Obituaries for October 16, 2025

 

Robert L. Begay

TUBA CITY – Funeral services for Robert L. Begay, 94, of Tuba City, was held Oct. 13 in Tuba City. Interment followed at the Arizona Veteran Memorial Cemetery Camp Navajo.

Robert was born June 15, 1931, in Coppermine, Arizona, into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Kiis’áanii Kinłichíi’nii (Red House People Clan). His nálí is Naasht’ézhí Tábąąhá (Zuni/Water’s Edge); cheii is Bįįh bitoodnii (Deer Spring). He passed away Oct. 5, 2025, in Flagstaff.

Robert had three years of formal education and received his GED during military service. He then attended Albuquerque Business College.

Robert began work at 15 and was a Navajo Police officer for nine years, worked with Social Service for 10 years, and 28 years at Black Mesa Pipeline.

Robert was a Korean War veteran and advocate for veterans, water rights and land rights.

Robert is survived by his wife, Daisy Begay; children, Robert C. Begay Jr., Rebekah Osborn, Regina Allison, and Raphael Begay; sisters, Sally Whitehat and Millie Brockie; and 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Claw and Violet Begay; son, Reginald Begay; and sister, Julia Collins.Norvel Owens Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

---

 

Lloyd Fredericks

WINSLOW, Ariz. – Funeral services for Lloyd Fredericks, 90, will be held Friday, Oct. 17, at 11 a.m. (MST) at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Winslow, Arizona. Following the service, there will be a procession to the Desert View Cemetery with a military salute and dedication.

Lloyd was born March 6, 1935, in Oraibi, Arizona, to Stella Preston and stepfather, Collins Preston. His Hopi clans were Tobacco and Rabbit. He passed away peacefully on Oct. 3, 2025, in Cottonwood, Arizona.

In his early years, Lloyd attended the Phoenix Indian School, and soon after, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served honorably during the Korean War. He retired with the rank of staff sergeant and returned home to Leupp, Arizona.

For over 50 years, Lloyd went on to have a meaningful career in education, teaching English and Talented and Gifted classes. He was employed at the Kinłání and Winslow dormitories and retired as residential manager for Leupp Schools Inc.

Beyond his professional life, Lloyd dedicated much of his time caring for his family. He enjoyed traveling, fishing, listening to music, grilling and watching sports.

Lloyd is survived by six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

Lloyd is preceded in death by his wife, Rosh Fredericks; first wife, Sylvia Fredericks; daughters, Michelle Reams and Denise Fredericks; son, Lance Fredericks; and grandson, Alexander Reams.

A potluck reception will take place at the LDS Church following services.

---

 

Leonard T. Watson

KIRTLAND, N.M. – Funeral services for Leonard Tony Watson, 83, of Mexican Springs, New Mexico, was held Sept. 26, 2025, at Cope Mortuary in Kirtland, New Mexico.

Leonard was born Oct. 29, 1941, in Mexican Springs, into the Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for Tł’ógí (Zia Clan). He passed away Sept. 21, 2025, in Albuquerque.

Leonard attended primary school in Mexican Springs, and later attended schools at Albuquerque Valley, Santa Fe Indian School and Ironworker School in Phoenix.

Leonard was employed by Water Works in Fort Defiance, A-1 Mobile Homes in Gallup, and Navajo Housing Authority in Ojo Amarillo, New Mexico, where he later retired.

Leonard was involved with the NHA Drug Elimination Program. He was a Native American Church road man and spiritual practicing person for college campuses, other tribes, and throughout the United States when called upon.

Leonard was a sports fanatic, always cheering for his family and supporting his favorite teams. He was an avid Kirtland Broncos fan, as well as a Tohatchi Cougars fan. He also enjoyed the outdoors and road trips to Colorado and Kansas.

Leonard is survived by his wife, Genevieve Bitsie; sons, Randall Leo (Randy) Watson, Raynard Leon Watson and LT Watson; daughters, Regina Lorraine Roberts, Ramona Lou Allison, Reyna Laurel Watson, and Anjanette Christine Bitsie-Laughin; brothers,

Lawerence Watson and Tom Watson Jr.; sister, Pauline Enfield; and 19 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Leonard is also survived by his adoptive children, Leland Watson, Amos Watson, Ernest Wilson, Tiffany Watson-Plummer and Anna Wilson.

Leonard is preceded in death by his mother, Yanibah Bitsie; father, Thomas Watson Sr.; brothers, Andrew Dawes, Tony Watson, Robert Watson and Eugene Watson; and sisters, Hannabah Chishchilly, Marita Watson, Isabelle Espinosa and Hazel Watson.
Pallbearers were Tyrel B. Allison, Kevin L. Roberts, Tyler B. Allison, Alexander L. Watson, TJ Wade Silversmith and Shayffus C. Eriacho.

Honorary pallbearers were Thomas Watson Jr., Lawrence Watson, Wilbert Etsitty, Leland Watson, Amos Watson and Sam Chischilly Jr.

Cope Memorial conducted the arrangements for services. The family expresses appreciation to Cope Memorial from the bottom of their hearts for helping them through this difficult time. The staff did an amazing job.

Thank you for all your prayers, support, love and kindness. Thank you for helping our family with donations, it’s greatly appreciated for the monetary, flowers, food items, supplies, custodial services and songs.

 

---

 

Tanoan L. Webster

GALLUP – Funeral services for Tanoan Lucien-Gary Webster, of Gallup, were held Oct. 14 at The Lighthouse Church in Gallup, with Pastor Harley James officiating. Interment followed at Sunset Memorial Park.

Tanoan was born May 12, 2002, in Gallup, into the Mą’ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass-Jemez Clan), born for Tó’áhaní (Near the Water Clan). His nálí is Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water); cheii is Bilagáana. He passed away Oct. 8, 2025, in Albuquerque.

Tanoan was a freshman at Fort Lewis College and was employed with Vinco Distributors. He enjoyed snowboarding, playing basketball, playing video games with friends and spending time with family and friends.

Tanoan is survived by his father, Jeffrey Webster; brothers, Caleb Shirley, Anthony Lee, Marty Kirk, Joseph Jaramillo, Jordan Kirk, Sean Kirk, Elias Lopez, and Erik Lopez; sister, Anjel Webster; and grandparents, Catherine and Gary Webster, and Jim LookingGlass.

Tanoan is preceded in death by his mother, Jolene Angel Smith; maternal grandmother, Mary LookingGlass; and uncles, Mark Armstrong and Eldon Curley.

Pallbearers were Caleb Shirley, Marty Kirk, Joseph Jaramillo, Jordan Kirk, Sean Kirk, Elias Lopez, Anthony Lee, Elijah Martin, Gavriel Gaona and Jason Alatorri.

Honorary pallbearers were Jeffrey Webster, Gary Webster, Kim Kirk, Jim LookingGlass, Richard Lopez, Erik Lopez and Anthony Shirley.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

---

 

Robert C. Fowler

FORT DEFIANCE – Funeral services for Robert Chee Fowler, 68, of Tonalea, Arizona, will be held Saturday, Oct. 18, at 12 p.m., at The Family Church in Fort Defiance. Burial will follow at the family plot in Tonalea.

Robert was born Dec. 20, 1956, in Tonalea, into the Tł’ízíłání (Many Goats Clan), born for Naasht’ézhí dine’é Tábąąhá (Zuni/Water’s Edge Clan). His nálí is Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People); cheii is Tábąąhá. He passed away in Tempe, Arizona.

Robert retired as a foreman with Navajo Engineering & Construction Authority and Navajo Tribal Utility Authority. He enjoyed painting, watching football and playing bingo.

Robert is survived by his children, Veranda Fowler, Tareva Pepples, Tyson Chee Fowler, Philbert Fowler, Renaldo Chee Fowler, and Esquelita Fowler; siblings, Rose Kee, James Fowler and Sam Fowler; and 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Robert is preceded in death by Jace Fowler, Fannie Kee and Fulbert Farley Fowler.

A reception will take place at The Family Church Reception Hall following services.

Angels Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Get instant access to this story by purchasing one of our many e-edition subscriptions HERE at our Navajo Times Store.

 

---