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Obituaries for May 7, 2015

Yolando “YO” Bowman

FORT DEFIANCE– Funeral services for Yolando Bowman, to be determined at a later date.

Bowman died May 5 in Albuquerque. He was born February 27, 1963, in Fort Defiance, Ariz, into the Bitter Water clan born for the Salt clan.

Bowman attended Window Rock High School and graduated in 1981. He worked for Window Rock Schools, KGAK Radio, Navajo Nation, University of New Mexico, and Navajo Nation Shopping Centers. He loved his grandchildren, family and friends. Coaching baseball was his greatest passion, as well as serving his community and surrounding areas. His personnel interests include horseracing, Dallas Cowboys football, golf, and sports.

Survivors include his son Reynaldo Bowman; Daughter Scioscia Bowman; 6 grandchildren; Parents David and lucy Bowman; brothers Orlando Bowman, David Bowman Jr, Marty Bowman; Sisters Sharon Bowman, Dianna Bowman, Arlinda Bowman; 27 nieces and nephews; 11 grandchildren, Preceded in death by his spouse Polletta Bowman.

Pallbearers and Honorary Pallbearers will be family and friends.

Bruce C. Draper

CHINLE– Funeral services for Bruce C. Draper, 69, of Chinle, will be held today, May 7, at 10 a.m. at the Chinle Catholic Church with Father P.J. officiating. Burial will follow in Chinle.

Bruce was born Sept. 19, 1945, in Chinle, into the Tsénjikini (Cliff Dwellers People Clan), born for Tó’aheedliinii (Water Flow Together Clan). He died May 3, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz.

Bruce attended Chinle High School and was employed with Many Farms High School, Chinle Unified School District, and Chinle Behavioral Health Center. He was a Chinle Chapter official, peacemaker, and a Dallas Cowboys fan.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Vivian Draper; son, Trenton Draper; daughters, Brenna Draper-Van Winkle and Beulah Hott; brother, William Draper Jr.; sisters, Roberta Draper and Loretta Draper; and six grandchildren.

Bruce is preceded in death by his parents, Lorene Yazzie and William Draper Sr.

A reception will take place at the Chinle Catholic Hall following services.

Tse Bonito Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Verna L. Peterson

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz.– Funeral services for Verna L. Peterson, 76, of Steamboat, Ariz., were held May 5 at St. Michaels Mission in St. Michaels, Ariz. Interment and a reception followed in Steamboat.

Verna was born March 14, 1939, in Steamboat, into the Naasht’ézhi Tábaahá (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Tótsohnii (Big Water Clan). She died April 30, 2015, in Flagstaff.

Verna attended Intermountain Boarding School and Fort Lewis A&M College where she completed her GED and college courses. She also attended Riverside Indian School in California, Steamboat School, Toyei Boarding School, and Greasewood Boarding School.

Verna accomplished 35 years in education from 1958 to 1993. She enjoyed silversmith work, gardening, and sewing.

Verna is survived by her sons, Tyrone Peterson Jr., Myron Peterson, Vernon Peterson, Tracy Peterson, and Paul Peterson; daughter, Mechele Peterson; brothers, Paul Williams Jr. and Victor Williams; sisters, Verdie Mae Lee, Dorothy Lee, Adeline Tsosie, and Leona Strayhorn; grandparents, O’láátá Tsós’, Iln’g’gébáh, Hasteén Wókáané, and Assáad ll’cheé; and 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Verna is preceded in death by her father, Paul Williams Sr.; mother, Lorena Williams (Morgan); brothers, Albert Williams, Herbert Williams, and Wilmer Williams; and sister, Ruth Kelwood.

Pallbearers were Aydan Wynos, Brett Peterson, Alvin Roan, Joseph Kee, Victor Martinez, and Tyrone Peterson III.

Honorary pallbearers were Tyrone Peterson Jr., Myron Peterson, Vernon Peterson, Tracy Peterson, Paul Peterson, Paul Williams Jr., Victor Williams, Jefferson Williams Sr., and Arvin Tsosie.

Silver Creek Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Leroy Begay

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz.– Funeral services for Leroy Begay, 25, of Cross Canyon, Ariz., were held May 6 at the St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michaels, Ariz., with Father Patrick officiating. Interment followed in Kinlichee, Ariz.

Leroy was born in Fort Defiance, into the Tsénjikini (Honey Combed Rock People Clan), born for Tódich’ii’nii (Bitter Water Clan). He died May 1, 2015, in St. Michaels.

Leroy attended Ganado High School and enjoyed riding horses, taking care of livestock, and spending time with family.

Leroy is survived by his son, Rylee Begay of Window Rock; parents, Roy and Evalina Begay; brothers, Elroy Begay, Kelroy Begay, and Roger Begay; sisters, Rolanda Begay and Roxanna Begay; grandmothers, Rose Shorty and Mary Ann Begay; and one grandchild.

Leroy is preceded in death by his grandfathers, Henry Shorty and Robert Begay.

Pallbearers were family members.

Silver Creek Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.


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