Obituaries for Dec. 21, 2017

Jeannie G. Stevens

LUPTON, Ariz. — Funeral services for Jeannie G. Stevens, 88, will be held today, Dec. 21, at 10 a.m. at the Tse Si Ani Baptist Church in Lupton, Arizona. Burial will follow at the family plot in Lupton.

Jeannie was born Feb. 15, 1929, in Jacob’s Well, Arizona, into the Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan), born for Dibélzhíní (Black Sheep Clan). Her chei is Tódích’ii’nii (Bitter Water). She died Dec. 17, 2017, in Gallup.

Jeannie attended Sanders Public Schools and was employed with the Navajo Nation as a water and lumber hauler. She was also employed as a preschool bus driver for Lupton Chapter, bus driver for Sanders Public Schools, alcoholism counselor for DNA Legal Services, Inc., and as a sugar beet harvester in her younger adult years in Burley, Idaho.

Jeannie was a beautiful and strong woman who always greeted relatives. She embraced the Ke’ concept and stressed to others to do the same. She loved to complete Find A Word puzzles, crocheting, sewing clothes and making quilts. She also loved cooking and making yeast rolls, chili, pumpkin pies and other food entrees. Jeannie was blessed to complete her life as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, relative and a friend to the many people she encountered.

Jeannie is survived by Willard Stevens (Francis), Martiney Yazzie (Peter), Rhoda Yazzie (Bennie), Ronni Wauneka (Sammy), Julius Stevens, Mark Stevens Jr. (Nancy) and Sharlene Kennedy. Jeannie is preceded in death by her parents, William and Yikanasbah Goodluck; and daughters, Darlene Stevens and Edith Baldwin. Pallbearers will be Louis B. Begay, Antonio Carroll, Janell Stevens, Shandell Stevens, Rocco James and Marcus Stevens. Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Rev. Dennis Ray Gardner Sr.

GALLUP — Funeral services for Rev. Dennis Ray Gardner Sr., 77, will be held Saturday, Dec. 23, at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Gallup. Burial will follow at the Free Trinity Navajo Mission in Tohlakai, New Mexico.

Rev. Gardner was born May 28, 1940, in Howard, Pennsylvania. He passed away Dec. 15, 2017, in Tohlakai.

Rev. Gardner served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1958 to 1962. He was a pastor/missionary at Free Trinity Navajo Mission for 46 years and was a member of the American Legion Gallup Chapter, serving as commander. Rev.

Gardner is survived by his daughter, Melinda Copeland; sons, Dennis Gardner Jr. and David Gardner; brother, Jack Gardner; and 15 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. Rev. Gardner is preceded in death by his wife, Marie Gardner; parents, Merrill and Laura Gardner; and seven sisters and three brothers. Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Rev. Laurence “Larry” Harper

GALLUP — A memorial service for Rev. Laurence “Larry” Harper is planned for Saturday, Dec. 30, at 11 a.m. at the Grace Bible Church (222 Boulder Drive) in Gallup. Interment will be private.

In his 88 years, Rev. Harper introduced many people to Jesus Christ. On Dec. 12, 2017, he went to heaven to meet his Lord and Savior in person surrounded by his family in Albuquerque. Rev. Harper grew up in Flagstaff and married the love of his life, Lois Clark, in 1956. He accepted a one-year assignment in Window Rock, where 12 months became six decades in God’s service on and around the Navajo Nation.

A graduate of Northern Arizona University and Dallas Theological Seminary, Rev. Harper served in many capacities at Western Indian Ministries, including Bible schoolteacher, pastor, mission director and radio manager. Three Christian radio stations, KHAC, KWIM and KTBA were founded under his direction. He also assisted in the launch of KIAM in Nenana, Alaska.

Rev. Harper was known for his integrity, hospitality, gratitude, gentle spirit and ready smile. He loved spending time with his family camping, fishing and enjoying the mountains.

Rev. Harper is survived by his wife, Lois Harper; children, Alma Harper, Charles (Cindy) Harper, Yvonne (Dave) Sisk, Priscilla Kinzer, Mary (Rick) Johnson and Joel (Elizabeth) Harper; sister, Marian Barnet; and 11 grandchildren and many close relatives. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Western Indian Ministries in honor of Larry Harper online at www.westernindian.org or by mail at WIM, P.O. Box 9090, Window Rock, AZ 86515.

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