Obituaries for Sept. 8, 2022

Jerolynn Sandoval

PHOENIX — Funeral services for Jerolynn “Jeri” Sandoval, 46, of Phoenix, are currently pending.

Jerolynn, known to her family as “Button,” was born Nov. 26, 1975, in Shiprock, into the Naakai dine’é (Mexican Clan). Her cheii is Tsenabahiłnii (Sleep Rock People Clan). She passed away Aug. 29, 2022, in Phoenix.

Jerolynn attended college to become a nurse but stopped working due to an illness. She enjoyed sewing, spending time with her family and watching her favorite football team, the San Diego Chargers.

Jerolynn is survived by her children, Tailisa Lopez of Mesa, Arizona, Laila Lopez of Yuma, Arizona, and Nevaeh Lopez of Phoenix; and three sisters, four brothers, and one grandchild.

Jerolynn is preceded in death by her mother, Rita Begay Walton; father, James Sandoval; sister, Amber Leigh Joe; and both maternal and paternal grandparents.

Avenidas Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Richard Cheschilly Jr.

GALLUP — Funeral services for Richard Cheschilly Jr., 66, of Naschitti, New Mexico, were held Sept. 7 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Milton Shirleson officiating.

Richard was born April 4, 1956, in Fort Defiance, into the Tł’ááshchí’í (Red Bottom People Clan), born for Bit’ahnii (Arms Folded Clan). He passed away Aug. 26, 2022, in Albuquerque.

Richard graduated from Window Rock High School and was employed across the country as a 6G certified journeyman pipefitter welder with Local Union 412 for 40 years. He was a true master of his craft.

Richard enjoyed fishing, hunting, collecting guns, and spending time with family and friends.

Richard is survived by his wife, Jane Cheschilly; daughter, Amber Cheschilly; brothers, Gerald House and Darryl Cheschilly; sisters, Dora Cheschilly, Beverly Cheschilly, Verla Cheschilly, Geraldine Strickland, Miranda Bitsilly, Katherine Johnson, and Dorcas M. Cheschilly; and two grandchildren.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Rose and Richard Cheschilly Sr.; and son, Michael D. Arviso-Yazzie.

Honorary pallbearers were Gerald House, Darryl Cheschilly, Scott Cheschilly, Melvin Herbert, Brian Hillis, and Marc Hillis.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Dorothy B. Long

GALLUP — Funeral services for Dorothy Bahe Long, 79, of Pretty Rock, New Mexico, will be held Friday, Sept. 9, at 10 a.m., at Cope Memorial Chapel in Gallup, with Pastor Ted Farris officiating. Burial will follow at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Gallup.

Dorothy was born March 28, 1943, in Fort Defiance, into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Naakai dine’é (Mexican Clan). She passed away Sept. 4, 2022, in Gallup.

Dorothy graduated from Gallup High School and was employed at Gallup Saddle Shop, where she was well-known for making custom-made chaps.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Veronica Long; parents, Glenhasbah and Hosteen Bahe; sisters, Irene Little, Zonnie Bahe, Neddie John, Elizabeth Bahe, and Mary Teller; and two grandchildren.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her sister, Marie Howe; brothers, Vinnie Bahe, Wilford Bia, Willie Bahe, and Naswood Bahe; and grandson, Tyler Jacob Johnson.

Pallbearers will be Andy Lee, Ferrell Becenti, Myron Spencer, and Michael Howe.

Honorary pallbearers will be Ashley Johnson and Don Yazzie.

A reception will take place at Grace Navajo Baptist Church on Mentmore Road, following services.

Cope Memorial is in charge of arrangements.

Elsie E. Chester

CORNFIELDS, Ariz. — Graveside service for Elsie Earl Chester, 90, of Cornfields, Arizona, was held Sept. 1 at the Cornfields community cemetery with Edison Gruber officiating.

Elsie was born Nov. 3, 1931, in Cornfields, into the Dibéłzhíní (Black Sheep Clan), born for Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan). She passed away Aug. 27, 2022, in Flagstaff.

Elsie attended Intermountain School and worked for the Navajo Tribe as a custodial supervisor and Cornfields Chapter House and Window Rock Laundromat as a custodian.

Elsie enjoyed weaving, knitting, sewing, pottery, coloring, quilting, traveling, planting/farming, hauling wood/water, visiting family and friends, and tending to livestock (sheep, cattle, horses).

Elsie is survived by her sons, Stanley Chester, Gabriel Chester and Hosteen Chester; daughters, Bernadette Begay, Josephine Chester, Christine Smith-Chester, and Colleen Begay; sister, Lillie Dinetso; and 39 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren.

Elsie is preceded in death by Mary Alice John; Kee Frank, Arthur Chester, Art Paul Chester, Sam John, and Albert John.

Pallbearers were Christian Yoe, Christopher Yoe, Gabriel Chester, Sanchez Begay, Emery Begaye, and Roni Tanner.

Honorary pallbearers were Hosteen Chester, Antonio Chester and Stanley Chester.

Silver Creek Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Shelbee L. Perry

THOREAU, N.M. — Funeral services for Shelbee Lee Perry, 31, of Smith Lake, New Mexico, will be held Friday, Sept. 9, at 11 a.m., at the New Life Pentecostal Church of God in Thoreau, New Mexico. Burial will follow at the family plot in Smith Lake.

Shelbee was born into the Tó baazhni’ázhí (Two Who Came To the Water Clan).

Shelbee is survived by her mother, Delores Perry.

Shelbee is preceded in death by her grandparents, Lucy and Andy Perry.

Jeffie Nez

GALLUP — Funeral services for Jeffie Nez, 81, of Wildcat, New Mexico, were held Sept. 7 at Cope Memorial Chapel in Gallup, with Tom White officiating. Interment followed at Sunset Memorial Park in Gallup.

Jeffie was born May 20, 1941, in Dennehotso, Arizona. He passed away Aug. 28, 2022, in Fort Defiance.

Jeffie was employed as an EMT driver and housekeeper at Fort Defiance Indian Health Service.

Jeffie is survived by his sons, Johnson Nez, Tommy Nez, Justin Nez, and Ferdindand Nez; daughter, LeNora Manygoats of Wildcat; brother, Ned Tsosie of Dennehotso; and 28 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Jeffie is preceded in death by his wife, Isabelle Nez; son, Jefferson Nez Jr.; daughter, Larissa Nez; mother, Pauline Mitchell; father, Keyonnie Nez; sister, Gloria Tree; and brothers, John Nez, Owny Nez and Neil Nez.

Cope Memorial was in charge of arrangements.

---