Obituaries for May 3, 2018

Christine Beth Cape

GALLUP — Christine “Chris” Beth Cape of Gallup died on April 23, 2018, near Hesperus, Colorado. She was 54.

Chris was born on Oct. 1, 1963, in Harrisburg, Illinois, to John Cape and Carla Sullivan. She graduated from Southern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in special education in 1990. She also attended community college at Southeastern Illinois College where she got an associate degree in 1987.

Chris moved to the Four Corners area in 1990 where she worked as a student teacher at a few places before she became a special education teacher at Valley High School in Sanders, Arizona, until 2013.

She then retired and moved to Gallup, New Mexico. Chris worked as a rodeo timer for various rodeo associations on the Navajo Nation and also was active with the Blackhat Humane Society for many years. At the time of her death, she was president and volunteered full-time rescuing and transporting animals in need.

Chris enjoyed reading books, taking walks with her dogs, eating dinner with her daughter, and meeting new people.

Chris is survived by her only daughter, Alysha Arrates of Durango, Colorado; her sister Constance Fraizer; and her brother Grant Cape. She is preceded in death by her parents.

Chris will be buried in her family plot in Harrisburg, Illinois. The service will be on May 4 at 10 am at the Bulldog Rodeo Arena in Gallup (7 Torrivio Rd). All are welcome to attend and celebrate her beautiful life.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Blackhat Humane Society.

Lorraine V. Etcitty

FLAGSTAFF — A memorial service for Lorraine V. Etcitty, 73, known as “Petey,” was held April 26 at the Flagstaff Indian Bible Church. Interment followed at the Citizens Cemetery.

Lorraine was born in Beshbito, Arizona. She passed away April 22, 2018. Lorraine attended Riverside High School in Anadarko, Oklahoma, and graduated from (Arizona State College) Northern Arizona University with a degree in education.

She also earned two master’s degrees in education from Arizona State University and counseling from Western New Mexico University. Lorraine then spent her career serving the Navajo people as an elementary school teacher, counselor, and principal with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, before retiring in 1997.

Lorraine also served as the principal for the Havasupai Elementary School in the Grand Canyon. She loved spending time with family, enjoyed reading, and was an excellent seamstress, cook, mother, and role model. Lorraine is the daughter of the late Henry and Rose Pete.

She is survived by her sons, Raymond C. Etcitty Jr., Ronnye Sean Etcitty, Lance Neil Etcitty, and Lorrance Reigh Etcitty; daughters, Tiayrra Fern Etcitty and Rainee Fawn Etcitty; and six grandchildren. Pallbearers were Raymond C. Etcitty Jr., Ronnye Etcitty, Lance Etcitty, Lorrance Etcitty, Mike Devlin, Clint Pete, Arthur Ulibarri, and Aaron Woods.

Memorial donations in memory of Lorraine Etcitty can be made to the family.

Shelby Lee Bennett

PINEDALE, N.M. — Funeral services for Shelby Lee Bennett, 26, will be held Saturday, May 5, at 10 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Pinedale, New Mexico.

Burial will follow at the family plot at Paradise Hill in Pinedale.

Shelby was born July 6, 1991, in Denver, into the Yellow Meadow (Haltsooí People Clan), born for African-American. His nali is African American; chei is Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People). He died April 26, 2018, in Farmington.

Shelby graduated from Thoreau High School in 2010 and attended New Mexico State University in Grants, New Mexico, working at Sonic Drive-In in Grants.

Shelby was father to daughter Aaliyah Rose Bennett, was a happy father, awesome friend, great brother, beautiful son, and loved by many family and friends alike.

Shelby is survived by his mother, Geraldine Bennett; brothers, Forrest Bennett and Jalonn Gordon; sisters, Shantay Antonio and Kameko Gordon; daughter, Aaliyah Rose Bennett; and girlfriend, Candice Archuleta.

Shelby is preceded in death by his father, Earl Gordon; and grandfather, Jerry Bennett. Pallbearers will be Troy Delgarito, Brandon Charley, Joshua Lee, Shelton M. Whitegoat, Justin Cerventas, Robert Fernandez, Rudy Murrietta, and Nate Begay.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Travis Alex Keeto

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. — Funeral services for Travis Alex Keeto, 27, of Navajo, New Mexico, will be held Saturday, May 5, at 9 a.m. at the LDS Church in St. Michaels, Arizona, with Bishop Smith officiating.

Burial will follow at the family plot in Rabbitbrush, New Mexico.

Travis was born June 17, 1990, in Fort Defiance, into the Naakai dine’é (Mexican Clan), born for Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). He died April 30, 2018, in Flagstaff.

Travis attended Westwood High School in Mesa, Arizona, and was employed with Silverado Cable in Mesa, and Wok Box in San Tan Valley, Arizona.

He enjoyed hiking, Pokemon hunting, spending time with family, tattooing, drawing, reading, cooking, watching Bruce Lee movies and YouTube.

Travis is survived by his mother, Elcita Lizer; stepfather, Albertson Lizer; brothers, Jessy Keeto and Dallas Lizer; sisters, Jessica Lizer, Tanisha Keeto, Jasmine Lizer, Elisa Lizer, and Elyla Keeto; and grandfather, Virgil Keeto. Travis is preceded in death by his father, Anthony Keeto; and grandmother, Ella Keeto.

Pallbearers will be Jessy Keeto, Donavin Keeto, Shontay Nevayaketewa, Dereny Long, and Derian Long. Honorary pallbearers will be Virgil Keeto, Albertson Lizer, Preston Keeto, and Dylan Keeto.

A reception will take place at the LDS Church in St. Michaels, following services. Summit Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Ben Jim

GALLUP — Funeral services for Ben Jim, 70, will be held Friday, May 4, at 10 a.m. at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup. Burial will follow at the Gallup City Cemetery.

Ben was born Nov. 15, 1947, into the Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). He died April 24, 2018.

Ben worked for Union Pacific Railroad and was a truck driver for A&J Produce/Bud & ALS Produce. He was a member of the Gallup Lions Club and volunteered for Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial. He enjoyed spending time with family and his grandchildren.

Ben is survived by his wife, Emma Jim; daughter, Emily Castillo, Erma Begay, and Eleanor Jim; son, Billson Jim; and 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Ben is preceded in death by his sons, Norvin Cadman, Benson Jim, and Benjamin Jim. Pallbearers will be Billson Jim, Bobby Castillo, Philmarc Begay, Alejondro Woody, Cecil Mike, and Gilbert Begay. Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Phillip James Chee

GALLUP — Funeral services for Phillip James Chee, 80, will be held today, May 3, at 10 a.m. at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup. Burial will follow at the Rehoboth Mission Cemetery in Rehoboth, New Mexico.

Phillip was born March 7, 1938, in Pinehaven, New Mexico, into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). He died April 30, 2018, in Albuquerque.

Phillip was employed by BIA as a faculty manager for over 30 years. Phillip is survived by his wife, Carolyn Chee; daughters, Veronica Chee and Patricia Chee; and son, Tony (Olga) Chee.

Phillip is preceded in death by his mother, Mae Livingston; father, Pat Chee; brothers, Jimmie Chee and Johnny Chee; and sisters, Alice Hood and Ella Chee.

Pallbearers will be family members. Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Eric Laughing

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. — Funeral services for Eric Laughing, 37, of Hunters Point, Arizona, will be held today, May 3, at 10 a.m. at the Mary, Mother of Mankind Parish Church in St. Michaels, Arizona, with Father Joseph Gonsalves officiating. Burial will follow in Milkwater, Arizona.

Eric was born Nov. 8, 1980, in Fort Defiance, into the Tábaahá (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). He died April 21, 2018, in Hunters Point. Eric attended Window Rock High School and Wingate High School. He was employed as an ironworker in Texas, Phoenix, and Mesa, Arizona.

He was a silversmith at the time of his death.

Eric enjoyed drawing, cooking, and spending time with his family and friends.

Eric is survived by his daughter, Dakota Laughing of Church Rock, New Mexico; parents, Evelyn Parkett and William Laughing; brothers, Christopher Laughing, Shane Laughing, Isaiah Laughing, Byron Laughing, and XyReck Begay; and sisters, Joan Begay, Danielle Laughing, Jennifer Laughing, Mercedes Laughing, and Heather Laughing.

Eric is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Rena and Lee Parkett; and paternal grandparents, Bennie and Jennie Laughing.

Pallbearers will be Micah Laughing, Joshua Laughing, Timothy Toledo, Travis King, Alexander Yazzie, and Michael Parkett. Honorary pallbearers will be William Laughing, Christopher Laughing, Shane Laughing, Isaiah Laughing, Byron Laughing, and XyReck Begay.

A reception will take place at the St. Michaels Chapter House following services. Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Paul Wayne Notah

WINDOW ROCK — Funeral services for Paul Wayne Notah, 66, of Window Rock, were held May 1 at the Window Rock Christian Reform Church with Rev. Stanley W. Jim officiating. Interment followed at the Fort Defiance Veterans Cemetery.

Paul was born July 26, 1951, in Talihina, Oklahoma.

He passed away April 25, 2018, in Flagstaff.

Paul is survived by his wife, Mary Alice Notah; sons, Randall Notah and Royce La Mesa; and daughter, Rhonda Holtsoi.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Rhoda Notah; and brothers, Louis Notah, Gerald Notah, and Larry Notah.

Pallbearers were Garrett Dennison, Dillon C. Day, Victor Yazzie, Ronald Yazzie, William Dahozy, and Dr. Roger Begay. Honorary pallbearers were Charles Day, Royce La Mesa, Randall Notah, William Holtsoi III, Leonard Day, Sheldon McArthur, Christian Nez, and Lymen Buck.

Silver Creek Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Budford Ray Henry

GANADO, Ariz. — Funeral services for Budford Ray Henry, 51, were held April 28 at the Ganado Presbyterian Church in Ganado, Arizona. Interment followed at the Ganado community cemetery.

Budford was born May 3, 1965, in El Paso, Texas, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Bit’ahnii (Under His Cover Clan). He died April 20, 2018, in San Carlos, Arizona. Budford attended Navajo Mission Academy in 1979 in Farmington, graduating in 1983. He continued on to the University of New Mexico and Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute in Albuquerque.

Budford enjoyed traveling and was a firefighter for Navajo Scouts and Zuni Hot Shots.

Budford is the son of June Shondee and Leroy Sam, and the grandson of William and Florence Yazzie.

Pallbearers were Tony Yazzie, Tyrone Fisher, Reginald Lowman, John Livingston Jr., Duane Williams, and Marvin Ike. Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

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