Deaths

• Diaz, Benny
• Jim, Sonny
• Yazzie, Kimburli

Benny Diaz

GALLUP — Funeral Mass for Benny Joe “Boy” Diaz, 65, will be 11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009, at St. Francis Church, Gallup. The Rev. Patrick will officiate. Burial will be in Raton. Visitation will be 3-5 p.m., today, Oct. 28, at Rollie Mortuary. A rosary will be recited 10:30 a.m., Oct. 29, at St. Francis Church.

Diaz died Oct. 23, 2009, in Gallup. He was born Aug. 7, 1944, in Raton.

Diaz was worked at the Little Sisters of the Poor. He enjoyed cooking for his family and being at the casino. His extreme humor and laughter will be missed.

Survivors include his wife, Rose Diaz; sons, Benny Diaz Jr., Frank Diaz; daughters, Rosalie Sheppard, Antonette Diaz; 15 grandchildren; one great-grandchild.

Diaz was preceded in death by his parents, Benito Diaz Sr., Rose Alencia; sister, Emma Sanchez; Ernest Vigil, Gloria Vigil, Richard Diaz.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Little Sisters of the Poor at 1 p.m., following services.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Sonny Jim

GALLUP – A Memorial service for Sonny Jim, 69, will be at 10 am, Thursday, October 29, 2009, in Gallup.

Jim died Oct. 23, 2009, in Grants. He was born Dec. 28, 1940, in Oregon.

Jim was a professional American Indian rodeo cowboy. He was All-Around Cowboy in 1969 and 1970, World Champion Indian Bareback Rider in 1970, World Champion Indian Steer Wrestler in 1982. He was a member of numerous rodeo associations and continued to participate rodeo events professionally to his very last days. He was a man who lived an adventurous life and was well-known in many Native American communities. Jim was an enrolled member of the Modoc Tribe of Oregon. His younger years were spent in Taos, where he graduated from Taos High School. He entered into the rodeo profession and developed a passion for the sport. Jim also toured with the Harlem Globetrotters in Asia. He was a band member for famous Country-Western singers like Waylan Jennings and Willie Nelson.

He participated in the American Indian Movement of the 1970’s and believed in and practiced all Native American traditions and cultural practices.

He was a rancher and horsemen and was well-known for being generous and caring and helping everyone. He had a special connection with children and mentoring young people. He had many adopted children.

Survivors include his wife, Roberta “Bobbie” James; daughter, Sharon LaMothe, Shawna Jim-James, Sonlatsa “Sunshine” Jim-Martin, Valara Jim-James, Tasha Jim-James; sons, Robert James, Jamie Scott, Michael Bones; sisters, Doris Hartshorn, Cheewa James, Viola James; 18 grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Luella James; one grandchild.

The family will receive relatives and friends following the services.

Kimburli Yazzie

SAWMILL — Funeral services for Kimburli Michelle Yazzie, 32, will be 10 a.m., Oct. 28, at Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Church, St. Michaels. Ward Elders will officiate. Burial will be in Sandsprings. Visitation was 9 a.m., today, Oct. 28.

Yazzie died Oct. 24, 2009, in Buell Park. She was born Dec. 13, 1975, in Fort Defiance, into the Bitter Water People Clan for the Black Streak of Forest People Clan.

Yazzie graduated from Window Rock High School and went onto Arizona State University and earned a Bachelors of Science in Psychology. She currently worked with Department of Behavioral Health as a Case Management Specialist.

Survivors include her son, Rudy John Smith Jr.; parents, Virginia M. Benally, Richard Benally; brothers, Verlon M. Yazzie, Derrick M. Yazzie, Kirk Benally, Kevin Benally; sisters, Vikki M. Yazzie, Doreen Begay, Maureen Zamora, Noreen Benally.

Yazzie was preceded in death by John Mike Yazzie Jr., Johnathan Myke Yazzie, George M. Yazzie, John Yazzie Sr., Mary Lee Yazzie.

Pallbearers will be Derrick Yazzie, Verlon Yazzie, Timothy Yazzie, Kimbuilie Yazzie, Eric Yazzie, Rudy J. Smith Sr.

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

Tse Bonito Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.