Obituaries for March 2, 2017

Wilson M. Halona

GALLUP — Funeral services for Wilson M. Halona, 95, will be held Saturday, March 4, at 11 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Gallup. Viewing will take place at 10 a.m., followed by rosary at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at the Halona Memorial Park in Tohatchi.

Wilson was born Jan. 1, 1922, in Tohatchi, into the Áshiihi (Salt People Clan), born for Tó’áhani (Near the Water Clan). He died Feb. 28, 2017, in Tohatchi.

Wilson is a World War II veteran who served as council delegate for four terms, and Tohatchi Chapter president for eight terms.

Wilson is survived by Kathleen Barton (Ray), Della Halona (Jeremy Vicente), Pernall Halona, Cornell Halona (Mae), and Wade Halona (Delphine); and 16 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.

Wilson is preceded in death by his wife, Ruby A. Halona; sons, Randy Halona and Halver Halona; grandson, Kendall Barton; sisters, Marie Holyan, and Molly Damon; and brother, Alfred Halona.

Pallbearers will be Patrick Halona, Garrett Halona, Derrick Halona, Kenton Halona, Kyle Barton, and Nathan Halona.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Betty Begay

GALLUP — Funeral services for Betty Begay, 80, were held Feb. 25 at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Gallup. Interment followed at the Sunset Memorial Park.

Betty was born Dec. 15, 1936, in Pine Springs, Arizona, into the Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan), born for Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). Her nali is Tábaahá (Water’s Edge); chei is Dibé Łizhini (Black Sheep). She died Feb. 21, 2017, in Surprise, Arizona.

Betty attended St. Anselm Catholic Mission in Houck, Arizona, Riverside Indian School in Anadarko, Oklahoma, Valley High School in Sanders, Arizona, nursing school in Denver, and received her teaching certificate from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff.

Betty was employed as a dorm aide with Pine Springs Boarding School and teacher’s aide at Pine Springs Day School. She retired in 2001 after 40 years of working for the BIA.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, John F. Sam Sr. and Frances Sam; and brothers, John Sam Jr. and Peter W. Sam.

Pallbearers were Gilbert Sam, Jonas Yazzie, Christian Yazzie, Delbert Lewis, Richmond Sam, and Brandon Shorty.

Margaret Clark

CHINLE — Funeral services for Margaret Clark, 50, of Chinle, were held March 1 at the Potter’s House in Chinle. Interment followed in Del Muerto, Arizona.

Margaret was born Sept. 21, 1966, in Ganado, into the Ma’ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass Clan), born for Tó’aheedliinii (Water Flow Together Clan). She died Feb. 23, 2017, in Chinle.

Margaret attended the LDS placement program in Provo, Utah, and received her GED in Blanding, Utah. She attended Gateway Community College and Everest College in Phoenix, and Navajo Technical University in Crownpoint, New Mexico.

Margaret was employed as a CNA in Springerville, Phoenix, and Payson, Arizona. She also worked in medical billing and coding in Albuquerque.

Margaret enjoyed reading, bingo, crossword puzzles, drawing, and making jewelry. She was an avid Denver Broncos fan and her most treasured time was spent with her grandchildren.

Margaret is survived by her husband, Kelvin Watchman; sons, Montino Hardy, Kevin Watchman and Chiloh Watchman; daughter, Tiffany Hardy; stepdaughter, Rochelle Watchman; and four brothers, five sisters, and 13 grandchildren.

Margaret is preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Zonnie Clark, three brothers, and stepdaughter.

Pallbearers were Montino Hardy, Kevin Watchman, Jeremiah Ned, Jayrando Woody, David Charley Jr. and Herman Beno Yazzie.

Honorary pallbearers were Kelvin Watchman, Chilo Watchman, James Clark, Jackson Clark, Leonard Teller, Tyrone Begay and Colin Clark.

Silver Creek Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Allen Y. Nez

GALLUP — Funeral services for Allen Y. Nez, 82, were held Feb. 24 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup. Interment followed at the family cemetery in Coyote Canyon, New Mexico.

Allen was born Sept. 9, 1934, in Hard Rock, Arizona, into the Tl’ááshchi’i (Red Bottom People Clan), born for Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle Clan). His nali is Chishi Dine’é; chei is Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House). He died Feb. 18, 2017, in Albuquerque.

Allen attended and completed the five-year agriculture program at Sherman Institute in California. He served in the U.S. Army with the 501^st Airborne Infantry.

Allen is survived by his wife, Alice M. Nez; son, Ronald Nez; and daughters, Sophia Boyd and Brenda Nez.

Allen is preceded in death by his father, Tsedeshgeshnii Nez; mother, Katie Y. Nez; son, Arnold Y. Nez; and brother, Leonard Nez.

Pallbearers were Xavier Nez, Tyler Nez, Andrew Boyd, Daniel Boyd, Darrin Clyde, and Donavon Clyde.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

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