Obituaries for Sept. 3, 2015

Patrick J. Gurley

GALLUP – Funeral services for Patrick J. Gurley (known in the community as Pat) will be held today, Sept. 3, at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Gallup, with Brother Jay McCollum officiating.

Pat was born Jan. 12, 1937, in Gallup. He died quietly at home Aug. 28, 2015, surrounded by his loved ones.

Pat is survived by his wife, Johnell Gurley; mother of his four children, Carolee Matte Gurley, and their spouses, Steve and Dee Gurley, Erin and Jeff Ingalls, Shannon and Joe O’Donnell, Lauryn and Wes Lucas.

Pat is also survived by his sister, Marietta Gordon; and nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Pat is preceded in death by his parents, Clair and Irene Gurley.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation in Pat’s memory to: St. Michael Indian School, Attn: Development Office, P.O. Box 650, St. Michaels, AZ 86511.

Pat will be greatly missed by all who knew him. We will fondly remember the amazing man that he was.

Rose Ann Castillo

TORREON, N.M. — Funeral services for Rose Ann Castillo, 85, of Torreon, N.M., were held Sept. 2 at the Rock Spring Holiness Mission in Torreon, with Pastor Calvin MacCasland officiating. Interment and a reception followed in Torreon.

Rose was born into the Dziltl’ahnii (Mountain Cove Clan), born for Naaneesht’ézhi Táchii’nii (The Charcoal Streaked Division of the Red Running Into the Water Clan). She died Aug. 26, 2015, in Albuquerque.

Rose was employed in Colorado and Idaho for potato harvesting and participated with CETA Arts and Crafts. She was also employed with Levi Strauss in Albuquerque, sewing blue jeans. She enjoyed weaving Navajo rugs, sheepherding, caring for horses and cattle, attending church every Wednesday and Sunday, and participating in church functions.

Rose is survived by her son, Emerson Castillo; parents, George and Ester Martinez; brothers, Harrison Martinez and Pete Martinez; sisters, Mary Trujillo and Ella Trujillo; and five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Rose is preceded in death by her husband, Tsosie Castillo; and brothers, Wilson Martinez, Nelson Martinez, Roy Martinez, and Randy Martinez.

Pallbearers were Emerson Castillo, Ruben Castillo, Elijah Yazzie, Orlando Trujillo, Robert Sandoval, and Randall Sandoval.

Daniels Family Funeral Services-Alameda Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Robert L. Begay

ALBUQUERQUE — Funeral services for Robert L. Begay, 44, of Albuquerque, were held Aug. 29 at the Family Worship Center in Albuquerque, with Marlene Mercer officiating. Interment and a reception followed in Ojo Encino, N.M.

Robert passed away Aug. 22, 2015, in Durango, Colo.

Robert graduated from Wingate High School and attended Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute in Albuquerque. He worked for We Care Agency and many years prior with Safe Ride. His passion was sharing the Lord Jesus with anyone he crossed paths with.

Robert is survived by his wife, Aretha Begay; son, Robert Begay III; stepson, Timothy A. Martinez Jr.; stepdaughters, Daylene Anderson and Chantel Charlie; mother, Mary A. Begay; sister, Loraye Armstrong; and grandparents, Felix and Mary Herrera.

Robert is preceded in death by his father, Robert Begay Sr.; sister, Zonnie Begay; and niece, Zachanda Trujillo.

Pallbearers were Kurt Vasquez, Rex Mullahon, Ira Mullahon, Jeremy Salazar, Jacoby Salazar, Rudy Yazzie, Isaac Valenzuela and Ira Valenzuela.

Honorary pallbearers were Robert Begay III, Willie Yazzie, Aric Yazzie, Timothy A. Martinez Jr. and Anthony Lucero.

Daniels Family Funeral Services-Alameda Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Jim Bob Black

SHONTO, Ariz. — Funeral services for Jim Bob Black, 41, were held Aug. 29 at the White Post Covenant Church in Shonto, Ariz., with Pastor Leroy Nez officiating. Interment and a reception followed in Shonto.

Jim was born April 19, 1974, in Tuba City, into the Patkiwungwa (Water) Hopi Clan, born for Tódich’ii’nii (Bitter Water Clan). He died Aug. 24, 2015, in Sedona, Ariz.

Jim majored in audio/studio engineering at Northern Arizona University and was employed at Enchantment Resort in Sedona for 14 years. He enjoyed playing one of his five guitars, fiddling with sound equipment, taking pictures and was a team roper in his early years. He took care of his livestock and family rodeo business. He loved animals even though he was allergic to most animals and hay.

Jim is survived by his wife, Vicky Bilagody Black; parents, Jimmie and Roselyn Black; brothers, Mike James Jr. (Angie) and Mitch Black (Tootsie); sister, LaDawnya Black (Benny); and nieces, Amanda Dawn and Naomi Lane.

Jim is preceded in death by his grandparents, Jack and June Smith, and Martha and Bob Black.

Valley Ridge Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

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