Obituaries for June 23, 2016

Peter Walter Sam

GALLUP – Graveside service for Peter Walter Sam, 77, were held June 18 at the Sunset Memorial in Gallup.

Peter was born Dec. 29, 1938, in Pine Springs, Arizona, into the Honágháahnii (One-Walks-Around Clan), born for Kin Yaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). His nali is Tábaahá (Water’s Edge); chei is Dibé Łizhiní (Black Sheep). He died June 12, 2016.

Peter attended Tegakwithan Mission in Houck, Arizona, Sanders Elementary in Sanders, Arizona, Albuquerque Indian School in Albuquerque, Chemawa Indian School in Salem, Oregon, and Automotive Technical School in Amarillo, Texas.

Peter worked on the railroad, pipeline, as a mechanic and at a meat packing plant in Cactus, Texas, where he retired.

Peter is survived by his daughter, Carmelia Sam of St. Michaels, Arizona; and sons, Corbett Sam of Globe, Arizona, Nathaniel Sam of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Eldred Sam of Salt Lake City, Utah.

Peter is preceded in death by his parents, John and Frances Sam; and brother, John Sam Jr.

John W. Bowman Sr.

LAWTON, Okla. – John W. Bowman Sr., 90, of Oklahoma City, formerly of Tohatchi, New Mexico, died June 15, 2016, at the Southwestern Medical Center in Lawton, with his children by his side. Services are planned at a later date in Tohatchi, New Mexico.

John was born June 15, 1926, in Rehoboth, New Mexico, into the Naasht’ézhi Dine’é (Zuni Clan), born for Bit’ahnii (Folded Arms Clan). He was a full blood member of the Navajo Nation and the oldest and last survivor of his siblings.

John graduated from Riverside Indian School in Anadarko, Oklahoma, where he met and married Wanda Joan Stephens. Together they had six children. He lived on the Navajo Reservation all his life until his health declined. He was a rancher in his younger days and participated in many rodeos. He was one tough cowboy.

John is survived by his daughters, Ernestine Bowman Titchywy of Oklahoma City, and Delana Bowman Taylor of Owasso; son, Alan Bowman of Anadarko; eight grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Wilhelmina (Bates) Bowman; children, Melva Y. Bowman Franco, John W. Bowman Jr., and Alfred Ross Bowman; son-in-law, William (Bill) Titchywy; siblings, Ernest, Arthur, Benjamin, David, Vernon, Edward and Eloise; and niece, Carlotta.

Anthony F. Ayze Sr.

PINON, Ariz. – Graveside service for Anthony F. Ayze Sr., 79, were held June 9 in Pinon, Arizona.

Anthony was born June 14, 1936. He passed away June 3, 2016, at the Hospice of the Valley in Glendale, Arizona.

Anthony attended St. Michael Indian School in St. Michaels, Arizona, and worked for the Navajo Police Department and the railroad where he traveled various places. He loved his family, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.

Anthony is survived by his daughters, Cheryl Becenti, Antalena F. A. Lee, Anarita Ayze, Tonya Ayze, Rosita Ayze, Antoinette Ayze, Veronica Slim, Antonia Ayze and Rebecca Ayze; sons, Anthony F. Ayze Jr., Allen Ayze, Aaron Ayze and Marvin Ayze; sisters, Irena Ayze and Darlene Shirley; brothers, Fred Ayze and Jacob Ayze Jr.; and nieces, nephews and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Anthony is preceded in death by his parents, Jacob Ayze Sr. and Margaret D. Ayze; daughters, Angeline Pablo and Anita Ayze; brother, Franklin Ayze Sr.; sister-in-law, Flora Ann Ayze; niece, Felita Ann Ayze; nephew, Franklin A. Ayze Jr.; and uncles, Hoskie Dick and Homer Dick of Iyanbito, New Mexico.

Alvin Lee Curley

GANADO, Ariz. – Graveside service for Alvin Lee Curley, 58, will be held Friday, June 24, at the Ganado Cemetery in Ganado, Arizona.

Alvin was born Aug. 7, 1957. He was the oldest son of nine children born to Alfred Curley and Hilda Lee Curley. He passed away June 15, 2016.

Alvin was a member of the Diné (Navajo) Tribe. He graduated from high school in 1975 and lived in Tooele, Utah most of his life, in exception to going to school under the Indian Placement Program.

Alvin was a very likeable guy and had a lot of friends. He had a very generous spirit and was always willing to help those that were less fortunate than him. He lived a life where he was always giving to another. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

As a brother, Alvin was the “Big Brother” and was known as “One of the Boys” in reference to him and his other brothers. He always had a smile and loved to joke around. He was a longtime Cowboys football fan and was always ecstatic when he received gifts with his favorite team logo.

Alvin was a true “cowboy” at heart with his black hat, his long black statesman duster coat and his fancy cowboy boots. He dressed up in his attire with a sense of pride. We can now imagine him riding a horse off into the horizon.

Alvin is survived by his brothers, Ralph Curley of Magna, Utah, Eddie Curley (Susan) of Magna, Jarry Curley of Tooele, Utah, James Curley (Janet) of Gallup; sisters, Sharon Curley of Orem, Utah, Patricia Yeaman (Charles) of Tooele, Carolyn Pedro Curley of Tooele, Judy Cordero (Jon) of Ganado, Arizona; and many nephews, nieces and cousins.

Alvin is preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Hilda Lee Curley.

Special thanks to Spring Creek Memorial of Window Rock, and to Didericksen Memorial of Grantsville, Utah.

Condolences can be submitted at www.didericksenmemorial.com.

Anslem Tulley

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. – Funeral services for Anslem Tulley, 83, of Window Rock, will be held today, June 23, at 10 a.m. at the St. Michaels Church in St. Michaels, Arizona, with Father Pio O’Connor officiating. Burial will follow at the St. Michaels community cemetery.

Anslem was born Dec. 20, 1933, in St. Michaels, into the ’Áshiihí (Salt People Clan), born for Tó Dích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan). He died June 18, 2016, in Winslow, Arizona.

Anslem was employed with the railroad and was a sheepherder in various places. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, playing cards and listening to church music.

Anslem is survived by his sons, Johnson Tulley and Harrison Begay; niece, Sarah White of Window Rock; and four grandchildren.

Anslem is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Yichinebah Tulley; sister, Mary Jane Tulley; and son, Edison Tulley.

Pallbearers will be Jeffrey White, Calvin White, Julius White, Paul Wilson Sr. and Casper Wilson.

Honorary pallbearers will be Emerson Tulley, William Hubbard, Nolberto Garcia and Thomas Morgan.

A reception will take place at St. Michaels Chapter House following services.

Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Shane G. Whitman

GALLUP – Funeral services for Shane G. Whitman, 29, were held June 21 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, New Mexico, with Pastor Mark Thomas officiating. Interment followed at the Gallup City Cemetery.

Shane was born June 19, 1986, into the Bikwella, Shawnee and Bird Clan, born for Hashtł’ishnii (Mud Clan). His nali is ’Áshiihí (Salt People); chei is Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). He died June 15, 2016.

Shane was employed with Quality Inn in Window Rock, Arizona, for 10 years and as a security guard for the Catholic Bingo Hall in Fort Defiance and St. Michaels, Arizona.

Shane is survived by his father, Harold Whitman; mother, Robin Whitman; brother, Shawn Whitman; daughter, Mia Whitman; and son, Drayden Whitman.

Shane is preceded in death by his brother, Shannon Thompson; wife, Glenna Bah Whitman; grandparents, Clare Thompson Sr. and Aline Thompson, and Ethelyn and Leo G. Whitman.

Pallbearers were Marcus Newood, Mark Thompson Jr., Raleigh Miles, Nick Webster, Darren Joe, Anthony Thompson, Micheal Yazza, Josh John, Taylor Hoskie and Franklin Cook.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Johnita John

GALLUP – Funeral services for Johnita “Burt” John, 43, were held June 1 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, New Mexico. Interment followed at the Gallup City Cemetery.

Johnita was born April 19, 1973, in Gallup, New Mexico, into the Naakaii Dine’é (Mexican Clan), born for Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). Her nali is Tsenabahiłnii (Sleep Rock People); chei is Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). She died June 9, 2016, in Denver, Colorado.

Johnita attended Wingate Elementary/High School and was a housekeeper for various motels. She enjoyed reading fictional novels such as “Twilight,” her favorite book; listening to George Strait, her favorite country singer; taking walks; spending as much time as possible with her children; and talking with her only grandson.

Johnita is survived by her father, Tommy John of Red Rock, New Mexio; mother, Ida John of Manuelito, New Mexico; husband, Darryl James of Ganado, Arizona; children, Derrick, Darren, Charmyne, Juanita, Natasha and Devin James, all of Manuelito; and grandson, Eric Begay Jr.

Pallbearers were Darryl James, Derrick James, Darren James, Adrain Toledo, Andre Toledo and Tilden John.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Caroline B. Becenti

REHOBOTH, N.M. – Funeral services for Caroline B. Becenti, 92, were held June 17 at the Rehoboth Christian Reformed Church in Rehoboth, New Mexico. Interment followed at the Lone Pine Cemetery in Mexican Springs, New Mexico.

Caroline was born March 23, 1924, in Mexican Springs, New Mexico, into the Bit’ahnii (Folded Arms Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). Her nali is Tl’ógi (Weaver-Zia); chei is Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). She died June 11, 2016, in Becenti, New Mexico.

Caroline attended Rehoboth Christian Reformed Mission School and graduated from the 8^th grade in May 1940. She continued her freshman and sophomore years there and attended her junior and senior years at Navajo Methodist Mission School in Farmington, graduating on May 5, 1944, with five of her classmates from Rehoboth Mission School.

Caroline was baptized as a Christian at the Tohatchi Christian Reformed Church in May 1925. She worked as a nurse at Tohatchi Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital, and as an X-ray technician at Fort Defiance Hospital. She also worked with Gallup McKinley County Schools as a teacher’s aide and cook’s helper, Navajo Nation Community Health representative, Gallup Indian Medical Center, Mexican Springs Job Corps, Tennis Shoe Factory and Mexican Springs Chapter secretary.

Caroline was a 4-H leader and a member of the National Senior Citizen Association and Disabled Veterans Auxiliary. She received a gold medal on behalf of her late brother, Wilsie Bitsie, who was one of the original (29) Navajo Code Talkers. She also received several awards for her accomplishments.

Caroline enjoyed playing the piano and organ, and attending rodeos. In 1963, she and her late husband started the first All Indian Junior Rodeo in Mexican Springs. She was a rodeo fan of the Indian Junior Rodeo Association since it started in 1975.

Caroline loved to travel and be among family and friends. She was loved and will be deeply missed.

Caroline is survived by her sons, Steven Becenti of Crownpoint, New Mexico, and Darryl Becenti of Albuquerque; daughters, Gloria Damon, Arlene Mitchell, Bertie Becenti, Dorothea and Cheryl Becenti of Mexican Springs, Marsha Barney and Ernestine Yazzie of Becenti, New Mexico, and Glenda Combs of Lubbock, Texas; brothers, Peter Bitsie, Richard Bitsie, Arthur Bitsie, Calvin Bitsie and Donald Bitsie; and sisters, Elizabeth Jones and Barbara Bahe.

Caroline is preceded in death by her parents, Freda and Walter Bitsie Sr.; brothers, Wilsie Bitsie and Walter Bitsie Jr.; and sisters, Mae Belle Thomas, Eleanor Bitsie and Wilhemina Bitsie.

Pallbearers were Carlos Becenti, Carlin Becenti, Kendall Mitchell, Rodney Begay, Donnie Begay and Gerald Morris.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

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