Obituaries for Sept. 13, 2018

Bessie M. Shirley

TOHATCHI, N.M. — Funeral services for Bessie M. Shirley, 68, of Naschitti, New Mexico, will be held today, Sept. 13, at 10 a.m. at the Tohatchi Baptist Church with Pastor Aaron Jim officiating. Burial will follow in Naschitti.

Bessie was born July 4, 1950, in Naschitti, into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tó’áhaní (Near the Water Clan). She died Sept. 9, 2018, in Sand Springs, New Mexico. Bessie graduated from Shiprock High School and was employed as a bus driver for Central Consolidated Schools for 40 years. She enjoyed sewing, beading, painting, arts and crafts, playing bingo, and watching “Judge Judy,” “Dateline,” and her favorite teams, the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers.

Bessie is survived by her husband, Harrison D. Shirley; daughters, Carrie Edsitty, Effie Edsitty, and Bethea Morris; brother, Rex Morris; sister, Alice Morris; and six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Bessie is preceded in death by her son, Derrick A. Edsitty; mother, Angela Dennison; and father, Richard Morris.

Pallbearers will be Tyrell Hunt, Byron Hunt, Troy Baloo, Alfred Begay, and Lionel Tso. Honorary pallbearers will be Jason Holland, Jody Lee, and Rex Morris. A reception will take place at Naschitti Catholic Church following services. Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Roger Becenti

FORT DEFIANCE — Graveside service with military honors for Roger Becenti, 72, of Coyote Canyon New Mexico, will be held Saturday, Sept. 15, at 11 a.m. at the Fort Defiance Veterans Cemetery. A memorial service will follow at the LDS Church in Window Rock.

Roger was born June 10, 1946, into the Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together Clan).

He passed away Aug. 17, 2018, in Tampa, Florida. Roger served with distinction as a master sergeant in various airborne units, including the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions for 16 years. He served in the military police, was a jumpmaster, drill instructor, air marshal, and military intelligence. Roger earned an undergraduate degree at Brown University and a master’s degree at the University of Pennsylvania.

He won the Army’s coveted Best Warrior award and originated the U.S. Military Force Protection System now used worldwide on all U.S. military bases. Roger was the most beloved grandson of Hatatli Nez (Tall Singer), a noted medicine man who rode with Chief Manuelito. Roger is survived by his wife, Eva Becenti; son, Roger Becenti Jr.; and siblings, Craig Brandow, Rita Shortman, Anita LeValdo Muneta, Ben Muneta, Nancy Muneta, James Muneta, and Walter Muneta.

Ashes will be spread in Coyote Canyon, a place of some of Roger’s happiest memories.

Clarence Shondee

GANADO, Ariz. — Funeral services for Clarence Shondee, 82, were held Sept. 10 at the Ganado Catholic Church. Interment followed at the Ganado community cemetery.

Clarence was born Dec. 25, 1935, in Ganado.

He died Sept. 6, 2018, in Chandler, Arizona. Clarence is survived by his children, Michelle Iszick, Sandra Shondee, Beverly Shondee, and Laurie Shondee. Clarence is preceded in death by his wife, June Shondee; and son, Budford Henry.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Christine Eriacho

CUBERO, N.M. — Funeral service for Christine Eriacho, 54, was held Sept. 10 at the Sand Mountain Nazarene Church. Christine was born Dec. 24, 1963, in Gallup, into Ute, born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan).

She died Sept. 4, 2018, in Zuni, New Mexico. Christine graduated from Pine Hill High School and was employed with Shima Transport. She enjoyed reading books, playing basketball and volleyball, and spending time with family.

Christine is survived by her mother, Joanne K. Eriacho; and daughter, Idalis A. Yazzie. Christine is preceded in death by her father, Chimeco Eriacho; brother, Theron Eriacho; and sister, Leonora Eriacho. Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Rayond Ray Bahe

ROCK POINT, Ariz. — Funeral services for Rayond Ray Bahe, 32, of Rock Point, Arizona, were held Sept. 7 at the Builders of Hope Church in Rock Point, with Tom Wilson officiating. Interment followed in Rock Point.

Rayond was born June 3, 1986, in Rock Point, into the Kinlichíi’nii (Red House Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). He died Aug. 31, 2018, in Albuquerque.

Rayond graduated from high school and attended some college. Rayond is survived by his mother, Dorothy Benally-Martinez; father, Ricky Bahe; stepfather, Gabriel Martinez; brothers, Parnell Bahe, Darnell Bahe, and Rayford Bahe; sisters, Raedelle Bahe, Sasha Bahe, Roderica Bahe, Marissa Martinez, and Gabrielle Martinez; and grandparents, Peter and Jessie Benally, Richard and Alice Bahe, and Rupert and Estella Martinez. Pallbearers were Parnell Bahe, Darnell Bahe, Jeriston Bahe, Chrishaun Bahe, Ricky Bahe Sr., and Chris Bahe. Honorary pallbearer was Rayford Bahe.

Silver Creek Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

---