Obituaries for October 9, 2025

 

Evelyn Becenti

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. – Funeral services for Evelyn Becenti, of St. Michaels, Arizona, will be held Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 10 a.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup. Burial will follow at the Gallup Veteran’s Cemetery at 1 p.m.
Evelyn was born Dec. 16, 1931, in Fort Defiance. She passed away Oct. 1, 2025, in Fort Defiance.

Evelyn’s education started when she was young at St. Michaels Indian School. Later, she went to Sherman Indian School in California, and finally attended Fort Wingate High School in Fort Wingate, New Mexico.

Evelyn’s employment entailed 19 years at the former Window Rock Tribal Lodge/Restaurant as a waitress/cashier. She was one of four Navajo women at the restaurant who helped invent the original famous Navajo Taco. Later, she worked again as a waitress at the former Tuller’s Cafe along Highway 264 in St. Michaels.

Evelyn’s interests and hobbies included farming, livestock, horses, sewing, gardening, reading, writing letters, helping with traditional Navajo ceremonies, and traveling with her husband to many states in the U.S., including Hawaii. They were also part of a Navajo singing group that traveled to Mexico often in their early years.

Evelyn was the center of attention of many families, relations, and friends. She loved everyone. A true matriarch. One of a kind.

Evelyn is survived by her husband, Juanito Becenti; daughters, Elvina Becenti, Elvira Becenti and Verna Calkins; sons, Eddie Becenti, Edward Becenti and Elliott Becenti; sister, Fama Sandoval; and 19 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Solito Becenti, Jonah Becenti, Hashke Yelwod Calkins, Micah Becenti, Armondo Escalanti, and Reese Jensen.

A reception is pending and to be announced.

 

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Sandra K. Lucero

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. – Funeral service for Sandra Kaye Lucero, of Isleta, New Mexico, will be held Monday, Oct. 13, at 10 a.m., at the Mary, Mother of Mankind Parish in St. Michaels, Arizona.

Sandra was born Jan. 11, 1956, in Ganado, Arizona, into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). Her nálí is Mą’ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass); cheii is Kinłichíi’nii (Red House People). She passed away Oct. 5, 2025, in Albuquerque.

Sandra earned a master’s degree in special education and worked at Pueblo Pintado School, St. Michaels Special Ed, Window Rock Public Schools and Gallup McKinley County Schools.

Sandra is survived by her husband, Raymond Lucero; son, Matthew Francisco; daughter, Marisa Francisco; sister, Gloria Davis; and eight grandchildren.

Sandra is preceded in death by her parents, Marie and Tom Davis; brother, Ernest Freeland; and sisters, Shirley Freeland and Ethel Davis.

A reception will take place at the St. Michaels Hall following service.

Noblin of Los Lunas oversaw arrangements.

 

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Bernadine Begay

SHIPROCK – Funeral services for Bernadine Begay, 58, of Shiprock, will be held Saturday, Oct. 11, at 10 a.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Shiprock. Burial will follow at the Shiprock cemetery.

Bernadine was born Oct. 18, 1966, in Cortez, Colorado, into the Kinłichíi’nii (Red House People Clan), born for Naaneesht’ézhí Táchii’nii (Charcoal Streaked Division of the Red Running Into the Water Clan). She passed away Sept. 26, 2025, in Shiprock.

Bernadine attended Brigham Young University and was employed with Central Consolidated School for 32 years. She enjoyed music, Navajo language, and loved BYU football.

Bernadine is survived by her siblings, Rose Ann Tanner, Anderson Blatchford, Ronnie Begay, Ricky Begay, Randy Begay and Leann Kenneth.

A reception will take place at the Shiprock LDS Church following services.Desert View Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

 

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Delilah R. Baker

GALLUP – Funeral services for Delilah Renee Baker, 37, of Phoenix, will be held Friday, Oct. 10, at 10 a.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup. Burial will follow at the St. Michaels cemetery in St. Michaels, Arizona.

Delilah was born Nov. 14, 1987, in Phoenix, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Tséńjíkiní (Honey Combed Rock People/Cliff Dwellers People Clan). She passed away Sept. 30, 2025, in Phoenix.

Delilah is survived by her daughter, Lorelei Miller; mother, Tahlene Chee; brothers, Sterling and Stanton Baker; and sister, Charlotte Antonio.

Delilah is preceded in death by her father, Tex Baker; and brother, Robert Baker.

A reception will take place at the Church Rock Chapter House in Church Rock, New Mexico, following services.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

 

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Frank J. Bilagody

TUBA CITY – Funeral services and a Celebration of Life for Frank J. Bilagody will be held today, Oct. 9, at 10:30 a.m., at the Tuba City Church of Christ.

Frank was born June 15, 1947, in Belmont, Arizona, into the Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for Bįįh bitoodnii (Deer Spring Clan). He left this world to be with his Lord on Oct. 4, 2025.

Frank attended schools in Tuba City and earned his GED. He completed welding school in Berkeley, California, and was a welder all his life.

After retirement from the Arizona Public Service, Frank was a beloved community leader, holding positions as the Tuba City Chapter president and vice president. He cherished the youth and was a member of the Tuba City Boarding School Board.

Frank had a deep love for his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He left a legacy that upheld love, faith, family, k’é, perseverance, aspiration, education, and leadership.

Frank is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marlene Bilagody; children, Tony Skrelunas, Arlinda Lee, Vivian Draper, Sandra Bilagody-Kinsley, and Frank Bilagody Jr.; brothers, Jesse Bilagody and Wilford Bilagody; and sisters, Arlene Bilagody, Rita Bilagody, Gloria Tsosie, Margaret Bitsuie, and Verna Chee.

Frank is preceded in death by his parents, Harry Bilagody Sr. and Elizabeth Bilagody; brother, Harry Bilagody Jr.; and sister, Verlena Bilagody.

Honorary pallbearers will be Tony Skrelunas, Frank Bilagody Jr., Christopher Skrelunas, Craig Draper, Kyle Lee, Keayen Draper, Jasper Kinsley III, and Ryan Bilagody.

A reception will take place at the Tuba City Assembly of God Communion Hall following services.

Norvel Owens Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

 

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Jefferson M. Lee Sr.

GALLUP – Funeral services for Jefferson Marvin Lee Sr., 65, of Mexican Springs, New Mexico, were held Oct. 8 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Lembert Curtis officiating. Interment followed at the Lone Pine Cemetery in Mexican Springs.

Jefferson was born July 4, 1960, in Gallup, into the Bit’ahnii (Under His Cover Clan), born for Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan). His nálí is ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People); cheii is Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House). He passed away in Denver, Colorado.

Jefferson worked in carpentry, plumbing, and was a silversmith, auto mechanic and heavy equipment operator. He enjoyed playing bass guitar, fishing, and hunting.

Jefferson is survived by his life partner, Lena Buck; children, April Lee, Shelby Lee, Stephensen Lee, Tiffany Lee, Evander Lee, Shawn Henio, and Cornell Henio; siblings, Anderson Lee, Sampson Lee, Evangeline Vandever, Miranda Lee, Dianna Kercheva, and Thelma Johnson; and 18 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Jefferson is preceded in death by Rena Lee, Chee Lee, Jason Lee, Jefferson Lee Jr. and Allison Lee.

Pallbearers were Shawn Henio, Hunter Henio, Dakota Henio, Evander Lee, Virgil Sam, Sohnyei Cohoe and Kobe Martinez.

Honorary pallbearers were Buck Etsitty, Owen Morris, Larry Kee, Anderson Lee and Sampson Lee.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

 

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Joseph J. Antonio

GALLUP – Funeral service for Joseph Joey Antonio, 31, of Gallup, will be held Friday, Oct. 17, at 2 p.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup.

Joseph was born Dec. 8, 1993, in Gallup, into the Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan). His cheii is Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water). He passed away Sept. 30, 2025, in Pinedale, New Mexico.

Joseph attended Wingate High School and worked in landscaping. He enjoyed horseback riding, livestock, art and family outdoor activities.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Jenoyie Smith; three daughters; brothers, Tyrone, Ronnie and Johnnie; and sisters, Ericka, Veronica, Jessica, April, and Kana.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

 

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