Deaths

• Begay, Thomas Sr.
• Benally, Irene
• Thompson, Mary
• Yazzie, Christine

Thomas Begay Sr.

CHINLE — Funeral services for Thomas H. Begay Sr., 91, will be 10 a.m., Monday, Sept. 14, at Black Mountain Mission, Chinle. Daniel Smiley will officiate. Burial will be in family plot.

Begay died Sept. 9, 2009, in Cottonwood, Chinle. He was born Jan. 15, 1918, in Black Mountain, into the Bitter Water People Clan for the Tah-Chee-nee People Clan.

Begay was a rancher who loved horseback riding, going out for song and dance, and competing in other social activities. He loved his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Hilda R. Begay of Black Mesa; sons, Melvin J. Bee Sr., Calvin J. Begay Sr., Kenneth Begay, Elvand R. Begay, Thomas H. Begay Jr., all of Cottonwood; daughters, Marlene Begay, Priscilla Charley of Cottonwood, Darlene Sorenson of Beryl Junction, Utah, Pearl White Hair of Flagstaff; brothers, Fred Jones of Crystal; sisters, Alice Woods of Sawmill, Lillie Lee of Blue Gap, Lillian Steve of Blue Gap.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Calvin James Begay Sr. residence, following services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Calvin Jones Begay Sr.

Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Irene Benally

NASCHITTI — Services are pending for Irene Benally, 78.

Benally died Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009, in Albuquerque. She was born March 11, 1931, in Naschitti.

A family gathering will be 6 p.m., tonight, Sept. 11, at Naschitti Chapter House.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Mary Thompson

CHINLE — Funeral services for Mary Nez Thompson, 79, will be 10 a.m., Sept. 14, at Tsyei bi’ da’ Del Muerto. Burial will be in Del Muerto Community Cemetery.

Thompson died Sept. 8, 2009, in Peoria, Ariz. She was born June 15, 1930, in Canyon Del Muerto, into the Coyote Pass People Clan for the Charcoal Streaked Division of the Red Running Into the Water People Clan.

Thompson worked at Paul Tso Cafe in the mid 60’s. She made quilts, shash belts, rugs and did silversmithing.

Survivors include her sons, Sammie Thompson, Albert Thompson, John Nez, Roger Nez; daughters, Mabelle Benally, Carol Yazzie of Chinle, Loretta Nez of Shiprock, Tilla Nez of Chinle, Karen Begay of Chinle; brother, Kee Chee Anagal Sr.; 55 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren.

Thompson was preceded in death by her mother, Alice Chee; brothers, Hoskie Anagal, Luke Yazzie; three grandchildren.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Cheryl Bochclonny residence in Del Muerto.

Tse Bonito Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Christine Yazzie

THOREAU — Funeral services for Christine W. Yazzie, 88, will be 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 12, at Thoreau Church of God. The Rev. Russeu Barker will officiate. Burial will be in Thoreau Cemetery, Thoreau.

Yazzie died Aug. 8, 2009, in Grants. She was born July 4, 1921, in Thoreau, into the Two Who Came to the Water People Clan for the Salt People Clan.

Yazzie was a homemaker, rancher, silversmith and rug weaver. She enjoyed participating in traditional ceremonies, powwows, round dances and the company of her family.

Survivors include her son, David C. Yazzie of Thoreau; sister, Ruby Yazzie of Thoreau; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren.

Yazzie was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Anna Williams; two brothers; two sisters; two sons; two daughters; first husband, Charlie Yazzie; previous husband, Hoskie Yazzie; grandfather, Joe Jim.

Pallbearers will be Melvin Williams, Alexander N. Williams, Matthew J. Williams, Private Nicholas B. Kien, Robin Jay Swan.

The family will receive relatives and friends at 1 p.m., at Thoreau Chapter.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.