Obituaries for March 23, 2017

Wilford Yazzie

NEWCOMB, N.M. – A memorial service for Wilford “Wil” Yazzie was held March 11 at the Newcomb Assembly of God in Newcomb, with Pastor Duane Hammond officiating. Interment took place March 8 at the Newcomb community cemetery.

Wil was born Feb. 22, 1946, in Phoenix. He passed away March 6, 2017.

Wil grew up in Shiprock, and attended high school at Chilocco Indian School in Oklahoma. Later he received his degree in social work from the University of Cincinnati.

Wil was known as “Roho” during his years on the streets, in prison, and struggling with addiction in Farmington, and later in Long Beach, Calif. In 1978, he married Linda Amyx Yazzie of Cincinnati, Ohio. They divorced in 1980.

For the next 28 years, Wil founded social programs for Native Americans in California and acted in movies, television, and commercials. However, he continued to struggle with addiction until he surrendered his life to Jesus Christ and was set free from his self-abusive lifestyle choices.

In 2008, Wil and Linda re-married in Cincinnati. In 2010, they moved to Newcomb, where Wil used his personal past experiences to counsel people dealing with issues in a program he founded, “Christ Is The Answer,” which continues at the Newcomb Assembly of God.

In 2012, Wil’s book, “Total Pardon: An Extraordinary Love Story” by Wil and Linda Yazzie and Jodie Randisi was published. It tells the story of his many struggles since childhood and deliverance (a total pardon) through his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It also tells of their extraordinary love story and the miraculous restoration of marriage for Wil and Linda. It has been used to help many people, including those in prison.

As a result of the book, Wil and Linda appeared on the “700 Club” T.V. program, at churches, libraries, and in several newspaper articles, including one in the Navajo Times.

In 2014, Wil became a minister with the Congregational Methodist Church and realized his dream of seeing the Newcomb Congregational Methodist Church built in 2016. He loved being a pastor and had a true shepherd’s heart.

On March 6, 2017, Wil was promoted to glory and heard the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

Wil is survived by his loving wife, Linda; brothers, Chester Yazzie and Tony Yazzie; and sister, Victoria Yazzie.

Wil is preceded in death by his parents, Johnson and Edna Chee Yazzie; brother Milton (“Steve”) Yazzie; and sister Helen Yazzie.

Dollie L. Beaver

FLAGSTAFF – Funeral services for Dollie L. Beaver, 88, of Leupp, Ariz., were held March 20 at the Norvel Owens Mortuary in Flagstaff, with Ellen George officiating. Interment followed at Citizens Cemetery in Flagstaff.

Dollie was born April 11, 1928, in Leupp, into the Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together Clan), born for Tsi’naajínii (Black Streak Wood People Clan). She died March 17, 2017, in Phoenix.

Dollie completed the 12th grade as well as one year at Las Vegas College in Las Vegas, N.M., and was a welfare caseworker for over 20 years working with Diné all across the Navajo Reservation. She enjoyed weaving rugs, café cooking, and bead working after retirement from welfare work.

Dollie is survived by her children, Marlene Smith, Janie Brown, Allison June, Ellen George, Alden June, and Dolly Beaver; sister, Delores McCabe; adopted brother, Jimmie Wilson; and 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Dollie is preceded in death by her parents, Jim Long and Mary Wilson; husband, William T. Beaver; sister, Helen George; and brother, Wayne Long

.

Honorary pallbearers were Allison June, Michael George, Daniel George, Eric Smith, Ryan June, and Johnny J. Nunez.

Norvel Owens Mortuary was in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family online at www.norvelowensmortuary.com.

Dr. Loretta Ortiz y Pino

TAOS, N.M. – A public memorial celebration for Dr. Loretta Ortiz y Pino, 63, will be held Sunday, March 26, at 3 p.m. at the Sagebrush Inn Conference Center in Taos, N.M.

Loretta was born and raised in Santa Fe, to a family that has been in New Mexico for about 13 generations. She passed away from ovarian cancer at her home in Taos on Feb. 28, 2017.

Loretta attended Loretto Academy and graduated from St. Michael’s High School in 1971. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of New Mexico and her M.D. from Stanford. She completed her pediatric residency at the University of Colorado, Denver, where she also served as chief resident. She then served four years as a pediatrician with IHS on the Navajo Reservation in Shiprock.

From 1990-1991, Loretta lived in Nicaragua as a visiting teacher and liaison between UNM Medical School and the medical schools in Managua and León.

Loretta moved to Taos in 1991, joining Dr. Charlie Anderson in his pediatric practice, Taos Clinic for Children and Youth, and eventually co-owning the practice until 2005. In 2006, she co-founded Sustainable Health Innovations, LLC, for the purpose of educating health care practitioners in integrative medicine. From 2007-2011, she was a consultant pediatrician at the Taos-Picuris Indian Health Center.

Loretta served as Holy Cross Hospital’s chief medical officer from 2011-2015, where she was the director of the integrative CARE team. She served many years on various boards and committees, including Integrative Medicine de Taos, the Quail Roost Foundation, Community Against Violence, Taos Maternal and Child Health Committee, Taos Child Protection Team, Shiprock Home for Women and Children, and was appointed a trustee by Gov. Bill Richardson for the New Mexico Children’s Trust Fund.

Loretta comes from a long line of explorers, historians, politicians, teachers, herbalists, and curanderos. She apprenticed with a curandera for over 10 years.

Loretta is survived by her beloved wife, Melissa Kennelly; siblings, Sen. Jerry Ortiz y Pino (Donna Bruzzese), Louise Stevenson, Michael Ortiz y Pino, Roberta White, and Paul Ortiz y Pino (Jana); 14 nieces and nephews; over 30 great-nieces and great-nephews; an extended family of nieces and nephews through Callie and Melissa; and many, many close, loving friends.

Loretta is preceded in death by her parents, Pedro Ortiz y Pino of Galisteo and Evangeline Ortiz y Pino (Blanchard) of Romeroville; and by her former partner Callie Williams, who died of brain cancer five years prior to Loretta’s passing.

Sharon Dela Richards

GALLUP – Funeral services for Sharon Dela Richards, 82, were held March 21 at the First Baptist Church in Gallup. Interment followed at Sunset Memorial in Gallup.

Sharon was born July 18, 1934, in Peru, Neb. She passed away March 16, 2017, in Gallup.

Sharon was born and raised in south central Nebraska, relocating to the southwest in the mid-60s. She was councilor for the City of Gallup, McKinley County commissioner, president of Gallup Chamber of Commerce, and owner/operator of Earl’s Family Restaurant for 45 years, which won New Mexico Restaurant of the Year.

She was also a founding member of the New Mexico National Hispanic Cultural Center and board member for the New Mexico Department of Public Safety and New Mexico State Restaurant Association.

Sharon is survived by her spouse, Ivan Stearns; daughter, Sharol L. Richards; and sons, Steven M. Richards and Ralph A. Richards.

Pallbearers were Brett Newberry, Bob Rosebrough, Steve Gurley, Joe Hill, Alex Arrequin, and Mario Trejo.

Honorary pallbearers were Herman Livingston and Brian Orille.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Hilda Chase

WINSLOW, Ariz. – Funeral services for Hilda Chase will be held today, March 23, at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church on Warren Avenue in Winslow, Ariz. Burial will follow at the Desert View Cemetery.

Hilda was born Nov. 29, 1921, at Seba Dalkai Mountain. She went home to be with her Lord and Savior on March 19, 2017.

Hilda attended boarding schools at Keams Canyon, Leupp, and Tuba City. After leaving school, she worked at various jobs in Winslow, and at the Army Depot in Belmont.

After Hilda married the love of her life, Harry Chase Sr., she worked for the Wessons who owned and operated the Leupp Corner Trading Post. When her husband was honorably discharged from military service, they moved to Fort Worth, Texas, for a short time. Upon returning to Arizona, they operated the Naa Atee Trading Post for Lorenzo Hubbell. When Harry was employed by Leupp EI Paso Natural Gas Company, Hilda became a stay at-home mom, raising eight children.

In 1954, she came to know Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior. Both she and her husband ministered the gospel at Canyon Diablo, Finger Point, Teesto, and Dilcon. At home, Hilda taught her children to sing hymns in the Navajo language and would sing with them at church, conferences, and camps.

With the Navajo/Hopi Relocation Act, Hilda relocated to Winslow, where she lived the rest of her life.

Of her four siblings, Hilda is survived by one sister and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by seven of eight children, 23 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

A potluck reception will be held at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall following services.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Greer’s Mortuary.

Oscar E. Merrill

GALLUP – Funeral services for Oscar E. Merrill, 78, were held March 17 at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Gallup. Interment followed at the family plot on Skeets Road.

Oscar was born Feb. 19, 1939, in Two Wells, into the Bit’ahnii (Folded Arms Clan), born for Tsenabahilnii (Sleep Rock People Clan). His nali is Dibélzhini (Black Sheep); chei is Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House). He died March 13, 2017, in Albuquerque.

Oscar was an electrical contractor and owner of Merrill’s Electric. He dedicated his electrical services to the communities of the Navajo Nation and the Northern Pueblos. He shared his knowledge of electrical wiring to his family and many became journeyman electricians. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and tending to his cattle.

Oscar is survived by his wife, Maxine; children, Clarice Merrill, Cheryl Sanchez, Clorinda Merrill, Carol Persinger, and Oscar Merrill Jr.; sisters, Hasbah Benally, Helen Burbank, Mary Tomiche, Julia Haley, and Marilyn Towery; six stepsisters, three stepbrothers, 13 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.

Oscar is preceded in death by his father, Tom Chee Sr.; mother, Tanabah Benallie; stepmother, Marie Skeet; and brothers, Peter Chee and Jones Chee.

Pallbearers were Matt Blackmon, Richard Sanchez, Rudy Sanchez III, Ramon Sanchez, Renaissance Persinger, and Maurice Chee.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Shirley Ann Bowman

GALLUP – Funeral services for Shirley Ann Bowman, 68, were held March 13 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Gallup. Interment followed in Tohatchi.

Shirley was born Feb. 25, 1949, in Rehoboth, into the Tsenabahilnii (Sleep Rock People Clan), born for Bit’ahnii (Folded Arms Clan). Her nali is Tódich’ii’nii (Bitter Water); chei is Áshiihi (Salt People). She died March 8, 2017, in Crownpoint.

Shirley attended Church Rock Elementary School and Jefferson Elementary School, graduating from Wingate High School in 1967. She attended college at Western University in Silver City, N.M., University of New Mexico-Gallup Branch, and Diné College in Tsaile, Arizona.

Shirley was employed with the Gallup Independent newspaper, Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington, D.C., teacher assistant at Chuska Boarding School in Tohatchi, Navajo/cultural teacher at Crownpoint Community School, language/cultural teacher at Diné College-Crownpoint, Navajo language professor at Navajo Technical University, Highlands University, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Duke University, University of New Mexico, Harrisburg University, and University of Southern California (Berkeley).

Shirley was also an author and editor of numerous publications. She enjoyed weaving, gardening, traveling, cooking, and reading. She mentored to undergraduate students from various universities and colleges.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Debbie L. Begay; and sons, Charley H. Begay Jr., Hagan H. Begay and Derek H. Begay.

Pallbearers were Damian Arthur Abeita, Cameron James Abeita, Derrick Begay, Darr Gee, Jeremy Gee, and Justin Capitan.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

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