Obituaries for Oct. 8, 2020

James Charlie Watchman Sr.

FORT DEFIANCE — Graveside service for James Charlie Watchman Sr., 76, of Fort Defiance, will be held today, Oct. 8, at 10 a.m. in Fort Defiance, with Pastor Martin Haven officiating. James was born April 21, 1944, in Fort Defiance, into the ‘Áshiihí (Salt People Clan), born for Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). He passed away Oct. 2, 2020, in Chinle.

James is survived by his son, James Watchman Jr.; brothers, Cornell Watchman, Milton Watchman and Steven Cleveland; sisters, Betty Morgan, Helen Tso, Charlene Benally, Darlene Watchman, Lou Ann Watchman, and Ann Marie Watchman; and seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. James is preceded in death by his parents, Dollie James and Snell Watchman; daughter, Michelle Watchman; sister, Mary Tso; brothers, Ernest Watchman, Nelson Watchman, Herman Watchman, Bernell Watchman, and Wilfred Watchman; and grandson, Samuel Watchman.

Pallbearers will be Milton Watchman, Brent Charley, Harvey Tso, Perry Tso, Harold Tso, and Edmund Watchman. Honorary pallbearers will be Steven Cleveland, Manuel Cleveland and Dewayne Morgan. A drive-thru reception will take place at the Watchman residence in Fort Defiance, following service. Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Leemer Etsitty

RABBITBRUSH, N.M. — Graveside service for Leemer Etsitty, 82, of Rabbitbrush, New Mexico, was held Oct. 7 in Rabbitbrush.

Leemer was born July 12, 1938, in Fort Defiance, into the Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for Tl’ógí (Weaver-Zia Clan). He passed away Oct. 3, 2020, in Rabbitbrush. Leemer is survived by his wife, Nellie Carroll; son, Elmer Etsitty Sr.; brothers, Roger Etsitty and Paul Etsitty; sisters, Elsie Tsosie and Rosely Russell; and nine grandchildren.

Leemer is preceded in death by his parents, Palmer and Inez Etsitty; and brother, Edison Etsitty. Silver Creek Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Emerson “Emer” Yazzie

GREASEWOOD SPRINGS, Ariz. — Emerson “Emer” Yazzie was a lifelong resident and silversmith of Greasewood Springs, Arizona. He passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 3, 2020, at the age of 64, in his home.

Emerson was born at Sage Memorial Hospital in Ganado, Arizona, on March 9, 1956, to Rose and Clarence Yazzie. His maternal clan is Ma’ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass Clan), born for Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). Emerson attended Greasewood Boarding School and Snowflake Union High School. From a young age, he learned traditional Navajo and inlay silversmith work, and his jewelry was showcased and sold at stores in Winslow, Dilkon, and other jewelry merchants nationwide.

Emerson was a social and active person in his community and was always willing to help those in need. He enjoyed family, silversmith work, being involved in community activities, and was an advocate for local families. He enjoyed helping others, especially with traditional Navajo events and ceremonies.

Emerson is survived by his six children, Tilfred Yazzie, Nathan Yazzie, Hershal Lynn Yazzie, Tanya Yazzie, Pamela Sue Payne, and Amber Jane Lehr; sister, Juanita Castillo of Phoenix; brother, Harrison Yazzie of Sanders, Arizona; and seven grandchildren. Emerson is preceded in death by his parents.

Pallbearers will be Tilfred Yazzie, Nathan Yazzie, Hershal Lynn Yazzie, Elijah Daniel Lehr, and Aaron Michael Payne. Honorary pallbearers will be Frank Harrison, Harrison Yazzie, Jonathan Yazzie, Emerson Castillo, Ruben Castillo, Darrell Castillo, and Henderson Begay.

A graveside service with limited attendance will be held for Emerson at the Greasewood community cemetery. Summit Funeral Home made the final arrangements. Donations will be accepted through Zelle under Nathan Yazzie (Chase account, 623-800-1594). Greasewood Chapter House is also accepting donations on behalf of the family.

The family would like to express their gratitude during this time of sorrow.

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