Obituaries for October 3, 2024

Eddie S. Begay

TUBA CITY — Eddie Scott Begay, 79, of Tuba City, passed away Sept. 19, 2024, in Tuba City. He was a well-known rodeo announcer.

Eddie was born Feb. 8, 1945, in Bellemont, Arizona, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). His maternal clans are Naakaii Dine’é (Mexican) and Tł’ízí lání (Many Goats).

Eddie is survived by his children, Marvin Begay and Dawn Plutchak; sisters, Gloria Forester and Rosita Hall; and five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Benjamin Staley

LUKACHUKAI, Ariz. — Funeral services for Benjamin Staley, 87, of Black Rock, Arizona, will be held today, Oct. 3, at 10 a.m., at the St. Isabel Catholic Church in Lukachukai, Arizona, with Father Florecito Pabatao officiating. Burial will follow at the family plot in Black Rock.

Benjamin was born April 15, 1937, in Canyon De Chelly, Arizona, into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Mą’ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass Clan). He passed away Sept. 28, 2024, in Farmington.

Benjamin attended Intermountain Indian School in Salt Lake City, Utah, and was employed with ITT Aerospace Control in California, retiring after 45 years. He enjoyed spending quality time with his family during gatherings and loved watching sports and football on TV, especially the LA Dodgers.

Benjamin is survived by his son, Kerby Staley; and sisters, Addie Staley Tsosie and Alice Staley Yazzie.

Benjamin is preceded in death by his wife, Mabel; son, Benson; parents, Walter and Zonnie Staley; sisters, Isabel Litson, Irene Begay and Susie Clark; and brothers, Wallace Staley and Bennie Staley Sr.

Pallbearers will be Bennie Staley Jr., Donald Staley Sr., Jay Wacey Bia, Terry Clark, Nathan White, and Samuel Jeff.

Honorary pallbearers will be Stanley Litson, Scott McKenzie, Herbert Clark, Joe Lee Benally Jr., Frank Begaye, Henderson Tsosie, and Ambrose Clark.

A reception will take place at the Litson residence in Black Rock following services.

Desert View Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

Richard J. Draper

CHINLE — Funeral services for Richard Jeremy Draper, 29, of Chinle, will be held Saturday, Oct. 5, at 10 a.m., at the Potters House Christian Center in Chinle, with Pastor Aragon officiating. Burial will follow at the family plot at the Draper Ranch in Del Muerto/Chinle.

Richard was born March 4, 1995, in Phoenix, into the Bilagáana, born for Shash dine’é (Bear People Clan) and ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan). He passed away Sept. 27, 2024, in Bloomfield, New Mexico.

Richard attended Chinle High School where he played varsity basketball and was employed with Red Sun Builder. He enjoyed playing in basketball tournaments and motocross competitive racing.

Richard is survived by his mother, Cindy Draper; sisters, Heather Draper and Mardi Draper; and grandfather, Richard Phillip Draper.

Richard is preceded in death by his father, Richard Henry Draper; and paternal grandmother, Nancy R. Draper.

Pallbearers will be Ty Begay, Dominic Damon, David Draper, Ian Draper, Brian Draper, and Lesso Draper.

Honorary pallbearers will be Chris Yazzie, Ty Francisco, Carlos Begay, Mathius Lee, Kevin Yazzie, and Jalen Claw.

A reception will take place at the Chinle Catholic Hall following services.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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