Obituaries for June 27, 2024

Jan-Mikael Patterson

GALLUP — Funeral services for Jan-Mikael Patterson, 47, of Gamerco, New Mexico, will be held Wednesday, July 3, at 10 a.m. (DST), at the Rollie Mortuary Chapel in Gallup. Burial will follow at the City of Gallup Cemetery.

Jan-Mikael was born May 23, 1977, in Albuquerque, into the Kinłitsonii (Yellow House People Clan), born for Naaneesht’ézhí Táchii’nii (The Charcoal Streaked Division of the Red Running Into the Water Clan). His maternal grandparents are Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People) and his paternal grandparents are Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge). He passed away in the early morning of June 25, 2024, with family at his side.
Jan-Mikael spent his childhood traveling to many places with his family, including Disney World in Florida, Sea World, and other attractions across the country. His smile and silly antics expressed a carefree happy childhood.

Jan-Mikael graduated from St. Michael’s High School in St. Michaels, Arizona, where he played football for the Cardinals. He started college at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, which opened doors to a long career in journalism.

Jan-Mikael was part of the inaugural class of the American Indian Journalism Institute held at the University of South Dakota in 2001. From there he started a career in journalism in Montana and eventually came back to his roots securing a job at the Navajo Times where he wrote about arts and entertainment.

Jan-Mikael wrote about concerts, interviewed bands, and other entertainers. He brought a Native perspective to the music and art scene for more than a dozen years. His passion to write and tell the stories of bands and artists drove his life during that time until he decided to change careers and enter teaching.

In 2016, Jan-Mikael was hired at his alma mater as a teacher where he took pride in helping students with his kind and gentle teaching manners. He coached soccer and followed “his kids” to sporting events throughout the region to show his support. His students became the center of his life during his time as a teacher.

Jan-Mikael touched the hearts of many. He loved to inspire, teach, write, and read. To those who knew and loved him best, he was a cheerleader, a supporter to no ends, and expressed his love and care through his actions of kindness and support.

Jan-Mikael is survived by his parents, Olson and Sarah Patterson of Gamerco; brothers, Olson Wilsie, Lionel and Jeremaine; and sister Jheri-Marisa.

Jan-Mikael is preceded in death by his grandparents, Oltha Sonnie and Bah Yazzie Begay of Bidahochee, Arizona; and paternal grandparents, Wilsie and Sarah Yazzie Patterson of China Springs, New Mexico.

Margaret Harrison

FARMINGTON — Funeral services for Margaret Harrison were held June 24 at the Farmington Funeral Home. Interment followed at the Greenlawn Cemetery.

Margaret was born June 28, 1933, in Hogback, New Mexico. She peacefully made her journey to God on June 18, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. She was the cherished daughter of the late David and Frances Brewster.
Margaret spent her early years at Ignacio Boarding School, where she graduated in 1956. During her time there, she shined as a basketball player and played the clarinet in the school band.

After high school, Margaret ventured to Riverside, California, where she pursued her CNA certification. It was in Riverside that she met and married Steve Mesa, with whom she had three children, Sherrell, Marlene, and Darrell.

Eventually, Margaret returned to Farmington, where she met Leo Russell Sr. Together they had two children, Leo Russell Jr. and Naomi Russell.

Margaret dedicated 36 years of her life to San Juan Regional Medical Center, where she started as an ER technician and advanced to become an LPN, ultimately serving as a unit secretary for pre-op. Her dedication and compassion made her an integral part of the medical team.

On Aug. 13, 1981, Margaret married the love of her life, William Harrison, and obtained five bonus children, Steve, William, Deliah, Mary and Johnny. Their union brought joy and unity to the family, creating lasting memories together.

Margaret found joy in attending church, watching western movies, and traveling to support her grandchildren in their various competitions.

Margaret’s life was a testament to her love for God, her family, and her community. She was a devoted mother to all of her children and a beloved grandmother to her 20 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

Margaret is survived by her children, Sherrell Mesa, Marlene Mesa, Naomi Russell, William James Harrison, Deliah Scott, and Mary Padilla.; brother, Andrew Brewster; and sister, Florence King.

Margaret is preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Harrison; sisters, Helen Woody and Hazel Lope; sons, Leo Russell Jr., Darrell Mesa, Steve Harrison, and Johnny Harrison; and granddaughter, Lauren Hammitt.

Margaret’s legacy of love, dedication, and service will be remembered by all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished in our hearts.

Eric van Hartesveldt

MCGAFFEY LAKE, N.M. — A Celebration of Life for Eric van Hartesveldt, 70, of Gallup, will be held Saturday, June 29, at the McKinley County Wildlife Federation Center, above McGaffey Lake, from 1-4 p.m.

Eric was born July 26, 1952, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He joined the Creator on June 5, 2023, succumbing to central nervous system lymphoma, a rare aggressive brain cancer.

Eric received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor in 1974 and a master’s degree and Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia Department of Anthropology in 1984.

Eric was an archaeologist and cultural resource director for 17 years with the Navajo Nation. He then received his master’s degree in counseling from Western University-Gallup in 2005 and was employed as a high school counselor with Gallup McKinley-County Schools for 11 years.

An avid reader, Eric never left the house without a book in hand and loved a good mystery. He was a history buff with an extensive knowledge of World War II and was a soccer coach and referee with the Gallup Soccer League in its early years. He was a loving, caring, and present father and grandfather.

Eric is survived by his wife of 46 years, Elizabeth (Betsy) Windisch; son, Peter Nathaniel van Hartesveldt; daughter, Kyna Louise Wade; sisters, Linda and Marcia van Hartesveldt; brother, Fred van Hartesveldt, III; and four grandchildren.

Donations in honor of Eric’s life may be made to: Relay For Life, c/o 3709 Zia Drive, Gallup, N.M. 87301 or to the New Mexico Beekeepers Association, New Mexico Beekeepers Association, 8 Lacy Road, Edgewood, N.M. 87015.

Tomas Billiman

BUELL PARK, Ariz. — Graveside service for Tomas “Mossy” Billiman, 31, of Buell Park, Arizona, will be held Friday, June 28, at 10 a.m., at the family plot in Buell Park, with Roger Kenny Sr. officiating.

Tomas was born Oct. 10, 1992, in Phoenix, into the Tsénjíkiní (Honey Combed Rock People Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). He passed away June 21, 2024, in Navajo, New Mexico.

Tomas graduated from Window Rock High School in 2011 and earned electrical certification from Navajo Technical University in 2013. He worked for the Navajo Nation Transit System, PMI road crew in Phoenix,

Navajo Nation Department of Transportation, and for an oil rig contractor in North Dakota.

Tomas enjoyed hiking, fishing, grilling, traveling, ranching, mechanic work, and spending time with family.

Tomas is survived by his father, Thomas Billiman; brother, Masen Billiman; and sisters, Tonieka Tsosie and Toynette Billiman.

Tomas is preceded in death by his mother, Freda Lynn Tsosie; and grandparents, Sally and Tom Billiman.

Pallbearers will be Tyrone Billiman, Cody Billiman, Alroy Billiman, David Sorrel, Ryan Kenny, and Stewart Kenny.

Honorary pallbearers will be Thomas Billiman Jr., Leon Billiman, Masen Tsosie, Chance Billiman, Jacoby Tsosie, and Jason Birchman.

A reception will take place at the Sawmill Chapter House in Sawmill, Arizona, following service.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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