Obituaries for November 30, 2023

Rev. Jackson Yazzie

FARMINGTON — Funeral services for Rev. Jackson Yazzie, 91, of Shiprock, were held Nov. 25 at the Navajo Ministry/Four Corners Home for Children in Farmington. He was laid to rest Nov. 21 at the Shiprock cemetery veterans section.

Rev. Yazzie was born March 16, 1932, in a hogan in Toadlena, New Mexico. His nalí is Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan); cheii is Hooghan Łání (Many Hogans Clan). He passed away Nov. 17, 2023, in Farmington.

Rev. Yazzie graduated from two bible colleges and attended two more. He was employed as a Christian minister for the Navajo Nation. He enjoyed sharing the one true God and miracles, studying, horses, archery, music, art, and family.

Rev. Yazzie is survived by his wife, Angelene J. Yazzie; children, DJ Yazzie, Christine Faith Yazzie-Pratt and Joy Ann Gray; sisters, Marilyn Manuelito and Shirley Reed; and six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Rev. Yazzie is preceded in death by his mother, Keahni (Helen) Nez Bitsi; father, John Yazzie; and brother, Johnny Yazzie, who led Rev. Yazzie to the Lord.
Cope Memorial oversaw arrangements.

Daniel Piaso

ALBUQUERQUE — Funeral services for Daniel Piaso, 84, of To’hajiilee, New Mexico, will be held Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 10 a.m., at the Daniels Mortuary Chapel in Albuquerque. Burial will follow in To’hajiilee.

Daniel was born July 15, 1939, in To’hajiilee, into the ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan), born for Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan). His nalí is Tó baazhní’ázhí (Two Who Came To the Water); cheii is Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House). He passed away Nov. 27, 2023, in Albuquerque.

Daniel worked in construction, carpentry, ranching, and silversmithing. His favorite pastime was to sit outside his home in the sun listening to KTNN while watching his goats and sheep graze.

Daniel loved to try new foods and visit his grandchildren in neighboring cities. He took great pride in his grandchildren and would participate in Navajo song and dances with them. People would see him dancing at the local state fair and at fairs in Shiprock and Window Rock. He also had good times at the casinos and enjoyed watching World Wrestling Entertainment.

Daniel is survived by his daughters, Rose Piaso and Grace Piaso; brother, Nelson Piaso; sister, Virginia “Gene” Piaso; and eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Daniel is preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Piaso; daughters, Ruth Piaso and Bealuh Piaso; grandchildren, Aaron Johnson and Eli Platero; and great-grandchild, Kayleah Johnson.

Pallbearers will be Ty Piaso, Antonio Larez, Deidre Keener, and Bodie Apachito.

Honorary pallbearers will be Zane Larez, Mark Begay and Norman Begay.

A reception will take place at the To’hajiilee Chapter House following services.

Daniels Mortuary-Alameda oversaw arrangements.

Aaron John

FORT DEFIANCE — Graveside service for Aaron John, 56, of Fort Defiance, were held Nov. 16 at old Coal Mine Road, New Mexico, with Rev. Paula Henson officiating.

Aaron was born Oct. 19, 1967, in Fort Defiance, into the Hashtł’ishnii (Mud Clan), born for Honágháahnii (One-walk-around Clan). He passed away Nov. 13, 2023, in Fort Defiance.

Aaron graduated from Window Rock High School and earned a welding certificate from ABC Welding School in Phoenix. He worked at Fed Mart Service Station, P&M Mine for 21 years as a tipple attendant and was a showcase artist Navajo silversmith.

Aaron was lead guitar and vocals for a country/blues/rock band. He enjoyed collecting and building classic cars and trucks, and teaching his children to cook, grill, silversmith, forge knives, and ride horses.

Aaron is survived by his ex-wife, Kendall Rae Ramirez; sons, Alonzo John, Colt John and Ace John; daughter, Sabrina John; parents, Elsie and Alfred John Sr.; brothers, Alfred John Jr., Arvis John and Alfredo John; sisters, Sharmarie Roanhorse, Alfreta John, Alselena John, and Almaria John; and one grandchild.

Aaron is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Alice and Henry Billie; and paternal grandparents, Maggie Reeder and Kee John.

Pallbearers were Colt John, Harold Joe, Kee Wallace, Alfredo John, Alverno John, and Almancio John.

Honorary pallbearers were Alonzo John, Alfred John Jr., Arvis John, and Ramsey Davidson Jr.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Terrence V. James

SHIPROCK — Funeral services for Terrence Victor James, 36, of Sheep Springs, New Mexico, were held Nov. 24 at the Desert View Funeral Home Chapel in Shiprock. Interment followed at the Sheep Springs community cemetery.

Terrence was born July 8, 1987, in Albuquerque. He passed away Nov. 17, 2023, in Shiprock.

Desert View Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

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