Deaths

• Ashley, Rudy
• Morris, Thomas Jr.
• Wood, Danasbah

Rudy Ashley

HOUCK — Funeral services for Rudy Eugene Francis Ashley, 23, will be 10 a.m., Friday, July 31, at Assembly of God Church, Houck. Private disposition will be in family plot, Houck.

Ashley died July 24, 2009, in Querino Canyon. He was born July 29, 1985, in Fort Defiance, into the Meadow People Clan for the Towering House People Clan.

Ashley graduated from Chinle. He was a rodeo bronc rider, artist and wrote poetry. He traveled with his family and learned many trades. He was a proud father who loved his son more than anything.

Survivors include his sons, Brendan Bluesky Ashley; parents, Joe Bitsoi, Jeanette Bitsoi; brother, Kevin Bitsoi; sisters, Alcarita Ashley, Karen Bitsoi; grandparents, Larry and Margaret Ashley, Askie Bitsoi of Inscription House, Ariz.
Ashley was preceded in death by his brother, Brendan Bert Francis; grandfather, Edith Bitsoi.

Pallbearers will be Alcarita Ashley, Fred Tso, Malcolm George, Truman Martin Jr.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Houck Chapter House, following services.

Thomas Morris Jr.

ST. MICHAELS — Funeral services for Thomas Morris Jr., 71, will be 10 a.m., Friday, July 31, at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Deacon Mike will officiate. Burial will be in Veteran’s Cemetery, Fort Defiance.

Morris died July 28, 2009, in St. Michaels. He was born April 24, 1938, in Naschitti, into the Hopi (Bluebird) People Clan for the Walk Around People Clan.

Morris attended Wingate High School and Dine College. He was employed as a counselor with Behavioral Health Services, on the Navajo Nation, Tribal Ranger, and Navajo Nation police officer.

He was a private consultant on Native issues, and Native Healing Servant.

Survivors include his wife, Marilyn M. Morris of Window Rock; son, Jonathan T. Morris of Window Rock; daughters, Carol Morris, Vera Morris, both of Gallup, Sandi Wilson of Window Rock; brothers, Franklin Morris of Naschitti, Davery Morris of Thoreau, Arthur Dale of Crownpoint; sister, Loretta Keith of Tucson; five grandchildren.
Morris was preceded in death by his mother, Mabel Dale; father, Thomas Morris Sr.; sister, Grace Peshlakai.

Pallbearers will be family members.

The family will receive relatives and friends at St. Michael’s Summit residence, following services.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Danasbah Wood

COUSINS — Funeral Mass for Danasbah Wood, 86, will be 10 a.m., Friday, July 31, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Cousins. Burial will be in family plot, Smooth Mountain, N.M. A rosary will be recited 9 a.m., Friday, July 31, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

Wood died July 26, 2009, in Flagstaff. She was born Nov. 15, 1922, in Cousins, into the Towering House People Clan for the Black Sheep People Clan.

Wood enjoyed herding sheep, ranching, riding horses and spending time with her family. She loved to go to family events and being around her livestock.

Survivors include her son, Leslie Tom of Vanderwagon; daughters, Marilyn Skeet of Cousins; brothers, Kee Joe Benally of Lupton, Jimmie Joe of Salt Lake City, Utah, Howard Joe of Red Rock, Ben K. Joe of Purty Rock, Leroy Benally of Cousins, Harry Joe of Cousins; sisters, Glassie Saunders of Cousins, Harriet Yazzie of Yahtahey, Louise Platero of Bluewater, Josephine Benally of Lupton; 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren.

Wood was preceded in death by her husband, Dol Tom Wood; parents, Nakee Gee Bah, Descheenie Benally; step-father, John Joe; sister, Ann Shirley.

Pallbearers will be Philbert Tom, Sammy Yazzie, Darrell Chee, Fredson Tom, Bennie White, Calvin Skeet.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Calvin and Marilyn Skeet residence, following services.

Cope Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.