to the Water Clan). She passed away Feb. 21, 2023, in Gallup.

Lucille is survived by her daughter, Gabi Martinez; and brothers, Jimmy Bitloy and Roy Bitloy.

Lucille is preceded in death by her parents, Annie and Jay Saunders; sister, Lucille Jeanne Saunders; brothers, Willie Smith and Henry Bitloy; and grandparents, Ellen and Jimmy Saunders.

Pallbearers were Danny Nez Sr., Alex Nez, Norris Nez Jr., Phillip Betom Jr., Danny Nez Jr., and Michael Ceja.

The honorary pallbearer was Eric Saunders.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Gloria J. Touchine

GALLUP — Graveside service for Gloria J. Touchine, 58, of Church Rock, New Mexico, will be held Friday, Mar. 10, at 1:30 p.m., at the Gallup City Cemetery with Pastor Agnes Cayatineto officiating.

Gloria was born Feb. 5, 1965, in Rehoboth, New Mexico, into the Haltsooí (Meadow People Clan), born for Naaneesht’ézhi Táchii’nii (The Charcoal Streaked Division of the Red Running Into the Water Clan). She passed away Mar. 3, 2023, in Albuquerque.

Gloria attended Wingate High School and was employed at the El Rancho Hotel. She enjoyed traveling, singing, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Gloria is survived by her son, Travis Touchine of Church Rock; daughters, Rosanna Kay and Hilary Touchine, both of Church Rock; mother, Pastor Mary R. Johnson of Church Rock; brother, Thompson Jones Jr. of Church Rock; and eight grandchildren.

Gloria is preceded in death by her sons, Harven “Bam” Touchine and Mike Touchine; sister, Beulah J. Jones; and grandparents, Ned and Mae Johnson and Pastor Lena Brown.

Pallbearers will be Dewayne Jones, Nathaniel Holyan and Frederick Duboise.

Honorary pallbearers will be Travis Touchine, Thompson Jones Jr., Vidal Brown, Delbert Brown, Emerson Brown, and Harvey Touchine.

A reception will take place at the Gallup Community Center following the service.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

George M. Angle Jr.

GALLUP — George M. “Gregg” Angle Jr., 73, formerly of Madison, Wisconsin, and Gallup, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Feb. 25, 2023.

Gregg was a lifelong teacher in elementary schools in the Madison and Gallup areas. His humor and love for his students built special connections which endure with his memory.

Gregg’s love of music was embedded into every facet of his life. He used that passion for expanding the minds of his students, and it was the canvas for many life experiences shared with his family and friends.

Whether it was a joke, a perfectly timed pun, or an encyclopedia of useless information, Gregg made everyone he met smile, laugh, roll their eyes, or even groan.

Gregg’s level of fandom for the Green Bay Packers was legendary. If someone could bleed green and gold or gain the “Ultimate Cheesehead” title, it would be him.

Gregg is survived by his wife, Jenifer; children, Katy, Andrew, and Liz; brothers, Tim and Nick; sister, VeeVee; and four grandchildren.

Funeral services and burial will be private.

Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

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