Obituaries for June 29, 2017

Rudy Redd Victor

FARMINGTON — On June 16, 2017, the Victor family was notified that the remains of their beloved brother, Airman First Class Rudy Redd Victor, were found in Wolf Creek, Mont. He was reported as a missing person in 1974 and his case was deemed a cold case after 43 years.
Rudy was in the U.S. Air Force as a First Class airman and stationed at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico.

In June 1974, he was on leave and never returned to Holloman Air Force Base and was reported missing. His late parents, Teddy H. Victor and Voncille Victor, of Shiprock, worked diligently and tirelessly to locate their missing son and it was both of their last wishes that he be found.

Unfortunately, Rudy’s case was inactive for 43 years until his sister, Irene Victor, sought to find her missing brother.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Agent Sgt. Ken Corbett of Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nev., who successfully brought this case to fruition. The family can now celebrate the return of their brother, Rudy Victor, who will be laid to rest in Farmington. The facts surrounding his death are still pending further investigation.

After 43 years of the family praying, there is tremendous resolve and celebration of Rudy’s return back home so that he can rest in the heavenly garden above.

Rudy was born Sept. 24, 1953, in Bloomfield, N.M., and grew up in Aztec, N.M. He graduated from Ignacio High School in 1973, where he was very athletic and participated in football and basketball. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, which he felt a duty to serve his country during the Vietnam War.

Rudy’s clan is Hashtl’ishnii (Mud Clan), born for Tó baazhni’ázhi (Two Who Came to the Water Clan) and Naakai dine’é (maternal grandfather), and Tó dich’ii’nii (Bitter Water Clan and paternal grandfather).

Rudy is survived by his brothers, Stanley Victor of Shiprock, Danny H. Victor of Bloomfield, and Kenneth Victor of Teec Nos Pos, Ariz.; sisters, Annabelle (Raymond) Atcitty of Chaco Plant, Rena Nez of Shiprock, and Irene Victor of Henderson, Nev.; and 27 nieces and nephews and their children.

Rudy is predeceased in death by his mother, Voncille Victor; father, Teddy H. Victor; brothers, Rodger Victor, Larry Victor, and Dann Victor Sr.; sisters, Dorothy, Jayne Ann Kinlicheeni, and Lucille Victor-Benally; and brother-in-laws, Tommy Nez Sr., Herbert Benally, and Kee Littleman.

Funeral service will commence Friday, June 30, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (2100 E. 20th Street) in Farmington, with Deacon Frank Chavez officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Memory Gardens of Farmington (6917 E. Main Street).
Pallbearers will be provided by the U.S. Air Force.

Honorary pallbearers will be Rudy’s brothers, Danny H. Victor, Stanley Victor, and Kenneth Victor, who were very close to him, not only in age, but who he also shared complete brotherly bonds with on an individual basis. His sisters, Anabelle Atcitty, Rena Nez, and Irene Victor will also be honorary pallbearers.

Boris Carlisle Nelson

FORT DEFIANCE — Funeral services for Boris Carlisle Nelson, 52, of Fort Defiance, were held June 26 at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament in Fort Defiance, with Father Gilbert officiating. Interment followed in Fort Defiance.
Boris was born July 30, 1964, in Shiprock. He passed away June 22, 2017, in Albuquerque.

Following high school, Boris attended DeVry University and enjoyed sports (NFL, golf, pool, etc.), computer information systems, and cooking.

Boris is survived by his daughters, Ashley Nelson and Shawna Nelson, both of Red Valley, Ariz.; father, Tom Nelson Jr. of Fort Defiance; and sister, Sonia Nelson of Albuquerque.

Boris is preceded in death by Vida Nelson.

Pallbearers were Jason Bowman, Reggie Brown, Clayton Curley, Jeff King, Darrell Mesa, Sterling Nelson, Lewis Tsosie, and Matthew Willie.

Honorary pallbearer was Tom Nelson Jr.

Silver Creek Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Juanita K. Benally

GALLUP — Funeral services for Juanita K. Benally, 78, will be held today, June 29, at 10 a.m. at the Rollie Mortuary Chapel in Gallup. Burial will follow at the Sunset Cemetery in Gallup.

Juanita was born Dec. 17, 1938, into the Bit’ahnii (Folded Arms Clan), born for T‡baah‡ (Water’s Edge Clan). She died June 26, 2017.

Juanita graduated in 1957 from Phoenix Indian School and received a master’s degree in bilingual and multicultural education in 1990 from the University of New Mexico. She was employed 28 years with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and was employed 21 years as an elementary teacher with the Bureau of Indian Education at Wingate Elementary School.

Juanita was appointed to the Navajo Nation Board of Education from 2006 to 2012 and was a member of the National Indian Education Association from 2006 to 2016. She was also a recipient of the Navajo Nation Gold and Silver Awards in Education from 1984 to 1987, including honorable mentions for oil paintings in the arts category at the Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial.

Juanita was a livestock cattle rancher, jewelry designer, Navajo weaver, oil painter, and loved spending time with her grandchildren and ranch dogs. She enjoyed reading, word puzzles, and was a supporter of gaming casinos and friends.
Juanita is survived by her daughter, Angelita S. Benally; son, Delbert D. Benally; sister, Carol Begay of Albuquerque; and six grandchildren.

Juanita is preceded in death by her husband, Wilmer Benally; mother, Sylvia Arviso Brown; brother, Douglas Tsosie; sister, Loretta Brown Tso; grandmother, Annie Arviso Brown; and grandfather, Phillip Brown.

Pallbearers will be Delbert D. Benally, Kyle W. Tsosie, Ryan Manuelito Tsosie, Dorin Begay, Lance Begay, and Jarrett Benally.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Jermie Nakai Nez

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. — Funeral services for Jermie Nakai Nez, 37, of St. Michaels, Ariz., will be held today, June 29, at 9 a.m. at the St. Michaels Mission Church with Father José Gutay officiating. Burial will follow in St. Michaels.
Jermie was born May 27, 1980, in Gallup, into the T—dich’ii’nii (Bitter Water Clan). He died June 17, 2017, in Orlando, Fla.

Jermie attended Thoreau High School and worked in construction and as a roofer. He enjoyed football, outdoor sports and running track.

Jermie is survived by his wife, Milena Marroquin; sons, Dallas Nez and Austin Nez; parents, Thomas N. Nez and Hellen Keeto; brothers, Jerome Nez, Jamie Nez, and Alex Nez; sister, Margarita Nez; grandmother, Elizabeth Keeto; and grandparents, Tom N. Nez and Mary J. Nez.
Jermie is preceded in death by his brother, Victor Keeto; and grandfather, Henry Keeto.

A reception will take place at St. Michaels Mission following services.

Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

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