Lawrence L. Sells
Lawrence L. Sells
FARMINGTON — Lawrence Lee Sells, 87, passed away July 13, 2021, at the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque, with his wife and daughter at his side. He was born March 7, 1934, at home in Shiprock, to Cato and Mary (Johnson) Sells.
Lawrence spent his childhood in Shiprock, playing with siblings and neighboring kids on the farm he was supposed to be working on. He told stories of swimming in the San Juan River and climbing the underside of the bridge to its center for the free-fall to the water below. He would sit in trees that hung over the main street in Shiprock, watching wagons travel through town, occasionally hoping a short ride.
Lawrence attended Farmington High School, where he played basketball and football, graduating with the class of 1952. Following high school, he enlisted in the Army, proudly serving as a certified paratrooper.
After an honorable discharge, Lawrence continued his education at the University of New Mexico where he majored in business. His work was focused on business development and was employed with companies that sent him to live in Mountain View, California, Denver, Colorado, and Window Rock.
After Lawrence retired from Economic Development at the Navajo Tribe, he settled in the northwest area of Albuquerque, and spent his time golfing and attending sporting events — usually rooting for his Lobos teams. He was also a loyal Denver Broncos fan, influencing his children to be loyal fans as well.
Through his adulthood, Lawrence remained physically active, hitting ski slopes all over Colorado and New Mexico, participating in men’s basketball leagues and even joining forces with his wife, Jeanette, to play in a volleyball league.
As a parent, Lawrence enjoyed volunteering his time to help with his children’s school events. When his sons were involved in BMX racing, he spent every weekend on the tracks for years, cheering them on and supporting their love of racing. He loved his family and spending summers with them at the annual reunion in Vallecito, Colorado, fishing, rafting, barbecuing, and participating in late night poker games.
Lawrence was extremely social. He was good at telling jokes and was a captivating storyteller. He was a staple at local rock shows around Albuquerque, supporting his sons’ band, Black Maria, and attending music performances or sporting events to cheer on his granddaughters.
When feeling creative, Lawrence would spend time making Navajo jewelry that he either gave to family and friends or sold. It wasn’t unusual to see him with his earphones on, listening to hours of jazz, occasionally getting caught dancing to the kitchen for snacks. If he wasn’t reading the newspaper with a cup of coffee first thing in the morning, he was pushing family members to join him for breakfast at one of his many favorite Mexican restaurants.
Cherished and loved by all who encountered him, Lawrence will be missed immensely and remembered with smiles.
Lawrence is survived by his wife, Jeanette Sells; sons, Terry Sells and Brent Sells; daughters, Lynne Cappleman (Frank), Joan Sells, and Teresa Sells-Lowery (Mike); sister, Joy Hanley (Benjamin); and eight grandchildren and two great-granddaughters.
Lawrence is preceded in death by his parents, Cato and Mary (Johnson) Sells; brother, Wilbur Sells; sisters, Vera Leuppe (Edward) and Barbara Thompson (David); and son, William Sells.
Lawrence’s wish was to be cremated. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Oct. 16, at 10 a.m., at First Presbyterian Church (865 N. Dustin Ave.) in Farmington, followed by the burial of his ashes at Memory Gardens.
Phil G. Sanchez Jr.
Phil G. Sanchez Jr.
GALLUP — Funeral services for Phil G. Sanchez Jr., 45, of Mexican Springs, New Mexico, were held Oct. 6 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Harry Plummer officiating. Interment followed in Mexican Springs.
Phil was born July 8, 1976, into the Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Naakai dine’é (Mexican Clan). He passed away Sept. 27, 2021, in Mexican Springs.
Phil graduated from Tohatchi High School and earned a master’s degree in English from the University of New Mexico and three associate degrees in arts and graphic design. He was employed as a caregiver and librarian at UNM.
Phil enjoyed poetry, music, writing, reading, baking, art, and films/movies.
Phil is survived by his parents, Anita and Phil Sanchez Sr.; brothers, Alex Sanchez, Felix Sanchez and Elric Sanchez; sister, Ophelia Sanchez; nieces, Dominique Footracer, Summer Slone, Sheyenne Sanchez, Symphony Martinez, and MyeAnna Sanchez; nephews, Orion Martinez, Nykolas Martinez and Zander Martinez; and four grandnephews.
Phil is preceded in death by Hazel and Nelson Edsitty.
Pallbearers were Nykolas Martinez, Orion Martinez, Lyle Footracer, Trent Slone, James Thompson, and Jeremy Thompson.
Honorary pallbearers were Elric Sanchez, Alex Sanchez, Felix Sanchez, and Steve Martinez.
Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.
Tysonn Bahe Tsinnijinnie
Tysonn Bahe Tsinnijinnie
Tysonn Bahe Tsinnijinnie was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He is best known for his amazing laugh, impeccable wit, and an intuitive genius mechanic who could do anything and everything he put his mind to.
Tsinnijinnie was a helper and a giver. He would quickly jump to the assistance of anyone who called and didn’t hesitate to give all the money in his pocket away if someone needed it.
Tsinnijinnie brought light, laughter, joy, and loyalty to all those who were blessed enough to know him. He was a dedicated father and provider. His greatest joy was in the hope he had for his kids’ futures. There was nothing he wanted more than to see them succeed and he taught them to always look out for each other.
Tsinnijinnie was loved and brought great memories to all those who knew him. Every friend, every acquaintance, every member of his family has a great “Tysonn Story”.
Tsinnijinie is missed from many parts of the United States and all over Arizona from the many friends and family in Northern Arizona to the “Bonfire Boys” of Grand Ave. He was special. Thank you to all those who celebrated his life.
Tsinnijinnie is survived by his wife, Maria Tsinnijinnie; children, Nikulas, Cash, Noah, Kam, Vivian, and Grey; parents, Bernda and Clyde Tsinnijinnie; and sisters, Talia (Shi-Vonn and Memphis), and Tomminque.
Geebah Slim
HOUCK, Ariz. — Graveside service for Geebah Slim, 104, of Lupton, Arizona, was held Oct. 2 at the Houck community cemetery with Ronnie Yazzie officiating.
Geebah was born Feb. 2, 1917, in Lupton, into the Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan). She passed away Sept. 26, 2021, in Lupton.
Geebah supported her family by doing silversmith work and weaving rugs. She enjoyed cooking, weaving and spending time with her grandchildren. She was always a loving grandmother.
Geebah is survived by her sons, Benny Slim Sr., Leonard Slim, Johnny Slim, Jon Francisco, Kenneth Slim, and Daniel Slim; daughters, Nettie Slim, Helen Slim, Esther Bodie, Minnie Woody, and Rita Daye; and 39 grandchildren, 85 great-grandchildren and 19 great-great-grandchildren.
Geebah is preceded in death by her husband, John Slim; and son, Sam Slim.
Pallbearers were Demetrius Begaye, Thaddeus Daye, Benny Slim Jr., Christian Begaye, Sherwin Monroe, and Malcolm Yazzie.
Honorary pallbearers were Benny Slim Sr., Leonard Slim, Johnny Slim, Jon Francisco, Kenneth Slim, and Daniel Slim.
Summit Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Evelyn J. Newood-Hood
GALLUP – Funeral services for Evelyn J. Newood-Hood, 63, of Church Rock, New Mexico, were held Oct. 1 at Rollie Mortuary in Gallup, with Pastor Joseph Lujan officiating. Interment followed in Rehoboth, New Mexico.
Evelyn was born March 21, 1958, in Rehoboth, into the Mą’ii deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass—Jemez Clan), born for ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan). She passed away Sept. 20, 2021, in Albuquerque.
Evelyn attended the University of New Mexico-Gallup, Central New Mexico Community College in Albuquerque, and Pima Medical Institute in Albuquerque. She worked for Indian Health Service in Gallup, medical assistant in Albuquerque, DCI Biologicals in Gallup and Albuquerque, and Flying J Travel Center in Albuquerque.
Evelyn enjoyed traveling, playing bingo, attending the Potter’s House Christian Center in Albuquerque, and watching the Steelers play. She was a kind lady with a great sense of humor. She loved her children and grandchildren.
Evelyn is survived by her sons, Bryson Hudson and Lawrence Lance Hood; daughters, Jennifer Hosteen and Stephanie Hood; brother, Russell Newood; sisters, Barbara Newood and Beverly Newood-Tolbertson; and seven grandchildren.
Evelyn is preceded in death by Notah Newood, Lucy Newood, Norman Newood, Donald Newood, Daniel Newood, and Watson Hood.
Pallbearers were Eric Hosteen Jr., Shane Hosteen, Jeremiah Ortiz, Floyd Bruce, Daniel Vialpando, and Marcus Anthony Newood.
Honorary pallbearers were Bryson Hudson, Lawrence Lance Hood, Julian Hood, and Damian Hood.
Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.
Kenneth P. Shirley
GALLUP — Funeral services for Kenneth Paul Shirley, 78, of Sawmill, Arizona, will be held today, Oct. 7, at 10 a.m., at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Gallup, with Father Blane officiating. Burial will follow in Deer Spring, Arizona.
Kenneth was born June 21, 1943, in Fort Defiance, into the Naasht’ézhí dine’é Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan-Zuni Division), born for Tsénjíkiní (Cliff Dwellers People Clan). He passed away Oct. 1, 2021, in Fort Defiance.
Kenneth attended St. Michael Indian School and was employed with the Navajo Nation Police Department for 46 years. He retired as Navajo Nation Police lieutenant with the Window Rock District.
Kenneth enjoyed hunting, working on vehicles, caring for his dogs, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Kenneth is survived by his wife, Lisa Shirley; son, Lorenzo Shirley; daughters, Michelle Shirley and Lanalle Smith; and eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Kenneth is preceded in death by his siblings, Amelda Shirley, Amelia Shirley, Lorenzo Shirley, Tom Shirley, Minnie Ann Shirley, and Anselm Shirley; mother, Tahdeshbah Shirley; and father, Jim Shirley.
Pallbearers will be Matthias Shirley, Kenel Shirley, Steven Shirley, Lee B. Roy Jr., Thomas Atcitty II, and Francisco Grijalva.
Honorary pallbearers will be Amias Chavez, Patrick J. Dennison, Frank Henry, Herbert Joe, Lorenzo Shirley II, and Albert Willie.
A drive-thru reception will take place at Old Mutual Help Housing, No. 118, in Sawmill, following services.
Silver Creek Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Ben Thomas Jr.
ST. MICHAELS, Ariz. — Graveside service for Ben Thomas Jr., 61, of St. Michaels, Arizona, was held Oct. 1 at the St. Michaels community cemetery with Father Edgardo Diaz officiating.
Ben was born Nov. 27, 1959, in Fort Defiance, into the Hashtł’ishnii (Mud Clan), born for ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan). He passed away Sept. 26, 2021, in Fort Defiance.
Ben graduated from Window Rock High School in 1977 and was employed as a journeyman/ironworker. He enjoyed playing basketball, watching NFL football games and listening to the Beatles.
Ben is survived by the mother of his sons, Sophie Sage; sons, Matthew Thomas and Isaiah Thomas; father, Ben Thomas Sr.; brothers, Leo Thomas, Jasper Thomas, Jesse Thomas, and Melvin Thomas; and sister, Carole Thomas.
Ben is preceded in death by his mother, Ella Mae Thomas; daughter, Bethane Thomas; sister, Eleanor Peshlakai; brother, Everett Thomas; and grandparents, Nealand and Nanabah Belone.
Pallbearers were Mark Peterson, Vincent Tsosie and Rydell Nez.
Summit Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Ben Manygoats
TOHATCHI, N.M. — Funeral services for Ben “Paris” Manygoats, 55, of Tohatchi, New Mexico, will be held Friday, Oct. 8, at 10 a.m., at The Family of God Worship Center in Tohatchi, with Evangelist Angela Begay officiating. Burial will follow in Tohatchi.
Ben was born Dec. 16, 1965, in Shiprock, into the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan). He passed away Sept. 29, 2021, in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Ben graduated from Tohatchi High School in 1985 and worked for the government for 20-plus years. He enjoyed attending church services, being outdoors, supporting the Tohatchi Cougars, and spending time with family and friends.
Ben is survived by his father, Benny Manygoats; and brothers, Benson Manygoats, Benjamin Manygoats, James Manygoats, Curtis Manygoats, and Stanley Manygoats.
Ben is preceded in death by his mother, Alice Lee Manygoats.
Pallbearers will be Cody Manygoats, Adam Manygoats, Benson Manygoats, Shay Ahasteen, Walton Watchman, and Gerold Watchman.
Honorary pallbearers will be Benson Manygoats, Benjamin Manygoats, James Manygoats, Curtis Manygoats, and Stanley Manygoats.
A drive-thru reception will take place at The Family of God Worship Center, following services.
Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Tyrone F. Jymm
SHEEP SPRINGS, N.M. — Graveside service for W. Tyrone Francis Jymm, 51, of Sheep Springs, New Mexico, was held Oct. 6 in Sheep Springs, with Evangelists David and Laura Washburn officiating.
Tyrone was born Oct. 21, 1969, in Fort Defiance, into the Honágháahnii (One-walks-around Clan), born for ‘Áshįįhí (Salt People Clan). He passed away Sept. 28, 2021, in Sheep Springs.
Tyrone is preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Louise T. Jymm; brother, David Jymm III; and grandparents, Hosteen and Martha Todacheene.
Pallbearers were Sean Pioche, Albert Pioche Jr., Joletta Todacheene, Daniel Jymm IV, J. Vernon Jim, and Elias Benally.
Honorary pallbearers were Robert Peshlakai, Julius Todacheene, Loren Todacheene, Neilson M. Jymm, Kerry L. Jymm, and Jerome Weaver.
Rollie Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.
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