Obituaries for May 2, 2024

Paulina Yellowhair Watchman

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. — Funeral services for Paulina Yellowhair Watchman, 82, of Navajo, New Mexico, were held April 30 at Mary Mother of Mankind in St. Michaels, Arizona. Interment followed in Navajo.

Paulina was born Jan. 14, 1942, in Leupp, Arizona, into the Ts’ah yisk’idnii (Sage Brush Hill Clan), born for Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle Clan). Her nálí is Dá’ghaałchíí’ Dine’é (Irish); cheii is Tsé deeshgizhnii (Rock Gap). She passed away April 27, 2024, in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

Paulina earned a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in education from Arizona State College at Flagstaff. She retired as a teacher and principal.

Paulina enjoyed traveling, hiking, cooking, volunteering, arts and crafts, gardening, and spending time with family.

Paulina is survived by her children, Derrick Watchman, Derrith Watchman-Moore and Leo Watchman Jr.; sister, Jeanie Tanaka; and 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Paulina is preceded in death by Pauline Yellowhair, Chester Yellowhair, Leo Watchman Sr., and Debra Martinez.

Pallbearers were Michael Watchman, Russell Khatam, Tom Arviso Jr., Terry Arviso, and Seth Damon.

Honorary pallbearers were Derrick Watchman, Leo Watchman Jr. and Henry K. Moore.

Desert View Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

Julius P. Curley

GALLUP — Funeral services for Julius Peterson Curley, 33, of Mexican Springs, New Mexico, were held May 1 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Brother Mike Singer officiating. Interment followed at the family plot in Mexican Springs.

Julius was born Sept. 10, 1990, in Gallup, into the Tó’áhaní (Near the Water Clan), born for Bit’ahnii (Under His Cover Clan). He passed away April 16, 2024, in Gallup.

Julius attended Chuska Boarding School and Tohatchi High School. He was self-employed as a handyman and enjoyed watching action movies, family gatherings, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.

Julius is survived by his parents, Fern Henry of Mexican Springs and Johnny Curley of Whiteriver, Arizona; brothers, David Toledo and JC Curley of Twin Lakes, New Mexico; sisters, Nicole Curley, Rachelle Toledo and Raelynn Toledo; and paternal grandmother, Faye Peterson.

Julius is preceded in death by his sister, Natalie Toledo.

Pallbearers were Anthony Nelson, Brian Hyde, Dominic Ashley, Gerald Bahe, Josh Curley, and Lekisha Johnson.

Honorary pallbearers were Cecil Mike and Dennis Tsosie.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Mabel R. Nez

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. — Funeral services for Mabel Rose Nez, 78, of St. Michaels, Arizona, will be held Friday, May 3, at 10 a.m., in St. Michaels, with Father Peter Short officiating. Burial will follow in St. Michaels.

Mabel was born July 4, 1945, in Window Rock, into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Bit’ahnii (Under His Cover Clan). She passed away April 26, 2024, in Mesa, Arizona.

Mabel attended Window Rock High School and retired from the Navajo Nation. She enjoyed watching TV shows, working outside, spending time with family and friends, and was a fan of the Golden State Warriors and the Denver Broncos.

Mabel is survived by her son, Norbert Nez Jr.; daughter, GwenDana Nez; brother, Daniel Ashley; sisters, Maggie Luckett, Loretta Burnette, Angie Jake, Anna Francis, and Betty Cleveland; and two grandchildren.

Mabel is preceded in death by her husband, Norbert Nez Sr.; mother, Shirley Snez; and father, Owen Snez.

Pallbearers will be Shade Hiatt, Cody Zimmer, Blaine Jake, Baron Burnette, and Harlen Perkins.

A reception will take place at the St. Michael Parish Hall following services.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Mary Jane (Catron) Quintana

TSE BONITO, N.M. — Funeral services for Mary Jane (Catron) Quintana were held April 19, 2024, at the Community Bible Church in Tse Bonito, New Mexico, with Pastor David Hilderman officiating.

Mary Jane was born May 31, 1939. She was a wonderful and caring person who always put everyone before her. She passed away April 14, 2024, peacefully in her Phoenix home.

Mary Jane worked at Fed Mart in Window Rock for several years and loved that job. She moved to Phoenix where she continued to work very hard to support her family. She also worked at the old St. Joseph’s Nursing Care Center and the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.

Mary Jane is survived by her children, Winona “Nema” VanKuren (Stanley) and Clarence Catron (Chris Martinez); sister, Agnes Reed; brother, Willie Anderson; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mary Jane is preceded in death by her children, Taylor Jr., Charles, and Audrey Toadachine; and siblings, Edward and Edwin Anderson, Anna Ruth Bohanan, and Peter and Oscar Catron.

Pallbearers were Aaron Catron, Richard “RD” Catron, Adrian Dahozy, Richie Reed, Ricky Reed, Theron Reed, and Roderick Tsosie.

Honorary pallbearers were Erwin Anderson, Eugene Anderson, Peter Catron Jr., Nathaniel Dahozy, Virgil Dahozy, Phillip Reed, Jerry Schillinger, Sky VanKeuren, and Stanley VanKeuren Jr.

The family of Mary Jane would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of condolences and prayers.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Jerrick D. Lewis

ROUGH ROCK, Ariz. — Graveside service for Jerrick Davis Lewis, 42, of Rough Rock, Arizona, will be held Friday, May 3, at 10 a.m., at the Rough Rock cemetery.

Jerrick was born Aug. 6, 1981, in Ganado, Arizona, into the Naashgalí ‘Áshįįhí (Mescalero Apache/Salt People Clan), born for Haltsooí (Meadow People Clan). His nálí is Bit’ahnii (Under His Cover); cheii is Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). He passed away April 26, 2024, in Phoenix.

Jerrick earned an associate degree in carpentry and enjoyed listening to music, watching movies, traveling, and making everyone laugh.

Jerrick is survived by his daughters, Jeazhoni Lewis and Chenoa Lewis; mother, Emma Lewis; brothers, James Lewis Jr., Jarald Davis and Jeffrey Davis Lewis; sisters, Jeannie Marie Lewis, Lisa Lewis, Joleen Ann Lewis, Larissa Marie Lewis, Marlene Benally, and Judy Lewis; grandparents, Sam and Ellen Yazzie; and grandchild, Royal Owen Juan.

Jerrick is preceded in death by his father, Jimmie Lewis; and niece, Kristle Lewis.

A reception will take place at Emma Lewis’ residence, located nine miles southeast of Rough Rock Chapter, following the service.

Summit Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

Marco A. L. Nez

FORT DEFIANCE — Funeral services for Marco Allen Leigh Nez, 41, of Fort Defiance, will be held Friday, May 3, at 10 a.m., at the Family Church Assembly of God in Fort Defiance, with Pastor Kenneth Delaney officiating. Burial will follow at the family plot at Rainbow Ridge.

Marco was born June 7, 1982, in Fort Defiance, into the ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan), born for Bit’ahnii (Under His Cover Clan). His nálí is Italian; cheii is Dziłtł’ahnii (Mountain Cove). He passed away April 28, 2024, in Fort Defiance.

Marco graduated from Window Rock High School and was employed at Sage Memorial Hospital. He loved fishing, camping, watching the Arizona Cardinals and Phoenix Suns, and spending time helping family and friends.

Marco is survived by his parents, Carolyn Atcitty and Aaron Talley; brothers, Derrick Nez and Delbert Nez Jr.; sisters, Jennie Talley, Christie Kay-Talley, Martina Talley, Carmela Talley, Twila Dickson, Moriko Nez, and Delia Nez; grandfather, Daniel Atcitty Sr.; and eight grandchildren.

Marco is preceded in death by his brother, Tyrone Nez Sr.; and grandmother, Lillian Rose (Dahozy) Atcitty.

Pallbearers will be Derrick Nez, Delbert Nez Jr., Jimmy Hoskie Jr., Aaron Milford, Lyle Jackson, and Jarom Prows.

Honorary pallbearers will be Elmer Milford, Ron Milford, Steve Milford, Virgil Dahozy, James Moore, and Tony Milford Sr.

A reception will take place at the Family Life Center-Assembly of God following services.

Summit Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

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