Obituaries for October 23, 2025

Posted by Navajo Times | Oct 23, 2025 | Obituaries |

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Herbert C. White

KAYENTA – A service honoring the life and legacy of Herbert C. White was held Oct. 22 at The Potter’s House Church in Kayenta. Following the service, he was laid to rest at the Kayenta community cemetery.

Herbert C. White, June 24, 1944 – Oct. 17, 2025

Herbert, an honorable Vietnam Veteran and longtime resident of Kayenta, passed away Oct. 17, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was a man of wisdom, kindness and unwavering guidance.

Herbert was born June 24, 1944, in Kayenta, to Nez and Anna White, into the Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan), born for Nóóda’í dine’é Táchii’nii (Ute Running Into the Water Clan). His nálí is Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water); cheii is Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge).

Herbert attended Inner Mountain Indian School before enlisting in the U.S. Army where he saw action in the Vietnam War. The U.S. Army awarded him for his honorable service with a National Defense Service Medal and a Vietnam Service Medal, as well as receiving a Navajo Nation Service Medal.

Herbert spent his career as a highly skilled surveyor and an engineering draftsman. With his analytical mind, he also spent time solving many Rubik’s cubes with precision and care as a fun hobby. He loved sports and often attended the Cardinals, Suns or Diamondback games with his adult children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed watching WWE.

Herbert was a loving and devoted father to 10 children, a doting grandfather to 23-plus grandchildren, and a supportive husband to his wife, Rosie A. White of 50 years.

Herbert’s wisdom and advice as a Native American Church roadman was sought by many, and his calm strength and presence was a source of comfort to all who knew him.

Herbert is survived by his children, Deb White, Pamela White-Hanson (Brent Hanson), Leilani White, Nicholas White, Deborah J. White (William Smith), Rhonda A. White (Michael Schuur Jr.), Marcus K. White, Kimberly R. White (Matthew McMillan), and Lisa M. White (Nate Lake); and 23-plus grandchildren.

Herbert is preceded in death by his wife, Rosie A. White; eldest son, Michael White; and parents.

Andrew L. Beyal

FARMINGTON – Funeral services for Andrew Liston Beyal, 80, of Farmington, will be held Friday, Oct. 24, at 10 a.m., at The Oasis Church in Farmington. Burial will follow at the Greenlawn Cemetery in Farmington.

Andrew Liston Beyal, July 4, 1945 – Oct. 13, 2025

Andrew was born July 4, 1945, in Nageezi, New Mexico, into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan). He passed away Oct. 13, 2025, at the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque.

Andrew graduated from Kirtland Central High School in 1964 and from Oklahoma University in 1979 with a degree in housekeeping management. He worked for Indian Health Service from 1966 to 2012 and the government IHS for 46 years as a housekeeping supervisor and emergency medical transport supervisor.

Andrew enjoyed football and basketball, ranching, horseback riding, tending to his livestock, rounding up livestock, watching the Dallas Cowboys play, and spending time with his family.

Andrew is survived by his wife, Annie Beyal; daughters, Andrea Beyal, Audrey Beyal and Leanna Begay-Gutierrez; brother, Andy Beyale; sister, Maggie Chavez; and seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Andrew is preceded in death by his mother, Bessie Noberto-Beyal; and father, Dick Beyal Sr.

A reception will take place at Rancho Los Alamos (3349A US 64) in Waterflow, New Mexico, following services.

Farmington Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

Henry C. Gray

CHINLE – Funeral services for Henry C. Gray, 70, of Pinedale, New Mexico, will be held Saturday, Oct. 25, at 11 a.m., at the Potters House in Chinle, with Kevin Gray officiating. Burial will follow at the Chinle community cemetery.

Henry was born Nov. 7, 1954, at the Rehoboth Christian Clinic in Rehoboth, New Mexico, into the Naasht’ézhí dine’é (Zuni Clan), born for Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together Clan). His nálí is Bilagáana; cheii is Deeshchii’nii (Start of the Red Streak People). He passed away Oct. 17, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Henry attended Church Rock School and Gallup Middle School. He was a labor worker who enjoyed watching football, attending traditional ceremonial events and helping others.

Henry is survived by his sons, Kevin Gray; Monty H. Gray and Brandon Gray; daughter, Brenda Shorty; brother, Simpson Gray; sisters, Marie G. King, Nellie Thompson and Mary Ann King; and 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Henry is preceded in death by his wife, Betty S. Gray; and parents, Charley and Annie C. Gray.

Pallbearers will be Wanya Gray, Antwan Gray, Juwan Gray and Kayvon Gray.

A reception will take place in Chinle, following services.

Green Meadows Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Nelson J. Lynch Sr.

CHINLE – Funeral services for Nelson Jones Lynch Sr., 56, of Chinle, were held Oct. 20 at the Potter House in Chinle. Interment followed in Chinle.

Nelson was born Feb. 4, 1969, in Fort Defiance, into the Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). He passed away Oct. 14, 2025, in Flagstaff.

Nelson worked in construction and enjoyed hauling wood and working on vehicles.

Nelson is survived by his sons, Brandon Lynch, Bryson Lynch, Branson Lynch, Brennan Lynch, and Nelson Lynch Jr.; daughters, Pamelita Brown and Neltiana Lynch; brothers, Anderson Lynch, Harrison Lynch and Edison Lynch; and sisters, Rena Lynch and Phyllis Lynch.

Pallbearers were Brandon Lynch, Bryson Lynch, Branson Lynch, Brennan Lynch, Nelson Lynch Jr. and Kendrick Joe.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Clifton M. Cowboy

MENTMORE, N.M. – Funeral services for Clifton Martin Cowboy, 38, of Window Rock, were held Oct. 21 at the Navajo Grace Baptist Church in Mentmore, New Mexico, with Pastor Joshua Clark officiating. Interment followed in Fort Defiance.

Clifton was born March 21, 1987, in Fort Defiance, into the Tsénahabiłnii (Sleep Rock People Clan), born for Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan). He passed away Oct. 11, 2025, in Window Rock.

Clifton attended Chichiltah Boarding School, Gallup Middle School and Wingate High School. He enjoyed playing basketball, helping and making people laugh and spending time with his children.

Clifton is survived by his son, Clifton Cowboy III; daughters, Nevaeh Cornfield, Samaria Cowboy, Marianna Cowboy, Kyrianna Cowboy, Callin Cowboy and Carmilla Cowboy; mother, Fannie Cowboy-Lizer; brothers, Gary Lee and Eric Cornfield; sisters, Sherry Cornfield, Clara Lee and Tanya Cornfield; and two grandchildren.

Clifton is preceded in death by his father, Clifford Cornfield; and Jolene Mescal, Geno Mescal, Sharon Peterson, Louise Thomas and Annie Cowboy.

Pallbearers were Jarrold Leelaty, Davis Woolboy, Melvin Cornfield, Samaria Cowboy, Marianna Cowboy and Bobby Tsadiasi.

Honorary pallbearers were Gary Lee, Emmit Peterson, Ello Peterson and Kendrix Begay.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Urian H. Begay

WINDOW ROCK – Funeral services for Urian Hewey Begay, 46, of Window Rock, will be held Saturday, Nov. 1, at 11 a.m. (MST), at the Window Rock Christian Center.

Urian was born April 5, 1979, in Tuba City, into the Nát’oh dine’e Táchii’nii (Tobacco People/Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). His nálí is ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People); cheii is Deeshchii’nii (Start of the Red Streak People). He passed away Oct. 11, 2025, in Window Rock.

Urian completed high school and some college credits. He was employed at the Four Corners Recovery and Detox Center.

Urian enjoyed snowboarding, music, woodwork, working on vehicles, hunting, and talking and listening to our elderly people.

Urian is survived by his wife, Kristal Anderson; sons, U’Lyah Begay and Elijah Begay; daughter, Kaiah Begay; parents, Tom and Susie Hewey Begay; and brother, O’Ryan Hewey Begay.

Urian is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Joe and Virginia C. Hewey; and paternal grandparents, Mailboy and Faye Begay.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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