Obituaries for May 6, 2021

Alice Mae Luna

KAYENTA — Alice Mae Luna, 71, was born Aug. 17, 1949, at her home in lower Black Mesa, Arizona, into the Kinłichíi’nii (Red House People Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). Her maternal grandfather was Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People) and her paternal grandfather was ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People). She passed on April 28, 2021.

Alice earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of New Mexico, her master’s in social work from the University of Colorado-Boulder, and most recently, a certification in information technology from Strayer University.

Alice was a teacher at Rock Point Community School, Chinle Valley School for Exceptional Children, and the director of Navajo Nation Social Services Western Agency.

Alice participated in the Navajo-Hopi Land Dispute hearings, protested the Black Mesa coalmine establishment, and advocated for the Indian Child Welfare Act. She worked with many communities in the Washington, D.C./Maryland area for 40 years before retiring.

Alice was a sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend who valued education, her independence; was an activist, a pioneer, enjoyed healthy eating, being active, and always spoke her mind. She was small in stature but mighty in her presence. She will be missed.

Alice is survived by her sisters, Anita Talaswaima and Florence Leonard.

Alice is preceded in death by her mother, Sally Smith Luna; father, Avery Luna; sisters, Amelia Luna and Barbara Luna; and brother, Harvey Luna.

Services and reception to be determined.

Condolences and donations may be made to: Lita Dixon, P.O. Box 1452, Kayenta, AZ 86033, or Zelle to 928-429-0804 (memo: Alice Luna’s services).

Kaylem Cordell Lee

GALLUP — Funeral services for Kaylem Cordell Lee, 22, of Gallup, will be held Friday, May 7, at 10 a.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Pastor Martin Eastridge officiating. Burial will follow at the family plot in Naschitti, New Mexico.

Kaylem was born Jan. 19, 1999, in Gallup, into the Tł’ááshchí’í (Red Bottom People Clan), raised by Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan). He passed away April 28, 2021, in Albuquerque.

Kaylem graduated from Gallup High School in 2017 and attended the University of New Mexico. He was employed by Jabil Healthcare as a mechanical engineer technician.

Kaylem is survived by his mother, Venissa Rose Cheschilly; sister, Autumn Rose Lee; and grandmother, Beverly Vickie Cheschilly.

Kaylem is preceded in death by Richard T. Cheschilly Sr., Rose Jennie Cheschilly, Nelson Lee, Francis M. Slinkey, and Mary J. Slinkey.

Pallbearers will be Craig Bitsilly, Matthew Chavez, Anthony Cheschilly, Darryl Cheschilly, Scott Cheschilly, Jaren Cheschilly, and Tecumseh House.

Honorary pallbearers will be family and friends who have been loved through Kaylem’s wisdom, grace, loyalty, and heart.

A reception will take place at the Cheschilly residence (Highway 491 North, milepost 46.2), following services.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Barbara A. Baldwin

FARMINGTON — Funeral services for Barbara A. Baldwin, 70, of Shiprock, were held April 30 at the Piñon Hills Community Church in Farmington. Interment followed at the Shiprock community cemetery.

Barbara was born Feb. 7, 1951, in Lukachukai, Arizona. She passed from this life April 17, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Desert View Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Richard Montoya Sr.

SANTA FE — Funeral services for Richard Montoya Sr., 75, of Torreon/Huerfano, New Mexico, was held May 3, at the Fountain of Life Church. He was laid to rest at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Richard was born March 20, 1946, and raised in Na’neelzhiin, New Mexico, located on the Eastern Navajo Nation. He was 10 of 12 siblings born to the late June Trujillo and Polito Montoya. He passed away April 27, 2021.

Richard was a beloved husband to Janice Yazzie-Montoya of 30 years. He was a father to six children and grandfather to 10 grandchildren.

Richard accomplished many things in his life starting with being a state championship runner for Cuba High School. He served in the Air Force and was a Vietnam War veteran.

Richard was a school board member for Na’ Neelzhiin Ji Olta’ and Cuba Schools for many years. He was also a chapter official for many years, until this past December of 2020. He worked for the Bureau of Indian Education (Na’ Neelzhiin Ji Olta’), Tribally Controlled Schools (Rough Rock Community Schools), Central Consolidated School District (Kirtland, Newcomb), and Ziems Ford Corners as a security guard.

Richard became a pastor in 2001, along with his wife, Janice. They have been pastors of Fountain of Life Church (Huerfano community) for the past 20 years.

Richard helped build the Fountain of Life Church spiritually, physically, and financially from its infancy. He has made a big impression on many people with counsel and guidance from the Word of God. He loved the Lord and served Him whole-heartedly for 35-plus years.

Richard is survived by his wife, Janice Y. Montoya, and six children and 10 grandchildren.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, and three sisters.

Richard will be dearly remembered as a steadfast and devout Christian, an inspirational father, a strong community leader, and a brilliant hardworking husband, father, and a loving grandfather.

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