Obituaries for May 28, 2015

Nettie Yellowhair Young

CHILCHINBETO/BLACK MESA, Ariz.

Sprinkles of rain painted a rainbow as family, friends, and relatives observed traditionalist Nettie Yellowhair Young’s burial service and memorial reception on May 16, 2015.

Nettie is one of the original Chilchinbeto weavers of the Second World’s Largest Navajo Rug, “the Little Sister Rug.”

She wove the center panel, and is remembered as an intelligent, beautiful, creative, and very strong lady.

Her husband, the late Frank C. Young Sr., deceased Feb. 10, 2015, was a traditional religious mentor, educator, and medicine man.

Their cultural contribution to the Diné traditional way of life is significant.

Young’s weaving, embedded in the heart of the Chilchinbeto “Little Sister rug,” continues to serve as a backdrop for Navajo Nation presidential inauguration and many special occasions.

Her husband’s teachings are part of the cumulative Navajo curriculum used across the Navajo Reservation in schools.

Their lifetime accomplishments bring forth strength to the Diné cultural base.

Nettie Yellowhair Young, 76, died of natural causes May 12, 2015, at the hospital in Flagstaff.

Her life and death brings forth awareness to each time we lose a cultural practitioner, a part our unique Navajo heritage goes, too.

She only spoke Navajo and practiced daily the “hozhooji Dine k’ehgo iina.”

Young took pride in her children and grandchildren’s accomplishments in education, health services, and the world of rodeo.

When her paternal granddaughter, Allison Young, Navajo actress and film student, took a stance against Native American stereotypes by walking off Adam Sandler’s “Ridiculous Six” movie set, she lauded, “It unfurled our traditional uniqueness and teachings of respecting oneself, all people, even animals, plants, the earth, and skies.”

She regarded many, “Shi yazhi, feel the powerful energy of the rug, as we felt it.

Let it bring the great cultural Diné heritage into your heart, mind, and existence.

Envision your lifetime goal as if you completed it.

Then make that first movement towards your goal.

Do not stop until you are done.

May the ÔLittle Sister’ rug bring blessings to guide and protect you as you move on with your dreams and prayers.

Hard work is the essence of Ôhozhooji Diné k’ehgo iina.

‘”
Young is survived by her daughters, Lena Young, Marita Young, Hilda Y. Littleben, Nora Y. Lii’bilNaghahi, and Lucinda Young; and sons, Frank Young II, Clayton Ernie Young, Steven Young, Jerome Young, and Chavez Young.

Nettie Yellowhair Young ei To’ahoni nili nit’ee’, Deeshchiinii yashchiin, Bit’ahnii dabicheii, doo Kiyaa’aanii dabinali.

She is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Lefty (Nitl’aai) and Alice Begay Sells of Rough Rock, Ariz.; paternal grandparents, Hastiin Kiyaa’aanii and Asdzaa Bitsii’ Litsooi; and parents, Descheenie and Mary Sells Yellowhair of Chilchinbeto; husband, Frank C. Young Sr.; and daughter, Rose Mae Young.

Our beloved mother’s teachings, memories, and prayers will always be a part of us as we move forward together.

Rena R. Norcross

FORT DEFIANCE — Funeral services for Rena R. Norcross, 91, will be held Friday, May 29, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Fort Defiance.

Burial will follow at the Fort Defiance community cemetery.

Rena was born Feb. 10, 1924, in Naschitti, N.M. , into the Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tsénjikini (Honey Combed Rock People Clan).

Her nali is Honágháahnii (One-walks-around); chei is Ma’ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass).

She died May 25, 2015, in Gallup.

Rena is survived by her sons, Lee Norcross, Gary Norcross, and Gilbert Norcross; brothers, Lee Vern Roanhorse and Andrew Roanhorse; sisters, Norena Mullahon, Lorraine Tsosie, Nora Toledo, and Loretta Sam; and 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Rena is preceded in death by her father, Gabriel Roanhorse; mother, Tanabah Julian; sons, Ralph Norcross Jr.

and Roni Whitecrow; and daughter, Linda MacRae.

Pallbearers will be Allison Betone, Gilbert Norcross, Randall Norcross, and Cyrus Norcross.

Barbara Jean Miles-Marianito

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. — Funeral services for Barbara Jean Miles-Marianito is scheduled Saturday, May 30, at 10 a.m. , followed by a reception.

A rosary will be held Friday, May 29, at 7 p.m. at St. Michael’s Church in St. Michaels, Ariz.

Barbara was born Oct. 9, 1931, in Lapwai, Idaho.

She passed away May 26, 2015.

Information: Sharon Marianito, 505-934-0214.

Raymond Tex Jackson Sr.

TUBA CITY — Funeral services for Raymond Tex Jackson Sr. , 85, of Navajo Mountain, Ariz. , were held May 27 at the Tuba City Discipleship Center with Pastor Max Tomasiyo officiating.

Interment and a reception followed in Tuba City.

Raymond was born Feb. 14, 1930, in Navajo Mountain, into the çshiihi (Salt People Clan), born for Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan).

He died May 19, 2015, in Tuba City.

Raymond attended Navajo Mountain Boarding School and Riverside Indian School in Riverside, Calif.

He worked for various jobs as a heavy equipment operator, Navajo Nation police officer, and a uranium mine worker.

He enjoyed sharing the word of God and spending time with his family and grandchildren.

Raymond is survived by his wife, Bessie Jackson of Grey Mountain, Ariz.; son, Gregory Jackson; daughters, Ramona Tsosie, Arlene Jackson, and Gloria Jackson (Timothy); and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Raymond is preceded in death by his parents, Tex and Verna Jackson; sons, Leroy Jackson, Raymond Jackson Jr. , and Wesley Jackson; and daughter, Lyndelle Wolfe.

Valley Ridge was in charge of arrangements.

Fernando Cruz

PHOENIX – On April 23, an advocate for Native Americans with Disabilities and Az Bridge Independent Living’s Reintegration Coordinator, Fernando Cruz, passed on in Phoenix.

He worked tirelessly to advocate and assist people with disabilities.

Fernando was a proud member of the Tohono O’odham Nation.

He is survived by family and grew up in the San Lucy Village near Gila Bend, Ariz.

Fernando received a degree from Glendale Community College and a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work from Arizona State University.

While at ASU, he completed an internship with ABIL.

His duties included meeting with individuals with disabilities who were currently living in nursing homes.

Through the years, Fernando helped hundreds of people (Native Americans included) make that transition from nursing home to independent community living.

In 2005, Fernando became a member and later the co-chair of the American Indian Disability Summit which plans an annual conference to provide interaction, networking, education and support for American Indians with disabilities and their families.

In 2013, Fernando began coordinating a program for Emergency Preparedness Planning for People with Functional Needs in Tribal Communities.

He visited tribal communities across the state (Navajo, Hopi, TO, Gila River, Salt River Maricopa, Fort McDowell, Ak-chin, Pasqua Yaqui, Hualapai, White River, Tonto, San Carol and Yavapai Apache nations) and worked to expand awareness and understanding of emergency preparedness.

Fernando demonstrated everyday that the path of independence is best followed when we meet each challenge in life with humor, determination, and friends.

His full of life personality, humor, kindness, and assertive advocacy will live on in all the people he empowered and touched.

Dennis Lincoln Jr.

GALLUP — Funeral services for Dennis Lincoln Jr. , 55, will be held Saturday, May 30, at 10 a.m. at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup.

Burial will follow at the Gallup City Cemetery.

Dennis was born Dec. 10, 1959, in Zuni, N.M. , into the Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for Kiyaa’aanii (Towering House Clan).

He died May 24, 2015, in Albuquerque.

Dennis enjoyed watching game shows and the Dallas Cowboys, spending time with his children and grandchildren, baking, and working on home projects.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Judy S. Lincoln; daughters, Merlinda Lincoln-Chee and Michelle Lincoln-Young; sons, Daniel Lincoln, Darrell Lincoln, and Derrick Lincoln; parents, Dennis and Alice Lincoln; and sisters, Judith John and Jackie Lincoln.

Dennis is preceded in death by his brothers, Duane Lincoln and Vincent Lincoln.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Sistah Thomas

GALLUP — Funeral services for Sistah Thomas, 67, were held May 23 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup.

Interment followed at the family plot in Becenti, NM.

Sistah was born July 13, 1947, into the Bit’ahnii (Under His Cover Clan), born for Nóóda’i (Ute).

She died May 20, 2015.

Sistah attended school in Crownpoint, and was a homemaker.

She enjoyed traveling and weaving.

Sistah is survived by her brothers, Wayne and Jones High; son, Darrell Thomas; and uncle, Carl Dalton.

Sistah is preceded in death by her sister, Helen Olson; brother, Harry High; and parents, Billy and Nellie High.

Pallbearers were Lionel James, Jaynell Steavens, Jeremiah Copi, and Herman Copi.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Lillian (Slinkey) Yazzie

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. — Funeral services for Lillian (Slinkey) Yazzie, 70, of St.

Michaels, Ariz. , were held May 23 at St. Michael’s Mission.

Interment followed at the St. Michael’s community cemetery.

Lillian was born July 16, 1944, in Fort Defiance, into the Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan), born for Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan).

She died May 18, 2015, in Phoenix.

Lillian attended Window Rock High School and was employed as a special education assistant.

She enjoyed sewing, beadwork, singing Navajo traditional songs, traveling, and sewing powwow shawls.

Lillian is survived by her husband, Kee Richard Yazzie; son, Delane Yazzie; daughters, Lornette Kim Yazzie and Wanda Renee Yazzie; mother, Maggie Slinkey; brothers, Mark Slinkey and Joe Slinkey; sisters, Rose Slinkey, Marge Bush, Carole Slinkey, and Vay Slinkey; and 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Lillian is preceded in death by her father, Mark Slinkey Sr.; nephew, Ronnie Bush Jr.; and granddaughter, Tamika Day.

Pallbearers were Duane Bush, Joaquin Sheperd, Ryan Yazzie, Aeden Szopinski, Jason Kaulaity Victor Tsosie, and Randy Hoskie.

Honorary pallbearers were Delane Yazzie, Logan Szopinski, Herman Upshaw, Joe and Mark Slinkey Jr.

Cope in Tse Bonito, N.M., was in charge of arrangements.

Lorriane Wauneka

MANY FARMS, Ariz. — Funeral services for Lorriane Wauneka, 95, of Many Farms, Ariz. , will be held today, May 28, at 10 a.m.

at the Wauneka residence in Many Farms, with Evangelist Mike Lee officiating.

Burial will follow in Many Farms.

Lorriane was born May 5, 1920, in Rough Rock, Ariz. , into the Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan), born for Kiyaa’aanii (Towering House Clan).

She died May 23, 2015, in Chinle.

Lorriane is survived by her sons, Johnny and Cyndee Wauneka; sister, Mary Thomas; and three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Lorriane is preceded in death by her parents, brothers, sisters, and husband George Wauneka.

Pallbearers will be Wilson Begay Jr. , Trent Salway, Tyson Salway, Jason King, Edward Shirley, and Jerome Tsosie.

Honorary pallbearers will be Johnny Wauneka, Cherish, Yolanda, Lorinda, and Mary Thomas.

A reception will take place at Johnny Wauneka’s residence in Many Farms, following services.

Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Wilford B. Pete

FARMINGTON – Funeral services for Wilford B. Pete were held May 21 at the Oasis Ministries in Farmington.

Interment followed at Memory Gardens in Farmington.

Wilford was born Oct. 25, 1921, into the Tl’ááshchi’i (Red Bottom People Clan), born for Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle Clan).

He died May 16, 2015.

Wilford was a World War II Army veteran and served in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre, Phillippine Liberation Operation as machine gunner.

He received the Soldier’s Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Bronze Silver Star Medal, Bronze Arrowhead Medal, and a Purple Heart Medal.

He also served in the U.S. Air Force as tail-gunner and military police.

Wilford grew up herding his family flock and continued ranching throughout his life.

He served as president of the Huerfano Cattlemen’s Association.

His early years were spent working with the railroad.

He worked on various construction projects ranging from refinery, pipeline and dams.

He also worked for 27 years as a heavy equipment operator for the Navajo Mine and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Mine Workers.

Wilford’s biggest project was to start a church.

He was a founding member and pastor of the Navajo Miracle Church for over 30 years.

Wilford is survived by his sister, Jenny Pete; children, Calvin Pete, Victoria Pete, Melvin Pete, Oralita Pete, Irvin and Melissa Pete, Belvin and Lynda Pete; grandsons, Craig, Cyle Cody and Cory Pete; great-granddaughters, Cayden and Caylee Pete; and many grandnephews and grandnieces.

Wilford is preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Ruth Eaton Pete; parents, Hosteen Yazzie Pete and Ka-da-Bah; sisters, Mary Smith and Rachel P.

Fairfax; brothers, John S. Pete, Joe Pete, and Burke Pete; nieces, Virginia Fairfax and Elezabeth F. Begaye; nephews, Jimmy Fairfax and Dick Blackie; and grandniece, Jolena Goldtooth.

Desert View Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

---