Obituaries for November 13, 2025
The Navajo Times publishes obituaries free of charge as a public service. If you have an obituary you would like to submit, follow this link to the online submission form. We look forward to serving you.
Effie June
TUBA CITY – Funeral services for Effie June, 81, of Tuba City, were held Nov. 6 at the LDS Stake Center in Tuba City. Interment followed at the Tuba City community cemetery.
Effie June, Dec. 16, 1943 – Nov. 2, 2025
Effie was born Dec. 16, 1943, in Preston Mesa, Arizona, into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan). Her nálí is Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water); cheii is Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People). She passed away Nov. 2, 2025, in Chandler, Arizona.
Effie is survived by one child; siblings, John Bigman Sr., Lillie Bigman and Lee Bigman; and five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Effie is preceded in death by her father, Tom Bigman Sr.; mother, Zonnie Bigman; brothers, Tom Bigman Jr. and Daniel Bigman Sr.; and sister, CB.
Pallbearers were Stephan Good Bear, Lawrence Good Bear, Sheldon Burnside, Kelly Tadytin, Derek Bigman, and Adam Tsinnie.
Honorary pallbearers were Johnny Burnside, John Bigman Sr., Lee Bigman, Pete Butler, Dennis Atene, Jason Bigman, and Johnny Bigman.
Norvel Owens Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
Thomasita E. Sandoval
GALLUP – Funeral services for Thomasita Elena Sandoval, 42, of Churchrock, New Mexico, will be held Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 9 a.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Clarence Benally officiating. Burial will follow in Gallup.
Thomasita Elena Sandoval, Sept. 18, 1983 – Nov. 4, 2025
Thomasita was born Sept. 18, 1983, in Shiprock. She passed away Nov. 4, 2025, in Albuquerque.
Thomasita attended Wingate High School and received her CDL from CR England School. She was employed with CTI Trucker and enjoyed traveling to new places.
Thomasita is survived by her husband, Alvin Sandoval Jr.; son, Ely Sandoval; daughters, Tiania Grotberg and Madrea Sandoval; parents, Genevieve Denetclaw and
Thomas Benally; brothers, Ouray Benally, Tyron Benally and Darraw James; and sisters, Wenona Benally, Tonya Benally and Roweena Denetclaw.
Pallbearers will be James Grotberg, Ely Sandoval, Julius Yazzie, Benjamin F. Begay, Albert Sandoval Sr., Darraw James, Ortencia Lopez and Francisco Ruiz-Lugo.
Honorary pallbearers will be Alvin Sandoval Jr., Ouray Benally, Tyron Benally and Johnson Sandoval.
Francis C. Bia
LUKACHUKAI, Ariz. – Graveside service for Francis Chee Bia, 74, of Lukachukai, Arizona, was held Nov. 12 in Lukachukai.
Francis was born Dec. 11, 1950, in Lukachukai, into the Kinłichíi’nii (Red House People Clan), born for Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle Clan). He passed away Nov. 6, 2025, in Lukachukai.
Francis attended high school and learned some trades. He loved helping people and his community.
Francis is survived by his son, Clifton Bia; daughters, Francine Bia and Francita Bia; parents, Sadie Chee Bia and William Bia Sr.; brothers, Chuck Bia, Robert Bia,
Raymond Bia, and Nelson Bia; sisters, Theresa Fuentes, Carol Lozoya and Marilena Mullen; and 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Francis is preceded in death by his sister, Pauline Bia; and brother, Kenneth Bia.
Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.
Get instant access to this story by purchasing one of our many e-edition subscriptions HERE at our Navajo Times Store.
Highway 264,
I-40, WB @ Winslow