Older Obits

Brenda Ellison

Brenda Ellison, 44, passed into eternal rest on Monday, January 3, 2004 in Winslow.

She was born July 12, 1960, a daughter of William and Juanita Ellison. She loved reading, being with her children and music.

She is survived by her sons, Michael Ellison and David Thomas, her daughters Sarah (Mitch) Stapp, Laura (David) Mitchell, and Keisha Thomas and six grandchildren who will all dearly miss her.

Memorial services were held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 205 Lee St in Winslow on Saturday January 8, 2005 at 1 p.m.

The family asks that pink flowers be sent in support of all cancer victims.

Arrangements are under the direction of Flagstaff Mortuary.

Betty Jo Bollin

Betty Jo Bollin, 78, of Winslow, passed away December 30, 2004. Betty was born in St. Johns, June 26, 1926 to George and Dessic Patterson. Mrs. Bollin was preceded in death by her husband Jack and her grandson Robert and is survived by her sons, Bill of Tempe, John of Winslow and Allen of Winslow, 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Funeral Services were held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Saturday January 8, 2005 at 10 a.m. A graveside service was held immediately afterwards.

Arrangements made by Norvel Owens Mortuary of Winslow.

Bernice Begay

Funeral Services for Bernice Begay, 83, were held Thursday, January 6, 2005 at 11 a.m. at the Jeddito Community Church in Jeddito with Pastor Sharon Torbett officiating. Interment was at the Jeddito Community Cemetery.

Bernice was born on December 7, 1921 in Pinon. She passed away in Winslow on January 1, 2005. She lived all her life in Arizona. Bernice was a Navajo rug weaver born of the paternal Cliff Dweller Clan and the maternal Bitter Water Clan.

She is survived by her daughters, Louise Begay of Jeddito, and Irene Walker of Navajo; sons, Tornual Chee of Pinon, Percy Dick Begay of Navajo, Tony Lance Begay of Jeddito, Roger Begay of Cross Canyon and George Chee of Pinon; brothers, Roland Hardy and Donald Chee both of Pinon; 30 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tony Begay, Sr.

Arrangements are under the care of Greer’s Mortuary.

Leota Faye Askins

Leota Faye Askins, 76 of Winslow, died on December 27, 2004 after a lengthy illness.

She was born June 14, 1928 in Byars, Oklahoma to Climmie and Lonzo Hinkle.

As a teenager she and her family moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, where she began working in the shipyards. She later married Osker Lee Askins on April 17, 1948 and began their lives in Alameda, California.

They moved to San Leandro, California. in 1953 and raised three girls, Sharon, Karen and Tamara. Leota was active in the PTA and was a Girl Scout leader among other leadership roles.

She owned and operated various businesses throughout her life focusing on antique shops, new and used merchandise — items that she liked to call “treasures.” She also owned and operated a dry cleaning business.

After the passing of her husband of 23 years in 1971, Leota and her youngest daughter Tamara made their home in Modesto, California. After moving to Modesto, Leota took life by the horns and made her way back to the business world while raising her youngest daughter.

Eventually with life’s turns, Leota moved to Winslow to be closer to her youngest daughter.

Other than antiques, Leota loved to travel, attend auctions, enjoyed the flea markets, yard sales, playing bingo and spoiling her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Leota leaves behind three children, Sharon Cook of Barstow, Calif., Karen Jacobs of Turlock, Calif., and Tamara (Douglas) Solinger of Winslow; seven grandchildren, Cheryl Savarino of Phillipsburg, N.J., David Cook of Bethlehem, Penn., Shannon (Dale) Ables of Modesto, Calif., Richard Webster Jr. of Riverbank, Calif., Amanda (Jason) Romich of Athens, Wisc., Douglas II, and Osker Solinger of Winslow; 10 great-grandchildren; one sister, Devita Tyler of Clear Lake, Calif,; aunt Tina Webb of Shawnee, Okla.; and one uncle, Rev. Archie Beller of Muskogee, Okla.; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Leota was preceded in death by her husband Osker Askins; father, Lonzo Hinkle, mother, Climmie Beller; one sister, Von Della Stone; and brother Lonzo Hinkle Jr.

Visitation will be Wednesday, January 5, from 9-10 a.m., with funeral services starting at 10 a.m. at Norvel Owens Mortuary, 1505 W. Third St. Winslow. Interment will be at Desert View Cemetery. Remembrances may be made for Leota to Tammy Solinger at 414 E. Oak, Winslow.

Arrangements were under the care of Norvel Owens Mortuary of Winslow.

John L. Hernandez

John L. Hernandez, 53, passed away in Ontario, California on December 29, 2004. Services were held January 6, 2005, at 11 a.m. at Norvel Owens Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Bardo officiating.

John attended Winslow schools and graduated in 1970 from Chinle. He attended college from 1970 to 1972 and worked for ASTF from 1973-1974, Purina Ralston in Flagstaff from 1975-1986. He then moved to Ontario, Calif. in 1986 and worked as commercial plumber for 19 years.

John's survivors include three children, John A. Hernandez, San Diego, Calif., Melanie A. Horgan Chandler, Ariz., Jennifer M. Hernandez of Ontario, Calif; three grandchildren who were the bright part of his life, Alyssa Doughty, Josiah Doughty and Shanley Horgan, who he was unable to see. He was also survived by four brothers and three sisters, Carlos Hernandez of Pico Rivera, Calif., Salvador Hernandez of Winslow, Ariz., Albert Hernandez of Grand Canyon, Ariz., Mark Hernandez of Winslow, Ariz., Grace Miranda of Pico Rivera, Calif., Alice Luas of Whittier, Calif., and Mary E. Bennett of Las Vegas, Nev.; aunt Rufijo Patterson of Albuquerque, N.M., and many nieces and nephews from California, Nevada and Colorado.

John was preceded in death by mother, Estella T. Hernandez; Father, Salvador Hernandez; brother, Joe T. Hernandez; and nephew, Jonathan A. Hernandez.

Dewayne T. Clark

Funeral Services for Dewayne T. Clark, 35, of Kayenta, were held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 22, 2005 at Greer’s Mortuary Chapel located at 316 W. Second St., Winslow, AZ. Interment was at Desert View Cemetery.

Dewayne passed away at the Tuba City Medical Center on January 18, 2005 in Tuba City. He was born on May 23, 1969 in Winslow. He attended Winslow Public Schools and graduated from Winslow High School, class of 1989. He was employed by YDT Stucco & Drywall of Chinlee.

He is survived by his parents, Charles and Rita (Billie) Clark of Teesto; his wife Cheryl Charley of Kayenta; sons, Royce Charley and Devaine Clark of Keyenta; brother, Donavan Clark of Teesto; sisters, Charlene Sangster and Marlene Clark both of Teesto.

Arrangements are Under the Care of Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow.

Alice Sangster

Graveside Services for Alice Sangster were held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, January 21, 2005 at the Holbrook Community Cemetery, Holbrook. Interment will follow at Holbrook Community Cemetery.

Alice died on January 19, 2005 at the Winslow Campus of Care in Winslow at the age of 93. She was born on October 11, 1911 near the Jeddito area of Arizona. Her clan was Totsohni and her paternal clan, Todichiinii. She was a homemaker, rug weaver and loved sewing quilts. She lived in White Cone for a lifetime. She has many grandchildren. She was a good wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt.

She is survived by her nieces, Susie Yazzie of Sacramento, Calif., Mary Yazzie of Holbrook; nephew, Gilbert Yazzie of Sanders; sister, Dottie Franklin of Seba Delkai and many grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Keyonnie and Ada K. (Mitchell) Begay; her husband, John Sangster in 1996; adopted son, Tommy K. Sangster in 1979; a brother, Bailey Begay and three sisters, Opal M. Yazzie in 1947, Pauline Roberts in 1989 and Peral D. Vaughn in 1993.

Arrangements are Under the Care of Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow.

Isabel Guerrero Padilla

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated for Isabel “Liz” Guerrero Padilla, 79, on Saturday, January 22, 2005 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with Father Michael Vigil as celebrant. Holy Rosary was recited at 7 p.m., Friday, January 21, 2005 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Interment followed in Desert View Cemetery.

Liz was a loving wife, mother, grandma, sister, aunt and friend to everyone she met. She was active in the community, president of V.F.W. and American Legion Auxilliaries. Liz loved to bake, cook, sew, play bingo and visit casinos with her sisters and kids. Everyone enjoyed her singing and dancing. Many friends were graced with her leading their “wedding marches.”

Her survivors include her beloved husband, Joe Padilla of Winslow; sons, Agapito “Gapo” Tafoya, Joe Guerrero, Eddie Guerrero of Winslow and John Guerrero of Pittsburg, Calif.; daughters, Patricia Guerrero Moreno of Oklahoma City, Okla., and Mary “Coco” Hughes of Winslow and Pat Guerrero of Oklahoma City, Okla.; sisters, Mary Ortega and Theresa Sarabia from Calif. She leaves 34 grandchildren, 72 great-grandchildren, eight great great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in passing by sons, Frank “Cowboy” Guerrero and Gary “Flaco” Guerrero and daughter, Yvonne Guerrero Franks.

Arrangements under the care of Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow.

Cresencio Alvarado

Mass of Christian Burial for Cresencio “Seirgo” Alvarado, 50, was celebrated at 10 a.m., Friday, January 21, 2005 at Madre de Dios Catholic Church with Father Frank Chacon celebrant. Holy Rosary was recited at 7 p.m., Thursday, January 20, 2005 at Madre de Dios Catholic Church. Interment was held at Desert View Cemetery.

Seirgo was born on May 30,1954 in Winslow to Jose M. and Lucy (Lopez) Alvarado. He passed away on January 15, 2005 in Phoenix. Seirgo attended Winslow schools. He then entered the military to serve in the Army for four years.

He is survived by one daughter, Lucy Lynch of Winslow; a brother, Roland Alvarado of Winslow; five sisters, Margaret Alvarado of Tucson, Mary Marquez of Phoenix, Beatrice Lewis of Winslow, Patsy (Robert) Gonzales of Winslow, Jenny Alvarado from Winslow; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Jose and Lucy Alvarado and his brother, Herman Alvarado.

Arrangements are under the care of Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow.

John Chase

Funeral Services for John David Chase of Mesa were held at 11 a.m. February 1, 2005 at the New Life Fellowship Church located in Castlebutte. Interment will take place at the Dilkon Community Cemetery.

John David Chase was born on March 26, 1958 in Flagstaff to parents Fredrick and Mae Chase. He passed away in Mesa on January 26, 2005.

His survivors include his mother, Mae Chase of Black Rock; wife, Terri Nelson Chase of Mesa; daughters, Arlinda Chase, Stephanie Chase and Johanna Chase all of Mesa; sons John Chase, Jr., and Nathaniel Chase both of Mesa; brothers, Samuel Chase of Whiteriver; Frankie Chase of Leupp and Albert Chase of Joseph City; sisters, Sarah Proctor of Payson, Sandie Ray of Mesa, Shirley Yazzie of Whitecone and Janette Yazzie of Holbrook.

Arrangements are under the care of Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow.

Albert Peaches

Memorial services for Albert James Peaches were held on January 31, 2005 at Winslow Presbyterian Church with Rev. David Wallace presiding.

He was born September 16, 1952 and passed away January 27, 2005.

Albert is survived by his parents, Alfred and Jeannette Peaches. Siblings include: sisters, Doris Ross and Terri Peaches; brothers, Glenn and Nathan Peaches. Nieces,Robyn and Christen Peaches and Janet Ross; nephews, Glynn Peaches and Kyle Watchman; grandson, Devon Notah. He was preceded in death by a brother, Vernon Peaches.

The family would like to thank all family and friends for the love, emotional support and their generosity extended during this difficult time.

Arrangements are under the direction of Norvel Owens Mortuary.

Rita B. Begay

Holy Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial Mass for Rita B. Begay, 97, of Greasewood, Ariz. were recited and celebrated at 11 a.m., Tuesday, February 8, 2005 at the Our Lady of the Rosary Mission, Greasewood. Interment followed at the Greasewood Community Cemetery.

Rita B. (Bitsuie) Begay was born on May 4, 1907 in Steamboat of the Arizona Territory. She passed away at the Winslow Campus of Care, Winslow, Arizona on February 3, 2005.

She is survived by her daughters, Mary Jane Yazzie and Mary Ann Begay both of Greasewood; sons, Hoskie Begay of Greasewood, John Leo Begay of Gallup, and Eugene Begay of Sheep Spring. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dewozzie Begay who passed away on November 27, 2003; a daughter, Mary Begay; sons, John Kee Begay and Leo Begay; brother, Chee Biah and grandsons, Frederick Begay and Ronald Watchman.

Arrangements are under the care of Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow.

Patricia Howell

Patricia Jane Howell, age 71, passed away on January 30, 2005 while surrounded by her loving family from complications related to pneumonia. She is survived by her loving husband, Mike Howell, to whom she was married for 52 years. Also at her bedside were her children, Gary, Tom, and Deborah, and respective wives Sue and Renee Howell, and Deborah’s significant other John Kraske.

She was the loving grandmother of Greg and Aaron (Melinda) Howell, Jackie and Amanda Frattali, Danielle McKee and the extended grandchildren Jason (Jen) Benton, Bo (Alicia) Davidson. Pat was the loving great-grandmother of six great grandchildren.

She was a gifted teacher, nurse, and advisor to Tri Delta Sorority at Northern Arizona University, and a volunteer with the Assistance League of Flagstaff. As a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother she will be remembered in our hearts for her unique sense of humor and being a talented cook and seamstress.

Services were held on February 3, 2005 at the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Flagstaff.

Arrangements under the direction of Norvel Owens Mortuary.

Bertha Ann Tso

Holy Rosary was recited and Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated for Bertha Ann Tso, 74, at 10 a.m., Tuesday, February 15, 2005 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Holbrook with Father Bob Mathieu as celebrant. Interment will be in Holbrook Community Cemetery.

Bertha Ann Tso was born on October 31, 1930 in Jeddito, Arizona to father, Jim Shabi and mother, Mike Daughter Frank Russell.

She is survived by her daughter, Fifi Tso of Holbrook; sons, Terry Tso, Sr. of Spider Mountain, Cecil Tso of Whitecone, Kee Tso, Jr., Leon Tso, Harold Tso all of Jeddito; brothers, Hoskie Frank of Jeddito and Richard Frank of Shiprock; sisters, Laura Cleveland of Tuba City; Sarah Begay of Gallup, NM., Minnie Woody, Alice Yazzie and Nancy Nelson all of Jeddito. She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Diana Smith who passed away on August 14, 2004.

Arrangements are under the care of Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow.

Jose L. Ono

Holy Rosary for Jose “Joe” L. Ono, 80, was recited at 7 p.m., Thursday, February 17, 2005 at Madre de Dios Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10 a.m., Friday, February 18, 2005 at Madre de Dios Catholic Church with Father Frank Chacon celebrant. Interment was at Desert View Cemetery with full military honors.

Jose “Joe” L. Ono was born on October 5, 1924 in Peralta, New Mexico to parents Selanio and Eva (Alderete) Ono. He passed away on Sunday, February 13, 2005 in Winslow, Arizona.

He was a WWII veteran of the U.S. Army and was awarded three Bronze Stars for the Campaigns of Rhineland, Central Europe and Northern France, along with, a Good Conduct Medal; American Theatre Campaign Ribbon; European, African, Middle East Theatre Campaign Ribbon and two Overseas Service Badges. He was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Ono worked for the Santa Fe Railroad 35 years as a car inspector until his retirement. He was married 63 years to his loving wife Lucy (Smith) Ono.

He leaves behind his wife, Lucy Ono; daughter, Josephine (Joe) Perez and son, Manuel (Lola) Ono; a sister, Virginia (Guadalupe) Lopez; his grandchildren, Joann (Conrado) Olivas, Paula (Luini) Vargas, Donna (Stephen) Sanchez, Rita (Ben) Montiel, Dolorez (Joseph) Ochoa; Ann Ono (Nick) Arrendondo; Danny Ono and Christopher Ono; great-grandchildren, Martin, Krystal, Hidie, Emilio, Shera, Briana and Miguel; and one great-great grandchild, Isaiah.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Eva Chavez, and step-father, Jose Egnacio, and a sister, Catherine Aragon.

Arrangements are under the care of Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow.

Angela Lee Dixson

Funeral Services for Angela Lee Dixson, 36, of Dilkon, was held at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 18, 2005 at the Jesus BiGhán Mission in Dilkon with Rev. Robert Briceland officiating. Interment was at Dilkon Community Cemetery.

Angela went to heaven on February 12, 2005. She was born on December 17, 1968 in Phoenix.

She is survived by her father, Luther Lee, Sr. and mother, Gertie House Lee; her daughters, Adrienne Lee and Tachisna Dixson; sons, Ian and Uriah Dixson; brothers, Brian and Luther Lee, Jr.; sisters, Pamela Chase and Kristin Lee.

Arrangements are under the care of Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow

Ben Fuson Sr.

Ben Fuson Sr., 87, of Tolani Lake died Tuesday, February 15, 2005 in Winslow. He lived his life to the fullest and enjoyed every moment.

He was born July 15, 1918 at home in the Hard Rock area. In 1945 Ben enlisted with the U.S. Army.

Ben participated in many aspects of rodeo including bareback riding. He also enjoyed basketball and always supported his grandkids in sports.

He worked for Santa Fe Railroad, and Grand Canyon National Park and was a foreman for Boundary Fence in the Winslow, Payson and Navajo Reservation areas. He retired from the Kaibeto Boarding School as a school bus driver in 1987. In retirement Ben enjoyed life at home, caring for livestock and tending his cornfield.

Ben was a much sought after medicine man and hand trembler. People from far and wide respected his healing gifts. He was a devoted member of the Native American Church. While cherishing his time out of doors, he collected traditional herbs and the medicines of Mother Earth. Woodcutting with family members meant a lot to him.

Ben is survived by his wife, Imogene Fuson; brothers, Tom, Billy and Joe Fuson; children, Johnnie, Ross and Benny, Edward, Leon, Thelma Shonnie, Pauline Fowler, Delford, Jonathan and Bonita Mitchell. Ben leaves many children, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Whitehair and Ason Fuson; first wife Georgianna Greyhair; and sisters, Jane and Bunny Fuson.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m., Saturday, February 19 at the New Leupp Presbyterian Church. Interment followed at the family plot on the Fuson ranch.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Norvel Owens Mortuary of Winslow.

James Tucker

James Aldon Tucker, 61, of Winslow, died February 13, 2005 at the Flagstaff Medical Center.

He was born September 20, 1943 in Marilton, Alaska to Hiram and Gladys Tucker. He worked as a roofing contractor in Phoenix before retiring in Winslow.

He is survived by his three children, Tammy Personke of Tempe, Christine Pacheco of Casa Grande, James Tucker Jr. of Glendale, and 11 grandchildren: Robert, Tabitha, Tiffany, Amber, Faline, Jasmine, Martin, Christopher, Zachary, Jesse and Faith.

He was truly loved and will be missed. A private memorial service was held. Arrangements under the direction of Norvel Owens Mortuary.

Wayford Bryant

Funeral services for Wayford Ray Bryant, 50, were held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, February 22, 2005 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Stake Center in Winslow with Bishop Tim DeWitt Officiating.

Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m., Monday evening, February 21, 2005 at Greer’s Mortuary Chapel. Interment was in Desert View Cemetery.

Wayford was born on June 7, 1954 in Clovis, N.M. He went home to be with God on Thursday, February 17, 2005 in Winslow.

He was employed by the ATSF Railway as a Locomotive Engineer and later promoted with the BNSF Railway as a Road Foreman of Engines, a Terminal Manager and as a Trainmaster. He was a Brother in the Masonic Fraternity in Flagstaff.

He loved traveling with his wife and taking care of his yard, plants and pets. He enjoyed coaching and playing soccer. He also enjoyed making crafts and will always be remembered for his yard displays during the Christmas season.

He was not only a wonderful husband, father, son, brother and grandfather, but he was also a great friend. He was loved and liked by everyone. To his family and close friends he was known as “Booger.”

Wayford left behind his loving wife, Sharon; his mother and father, Lavern and Merle Norris; his brother, Mark (Phyllis); his children, Marci (Gilbert), Christine (Mike), Scott, Trevor, Erin (James), and Dacey (Karl), and 13 grandchildren.

He will be missed dearly and kept in our hearts forever. Arrangements are under the direction of Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow.

Vernon Poleheptewa

Holy Rosary was recited for Vernon Phillip Poleheptewa, 12, at 7 p.m., Thursday, February 24, 2005 at Madre de Dios Catholic Church. Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at 9 a.m., Friday, February 25, 2005 at Madre de Dios Catholic Church with Father Frank Chacon celebrant. Interment was in Desert View Cemetery.

Vernon was born on December 28, 1992 in Winslow. He returned to the Lord on February 21, 2005.

He was a sixth grade student at Washington Elementary School where he was known to have the nicest smile and lots of friends. He was recently in a Spelling Bee at school and made it all the way to the Navajo County Spelling Bee.

Vernon liked camping, traveling and being in the forest with his grandfather, Vernon, and cousin, Roman.

He loved to play baseball, basketball and attend Hopi cultural dances with his family. He enjoyed playing video games on Playstation 2 and riding his four-wheeler. He helped his family by chopping wood. He would joke around and play tricks with his grandfather.

Vernon loved to fish and with fishing comes stories. Once Vernon went deep sea fishing with his uncle Raymond and somehow he managed to go overboard and his grandfather had to pull him out of the water.

He is survived by his father, Vernon P. Poleheptewa (Andrea) and mother, Stephanie Naha (Joe); brother, Vincent Poleheptewa; step-brother, Brent Baldwin; sisters, Anastasia, Alanna and Victoria Poleheptewa; step-sisters, Courtney & Brittany Baldwin; maternal grandparents, Nadina Naha & Patrick Howesa; paternal grandparents, Vernon, Sr. & Patsy Polehemptewa; aunts, Karen Howesa, Kimberly Huma, Sarah (Eleo’) Petet; uncles, Patrick Howesa, Jr., Zefferino Naha.

He was preceded in death by maternal great-grandmother, Evelyn Naha; maternal great-great-grandfather, King Naha; paternal great-grandparents, Felix and Viena Poleheptewa, Frank and Sadie Montoya; step-grandfather, Michael Lee; great uncle, Pedro Baca and great aunt, Sadie Montoya.

Arrangements are under the care of Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow.

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