Obituaries for Feb. 28, 2019

Loretta J. Bitah

GALLUP — Funeral services for Loretta J. Bitah, 64, will be held Friday, March 1, at 11 a.m. at the Lighthouse Church in Gallup. Burial will follow at the family plot in Red Rock, New Mexico.

Loretta was born Sept. 25, 1954, in Rehoboth, New Mexico, into the Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan). Her nali is Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People); chei is Bit’ahnii (Under His Cover Clan). She passed away Feb. 25, 2019, in Gallup.

Loretta is survived by her mother, Ida M. Johnson; sisters, Wanda Lee and Marita Smith; brothers, Ernest Johnson, Jimmie Johnson Jr. and Isaac Johnson; daughters, Lavida Collins and Jovanna Bitah; sons, Ivan B. Yazzie and Donaldvan Bitah; and five grandchildren.

Loretta is preceded in death by her father, Jimmie Johnson Sr.; and brother, Amos Johnson.

Pallbearers will be Donaldvan Bitah, Ivan B. Yazzie, Thaddeus Stevens, Mickolis Joe, Christopher Joe and Pierce Randolph Jr.

Paulson Thomas

TO’HAJIILEE, N.M. — Funeral services for Paulson Thomas, 48, of To’hajiilee, New Mexico, will be held Monday, March 4, at 10 a.m. at a residence in To’hajiilee, with Sarah H. Begay officiating. Burial will follow at the community cemetery.

Paulson was born June 17, 1970, in Shiprock, into the Tó’áhaní (Near the Water Clan), born for Bit’ahnii (Under His Cover Clan). He passed away Feb. 26, 2019, in Albuquerque. Paulson attended the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, and was employed with Artie Yellow Horse, Inc.

He enjoyed artistry, silversmith work, cookouts, and was a comic collector.

Paulson is survived by his wife, Sylvia A. Thomas; sons, Bryton Thomas and Taylor Thomas; daughters, Karyssa Lillie Thomas and Alyssa Rose Thomas; parents, Paul and Lillie Thomas; brothers, Preston Thomas, Anthony Thomas and Leighton Thomas; sisters, Flora Tsosie, Florence Duncan and Michelle Thomas; and three grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Bryton Thomas, Taylor Thomas, Hunter Johnson, Lyle Thinn, Faron Francisco and Julian Arellano. Honorary pallbearers will be Preston Thomas, Anthony Thomas, Leighton Thomas and Henry Mariano.

A reception will take place at the residence following services. Daniels Family Funeral Services—Alameda Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

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