Obituaries for September 19, 2024

Bessie Ahkeah Fuller

PAGE, Ariz. — Bessie Ahkeah Fuller’s life was celebrated on Sept. 14, 2024, at the Navajo Fellowship Baptist Church in Page, Arizona. She went to be with the Lord on Sept. 11, 2024, and was laid to rest at Page City Cemetery, next to her husband, Warren K. Fuller Jr.

Bessie’s father, the late Fred Ahkeah, passed away at a young age so her mother, the late Clah-Zinish Benally, was left to raise her three children alone. She had one brother, the late Harold “Harry” Ahkeah and one sister, the late Anna (Ahkeah) Billy.

Not long after her father’s passing, Bessie’s paternal uncle, the late Samuel Ahkeah, asked to raise her as his own and call him dad. She spent her childhood in Rico, Colorado.

By the time Bessie attended Sherman Institute in the 1940s, she was royalty, as her dad Sam was the chairman of the Navajo Nation. She often stated that she did not like the preferential treatment that she received at school where the staff all wanted to raise her.

One year, Warren held office in the student council at Sherman Institute when Chairman Sam Ahkeah showed up at a student council meeting with Bessie, a beautiful, young lady with black curls. Ahkeah was smitten.

While in California, Warren and Bessie married and started a family. Together they had five children: Harold, Darlene, David (Renee), Diane, and Daniel (Christy); four grandchildren (Brian, Sharon, Amelia, and Nadia); and three great-grandchildren (Tomafa, Ahkeah, and Sutai).

Warren and Bessie loved the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind, strength, and served at the Indian Revival Center in Bell Gardens, California, and at All Tribes A/G Church in Phoenix. Before returning to the Navajo Nation to plant two churches (Coppermine Full Gospel Church in Coppermine, Arizona, and Rainbow City A/G Church, which is located in Navajo Mountain). Warren served as founding pastor, with Bessie alongside him for 37 years.

For decades, Bessie was a prayer warrior. She prayed fervently in the early morning hours, during the day, and at night.

Blessed we were to have our mother raise, guide, and love us children (and grandchildren) to the age of 90.

Norvel Owens Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Bennie B. Shirley Sr.

WIDE RUINS, Ariz. — Graveside service for Bennie B. Shirley Sr., 87, of Wide Ruins, Arizona, will be held Saturday, Sept. 21, at 12 p.m., in Wide Ruins (six miles west on Tanner Spring Road).

Bennie was born Jan. 2, 1937, in Ganado, Arizona, into the Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). He passed away Aug. 22, 2024, in Glendale, Arizona.

Bennie worked at various jobs in Tucson, Chinle, and Chambers, Arizona. He enjoyed doing Number and Word Search and watching his grandson, Zachary Shirley, play basketball.

Bennie is survived by his sons, Emerson B. Shirley and Benjamin Shirley Jr.; brothers, Wilson Shirley, Donald Shirley and David Shirley; and seven grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Bennie is preceded in death by his mother, Eebah Cuthair; father, Tsoby Shirley; brother, William Shirley; and sisters, Loretta Shirley and Lannie Shirley.

Pallbearers will be Emerson B. Shirley, Benjamin Shirley and Zachary Shirley.

Honorary pallbearers will be Gavin Shirley, Wilson Shirley, Donald Shirley, David Shirley, Shayne Shirley, Zavien J. Shirley, Dominic Gonzales, Damien Sundust, and Zachary Sundust.

A reception will take place at the Wide Ruins Chapter House following service.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Emerson S. Peshlakai

MESA, Ariz. — Funeral services for Emerson Sam Peshlakai, 84, of Mesa, Arizona, will be held Monday, Sept. 23, at 10 a.m., at the Legacy Funeral Home Rose Chapel in Mesa. Burial will follow in Mesa.

Emerson was born Sept. 18, 1939, in Crownpoint, into the Dziłtł’ahnii (Mountain Cove Clan), born for Tó baazhní’ázhí (Two Who Came To the Water Clan). He passed away Sept. 12, 2024, in Mesa.

Emerson was employed with the federal government for several years and then moved to Mesa to be with his children.

Emerson is survived by his daughters, April Little Charley, Cynthia Morgan and Lorelei Peshlakai; sister, Bea Woodward; and 35 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Emerson is preceded in death by his daughters, Fayrene Russell and Ireeta Martinez; son, Michael Peshlakai; parents, Sam and Sue Peshlakai; brothers, Ervin, Hugh, Steven, Harold, and Herman Peshlakai; and granddaughter, Michelle Mendoza.

Pallbearers will be Mathew Russell, Alex Careaga, Abalino Carza, Anthony Fernandez, Angel Peshlakai, and Trina Peshlakai.

Legacy Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

Christopher Chavez

CORTEZ, Colo. — Funeral services for Christopher Chavez will be held at The American Legion in Cortez, Colorado, on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 3 p.m.

Chris was born Aug. 12, 1961, in Red Valley, Arizona, into the Naakai dine’é (Mexican Clan) and his mother’s maternal clan is Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). His Diné name is Tódích’íi’nii Yazi (Lil’ Bitter Water). He passed away Sept. 5, 2024.

During his life, Chris was an accomplished athlete in wrestling, football, baseball, and fast-pitch softball. He coached senior league baseball, including all stars.

Chris was also a movie maker, arts crafter, photographer, and writer. As a willing participant in helping any person in need, no matter the circumstances, gave him understanding.

Chris was raised in Cortez, and lived in the Four Corners region all his life. He was a business owner who prided himself as a 100 percent Navajo-owned corporation.

Chris was an outdoors man who loved hunting, fishing, camping, and exploring the Western states and Alaska, which gave him many pleasures, which he shared with his children and many friends. He was an activist on Native American matters, especially hunting rights and Native American preference.

Chris is survived by his children, Ashlee Y. Johnson (Chavez), Christopher W. Chavez and Emma Lou Nizhonii Chavez; brothers, William Abe, Ronald Abe, Robert Yazzie, Ken Yazzie, and Manuel Chavez; niece, Carmelia Byers (Abe); and grandsons.
Honorary pallbearers will be Ralph Carrillo, Mike Tanner, Corey Veach, Jason Duncan, William Turtle, Dick Giesler, and Lee Treichak.

Chris is preceded in death by his parents, sister, son, and many family members.

Dinner will follow service ($10/person or donation).

Jerry L. Benally

CHINLE — Graveside service for Jerry Lee Benally, 77, of Tachee, Arizona, was held Sept. 17 in Chinle, with Artie Aragon officiating.

Jerry was born Aug. 9, 1947, in Tachee. He passed away Sept. 11, 2024, in Chinle.

Jerry graduated from Phoenix Indian School and worked for NTUA and Four State Electric. He was a rancher who enjoyed taking care of the family sheep and was a Chinle Wildcats fan.

Jerry is survived by his sons, Jerrold, Jerrick, Jerry Jr., and Jerrin; daughter, Jerrilene Benally; parents, Alice and Neschilly Benally; brothers, Hebert and Robert Benally; sisters, Maryann Benally, Rose Claw and Linda Simpson; and 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Jerry is preceded in death by his wife, Della Roberto Benally; son, Jerrindo Benally; and Joe Ben Benally, Clara Yazzie, and Carol Clark.

Pallbearers were Walton Yazzie, Marlin Lee, Rubert Benally, Justin Chester, Jalen Chester, and Georlando Claw.

Honorary pallbearer was Gary Lee.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Derrick Benally

TSAILE, Ariz. — Funeral services for Derrick Benally, 44, of Tsaile, Arizona, will be held Friday, Sept. 20, at 10 a.m., at the Tsaile Community Church with Everett Teller officiating. Burial will follow at the Lukachukai community cemetery.

Derrick was born Sept. 29, 1979, in Tuba City, into the Tó’áhaní (Near the Water Clan), born for Mescalero Apache. His cheii is Mą’ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass Clan). He passed away Sept. 14, 2024, in Chinle.

Derrick attended Many Farms High School.

Derrick is survived by his son, Eric Benally; daughter, Anaya Benally; mother, Lilly Ben; brother, Francis Ben; and sister, Francesa Ben.

Derrick is preceded in death by his brother, Francen Ben; and grandparents, Francis and Marie Benally.

A reception will take place at Angie Davis’ residence (behind Alon gas station) in Tsaile, following services.

Green Meadow Funeral Home oversaw arrangements.

Leslie Mitchell

CHINLE — Graveside service for Leslie Mitchell, 31, of Chinle, was held Sept. 16 at the family plot in Chinle, with Pastor Artie Aragon officiating.

Leslie was born March 7, 1993, in Chinle, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Kinłichíi’nii (Red House People Clan).

Leslie attended Chinle Public Schools to Chinle Junior High School and proudly earned his GED with Navajo Technical University’s Adult Education Program. He then attended RSI Technical Trade School in Phoenix.

Leslie held numerous trades and professions such as cashier, line cook, inventory specialist, and restock clerk. He enjoyed being a tattoo artist, fishing, traveling, spending time with his daughter, attending family gatherings, and applying for jobs under National Park Food Services.

Leslie is survived by his daughter, Letisha Mitchell; parents, Gloria Mitchell and Leslie Tex Begay Sr.; brother, Eric Mitchell; and sisters, Jaimie Draper and Janice Mitchell.

Leslie is preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Mary Jones Mitchell; grandfather, Richard Mitchell Sr.; and great-grandmother, Na’glenhasbah Jones.

Pallbearers were family and friends.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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