Obituaries for May 14, 2015

Arlene Spencer

GALLUP — Funeral services for Arlene Spencer, 65, will be held Saturday, May 16, at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup. Burial will follow at the Gallup City Cemetery.

Arlene was born June 27, 1949, in Lupton, Ariz., into the Tódich’ii’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Haltsooi (Meadow People Clan). She died May 11, 2015, in Spencer Valley, N.M.

Arlene is survived by her husband, Woody Spencer; sons, Lloyd Spencer and Virgil Spencer; and six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Arlene is preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Marie Baldwin.

Pallbearers will be family members.

Rolllie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Mary Rebecca Casuse

GALLUP — Funeral services for Mary Rebecca Casuse, 72, will be held Friday, May 15, at 10 a.m. St. Francis of Assisi in Gallup.

Mary was born May 9, 1943, in Tohatchi, N.M., into the Bit’ahnii (Under His Cover Clan), born for Tsenabahilnii (Sleep Rock People Clan). Her nali is Tódich’ii’nii (Bitter Water); chei is Naaneesht’ézhi Táchii’nii (The Charcoal Streaked Division of the Red Running Into the Water). She died May 12, 2015, in Grants, N.M.

Mary was a dedicated homemaker, sheepherder, rug weaver, and self-employed silversmith. She loved to sing and watch old movies, visit family and relatives, and participate in NAC and traditional ceremonies.

Mary is survived by her sons, Maxwell Casuse, Harry Casuse, and Mathew Frazier Jr.

Pallbearers will be Maxwell Casuse, Harry Casuse, Mathew Frazier Jr., Maurice Upshaw, Calvin Upshaw, Nelson Jerome McCabe, Christopher McCabe, and Donald McCabe.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Iris Phyllis Brown

GALLUP — Funeral services for Iris Phyllis Brown, 67, were held May 11 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup. Interment followed at the Sunset Memorial Park in Gallup.

Iris was born Nov. 23, 1948, into the Ts’ah yisk’idnii (Sage Brush Hill Clan), born for Tó’aheedliinii (The Water Flow Together Clan). Her nali is Kinlichii’nii (Red House); chei is Tó baazhni’ázhi (Two Who Came to Water). She died May 7, 2015, in Albuquerque.

Iris attended Thoreau Elementary School, Riverside High School in Anadarko, Okla., and the University of New Mexico-Gallup. She worked various clerical jobs and enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Iris is survived by her children, Tyrone Brown of Shiprock, Lynnette Fleurette, and Tanya Brown of Gallup; and brothers, Willie D. Brown of Farmington, Harrison T. Brown of San Antone Springs, and Lucy R. Succo of White Rock, N.M.

Iris is preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Louise Brown; and brothers, Nelson F. Brown and Edison V. Brown.

Pallbearers were Myron Brown, Ryan Brown, Elderick Morris, Ivan Succo, Donnavan Becenti, Hendrickson Brown, Freddie Brown, Benson Platero, Willie Brown, and Hanson Brown.

Honorary pallbearer was Junior Succo.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Melanie Lena McKerry

DENNEHOTSO, Ariz. — Funeral services for Melanie Lena McKerry, 33, will be held today, May 14, at the Assembly of God Church in Dennehotso, Ariz., with Pastor Allen Mitchell officiating. Burial will follow at the Dennehotso community cemetery.

Melanie was born March 17, 1982, into the Bit’ahnii (Under His Cover Clan), born for Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). She died May 7, 2015.

Melanie attended high school in Flagstaff, and Brookline College in Albuquerque. She worked for Papillon Tours, Utah Navajo Health System, and Utah Transitions Program.

Melanie was a very creative, warm, funny, and loving soul. She had a great sense of humor, was always there to help others, and had an infectious smile. She loved being outdoors and could be found hiking, biking, fishing, camping, or running. Kids were drawn to Melanie like a magnet and she loved to take her nieces and nephews exploring.

Melanie is survived by her parents, Calvin and Lena McKerry; sisters, Valerie and Nora Jean McKerry; brothers, Jonathan and Derek McKerry; grandson, Mathus Winney; and nine nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Jonathan McKerry, Derek McKerry, Malcolm McKerry, Eric Keith, Bryan Wesley, and Anthony Duncan.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Dennehotso Chapter House following services.

Valley Ridge Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Ada T. Begay

GALLUP — Funeral services for Ada T. Begay, 80, were held May 13 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup. Interment followed at the Gallup City Cemetery.

Ada was born March 20, 1935, at Pleasant View, into the Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). She died May 8, 2015, at Pleasant View.

Ada is survived by her daughter, Elouise Curtis.

Ada is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Alkaynasbah Tom; and son, Leo Begay.

Pallbearers were Tony K. Curtis, Christopher Irving, Gilbert Yoe, Dave Seger, Jonah Frank, and Don Hosteen.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Dennison “Sonny” Begay

CHINLE — Funeral services for Dennison “Sonny” Begay, 64, of Chinle, were held May 9 at the Canyon Family Church in Chinle, with Ron Rajca officiating. Interment followed at the Chinle community cemetery.

Dennison was born Aug. 27, 1950, in Ganado, Ariz., into the Kiyaa’aanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tábaahá (Water’s Edge Clan). He died May 5, 2015, in Chinle.

Dennison attended Intermountain Boarding School, Brigham Young University, and was employed with the Navajo Nation. He enjoyed carpentry, wood art, reading newspapers, listening to KGAK and KTNN, watching movies, spending time with family and friends, hauling wood, cooking, cleaning, and truck maintenance.

Dennison is survived by his brothers, Dennis Begay Jr., Marshall Francis, James Francis, Gary Francis, and Michael Francis; and sisters, Ramona A. Begay, Margaret A. Begay, Darlene Francis, and Carol Francis.

Dennison is preceded in death by his wife, Priscilla Begay; parents, Dennis Begay and Louise D. Tso; and siblings, Caroline A. Begay, Boyd J. Begay, Woody Mary Davis, and George A. Davis.

Pallbearers were Michael Francis, Daniel Davis, Jerry Mitchell, Floyd Baldwin, Ronnie Begay, and Myron Begay.

Honorary pallbearers were Dennis Begay Jr., Marshall Francis, James Francis, and Gary Francis.

Tse Bonito Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Phillip Paul Luarkie III

TO’HAJIILEE, N.M. — Funeral services for Phillip Paul Luarkie III, 27, of To’hajiilee, N.M., were held May 8 at the Immanuel House of Prayer in To’hajiilee, with Pastor Joey Basey officiating. Interment and a reception followed in To’hajiilee.

Phillip was born Sept. 11, 1987, into the Tó baazhni’ázhi (Two Who Came to Water Clan), born for Haakóh (Acoma Tribe). He died May 1, 2015, in To’hajiilee.

Phillip graduated from West Mesa High School in 2006 and was employed as a laborer in construction. He was a 49ers football fan and enjoyed cars (mechanics), astronomy, archery (bow and arrow), and history.

Phillip is survived by his son, Tyler Luarkie; parents, Flora Willeto and Phillip Luarkie; and brother, Luke J. Luarkie.

Phillip is preceded in death by Francis Willeto, Betty Luarkie, and Phillip Luarkie.

Pallbearers were Joshua Tom, Calvin Charley, Matthew Collins, John Collins, Brandon Manning, Arland Francisco, Eric Platero, Jonathan Nez, Gabriel Nez, and Shelwyn Nez.

Daniels Family Funeral Services-Alameda Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

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