Janie Ann Acothley-Rhodes
Janie Ann Acothley-Rhodes
WILLIAMS, Ariz. — Funeral services for Janie Ann Acothley-Rhodes are planned for Friday, April 2, at 11 a.m., at the LDS Church in Williams, Arizona.
Janie was born Nov. 15, 1929, to Dan and Sarah Acothley, in Tuba City, into the Tł’ízí lání (Many Goats Clan), born for Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan). She passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 19, 2021, at her home in Williams.
Janie was daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and loving friend to many.
With Janie’s husband, Emerson Rhodes, they spent their life together making and selling Navajo arts and crafts for the 43 years they were married.
Janie is survived by her sons, Dan Rhodes, Robert Rhodes, Todd Rhodes, and Chee Rhodes; and 15 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, two brothers, and two sisters.
Janie is preceded in death by her husband, Emerson; daughters, Rozan Haines and Janet Rhodes; and one brother, three sisters, and parents.
A reception will be held following services.
Vance Lionel Yazzie
Vance Lionel Yazzie
FARMINGTON — A small service for Vance Lionel Yazzie, 29, of Farmington, was held March 21 at the Cope Memorial Kirtland Chapel in Kirtland, New Mexico.
Vance was born Jan. 13, 1992, in Shiprock, to Benson Jim and Angelina Yazzie. He passed away March 11, 2021, in Farmington.
Vance was the only boy of four sisters. He was a loving uncle to his two nephews and only niece.
Vance grew up in San Juan County in Farmington, and enjoyed playing basketball as a child. He loved watching and speaking about Dragon Ball Z and was a fan of World Wrestling Entertainment throughout his life.
Vance attended Ojo Amarillo Elementary School, Kirtland Middle School and Kirtland High School.
As years passed, he decided to join the New Mexico National Guard where he was a transportation driver. He enjoyed driving the military trucks and doing his monthly drills.
While serving for the National Guard, Vance was also working full-time for Aviands, a company that serves school lunches to students in the Farmington School District. He enjoyed working with staff there and making co-workers laugh and helping with what they needed.
After a few years of working, Vance chose not to re-enlist in the National Guard and decided to move and lived in North Carolina and Utah. While in North Carolina, he stayed with his sisters and brother-in-law on a military base.
After a year, Vance then moved to Utah, where he lived with a friend. He held a job there and enjoyed what he was doing at the time.
Vance loved listening to rock and heavy metal and attending concerts with friends. He had many friends throughout the years, giving a positive vibe to anyone who needed cheering up.
Vance loved making everyone laugh, a big jokester. He enjoyed spending time with close friends and relatives and loved to travel where he preferred to be the driver on many occasional trips with family.
Vance, on occasion, would also play Xbox with friends and his nephews when he could. He was a very loving and down-to-earth guy, helping those in need when he could, especially his recent friends who needed a warm place to sleep.
Vance loved his family very much and cared for relatives, near and far. He will be greatly missed by his family and many more.
Vance is survived by his father, Benson Jim; mother, Angelina Yazzie; sisters, Jae Yazzie, Vanessa Yazzie, Clarissa Tamez, and Marissa Jacobson; brother-in-law, Roberto Tamez; nephews, Jaedyn and DaeLeon Sandoval; and niece, Catalina Tamez.
Cope Memorial was in charge of arrangements.
Jerrold Brent Foutz
Jerrold Brent Foutz
HOLBROOK, Ariz. — Jerrold “Jerry” Brent Foutz, 84, was born in Farmington, New Mexico, to Robert Burton Foutz and Helen Decker Foutz. He grew up in Farmington and Kirtland, New Mexico. He passed away March 17, 2021, at his home in Holbrook, Arizona.
Jerry graduated from high school in Farmington, and attended Eastern Arizona Junior College in Thatcher, Arizona, where he met his sweetheart, Mildred Hancock. He then went on to Fort Lewis A & M in Durango, Colorado.
Jerry owned and operated Steamboat Trading Post and Klagetoh Trading Post on the Navajo Reservation for many years. He also owned and operated various businesses in Holbrook through the years.
Jerry and his family have lived in Holbrook nearly 50 years and he loved and contributed to his “hometown” in many ways.
Jerry was known for his firm handshake and his love of his nice custom vehicles with dual exhausts. He was often referred to as “Big Hearted Jerry” and shared his jovial smile with one and all. He was charitable and loved supporting others in their endeavors, and often did so anonymously.
Jerry was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served a full-time mission in the Great Lakes Mission as a youth and also served two senior missions with his wife in the Wisconsin Milwaukee Mission and the Family and Church History Headquarters Mission in Salt Lake City. He served diligently in many leadership positions in the church throughout his life.
Jerry is survived by his wife Mildred; children, Nanette (Ron) McGee, Debra (Scott) Gibbons, Wendy (Stuart) Allan, Julie Berry, Brent (Krista) Foutz, Jason (Sandra) Foutz, and Jeremy (Melanie) Foutz; and 25 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, R.B., Adrian, Decker, and Sandra; and granddaughters, Aryn and Ella Mae.
Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at norvelowensmortuary.com.
Rudy Tom Yazzie Jr.
Rudy Tom Yazzie Jr.
TWIN LAKES, N.M. — Graveside service for Rudy Tom Yazzie Jr., 31, of Hunters Point, Arizona, will be held today, March 25, at 10 a.m., at the family plot in Twin Lakes, New Mexico, with Pastor Fred Bowman officiating.
Rudy was born March 3, 1990, in Fort Defiance, into the Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Tl’ógí (Hairy Ones/Weaver-Zia Clan). He passed away March 12, 2021, at the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque.
Rudy graduated in 2009 from Highland High School in Albuquerque, and earned an associate in liberal arts in 2012 from Central New Mexico Community College in Albuquerque. He was currently working on a bachelor’s degree in linguistics at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.
Rudy enjoyed drawing, painting, making Native jewelry, and selling at the flea market with his daughter.
Rudy is survived by his daughter, Aubrey Annette Yazzie of Albuquerque; parents, Jeanette and Rudy Tom Yazzie Sr. of Hunters Point; sister, Jayme J. Yazzie of Albuquerque; and grandmother, Evelyn H. Yazzie of Twin Lakes.
Rudy is preceded in death by Herbert Yazzie, Jerry P. Yazzie Sr., Jane N. Yazzie, and Jennifer Yazzie.
Pallbearers will be Kaleb Moore, Seth Moore, Zane Ramos, William Yazzie, Casey James, and Jerry Yazzie Jr.
Honorary pallbearers are Jude Yazzie, Tyrone Yazzie, Rudy Yazzie Sr., Dewayne Yazzie, and Richie Ramos.
A drive-thru reception will take place one mile west of Twin Lakes School, following service.
Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Mary Ann Williams
FORT DEFIANCE — Graveside service for Mary Ann Williams, 50, of St. Michaels, Arizona, was held March 23 in Fort Defiance, with Steven Joe officiating.
Mary was born July 21, 1970, in Fort Defiance, into the Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan), born for Tótsohnii (Big Water Clan). She passed away March 17, 2021, in Albuquerque.
Mary was a caretaker who enjoyed cooking and spending time with family.
Mary is survived by her sons, Chandler Bitsuie and Romarow Williams; daughter, Maria Nez; sisters, Linda Williams and Laura Yazzie; and three grandchildren.
Mary is preceded in death by her father, Guy Williams Sr.; mother, Annie Williams; son, Matthew Bitsuie; and uncle, Guy Williams Jr.
Pallbearers were Melvin Williams, Shammond Goodman, Tyrell Yazzie, Davin T. Begay, Anthony Watson, and Bradley Yazzie.
Honorary pallbearers are Alex Williams, Romarow Williams, Gilbert Williams, Chandler Bitsuie, Jasper Williams, and Matthew Bitsuie.
Silver Creek Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.
Richard Holmes Jr.
GANADO, Ariz. — Graveside service for Richard Holmes Jr., 82, of Ganado, Arizona, will be held today, March 25, at 1 p.m.
Richard was born June 6, 1938, in Ganado. He passed away March 20, 2021, in Fort Defiance.
Richard attended Phoenix Indian School and retired as a Navajo Police officer. He enjoyed ranching and farming.
Richard is survived by his sons, Benjamin Holmes and Julius Holmes; daughter, Julia Holmes; brother, Leonard Holmes; sisters, Isabelle Shondee, Louise Denetso, Amy Stockton, and Elizabeth Kuipers; and three grandchildren.
Richard is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Holmes; and son, Virgil Holmes.
Pallbearers will be Lyle Laughlin, Zane Laughlin, Casey Lee, Byron Shondee, Myron Shondee, and Brennan Kee.
Honorary pallbearers are Benjamin Holmes, Julius Holmes, Julia Holmes, and Gregory Holmes.
Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
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