Deaths

• McNeill, Evelyn
• Melton, James
• Pinto, Leaner
• Showa, Ethelyn
  

Evelyn McNeill — Obituary [PDF document]

BLUEWATER — Services for Evelyn Smyth McNeill, 93, will be 11 a.m., Monday July 14, at the Bluewater Ward LDS (Mormon) Chapel, in Grants. A public viewing will be held Monday, July 14 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to the funeral service. Internment will follow at the McNeill Family Cementary in Bluewater, New Mexico.

McNeill died July 10, 2008 in Bluewater, N.M.. She was born Nov. 14, 1914 in Fountain Green Utah..

James Melton

GALLUP — Services for James Fred Melton, 93, will be 9 a.m., Monday, July 14, at the Rollie Mortuary.

Melton died July 8, 2008. He was born Jan. 7, 1915, in Archer City, TX.

Melton worked his way through high school and college. He attended New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, N.M. where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in social studies and education. While in school, he was a Golden Gloves Champion and played football for the university. After graduation he took a teaching position in Gallup. His arrival in Gallup marked the beginning of an exciting and distinguished career. He first worked at Gallup High as a teacher, coach and director of Gallup Summer Recreation Program. When the United States enter WWII, he was commissioned as a lieutenant in the United States Navy where he served in both the Pacific and Atlantic theatres. Being honorable discharged at war’s end, he returned to his teaching career in Gallup and attending the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque during the summer. He received his masters in school administration in 1946. With the birth of his children and realizing he could not support and educate them on his salary, he opened Melton’s Pharmacy which he ran for many years. He was a teacher, principal, and school board member. His greatest memories are the yeas he spent at Tohatchi High School as their principal. The children always came first. Mr. Melton loved his family, the children he taught, his friends, golf, gambling, and gardening. He was an active member of the Elks and Kiwanis International.

Donations may be made to Tohatchi High School in remembrance of this amazing man.

Leaner Pinto

WINDOW ROCK — Funeral services for Leander “Tunny” Pinto, 43, will be 10 a.m., Monday, July 14, at the Community Bible Church, Tse Bonito. The Rev. David Hilderman will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park, Gallup. Visitation will be at Tse Bonito Mortuary from 3-6 p.m., today, July 12.

Pinto died July 10, 2008, in Fort Defiance. He was born Sept. 7, 1964, in Fort Defiance, into the Bitter Water People Clan for the Black sheep People Clan.

Survivors include his parents, Wilson and Leita Pinto.

Pinto was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mae D. Dennison, Jim and Ella Pinto.

Pallbearers will be Ryan B. Grass, Greg Brown, Levon Smith, Benjamin Sean Drake, Galen Pinto Sr., Alfred Mike Jr.

The family will meet at Wilson and Leita Pinto’s residence, Window Rock, at 6 p.m., today, July 12 and 13.

Tse Bonito Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Ethelyn Showa

GANADO — Services for Ethelyn Showa, 49, will be 10 a.m., Monday, July 14, at the Ganado Glory Temple Church. The Rev. Sammie K. Begaye will officiate. Burial will be in family plot, Ganado.

Showa died July 8, 2008, in Ganado. She was born Nov. 16, 1958, in Fort Defiance, into the Edge Water People Clan for the Many Goats People Clan.

Showa obtained her GED and attended Dine College for 2 years. She was a homemaker, single parent, care provider, ARISE Inc., Chinle, Danville Services in St. George, Ut., Shi Heart Home Heat in Fort Defiance. Showa was a member of Glory Temple ministries and helped with Sunday School class. She was a caring and compassionate person. Her hobbies included reading, and crossword puzzles.

Survivors include her sons, Aaron Peshlakai, Robbin Showa, Toby Showa, Ivan Showa, Ian Showa, all of Ganado; daughters, Lisa Draper, Toneva Showa, both of Ganado; brothers, Raymond Showa, Roland Showa, both of Ganado; sisters, Pauline Peshlakai of Ganado, Carletta Gutreiz.

Showa was preceded in death by her mother, Eva Showa; father, Paul Showa; brother, Ronald Showa; sister, Roberta LaRose.

Pallbearers will be family members.

Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.