Obituaries for Sept. 5, 2019

J.C. Gordon

WIDE RUINS, Ariz. — Funeral services for J.C. Gordon, 37, of Wide Ruins, Arizona, are currently pending. J.C. was born Nov. 1, 1982, in Ganado, Arizona, into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan).

He passed away Aug. 31, 2019, in Navajo, New Mexico. J.C. attended Ganado High School and was employed with AASTA Roofing. J.C. is survived by his sons, Trent Gordon, Trevor Gordon and Tryce Gordon; daughter, Kiara Gordon; parents, Mary and Jesse Gordon; brothers, Izadore Gordon, Leonverd Gordon and Myron Gordon; and sisters, MyJaslyn Gordon, Gynicia Gordon, Shaquilyn Gordon, and Glashona Gordon.

Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

John Nelson

SMOKE SIGNAL, Ariz. — Funeral services for John Nelson, 73, of Smoke Signal, Arizona, were held Aug. 31 at the Smoke Signal Nazarene Church with Ron Little officiating.

Interment followed at the Nelson family plot (seven miles southeast of Smoke Signal Nazarene Church).

John was born Aug. 27, 1945, in Oak Springs, Arizona, into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tótsohnii (Big Water Clan). He passed away Aug. 26, 2019, in Glendale, Arizona. John attended Phoenix Indian School, worked in carpentry and enjoyed reading the Bible. John is survived by his wife, Jane Nelson; sons, Christopher Nelson and Jonathan Nelson; daughter, Christine Nelson; sisters, Francis Nelson, Genevieve Tsosie, Zenna Begay, and Ella Begay; and eight grandchildren. John is preceded in death by Jane Yazzie; and his parents, Shorty and Mary Nelson.

Pallbearers were Jonathan Nelson, Donnie Yellowhair, Keith Daniel Begay, Neal Begay, Tom Yazzie Jr., and Robert Tsosie. Honorary pallbearers were Ned Begay Jr., Eugene Nelson and Alfred Begay. Silver Creek Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Frank Brown

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. — Funeral services for Frank Brown, 83, of St. Michaels, Arizona, were held Aug. 30 at the Mary, Mother of Mankind Parish, St. Michaels Mission. Interment followed in Fort Defiance.

Frank was born July 15, 1936, in Wide Ruins, Arizona. He passed away Aug. 25, 2019, in Phoenix. Frank worked and retired as an engineer with Navajo Tribal Utility Authority. Frank is survived by his son, Franco Brown; daughters, Gloria M. Brown, Jean Roanhorse, Barbara A. Brown, and Nona J. Brown; brothers, Neil Roanhorse and Marc Roanhorse; sisters, Eleanor Roanhorse and Marilyn Roanhorse; and nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Frank is preceded in death by his mother, Nora Cheschillie and Joe Brown; Billy Roanhorse, Maggie Roe and Thomas Roanhorse. Pallbearers were Franco Brown, Darren Nez, Ronald Roanhorse, David Roanhorse, Curtis Nofchissey, Joshua Winebarger, and Juan Cabrera. Honorary pallbearers were Jalaal Roanhorse, Dilren Nez and Tyler Brown.

Summit Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

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