Obituaries for March 17, 2016

Irvin Hugh Lynch

HOUCK, Ariz. – Funeral services for Irvin Hugh Lynch, 74, of Klagetoh, Ariz., will be held today, March 17, at 10 a.m. (DST) at the St. Anselm Catholic Church in Houck, Ariz.

Irvin was born Dec. 6, 1941, in Ganado, Ariz., into the Tsénjikini (Honey Combed Rock People), born for Kinlichii’nii (Red House Clan). He died March 12, 2016, in Klagetoh.

Irvin graduated from Valley High School in 1959. He was employed with the State of Arizona, Navajo Nation, Apache County Sheriff’s Department, Apache County Attorney’s Office, and business owner.

Irvin is survived by his sons, Lewis E. Lynch and Gregory J. Lynch; daughters, Shawna M. Lynch and Charnae H. Lynch; sister, Thelma Muther; and 10 grandchildren.

Irvin is preceded in death by his sons, Arnold H. Lynch and Myron R. Lynch; and siblings, Lewis Lynch Sr., Ruth Lynch, Merwin Lynch, Richard Lynch, Lewis Lynch Jr., Freda Taylor, Aurelia Begay, and Mary Lou Weber.

A reception will take place at Klagetoh Chapter House following services.

Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Wilson Pinto

WINDOW ROCK – Funeral services for Wilson Pinto were held March 7 in Window Rock.

Wilson was born July 7, 1927, in Gallup, and attended Fort Defiance Boarding School. He was drafted into the U.S. Army serving two years and was honorably discharged in February 1947. He continued his education at Shalako Indian School graduating in 1949. He moved to Torrance, Calif., learning to lay brick with specialty in building fireplaces. He continued to work, self-employed in the construction field.

Wilson enjoyed his mutton and eating his wife’s cooking, especially her tortillas and fry bread. He also enjoyed driving his convertible, hunting, camping, and the Navajo Tribal Fair and parades. He was an avid Window Rock “Scouts” fan, arriving hours before game time to claim his seat.

Wilson is survived by his wife of 55 years, Leita Brown-Pinto; brother, Senator John Pinto (wife Joanne); and sisters, Elsie Martinez and Eleanor Nelson.

Wilson is preceded in death by his son, Leander Pinto; mother, Ellen Goodluck-Pinto; father, Jim Pinto; sister, Annie Pinto-Jake; and brothers, Bennie Pinto and Juan Pinto.

Pallbearers were Randy Dahozy, Anthony Jake, Erdman Jake, Nevie Jake, Ryan Grass, and Sean Drake.

The family would like to sincerely thank all family and friends for your prayers of support.

Mollie Yazzie Russell

AZTEC, N.M. – A memorial service for Mollie Yazzie Russell, 101, were held March 7 at the Cope Memorial Chapel in Aztec, N.M.

Mollie was born June 3, 1914, in Yoh Tsoh, N.M., located north of Sanostee, N.M., into the Tó’aheedliinii (The Water Flow Together Clan), born for Hooghanlani (Many Hogans Clan). She died March 2, 2016, in Aztec.

Mollie started her career as a baker in Southwest Colorado. She later met and married Harry Russell.

Mollie relocated to St. Michaels, Ariz., where a father from the local church saw her potential and encouraged her to apply for a position with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. With the father as a reference, Mollie started her more than 30-year career with the BIA, which led her to work in various locations such as the historic Intermountain Indian School in Brigham City, Utah, in Leupp, Ariz., and finally to Sanostee, where she retired.

Mollie loved her home in Red Valley, Ariz., and commuted between Sanostee to Red Valley, to raise crops and care for livestock.

Mollie is survived by her son, Rudolph Russell; daughters, Theresa Russell, Ruth Russell and Jane Daniels; brother, Leo Tyler; sister, Betty Yazzie; and nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

Mollie is preceded in death by her husband, Harry Russell; parents, Hosteen Yazzie Begay and Toh-hah-Talhy Bitsih; brothers, James Tyler and Lee Tyler; and grandparents, Yohhatahley and wife.

Cope Memorial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

Ronald Manuelito Sr.

GALLUP – Funeral services for Ronald Manuelito Sr., 62, will be held today, March 17, at 10 a.m. at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup. Burial will follow at the Naschitti community cemetery in Naschitti, N.M.

Ronald was born May 15, 1953, in Gallup, into the Áshiihi (Salt People Clan), born for Kiyaa’aanii (Towering House Clan). His nali is Tl’ógi (Hairy Ones); chei is Hashtl’ishnii (Mud Clan). He died March 10, 2016, in Naschitti.

Ronald attended Haskell College and was employed with Monalet in Laramie, Wyo., as a heavy equipment operator. He was also employed with Union Pacific Railroad. He enjoyed reading, taking walks, playing cards, working on puzzles, telling stories, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Ronald is survived by his sons, Ronald Manuelito Jr. and Justin Manuelito; daughters, Colleen Manuelito, Krystal Manuelito and Rebecca Manuelito; mother, Carol Manuelito; and sisters, Cassandra Manuelito-Kirkvliet, Roberta Manuelito Musser, Eugenia Manuelito, and Brenda Manuelito.

Ronald is preceded in death by his wife, Rosie Manuelito; father, Robert Manuelito; sister, Colleen Manuelito; and brother, Randy Manuelito.

Pallbearers will be Alfred Henry, Jesse Castner, Jason Castner, Art Jones, Edward Yazzie Jr., and Elton Allison.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Ramona Davis

GALLUP – Funeral services for Ramona Davis, 26, were held March 16 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup. Interment followed at the Sunset Memorial Park in Gallup.

Ramona was born Oct. 6, 1989, in Gallup, into the Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan). Her nali is Haltsooi (Meadow People); chei is Tó baazhni’ázhi (Two Who Came to Water). She died March 8, 2016, in Gallup.

Ramona attended Wingate High School and graduated from Central High School. She enjoyed attending concerts, cooking, cleaning, and staying busy.

Ramona is survived by her father, Clifton Davis; mother, Elsie Miller; brother, Dwight Davis; sister, Shawna Davis; and boyfriend, Christopher Etsitty.

Ramona is preceded in death by her paternal grandmother, Dolly Davis; and maternal grandfather, Edison Miller Sr.

Pallbearers were Vernon Lee, Micheal Yazzie, Elvert Cadman, Dwight Davis, Brandon Chee, and Elmert Cadman.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Austin Long Sr.

ALBUQUERQUE – Funeral services for Austin Long Sr., 64, of Albuquerque, were held March 11 at the Daniels Family Funeral Services-Alameda Mortuary Chapel in Albuquerque, with Jones Grayes officiating. Interment followed at the Alonzo Cemetery in To’hajiilee, N.M.

Austin was born into the Kiyaa’aanii (Towering House Clan). He died March 2, 2016, in Albuquerque.

Austin graduated from Wingate High School and was employed in construction, odd jobs and labor. He enjoyed working on vehicles and spending time with his loved ones.

Austin is survived by his sons, Austin Long, Robert Long and Justin Long; daughter, Karen Long; mother, Marie Dempsey; brothers, Ernest Long, Chester Long, Bob Long, and Thomas Long; and sisters, Sadie Long, Helen Long, Jeanette Long, and Elsie Long.

Austin is preceded in death by his wife, Rosita Long; daughters, Sharon Long and Karleen Long; and father, Cecil Dempsey.

Pallbearers were Austin Long Jr., Austin Long III, Ruben Platero, Jacob Long, Otis Livingston, Michael Thomas, Mark Williams, and Ethan Begay.

Daniels Family Funeral Services-Alameda Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

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