Obituaries for Sept. 22, 2022

Ella K. Martinez

GALLUP — Funeral services for Ella K. Martinez, 66, of Gallup, will be held Tuesday, Sept. 27, at 10 a.m., at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Sister Terry officiating. Burial will follow at the Gallup City Cemetery.

Ella was born Nov. 3, 1956, in Gallup, into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan). She passed away Sept. 19, 2022, in Gallup.

Ella was employed at Twin Buttes Preschool and enjoyed cooking, listening to country music, and spending time with family and friends.

Ella is survived by her daughters, Sheryl Bitsie, Kimberly Martinez and Natasha Martinez; brother, Jasper John; sister, Virginia Billie; and 26 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Ella is preceded in death by Bessie L. John and Tom K.

Pallbearers will be Juwuan Q., Elijah E., Sabughn E., Manuel M., Timothy M. Jr., and Tyrone L.

Honorary pallbearers will be Herbie B., Giovanny G., Caster E., Santino M., and Dimitri Moreno.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Dolly M. James

FORT DEFIANCE — Funeral services for Dolly Mae James, 76, of Fort Defiance, were held Sept. 19 at The Family Church Assembly of God in Fort Defiance. Interment followed in Fort Defiance.

Dolly was born May 15, 1946, into the Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan). She passed away Sept. 12, 2022, in Fort Defiance.

Dolly was employed with Window Rock Unified School District No. 8. She enjoyed sewing, cleaning, attending squaw dances, and doing puzzles.

Dolly is survived by her son, Jimmie Joe James Jr.; daughter, Delfine James; parents, Sadie Wilson and Johnson Watchman; sisters, Sarah, Laura, Bertha Curley, Mary Ayze, and Doris Watchman; and 17 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

Dolly is preceded in death by her sister, Cheryl Wilson; and brothers, Mark, Melvin, Raymond Watchman, Jimmy Watchman, and Evonne Wilson.

Pallbearers were Chance Yazzie, Jimmy James, Ethan Tracy, Roque Nunez, Jeremiah Lewis, and Jeremy Tahy.

Honorary pallbearers were Marcillius James, Nolan James, Lorenzo Gordy, Jacob Mann, Miguel James, Jacob Lewis, and James Milford Jr.

Silver Creek Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Maryce Amber Notah

FORT DEFIANCE — Date of funeral service for Maryce Amber Notah, 28, of Window Rock, is pending.

Location of service will be at The Family Church Assembly of God in Fort Defiance, followed by burial at the Fort Defiance cemetery.

Maryce was born July 8, 1994, in Fort Defiance, into the Naakai dine’é (Mexican Clan), born for Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan). Her nalí is ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People); cheii is Kewa Pueblo. She passed away Sept. 17, 2022, in Window Rock.

Maryce graduated from Window Rock High School in 2012 and studied pre-med biology at Northern Arizona University from August 2012 to April 2013.

Maryce was an artist who enjoyed painting and listening to all types of music. She was known to love the Beatles, Lily Allen and Beyoncé.

Maryce was also a writer who enjoyed journaling and poetry. She participated in cheerleading and volleyball for the Window Rock Scouts and loved her football team, the Green Bay Packers.

Maryce had a compelling personality, remarkable sense of humor and loved her children dearly, Josias Notah, Kyrie Sam and Jasmarie Sam.

Maryce is survived by her sons, Josias A. Notah and Kyrie A. Sam; daughter, Jasmarie Sam; parents, Valerie Wilson and Waylon L. Notah; sister, Courtney A. Notah; maternal grandmother, Mary Wilson; and paternal grandparents, Judy Bahe and David John.

Maryce is preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Delfino Calabaza.

For information, contact Valerie Wilson at 505-870-8670 or Courtney Notah at 505-495-8335.

Summit Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

---