Obituaries for July 28, 2016

Allen Bergen Sr.

SACATON, Ariz. – Allen Bergen Sr., 82, returned to his Heavenly Father on July, 14, 2016, in Blackwater, Ariz. He was born April 9, 1934, in Tuba City, to Vera (Chief) and Joe Lee Bergen Sr., into the Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for Tábaahá (Water’s Edge Clan). His maternal grandfather is Kiyaa’aanii (Towering House) and his paternal grandfather is T l’ogi (Hairy Ones or Weaver-Zia).

Allen met Majel Osife in Tucson, while they both attended Esquela Indian High School. They later married in October 1954.

As a young child Allen loved life and going with his mother and aunties to different areas on the Navajo Nation so they could make medicine for those who were ill. He left his home as a very young man to join the Marine Corp and fought in the Korean War.

Allen and Majel began their family in Sacaton, and later moved to Grants, N.M., where he was a uranium worker. He was supervisor for the Rare Metals Uranium Mill near Tuba City.

Allen was an iron worker in Las Vegas, Nev.; St. Louis, Mo.; Chicago, Ill., and other places where he was requested. He worked several years on the Glen Canyon Dam in Page, Ariz., as an iron worker along with his brother Carl and several cousins. He and Carl established a construction company called Bergen Steel. It was recognized as one of the first Native American companies and fastest growing in the state of Arizona.

As described by his children, Dad was a strong leader who exhibited compassion mixed with a great sense of humor. He loved to laugh and make others laugh, too. He had a special relationship with the Creator as demonstrated through his powerful prayers. He loved life, his wife and children. He enjoyed meeting people, being part of the Ira H. Hayes American Legion, Post 84 and the Marine Corp. League of Casa Grande.

Allen is survived by his children, Allen Bergen Jr., Arlan Bergen, Trina Bergen, Velina Bergen, Dellina Bergen, Stephanie Jan Bergen, and Saraphina Bergen: brother, Joe Bergen Jr.; and sisters, Joanne Esquibel and Verna Charleston.

Allen leaves behind a legacy of 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Allen is preceded in death by his parents, Joe Bergen Sr. and Vera Todachenee; sisters, Verda and Josephine; brothers, Jerry, Oliver, Carl, and Van; wife, Majel; and son, Oliver.
Funeral is pending.

Peter John Bitsie

GALLUP — Funeral services for Peter John Bitsie, 91, will be held Friday, July 29, at 10 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Gallup. Burial will follow at the family plot in Mexican Springs, N.M.

Peter was born April 27, 1925, into the Bit’ahnii (Folded Arms Clan), born for Tl’ááshchi’i (Red Bottom People Clan). His nali is Tl’ógi (Hairy Ones); chei is Tódich’ii’nii (Bitter Water). He died July 23, 2016.

Peter was a World War II veteran serving as a Navajo Code Talker in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a recipient of the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military honor. He was a faithful servant of God, his country and his family.

Peter is survived by his sons, Delbert Bitsie and Peter Watchman; daughters, Anita Benally and Shirley Watchman; brothers, Richard Bitsie, Arthur Bitsie, Calvin Bitsie, and Donald Bitsie; and sisters, Elizabeth Jones and Barbara Bahe.

Peter is preceded in death by his brothers, Henry Bitsie, Wilsie Bitsie and Walter Bitsie Sr.; sisters, Caroline Becenti, Wilhemina Bitsie, MaeBelle B. Thomas, and Eleanor Bitsie; wife, Mary Bitsie; and daughter, Emma Tsosie.

Pallbearers will be Delvin Bitsie, Staff Sgt. (ret.) Doug Jessup, Marcus Smith, Daniel Plummer, Petty Officer 1st Class Everette Jole, and Derek Watchman.
Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Francis Curley

CORNFIELDS, Ariz. — Graveside service for Francis Curley, 67, of Cornfields, Ariz., was held July 27 at the Cornfields cemetery with Curtis Kath officiating.

Francis was born June 14, 1949, in Cornfields, into the Tódich’ii’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan). He died July 8, 2016, in Phoenix.

Francis, a Vietnam veteran sergeant, graduated from Ganado High School and was employed with Navajo Forest Products Industry.

Francis is survived by his brother, Franklyn Wilfred Curley; and sister, Ella Mae Howard.

Francis is preceded in death by his father, Wilfred Curley; mother, Alice Mary Howard; and grandparents, John and Irene Keyaonnie.
Pallbearers were honor guards.

Honorary pallbearers were Franklyn Wilfred Curley, Dick Kayaani, Anderson Kayaani, Johnson Shorty, Fred Elliott, Willie Smith, and Julius Smith.

Silver Creek Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Albert Henry Kee Sr.

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. — Funeral services for Albert Henry Kee Sr., 71, of St. Michaels, Ariz., were held July 23 at the St. Michaels Catholic Mission Church with Father Don Billiard officiating. Interment followed at the St. Michaels community cemetery.

Albert was born Oct. 19, 1944, in Fort Defiance, into the Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan), born for Biih Bitoodnii (Deer Spring Clan). He died July 20, 2016, in Flagstaff.

Albert attended Sherman Institute in Riverside, Calif., and was employed as a heavy equipment operator. He also worked at Bureau of Indian Affairs, Navajo Communications, NECA, Apache County, and forestry.

Albert enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, doing crossword puzzles, reading, and outdoor activities.

Albert is survived by his wife, Judy Kee; son, Albert Kee Jr.; daughter, Yvonne Kee-Billison; stepchildren, Trudy Kee, Benson Jim, Casey Jim, Kevin Jim and Shannon Johnson; mother, Mary Hosteen Nez; brothers, Arthur Kee, Donald Kee and Daniel Kee; sisters, Lillie Kee, Marie Claude, Lucy Bekise, Rose Mason, Maggie Williams, Grace Kee and Rachael Begay; and 24 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Albert is preceded in death by his son, Fernando Kee; father, James Kee; George Kee and Nellie Kee.

Pallbearers were Tony Williams, Toby Williams, Wilfred Watson Jr., Anthony Williams, Edward Williams and Earlson Begay.

Honorary pallbearers were Arthur Kee, Donald Kee, Daniel Kee and Albert Kee Jr.

Silver Creek Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

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