Obituaries for Sept. 3, 2020

Velma C. Maddox-Ferguson

DODGE CITY, Kan. — Funeral services for Velma C. Maddox-Ferguson, 88, were held Aug. 29 at the Swaim Funeral Chapel in Dodge City, Kansas, with Dr. Jim and Lydia Ames presiding. Interment followed at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City.

Velma was born Nov. 21, 1931, in Bonanza, Arkansas, the daughter of Barsie O. and Alice Irene (Robertson) Jones. She died Aug. 26, 2020, at Sun Porch of Dodge City.

Velma grew up in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She married Richard Maddox Sr. in January of 1955 in Gallup.

Velma was a dispatcher for the Navajo Tribal Police in Window Rock, and the secretary for the superintendent of Window Rock Schools. Later she was the secretary to the president of the bank in Gallup.

Velma was also a bookkeeper and accountant for the California Grocery stores until retiring. After she retired she moved to Poteau, Oklahoma, to help take care of her mother. In 2010, she moved to Dodge City to be with her family and has resided there since.

Velma attended the Abundant Life Family Church and was a past president of the Does Lodge.

Velma is survived by her daughter, Belinda Loya of Dodge City; son, Martin Maddox of Dodge City; seven grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.

Velma is preceded in death by her parents and husband; son, Richard Maddox Jr.; brothers, John L. Jones and Harold W. Jones; and sister, Dorothy Hartley.

Memorials are suggested to Sun Porch of Dodge City in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.

Elizabeth “Lisa” James (June 17, 1940 — Aug. 26, 2020)

TSELANI SPRINGS, Ariz. — Elizabeth “Lisa” James, 80, of Maricopa, Arizona, by way of Tselani Springs, Arizona, passed away Aug. 26, 2020, with family by her side in Flagstaff.

Lisa was born to the late Charlie James and Ason-Tsui James, on June 17, 1940, in Tselani Springs. Her maternal clan is Bįįh bitoodnii (Deer Spring) and paternal clan is Mą’ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass-Jemez).

Lisa is one of 13 children spending much of her early life living a traditional Diné lifestyle. The James family was far from wealthy, but rich in culture, tradition, love of family and life.

In 1948, the James family was the subject of a Chicago Tribune news story depicting Navajo life in Tselani Springs. Despite only having a fourth-grade education, Lisa’s father valued education and sent all but three of his children off to pursue higher education.

Lisa attended elementary school at Chilocco Indian Boarding School in Newkirk, Oklahoma, and Chinle Boarding School in Chinle. She graduated from Snowflake High School in Snowflake, Arizona, in 1961, and received her associate degree from Ark City Junior College in 1963.

Lisa married the late James “JJ” Jones Sr. of Kansas City, Kansas, in 1964, and they lived together in the Greater Kansas City area until their divorce before she relocated to Chinle.

During her time in Kansas City, Lisa was active in supporting the Native American community and indigenous culture by planning, fundraising, and participating in powwow festivities while championing Native American issues across the Midwest. She worked as a human resources administrator for Work Force of Greater Kansas City and as an administrator for the Indian Center of Kansas City, Missouri, and the Morning Star Lodge Outreach Program.

After relocating back to Arizona, Lisa became an employee of the Navajo Nation and worked as a job developer at the Chinle Agency’s Navajo Division of Labor where she served for over 35 years. During her tenure, she helped countless tribal members find employment and training. She was instrumental in helping with the guarantee of contractor hiring of tribal members for the Chinle Bashas’ grocery store project.

Lisa was a proponent of higher education resulting in her children and grandchildren earning advanced degrees at prestigious institutions. She championed the importance of higher education and vocational training to all that would listen.

Lisa believed in living a life of service and contributing to her community and was active in the Tselani/Cottonwood Chapter for over 30 years and served in various roles, which included chapter secretary and treasurer.

It was not widely known, but Lisa was an accomplished artisan who specialized in Native American arts and crafts, specifically intricate beadwork and jewelry.

Lisa was a lifetime fan of football. She cheered passionately for the Arizona Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs. She could talk football with the best of them. She passed her appreciation of art, athletics, and Native culture to all her children and grandchildren with many participating in powwows, traditional song and dance, and Division 1 college athletics.

Lisa was immensely proud of her family and leaves behind nothing but beautiful memories from her countless stories from her childhood.

Lisa was a very spiritual woman who was active in traditional Navajo ceremonies, Christianity, and the Native American Church. Throughout her lifetime she often repeated the quote: “Have faith, pray, and love one another.” She will truly be missed.

Lisa is survived by her children, James R. Jones Jr. of Tracy, California, Marcheri P. Jones of Maricopa, Joseph A. Jones of Phoenix, Christopher M. Jones of Maricopa, John K. James of Maricopa, and Dazhoni James-Scott of Flagstaff; and 22 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Lisa is also survived by her siblings, Emily James of Tselani Springs, Rose Begay of Cottonwood, Oscar James of Tselani Springs, Edward James of Tselani Springs, Anna Jackson of Tselani Springs, and Sadie Blie of Chandler, Arizona.

Lisa is preceded in death by her loving parents, Charley and Ason Tsui James; sister, Ruth Goldtooth; and brothers, including Bįįh Bitoodnii Tso James of Tselani Springs.

Lisa will be laid to rest today, Sept. 3, at 10 a.m. at the James Family Burial Plot in Tselani Springs.

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, a larger celebration of life for Elizabeth “Lisa” James will be planned in the future.

Peter L. Martinez

GALLUP — Funeral services for Peter L. Martinez, 75, of Crownpoint, will be held Friday, Sept. 4, at 11 a.m. at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Sheridan Saunders officiating. Burial will follow at the Gallup State Veterans Cemetery in Gallup.

Peter was born Dec. 31, 1945, in Crownpoint, into the Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle Clan), born for Tábaahá (Water’s Edge Clan). He passed away Aug. 28, 2020, in Gallup.

Peter attended Albuquerque Indian School and served in the U.S. Army. He worked for BIA Facility Maintenance in Crownpoint, Crownpoint Community School Maintenance Department and Navajo Technical University Maintenance Department in Crownpoint.

Peter enjoyed running, basketball, ranching, listening to oldies, and watching football and western movies.

Peter is survived by his wife, Emma Anderson-Martinez; sons, Adam Martinez of Crownpoint, and Carnell Martinez of Colorado; daughter, Cassandra Martinez-Barbone of Albuquerque; brothers, Richard Martinez Sr. and Joe Martinez, both of Crownpoint; sister, Glenna Martinez of Crownpoint; and two grandchildren.

Peter is preceded in death by Anna Martinez and Glenn Martinez.

Pallbearers will be Adam Martinez, Erick Martinez, Benjamin Barbone, Stanley Saunders Jr., Shane Saunders, and Lambert Poyer.

Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Martinez, Richard Martinez Sr. and Carnell Martinez.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Richard D. Yazzie

GALLUP — Graveside service for Richard D. Yazzie, of Pine Springs, Arizona, will be held today, Sept. 3, at 11 a.m. at the Gallup City Cemetery with Stephen Roanhorse officiating.

Richard was born Jan. 31, 1947, in Fort Defiance, into the Tábaahá (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). He passed away Aug. 29, 2020, in Albuquerque.

Richard obtained a GED certificate and worked at the Navajo Times, Navajo Engineering and Construction Authority, Sanitation Facilities Construction, BIA Roads, BIA Forestry, Office of Navajo Labor Relations, and St. Michaels Association For Special Education.

Richard was a cowboy who enjoyed rodeo, sports, and watching Professional Bull Riders and his favorite football team, the Dallas Cowboys.

Richard is survived by his wife, Mabel C. Yazzie; son, Brandon D. Yazzie; daughters, Jolene Yazzie and RaeDean Yazzie; brothers, Stephen Roanhorse and Jim Roanhorse; sisters, Rosemary Lee, Lillie Roanhorse and Geraldine Yazzie; and three grandchildren.

Richard is preceded in death by his son, Bobby Yazzie; Mabel Begay, Arnold Lee, Annie Lee, Etta Lee, and Doug Joyce.

Pallbearers will be Dane Yazzie, Jason Curley, Richard Andrew Begay, Francis Paulino, Brandon Yazzie, and Alex Griffith.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Roanhorse and Stephen Roanhorse.

Curbside pick-up will take place at the residence following service.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Paul Leon Kinlicheenie

FORT DEFIANCE — Graveside service for Paul Leon Kinlicheenie, of St. Michaels, Arizona, will be held Saturday, Sept. 5, at the Fort Defiance Veterans Cemetery.

Paul was born in St. Michaels, into the Tábaahá (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Naakai dine’é (Mexican Clan). His nali is Honágháahnii (One-walks-around); cheii is Naakai dine’é. He passed away in Phoenix.

Paul attended Intermountain Indian School in Brigham City, Utah, and received a certificate from the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Training Program from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. He worked for the Navajo Tribe for the Office of Navajo Economic Opportunity and Navajo Behavioral Health as a counselor. He also worked construction.

Paul was a musician, painter, photographer, and an avid fisherman. He loved to travel, watch boxing, advocated for veterans affairs and Veterans of Foreign Wars activities, and enjoyed drinking coffee while watching CNN.

Paul is survived by his wife, Laverne Kinlicheenie; sons, Melvin Kinlicheenie and Aaron Kinlicheenie; adopted sons, Alexander Yazza and Robert Goldtooth; daughters, Madeline Alvarez and Paulette Kinlicheenie; adopted daughter, Valentina Yazza; brothers, John C. Yazzie and Albert John; and sister, Irene Charley.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents, Emma Robbins and Paul Kinlicheenie Sr.; sisters, Lena Seatsia and Betsy Yazzie; and adopted mothers, Maggie Nez and Maggie Ashley.

Pallbearers will be Robert Goldtooth, Aaron Kinlicheenie, Eric Yazza, Everette Martin, Kaylon Kinlicheenie, and Shomari Hayes.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a reception will take place at a later time.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

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