Obituaries for Oct. 5, 2017

Alice J. Arviso-Bitsie

TOHATCHI, N.M. — Funeral services for Alice J. Arviso-Bitsie, 83, will be held today, Oct. 5, at 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Chuska Mountain Branch, in Tohatchi, New Mexico, with President Laughter presiding. Burial will follow at the Tohatchi community cemetery.

Alice was born June 29, 1934, in Perea-Iyanbito, New Mexico, into the Dzi Taanii People Clan, born for Tsénj’kin’ People Clan. She died Oct. 2, 2017, in Gallup.

Alice attended Wingate Day School and Perea Day School in her early years. She worked as a maid for various early Gallup motels, laundress for Elite Laundry, and was a private housekeeper.

Alice was a member of the New Mexico Adopt-A-Highway Program, volunteering road trash pickup. She was a member of the Native American Church performing the church role of Morning Water Carrier, Mormon Church, and Christian Reform Faith.

Alice was the great-granddaughter of Jesus Arviso, interpreter of the U.S.-Navajo Treaty of 1868. She was married for 60 years to Leslie Bitsie Sr., and was a Hereford cattle grower, Debouillet sheep grower, and AQHA owner and co-founded Tohatchi Chuska Rodeo Association. She was an emeritus voting member of Tohatchi Chapter.

Alice was a Navajo rug weaver, creating banded, eye-dazzler, and Gallup throws. She was a collector of Indian jewelry and Navajo rugs, earning high awards for her dressmaking, seamstressing, Navajo seed beadwork, crocheting, and knitting arts at the Gallup Ceremonial, Navajo Fair, and New Mexico State Fair.

Alice shared her vast knowledge of home arts production with many, stressed higher education attainment, and completely adored and cherished all children. She was loved by many and was known for her humble kindness. She will be truly missed.

Alice is survived by her sons, Leslie Bitsie Jr., Lyn Bitsie, Leland Bitsie and Lloyd Bitsie; daughters, Winona Bitsie and W. J. Bitsie; and seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Alice is preceded in death by her husband, Leslie Bitsie Sr.; daughter, Wilma Jane Bitsie-Becenti; brother, Henry John Arviso; parents, Joe Jesus Arviso and Nellie Brink-Arviso; maternal grandparents, Hastiin Nez Begay and Yodezba Nata alti; and paternal grandparents, Charlie Casuse Arviso and Bah Arviso.

Pallbearers will be Jason Parrish, Joshua Parrish, Leander Bitsie, Todd Bitsie, Howard Redhouse Jr. and Steve Plummer.

Relatives and friends will gather at the Tohatchi Chapter House following burial for a memorial meal.
Compassion Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Irene Saunders

THOREAU, N.M. — Funeral services for Irene Saunders, 81, were held Oct. 2 at the Thoreau Church of God in Thoreau, New Mexico. Interment followed at Sunset Memorial.

Irene was born April 16, 1936, into the Tsenabahilnii (Sleep Rock People Clan), born for Tó baazhn’’ázh’ (Two Who Came To the Water Clan). His nali is Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House); chei is Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). She died Sept. 26, 2017.

Irene loved to sew and was gifted in arts and crafts. She loved attending church and gathering with loved ones.

Irene is survived by her daughter, Vivian Sanders; and sisters, Rosebelle Sanders, Louise Johnson, Darlene Wilson, Martha Gonzalez and Ella Wilson.

Irene is preceded in death by her mother, Bah Wilson; father, Jim Wilson; and brothers, Clarence Martinez, Joe Wilson, Robert Wilson, Juan Jay Wilson and Leonard Wilson.

Pallbearers were Myron Wilson, Steven Becenti, Stewart Wilson, Martin Gonzalez, Donovan Canales and Richard Thomas.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Henrietta Lynch

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. — Funeral services for Henrietta Lynch, 87, were held Oct. 4 at the St. Michaels Catholic Mission in St. Michaels, Arizona. Interment followed at the family plot in Oak Springs, Arizona.

Henrietta was born March 17, 1930, into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tsénj’kin’ (Honey Combed Rock People Clan). She died Sept. 28, 2017, in Flagstaff.

Henrietta was a lifetime resident of Oak Springs, and was a caring mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She attended catholic school in St. Michaels and Fort Defiance, and was a member of the St. Michaels Kateri Circle.

Henrietta enjoyed the outdoors, including ranching, farming, fishing, tending to her sheep, and above all, spending time with her family and sharing stories and teachings with her grandchildren. Her hobbies included reading, watching her favorite TV shows, and listening to the Navajo radio station and Glenn Miller music.

Henrietta was kind, generous, full of love and laughter, and always kept a positive thought. She will truly be missed by everyone who knew her.

Henrietta is survived by her daughters, Debbie Mach, Gloria Wamboldt, Darlene Lynch, Natalie Lynch and Mary Lynch-Pina; and sons, Willis Lynch and Ben Lynch III.

Henrietta is preceded in death by her children, Ronald Lynch, Edith Lynch Bennett and Elaine Lynch; and parents, Carrie and Henry Taliman Sr.

Pallbearers were Christopher Hilt, Kevin Shirley, Bert Lynch, Ernest Taliman, Willis Lynch Jr. and Calvin Brown.

Jones Pinto Begay

PINEDALE, N.M. — Funeral services for Jones Pinto Begay, 66, will be held Friday, Oct. 6, at 10 a.m. at the New Life Christian Assembly Church (261 Rainbow Trails Road) in Pinedale, New Mexico. Burial will follow at the New Life Christian Assembly Church community burial site (northwest of Pinedale Chapter House).

Jones was born Nov. 8, 1950, in Crownpoint, into the Dziltl’ahnii (Mountain Cove Clan). He died Sept. 30, 2017, in Pinedale.

Jones attended Pinedale Day School and Chemawa Indian School in Oregon. He was employed as a mechanic, carpenter, construction and railroad worker, and handyman helping others. He enjoyed listening to Neil Diamond songs and being with family and friends.

Jones is survived by his mother, Jennie Antonio Wauneka; sister, Bernice B. Tsosie; sons, Clarence P. Begay of Laguna, New Mexico, and Jeffrey P. Begay of Pinedale; stepsons, Delbert and Joe Louie of Pinedale; and three grandchildren of Albuquerque.

Jones is preceded in death by his father, Jimmie Zuni Sr.; stepfather, Joe Pinto Begay; son, Chester P. Begay; stepson, Damon Louie; sister, Cecelia B. Parker; brother, Tony Johnson; and maternal grandparents, Jimmie Antonio and Mary Antonio Wauneka.

Pallbearers will be Leo Tsosie Jr., Clarence P. Begay, Joe Louie, Delbert Louie, Nathaniel Francisco and Lewis Largo Jr.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jeffrey P. Begay and Daniel Billy.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Art W. Charley

GALLUP — Funeral services for Art W. Charley, 54, were held Oct. 4 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup. Interment followed at the family plot in Chichiltah, New Mexico.

Art was born April 10, 1963, in Gallup, into the Naakai dine’é (Mexican Clan), born for Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). He died Sept. 28, 2017.

Art attended Fort Wingate School and worked on the farm most of his life and did various jobs. He was artistic in making Native artifacts and loved being around his family.

Art is survived by his daughters, Starlet Charley and Suzivonne Charley; mother, Alice W. Lee; and brothers, five sisters and five grandchildren.

Art is preceded in death by his father, Willie M. Charley; and brother, Raymond Charley.

Pallbearers were Kevin Billie, Jeremy R. Joe, Alex Huazano, Antonio Swatts, Willie Thomas and Jim Jones.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

---