Obituaries for May 23, 2024

Valentina S. Benallie

TOHATCHI, N.M. — Funeral services for Valentina S. Benallie, 65, of Tohatchi, New Mexico, will be held today, May 23, at 10 a.m., at the St. Mary Catholic Church in Tohatchi, with Father Dale Jamison officiating. Burial will follow in Tohatchi.

Valentina was born July 21, 1958, in Fort Defiance, into the Tsin sikaadnii (Clamp Tree Clan), born for Haltsooí (Meadow People Clan). She passed away May 12, 2024, in Farmington.

Valentina attended Tohatchi Public Schools and earned an associate degree from Bacone College. She worked for Navajo Tribal Utility Authority in the water department as a meter reader. She joined Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and was an art instructor.

Valentina loved woodwork and built furniture. She was an active member of Kateri Circles, Legion of Mary, and Franciscan Associates. She enjoyed ministry work and was very devoted to the Blessed Sacrament.

Valentina is survived by her son, Augustus Benallie; brothers, David Benallie, Ickes Benallie and Dennis Benallie; and sisters, Mildred Morris, Doris Benallie and JoAnn B. Crosby.

Valentina is preceded in death by Ike and Alice Benallie, Ambrose Sandoval, and Gary Benallie.

Pallbearers will be Bryan Lucero, Chris Bradley, Porter Rio Smith, Ryon Morris, and Darrel Curley.

A reception will take place at the Tohatchi Chapter House following services.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Dennis Smallcanyon

NAVAJO MOUNTAIN, Ariz. — Funeral services for Dennis Smallcanyon, 73, will be held Saturday, May 25, at 11 a.m., at the Navajo Mountain Alliance Church (Navajo Route 16, south of Road 6414) in Navajo Mountain, Arizona. Viewing will take place one hour prior to service at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at the Smallcanyon family plot in Navajo Mountain.

Dennis was born April 9, 1951, in Navajo Mountain, into the Kinłichíi’nii (Red House People Clan), born for ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan). He passed away May 12, 2024, in Salt Lake City.

Dennis attended Brigham Young University and began his career working at the APS Four Corners Power Plant. He continued working at a variety of power plants, including the SRP Navajo Generating Station, and with the Tennessee Valley Authority.

Dennis enjoyed watching sports and participated in basketball tournaments throughout his life. He was an avid runner and found enjoyment listening to music, traveling, and visiting with family and friends.

Dennis is survived by his partner, Susie Ann Lee of Teec Nos Pos, Arizona; sons, Jason Smallcanyon of Tampa, Florida, Corey (Denise) Smallcanyon of Provo, Utah, and Aaron Smallcanyon of Albuquerque; daughters, Jessica (Brandon) Chavez of Farmington, and Shalane (Gabriel) Benally of Farmington; brother, Ted (Tonya) Smallcanyon; sisters, Sophie (Morris) Burns and Alice Smallcanyon; and eight grandchildren.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Becky Smallcanyon; and siblings, Yazzie (Henry) Lewis, Josephine (Amos Sr.) Grass, Bonnie (Edward) Smagge, and Ned Smallcanyon.

A reception will take place at the Navajo Mountain Alliance Church following services.

Donations are greatly appreciated at www.gofundme.com/f/the-passing-of-dennis-smallcanyon.

Valley Ridge Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Pauline Benally

GANADO, Ariz. — Funeral services for Pauline Benally, 81, of Ganado, Arizona, will be held Friday, May 24, at 10 a.m., at the All Saints Catholic Church in Ganado, with Father Pio officiating. Burial will follow at the family plot (2.5 miles west of Burnside junction).

Pauline was born Oct. 10, 1942, in Ganado, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). Her cheii is Mą’ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass). She passed away May 19, 2024, in Flagstaff.

Pauline had no Western education, only Navajo/Diné home education. She worked in housekeeping/dietary at Sage Memorial Hospital for 30 years in Ganado, and housekeeping at Banner Medical Center for five years in Phoenix.

Pauline enjoyed ranching, weaving, traveling, crocheting/knitting, ATV riding, needle stitch art, Sudoku, jigsaw puzzles, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Pauline is survived by her husband, Jerry Benally; sons, Paul Shondee and Patrick Shondee; daughter, Jeroline (Jack) Begay; sister, Ella Mae Begay; and four grandchildren.

Pauline is preceded in death by her mother, Irene Keyonnie; father, Houston Shondee Sr.; brother, Eddie Keyonnie; twin nieces, Lena Rose and Linda Rose Begay; aunts, Marie Tsosie, Kate Dale, Josephine Perez, Mildred Willie, Arlene Woody, and Mary James; uncles, Lawrence Begay, Harry Begay, Francis Begay, and David Begay; and grandparents, Marilyn and Clyde Tso Begay.

Honorary pallbearers will be Paul Shondee, Patrick Shondee and Marlon Walker.

A reception will take place at the family residence (2.5 miles west of Burnside) following services.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Louise M. Six

GALLUP — Funeral services for Louise Mae Six, 78, of Pine Springs, Arizona, will be held Friday, May 24, at 10 a.m. (DST), at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Father David officiating. Burial will follow at the Houck community cemetery in Houck, Arizona.

Louise was born Jan. 31, 1946, in Fort Defiance, into the Apache Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). She passed away May 19, 2024, in Gallup.

Louise earned a high school diploma and was a homemaker. She enjoyed weaving rugs, traveling, fishing, shopping, and watching sports.

Louise is survived by her husband, Anderson Six; sons, Alfa Six and Arlison Six; daughters, Latasha Six and Lashehan Six-Begay; brothers, Andrew Roan and Roger Roan; sisters, Nellie Gilmore, Bertha Roan, Ruth Roan, Marietta Silversmith, and Merna Roan; and nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Louise is preceded in death by Tom and Maggie Roan.

Pallbearers will be Arlison Six, Alfa Six, Tadd Begay, Tyran Six, Terrence Six, and Marlon Dalgai.

Honorary pallbearers will be Andrew Roan, Anderson Six, Freddie Roan Sr., Elvin Roan, and Leander Nelson.

A reception will take place at the Houck Chapter House following services.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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