Obituaries for Oct. 3, 2019

Virgil Francis Roehrig

GLOBE, Ariz. — Funeral services for Virgil Francis Roehrig, 43, of Globe, Arizona, will be held Friday, Oct. 4, at 10 a.m. at the Seventh-Day Adventists Church (2407 E. Ast St.) in Globe.
Virgil was born Dec. 23, 1975, in Phoenix. He passed away Sept. 25, 2019, in Goodyear, Arizona.

Virgil graduated from Chinle High School and attended the Institute of American Indian Arts. He was a very talented artist of many traits and an amazing chef.

Virgil is survived by his mother, Rebecca R. Bizahalani; father, Harris Francis; brothers, Garrett C. Francis, Kelly Francis, Delbert Billie, and Darren Billie; and sisters, Rhiannon D. Francis, Cassandra Francis, Gabrielle Francis, and Melanie Francis.

 

Franklin Zeno Tsosie

FORT DEFIANCE — Funeral services for Franklin Zeno Tsosie, 78, were held Oct. 1 at the Family Church Assembly of God in Fort Defiance. Interment followed at the family plot in Asaayii, New Mexico.

Franklin was born Oct. 1, 1941, in Tohatchi, New Mexico, into the Tsénjíkiní (Honey Combed Rock People Clan), born for Tábaahá (Water’s Edge Clan). His nali is Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House); chei is Kinlichíi’nii (Red House People). He passed away Sept. 24, 2019, in Mexican Springs, New Mexico.

Franklin attended high school, technical school and served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was a manager and leader, working as a lineman journeyman electrician, rancher, farmer, carpenter, mechanic, and builder, both commercial and residential.

Franklin was a beloved brother, uncle, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.

Franklin is survived by his daughter, Valencia Sue Tsosie; and sons, Bryan Leander Tsosie and Eric Dwayne Tsosie.

Franklin is preceded in death by his father, Yazzie Tsosie; mother, Ilene Barney Tsosie; wife, Virginia Chee Tsosie; and son, Antonio Franklin Tsosie.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Olin Brendon Murphy

GALLUP — Olin Brendon Murphy, 22, was laid to rest Sept 28, 2019, in Gallup.

Olin was born May 9, 1997, in Gallup, into the Tl’ááshchí’í (Red Bottom People Clan), born for Ts’ah yisk’idnii (Sage Brush Hill Clan). He was in a tragic hit-and-run accident that took his life on Sept. 21, 2019, in Goodyear, Arizona.

Olin’s naalis are Carline and Wilbur Murphy Sr. and stepmother, Arlene Garfield, who was Olin’s elementary teacher in Window Rock.

Olin’s aunts, uncles, sister, Carrie Vega, who lives in Morarity, New Mexico, older brother, Mike Murphy, from Los Lunas, New Mexico, and younger, Wilbur Murphy Jr. from Albuquerque, niece Tinaya and nephews, Chad, Josh and Kayden Murphy. This is his family who dearly helped and supported him through school up to Holbrook High School and after graduation going straight to work as an ironworker.

Olin worked for Cutting Edge and on his days off he loved attending concerts, Snapchatting his food, hiking, camping, running, long boarding, taking photos, and making time for family.

Olin loved the Denver Broncos, but he loved his brother and sisters more: Peyton, Jaron, Sophia, and Marra Murphy. And Casey and Dillon Ball from Fort Hall, Idaho.

Olin always had goals in furthering his education and pursuing a field that took him to the next level.

Olin is preceded in death by his mother, Renee Smith.

Rest in peace as you ride in the valley where the grass grows stirrup high.

Thanks to each and every one of you that has memories of Olin. As we continue down the road called life, Olin journeys through Heaven keeping an eye on each one of us, showing signs every now and again. You were suddenly called as God needed you in Heaven, more than here on earth. Ahe’hee’.

Olin, our guardian angel, the “O” is now your halo.

Gerald Ross Lawton

FLAGSTAFF — Funeral services for Gerald Ross Lawton, 82, were held Sept. 27 at the East Valley Baptist Church in Flagstaff. Interment followed at the Citizens’ Cemetery Veterans Section in Flagstaff.

Gerald was born in Iva, South Carolina. He passed away at his daughter’s home in Cameron, Arizona.

Gerald married Alice Stuart from Starr, South Carolina, and became a minister at the age of 17 and at the time was a member of First Baptist in Iva.

Gerald had a doctorate in theology from Luther Rice Seminary in Florida, and was a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves. He was colonel chaplain and served many years as a chaplain with the Navajo Police Department.

Gerald is survived by his wife Alice, three sons, one daughter, nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and two step great-grandchildren.

Gerald was known by thousands and loved by millions. He will be greatly missed.

Norvel Owens Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.norvelowensmortuary.com.

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