Obituaries for Oct. 27, 2016

Walter Chandler Seal

FORT DEFIANCE — Funeral services for Walter Chandler Seal, 68, of Fort Defiance, were held Oct. 26 at the Presbyterian Church in Fort Defiance, with Pastor James Flores officiating. Interment followed in Fort Defiance.

Walter was born Aug. 12, 1948, into the Hashtl’ishnii (Mud Clan), born for Caucasian. He died Oct. 8, 2016, in Payson, Ariz.

Walter was a Vietnam veteran. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1970 to 1976. He was employed as a science teacher at Window Rock High School. He enjoyed photography, teaching, and reading.

Walter is survived by his brothers, Michael L. Seal and Charlie E. Seal.

Walter is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin L. Seal and Ruth H. Seal; brother, Marvin A. Seal; and grandparents, Alexander Black and Nellie Damon Black.

Pallbearers were Methusela Damon, Timothy Damon, Elijah Damon, Michael Yazzie, Billy Brenner, William Brenner, Robert Brenner, and Thomas Doyle.

Honorary pallbearers were Michael L. Seal and Charlie E. Seal.

Silver Creek Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Hoke Denetsosie

FLAGSTAFF — Funeral services for Hoke Denetsosie, 98, were held Oct. 25 at the LDS Church, Mount Elden Ward, in Flagstaff. Interment followed at the family plot in Tsék’is tohidi (Gap).

Hoke was born in 1918 at the base of the north slope of Gray Mountain, where he was raised herding sheep in his early years. He was born into the Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), the first son of Lena Butler. His father is of the Hashk’aa Hadzohi (Yucca Fruit-Strung-out-in-a-Line Clan). His chei is Tódich’ii’nii (Bitter Water) and nali is Ma’ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass). He passed away peacefully Oct. 21, 2016, at his home in Flagstaff, with his family at his bedside.

Hoke was raised by Tabaahi, Harvey Butler. Hoke graduated from Phoenix Indian School in May of 1938 and was a well-known illustrator throughout his career as an artist. He was very proud of his contribution to bilingual education through development and illustration of material.

Hoke collaborated with writer Ann Nolan Clark to create the “Little Herder” book series about every day of a Navajo girl. He also worked for Dude Larson as a cartoonist and created western humor cards.

Hoke also illustrated “Ordeal of a Young Hunter,” a story of a young Navajo boy’s experiences by Jonreed Lauritzen. From 1960-1964, he worked for the Bureau of Reclamation in the public relations department. It was a rewarding experience for him to create a conceptual view of the Glen Canyon Dam.

In 1967-1969 he had the pleasure of working with Navajo artist Andrew Tsihnahjinnie. They created a series of biographies of prominent Navajo leaders.

Hoke joined the staff at Navajo Community College in 1973, where he worked with Navajo artist Ray Johnson and taught art and Navajo culture.

Hoke has done illustrative work for many other books and publications. He valued his artistic ability as preserving Navajo tradition and teachings for the future generations. He was an avid reader and enjoyed telling stories of his experiences. He was also a rancher and enjoyed taking care of his sheep.

Hoke was a very kind, patient, gentle, well traveled, and educated person.

Hoke’s niece, Arlene Begay Salazar, and family took care of him in their home during the last six years. He was loved by his grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and will be greatly missed.

Hoke is survived by his son Raymond and wife Alberta, of Page, six sisters, two brothers, and numerous nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

Hoke is preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; father, Hashkáán Yazhí; mother, Lena Butler; aunt, Lucy Butler; brother, Norman; and sister, Betty.

Norvel Owens Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Condolences can be sent to Arlene Begay Salazar at abspio@msn.com.

Melvin McKenzie

PHOENIX — A private service for Melvin McKenzie, 72, of Ganado, was held Oct. 14 in Phoenix.

Melvin was born Dec. 10, 1943, in Fort Defiance, into the Tódich’ii’nii (Bitter Water Clan). He died Oct. 12, 2016, in Phoenix.

Melvin graduated from Kirtland Central High School and attended Fort Lewis College. He was employed with Indian Health Service and Bureau of Indian Affairs for many years, retiring as a realty specialist after 30 years. He was a good family man and an avid golfer and bowler.

Melvin is survived by his wife, Glenda McKenzie; daughters, Cynica McKenzie of Winslow, Lisa Lund of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Robin McKenzie of Laguna, N.M.; adopted daughter, Shaunoa McKenzie; stepdaughters, Vanessa Nicklai of Winslow, and Olivia Thirkill of Victorville, Calif.; and sister, Marlene Manuelito.

Melvin is preceded in death by his parents, John and Amelia McKenzie; biological mother, Virginia Nez; and brother, Calvin McKenzie.

Everette Adrian Mann

GALLUP — Funeral services for Everette Adrian Mann, 24, were held Oct. 21 at the Rollie Mortuary Chapel in Gallup. Interment followed at Pinedale New Life in Pinedale.

Everette was born Sept. 16, 1992, into the Tó baazhni’ázhi (Two Who Came to the Water Clan), born for Biih bitoodnii (Deer Spring Clan). He passed away Oct. 16, 2016.

Everette was currently enrolled at the University of New Mexico-Gallup Branch. He attended Mariano Lake Elementary School in Mariano Lake, Fort Wingate Elementary School in Fort Wingate, and Kaibeto Boarding School in Kaibeto, Ariz., graduating from Fort Wingate High School in 2011.

Everette is survived by his mother, Evelyn Mann of Pinedale; sisters, Andrea Mann of Gallup, and Angerine Mann of Albuquerque; and brothers, Jerome Mann of Tucson, and Tyrone Mann of Houston, Texas.

Pallbearers were Tyrone Mann, Jerome Mann, Alvin Nelwoot, Jeremiah Pete, Richard Pete Jr., Shawn Pete, and Samuel Mann.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Joseph Mann Klade Jr.

CHINLE — Funeral services for Joseph Mann Klade Jr., 58, of Chinle, were held Oct. 12 at Our Lady of Fatima in Chinle, with Father Jose Gutey officiating. Interment followed at the Chinle community cemetery with a reception at the Chinle Catholic Hall.

Joseph was born April 26, 1958, in Ganado, into the Kiyaa’aanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tábaahá (Water’s Edge Clan). He died Oct. 6, 2016, in Chinle.

Joseph attended Chinle Unified School District and received his GED from Roswell, N.M. He was employed as a firefighter for U.S. Forestry, EMT, masonry, carpenter, and sheepherder. He enjoyed farming, rodeos, and boxing when he was younger.

Joseph is survived by his sons, Tyson Klade, Alex Klade, Garrett Nelson-Klade, and Tyler Nelson-Klade; daughters, Jackie and Rebecca Klade; mother, Isabelle Deschine; brother, Jerry Mitchell Sr.; sisters, Geneva Toledo, Jofina Mitchell-Lopez and Mae Stensgar; and eight grandchildren.

Joseph is preceded in death by Frank and Rose Mitchell; and Joseph Klade Sr.

Pallbearers were Jerry Mitchell Sr., Chris Toledo, Garrett Nelson-Klade, Tyler Nelson-Klade, Manny S. Lopez, and John Stensgar Sr.

Tse Bonito Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Wilson Dahozy Sr.

FORT DEFIANCE — Funeral services for Wilson Dahozy Sr., 94, were held Oct. 24 at The Family Church in Fort Defiance. Interment followed at the Rainbow Ridge family plot in Fort Defiance.

Wilson was born April 8, 1922, in Fort Defiance, into the Áshiihi (Salt People Clan), born for Tódich’ii’nii (Bitter Water Clan). His nali is Tábaahá (Water’s Edge); chei is Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People). He died Oct. 20, 2016, in Fort Defiance.

Wilson served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was employed as a heavy equipment operator, truck driver, and business owner. He was also a farmer/rancher and All Indian Rodeo Cowboys Association gold cardholder, serving on the AIRCA Board of Directors.

Wilson is survived by his wife, Louva Dahozy; daughters, Katherine D. Arviso, Dinah D. Wauneka and Eva D. Platero; and sons, Wilson Dahozy Jr. and Rodger Dahozy.

Wilson is preceded in death by his parents, William and Rose Dahozy; brothers, Vincent Dahozy and Ellison Dahozy Sr.; and sisters, Lillian Atcitty and Irene Moore.

Pallbearers were Olin Arviso, Oliver Arviso, Kody Wauneka, Duane Platero, Roger N. Dahozy, Wyatt Dahozy, Jason Dahozy, and Brooks Dahozy.

Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Katherine Six Yazzie

HOUCK, Ariz. — Funeral services for Katherine Six Yazzie, 85, of Pine Springs, were held Oct. 22 at the St. Anslem Catholic Church in Houck, with Sister Josephine officiating. Interment followed in Pine Springs.

Katherine was born April 13, 1931, in Pine Springs, into the Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan), born for Tótsohnii (Big Water Clan). She died Oct. 17, 2016.

Katherine enjoyed rug weaving and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Katherine is survived by her sons, Paul K. Yazzie, Peterson Yazzie and Harrison Yazzie; daughters, Elizabeth Ashley, Cecelia Benally and Helen Aseret; sister, Doris J. Dodge; and 18 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Katherine is preceded in death by her husband, Steven Yazzie; father, John Six Sr.; and mother, Mary N. Six.

Pallbearers were family members.

Silver Creek Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

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