Obituaries for May 30, 2024 - Navajo Times (2024)

Jennie L. Becenti

GALLUP — Funeral services for Jennie L. Becenti, 95, of Becenti Lake, New Mexico, will be held Friday, May 31, at 10 a.m., at the Rollie Mortuary Chapel in Gallup, with Pastor Matthew Holtsoi officiating. Burial will follow at the Sunset Memorial Park in Gallup.

Jennie was born Nov. 20, 1928, in Crownpoint, N.M. into the Tł’ááshchí’í (Red Bottom People Clan), born for Naasht’ézhí (Zuni Clan). She passed away May 22, 2024, in Albuquerque.

Jennie had a 4th grade education from Wingate Boarding School and was a homemaker. She worked for the Crownpoint Foster Grandparent Program for a few years.

Jennie attended the First Navajo Baptist Church and enjoyed ranching, weaving rugs, sewing, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Jennie is survived by her sons, Larry Becenti and Ted Becenti; daughters, Alberta Becenti and Belinda Becenti; and six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Jennie is preceded in death by her husband, Bob B. Becenti; son, Chester Becenti; and daughters, Ida Becenti and Amanda B. Givens.

Pallbearers will be Larry Becenti, Bill Becenti, Christopher Becenti, Bob Givens, Isasis Becenti, and Isaac Becenti.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jake Rundle, Zachariah Becenti, Skylar Werito, and Matthew Werito.

A reception will take place at the Grace Navajo Baptist Church (79 Mentmore Road) in Mentmore, New Mexico, following services.
Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Grace A. Begay

LOWER GREASEWOOD, Ariz. — Funeral services for Grace Ann Begay, 81, of Gallup, will be held Thursday, June 6, at 10 a.m., at the Mennonite Mission in Lower Greasewood, Arizona, with Kylan Swarey officiating. Burial will follow at the Lower Greasewood cemetery.

Grace was born Dec. 5, 1942, in Lower Greasewood, into the Mą’ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass Clan), born for Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan). She passed away May 26, 2024, in Gallup.

Grace enjoyed making friends, beading, reading, traveling, cooking, crocheting, and puzzles.

Grace is survived by her sons, Barton Begay, Kent Begay, Victor Begay, Everett Begay, and Leslie Begay; brother, Wallace Betahy of Whitecone, Arizona; sister, Alta Toney of Snowflake, Arizona; grandfather, Ahasteen Gishey of Lower Greasewood; and 17 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Grace is preceded in death by her husband, Pastor Kee LaGai Begay Sr.; daughter, Thomasita Dixie Ann Begay; son, Kee LaGai Begay Jr.; parents, Demp Bitahey and Minnie Wards; and Douglas Bitahy and Pauline Begay.

Pallbearers will be Victor Begay, Kent Begay, Bahe Manygoats, Orlando Paisano, and Frank Joey.

Honorary pallbearer will be Wallace Bitahy.

A reception will take place at the Lower Greasewood Mennonite Mission following services.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

David M. Chee

SMOKE SIGNAL, Ariz. — Funeral services for David Morgan Chee, 74, of Cow Springs, Arizona, will be held Saturday, June 1, at 11 a.m., at the Smoke Signal Nazarene Church in Smoke Signal, Arizona, with Ron Little officiating. Burial will follow at the family plot in Cow Springs.

David was born June 7, 1949, in Keams Canyon, Arizona, into the Tótsohnii (Big Water Clan), born for Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). He passed away May 24, 2024.

David attended high school at Fort Sill Indian School in Lawton, Oklahoma, and served in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1971. He was a rancher who enjoyed making jewelry, metal working and the industrial arts.

David is survived by his wife, Mary Lena Chee; sons, Gerald Chee, Calvin Chee and Julian Chee; daughters, Christina Wallen and Tina Chee; sisters, Maggie Keams and Mary Chee; and 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

David is preceded in death by his mother, Ruth M. Chee; father, John K. Chee; and Bessie Bydone, Marie Chee, Thomas L. Chee, and Clifford Y. Johnson.

Pallbearers will be Tamara Chee, Gerald Chee, Julian Chee, Randy Gene, Roger Bydone, and Elwood Begay.

Honorary pallbearers will be Kelvin James and Franklin Chee.

A reception will take place at the Smoke Signal Nazarene Church Fellowship Hall following services.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Francine Catron Williams

TOHATCHI, N.M. — Funeral services for Francine Catron Williams, 98, of Mexican Springs, New Mexico, were held May 24 in Tohatchi, New Mexico. Interment followed in Mexican Springs.

Francine was born July 1, 1925, in McKinley County, into the Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flow Together Clan), born for Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan). She passed away May 21, 2024, in Gallup.

Francine worked as a secretary, stenographer, transcriber, office clerk, census and tribal clerk, and volunteer. She enjoyed crocheting, crossword puzzles, reading novels, traveling, and storytelling.

Francine is survived by her son, Doug Williams; and two grandchildren.

Francine is preceded in death by Frank Catron, Olive Catron, Albert L. Williams, and five brothers and sisters.

Pallbearers were Doug Williams, Scott L. Williams, Robert Catron, James Ainsworth, Nathan Nez, and Latham Nez.

Rollie Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

Leanderson Shay

GANADO, Ariz. — Graveside service for Leanderson “Bandit” Shay, 39, of Ganado, Arizona, was held May 27 at the Ganado community cemetery with Peter Lee Yazzie officiating.

Leanderson was born Dec. 16, 1984, in Chinle, into the Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Tótsohnii (Big Water Clan). He passed away May 20, 2024, in Farmington.

Leanderson attended Ganado High School and worked with KTNN, KGAK, and recently started working for KYAT radio station. He loved being a DJ, listening to music, dancing, and spending time with family and friends.

Leanderson is survived by his mother, Geraldine Shay; brothers, Jerrold Begay and Leander Shay; sister, Jerelynn Begaye; nieces, Jesheena Benally and Jaeshauna Begaye; and grandparents, Glennabah Begay and Nelson Tsosie, and Glen Yazzie Shay and Ben Shay.

Leanderson is preceded in death by his father, Bennie Shay; and brother, Leandrew Shay.

Pallbearers were Davey Kinlichee, Larrick Shephard, Keith Esitty, Jerrick Benally, Cole Cleveland, and Mitchell Yepa.

Honorary pallbearers were Jerrold Begay and Leander Shay.

Silver Creek Mortuary oversaw arrangements.

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