Obituaries for Nov. 26, 2014

James “Chief” Kimble (1924-2014)

LAMAR, Colo. – A rosary service for Lamar resident James A. Kimble, affectionately known to his family and friends as “Chief,” was held Oct. 21, 2014, at St. Frances De Sales/Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with Deacon Allan Medina reciting. A funeral mass followed Oct. 22, 2014, also at the church, with Rev. Charlie Sena as celebrant. Interment followed at the Fairmount Cemetery in the Veteran’s Section.

James was born March 15, 1924, in Houck, Ariz., into the Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan), born for Kiyaa’aanii (Towering House Clan). He passed away Oct. 16, 2014, at his home in Lamar at the age of 90 with his family by his side.

James attended St. Michael’s School in Arizona as a young man. He enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 17, leaving his home on the Navajo Reservation to travel to his enlistment office. After shipping off to basic training where he became a qualified paratrooper, James headed for England with the rest of the 101st Airborne Division, of which he was a member.

James and the other “Screaming Eagles” (a well known term for the 101st Airborne Paratroopers that still lives on today) fought in Carentan, France, during the Normandy campaign. He later went on to perform another combat jump during the Market-Garden invasion of Belgium and the Netherlands. He helped to hold the line against the Nazis as one of the defenders of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge as well.

Following the war, James was honorably discharged and returned home before once again re-enlisting. He returned to occupy Europe, serving in the 82nd Airborne Division as an honor guard under President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

After many years abroad, James returned home and made his home in Lamar and started a family with his wife, Martha Gallegos. Together they had five children.

James went on to work building seven dams in Cattle Dam, Pueblo Dam, Twin Lakes, Lake George, Pourde Dam, Ridgeway and Crystal Dam under the Bureau of Reclamation. He retired making Montrose his new home, where he remained for over 40 years.

James loved to fish, hunt and travel. He loved his pets, especially his dog, Geronimo, and his cat, Kiki. He was a man of many talents, including a great artist and worked concrete like no other.

James returned to Lamar a year ago, so that his daughters could care for him.

James is survived by his children, Ramona (Ray) Orozco and Mary Ellen Kimble, both of Lamar, Gloria Kimble of Pueblo, Colo., and Rosa Kimble of Lubbock, Texas; and 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

James is also survived by his brother, Roger (Wilamena) Nelson of Fort Defiance, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other family and a host of friends.

James is preceded in death by his wife, Martha Kimble; parents, Charlie and Mary (James) Kimble; son, Richard Kimble; granddaughters, Michelle Kimble and Patricia Orozco; grandson, Frank Granados Jr.; and siblings, Tom, George, Leo, and Norman Kimble, May Tso, Louise Francisco, and Sarah Kimble-Arthur.

James’ daughters would like to thank the Lamar Area Hospice Team as well as to everyone who helped care for James.

Arrangements were under the direction of Peacock Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the James Kimble Memorial Fund in care of the funeral home office.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacockfuneralhome.com.

Deshawn Michael Owens

FORT DEFIANCE – Funeral services for Deshawn Michael Owens, 28, of Oak Springs, Ariz., were held Nov. 24 at Our Lady of Blessed Sacrament in Fort Defiance, with Gilbert Schneider officiating. Interment followed in Fort Defiance.

Deshawn was born Jan. 28, 1986, in Fort Defiance, into the Yoo’ó (Bead People Clan), born for Tl’ááshchi’i (The Red Bottom People Clan). He died Nov. 14, 2014, in Phoenix.

Deshawn attended Ganado High School and served in the U.S. Army. He resided in Phoenix and attended Lamson College, ITT Tech Institute, Devry University and the University of Phoenix. He enjoyed spending time with his children, watching football and playing games.

Deshawn is survived by his wife, Sernyi Denise Owens; daughters, DeEnnis, Kamille and Madison Owens; parents, Tina and Michael Dawes; brothers, Matthew Yazzie and Terrell, Terdell, Irwin, and Michael Dawes; sisters, Danielle Yazzie, Tara Yazzie, Quintina Yazzie, Michaelynn Dawes, Sonjia Dawes, Sophia Watson, and Shinaya Dawes; and grandfather, Freddie Owens.

Deshawn is preceded in death by Saraphina Owens and Jason Tungovia.

Pallbearers were Edgar Owens Jr., Christian Werito, Kevin Stevens, Payton Jinnity, Terrell Dawes, and Terdell Dawes.

Tse Bonito Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Louise S. Greene

TORREON, N.M. – Funeral services for Louise S. Greene, 61, of Torreon, N.M., were held Nov. 24 at the Torreon Mission with Jason Carpenter officiating. Interment and a reception followed in Torreon.

Louise was born into the Hashtl’ishnii (Mud Clan), born for Kinlichii’nii (Red House Clan). She died Nov. 19, 2014.

Louise was a homemaker. She enjoyed rug weaving, bingo, casinos and Pueblo feasts.

Louise is survived by her husband, Robert Greene Sr.; sons, Randell, Jerome, Robert and Ryan; daughters, Laverne and Lenora; father, Lincoln Sandoval; brothers, Johnson Sandoval, Andrew Sandoval and Jerry Sandoval; sisters, Dorothy Castillo and Lucy Sandoval; and 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Louise is preceded in death by her mother, Alice H. Castillo.

Pallbearers were Tyson, Mikel, Xavier, Dale, Brandon, and Lance.

Honorary pallbearers were Andrew, Jerome, Randell, Robert, Jaren, Tyrus, Willie, Fred, and Ryan.

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

Emma Nelson Ashley

HOUCK, Ariz. – Funeral services for Emma Nelson Ashley, of Burntwater, Ariz., were held Nov. 21 at St. John Catholic Mission Church in Houck, Ariz. Interment followed at Houck community cemetery.

Emma was born Nov. 12, 1929, in Burntwater, into the Kiyaa’aanii (Towering House Clan), born for Dibélzhini (Black Sheep Clan). She died Nov. 17, 2014, in Gallup.

Emma was employed as a housekeeper, rug weaver and rancher.

Emma is survived by her sons, Clement Ashley Sr. of Houck, and Ronald Ashley of Burntwater; daughters, Virginia Tabaha of Houck, and Arlene Ashley of Burntwater; and 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Emma is preceded in death by her husband, David Ashley; son, Tony Ashley; brother, Joe Nelson; and a grandchild.

Pallbearers were Lyle Tabaha, Lynol Tabaha, Lance Tabaha, Larson Tabaha, Clement Ashley Jr., and Leonard Tabaha.

Tse Bonito Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

George Chee Arviso Jr.

ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. – Funeral services for George Chee Arviso Jr., 61, of Fort Defiance, were held Nov. 20 at the St. Michaels Catholic Church in St. Michaels, Ariz., with Father Patrick officiating. Interment followed at the family plot.

George was born Aug. 19, 1953, in Ganado, Ariz., into the Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan), born for Tódich’ii’nii (Bitter Water Clan). He died Nov. 17, 2014, in Fort Defiance.

George attended Window Rock High School and Diné College. He was employed with Navajo Communications in St. Michaels, Sacred Wind Communications, and Cellular One in Show Low, Ariz. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, watching football and was a New York Giants fan.

George is survived by his daughters, Georgina (Edward) Arviso of Phoenix, Nettie (Claudio) Martinez of Phoenix, and Patricia (Vernell) Begay of Sawmill, Ariz.; brothers, Gilbert Arviso Sr., George David Arviso and Harold Arviso; sisters, Carol Begay and Clarina Boyd; and seven grandchildren.

George is preceded in death by Alexander L. Arviso, Michael Keeto Sr., and parents, George and Mary Alice Arviso.

Honorary pallbearers were Gilbert Arviso Sr., George David Arviso, Harold Arviso, Michael Begay Sr., and Jimmie Bekis.

Tse Bonito Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.