How big is it?



Don Sterling of Depauli Engineering and Surveying Company, above, moves to the next location for a reading by partner Bill Mataya on an empty field west of the Edward O. Plummer interchange on Highway 264. Below, Mataya looks into a surveying tool called a total station. The total station allows for measurements of distance, horizontal angles and vertical angles to be recorded, thus completeing an accurate survey of the field. The partners have been surveying for more than 30 years.

Photos by Craig Robinson

 

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Tom guilty in driver's death

Larry Di Giovanni
Staff Writer

CROWNPOINT — Mariano Lake/Smith Lake Delegate Young Jeff Tom has been found guilty of taking another life, a conviction under Navajo law termed "homicide by vehicle."

Before this week's trial, Tom, 49, argued through his attorney that as a tribal delegate, he was protected from criminal prosecution because of the Navajo tribe's Sovereign Immunity against suit. That argument was rejected by a tribal judge in Crownpoint.

Tom's sentencing is set for 8:30 a.m. March 12 in Crownpoint District Court. He was convicted of homicide by vehicle and three related charges following a two-day bench trial Monday and Tuesday that brought a large number of witnesses before Crownpoint District Judge Irene Toledo. The witnesses mainly consisted of police officers, investigators, and volunteer fire
department and emergency medical services personnel from Crownpoint and Thoreau.

Toledo found Tom guilty of homicide by vehicle, reckless driving, a violation of mandatory use of a seat belt, and driving left of center. He faces possible imprisonment and fines. A presentencing report will be delivered to the court prior to March 12, which is used to determine the severity of sentencing.

The case stemmed from the morning of Jan. 31, 2000, when Tom, driving a 1999 Chevrolet sedan, illegally crossed the center line on Route 49/11 at Smith Lake. His vehicle collided with a white 1989 Pontiac sedan driven by Preston Thompson, killing Thompson. Tom was alone in his vehicle. Thompson, 50, carried two passengers, Elsie Lee and Jones Yazzie, who both suffered major injuries.

Tom was badly injured and needed two surgeries to repair a broken hip.

At the time, Tom was on his way to a tribal Human Services Committee meeting in Farmington, where the topic for discussion was now-terminated crop enterprise General Manager LoRenzo Bates.

The prosecutors in Tom's case were Genevieve Woody, who's based in Crownpoint, and Geraldine Benally. Woody referred questions to the Navajo Nation Prosecutor's Office in Window Rock.

Tom's defense came from attorney and former tribal President Albert Hale. Hale, along with Navajo Nation legislative counsel attorneys, said Wednesday that Tom is not disqualified as a matter of law from continuing to serve as a council delegate. Under Navajo law, no criminal convictions fall under the category of felonies.

Hale said that Tom has shown himself to be an upstanding member of the Smith Lake and Mariano Lake communities. As such, Hale said he is hoping for a fair sentence that will not incarcerate his client for what he argued was an unfortunate
accident.

Points argued

The accident at 9:25 a.m. Jan. 31, 2000, occurred 1.6 miles west of State Route 371 on Route 49 and 11 at Smith Lake. The road was snowy and icy.

Thompson and his passengers, who were westbound, had left the Red Rock Bar close to the site of the accident. Several bottles of alcohol belonging to the occupants of the Thompson car were found at the scene.

Toxicology on Tom did not indicate that Tom had been drinking, according to Navajo Nation Criminal Investigator Dorothy Fulton. No breath testing was administered at the time of the accident.

In dispute was Tom's speed, Hale said. The maximum safe speed on the curvy, downhill stretch where he lost control was 39 mph, experts testified. Based on the "extent of intrusion" or amount of damage when Tom's sedan smashed into the Pontiac sedan Tom's vehicle was said by experts to be traveling 65 to 89 mph.

"That was impossible," Hale said. "All the lay people testified that (Tom) couldn't be traveling more than 40 to 45."

About a mile before the accident, on a straighter stretch, Tom had passed a vehicle going about 35 mph, Hale said.

One of Thompson's passengers testified that Tom said, in Navajo, "It is me," immediately following the accident. Hale said that could be interpreted in two different ways. The court interpreted it to mean "it is my fault." But Hale had a different view.

"We interpret it to mean, 'It is me Young Jeff Tom' a way to identify oneself. That argument wasn't accepted," Hale added.

Sovereign ruling

Hale argued through a motion to dismiss the case that as a council delegate on his way to an official meeting, that of the Human Services Committee, Tom should not face criminal charges. The Navajo Nation's Sovereign Immunity Act stipulates that the tribe and its officers must agree to be sued, referred to as Sovereign Immunity against suit.

Judge Toledo rejected that argument. Sovereign Immunity protects the nation, not individuals within the nation who commit criminal acts or a civil traffic offense while engaged in official duties, the judge determined in her Dec. 21 denial of the motion.

In addition, the judge ruled that a New Mexico constitutional provision does not apply because it only protects members of its legislature from arrest while performing their duties. They can, however, be charged with criminal offenses.

The defense had argued that no federal law or resolution of the Navajo Nation Council explicitly authorizes the complaints against the defendant.

A response was offered by Prosecutor Geraldine Benally: "There are no laws or resolutions that exempt the defendant from suit if he acts beyond the scope of his authority. There does not need to be. No one is above the law, even a council delegate who commits an act that is contrary to the laws of the Navajo Nation."

"The doctrine of Sovereign Immunity does not bar suits against tribal officials who fail to follow established laws of the Navajo Nation."

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Tohatchi men scuffle with cop

Tanya Brazil
Staff Writer

GALLUP — A McKinley County Sheriff's deputy was assaulted by a Tohatchi man after he tried to take him into custody for public intoxication at the Tohlakai Mustang on U.S. Highway 666.

The suspect, Alvin Barton, 43, was booked into the McKinley County Adult Detention Center Monday night on a felony charge of battery on a peace officer.

He also was booked on misdemeanor charges of resisting/obstructing an officer, possession of a controlled substance less than 1 ounce of marijuana and disorderly conduct.

The two other suspects involved in the conflict were booked into the county jail for disorderly conduct.

McKinley County Sheriff's Deputy Daniel Woundedknee had been dispatched to the convenience store on another matter when he observed the store cashier confront three males who she said almost drove off without paying for their gas.

He said the driver, Ronnie Charlie, 22, also of Tohatchi, was staggering and appeared to be intoxicated when he exited the vehicle with the front passenger, Barton, and paid for the gas.

When he asked the men if they had been drinking, both replied "no" and then said they were going to park the car, police said.

Woundedknee then informed them that they would be going to the Na'Nizhoozhi Center (NCI) and escorted them to his unit, a police report said.

But as he was attempting to place Charlie in the back of the unit, he said Barton tried to break free from his grasp by hitting his hands.

As the deputy struggled with the suspect, he managed to handcuff one of Charlie's hands but then a third passenger approached carrying a guitar over his shoulder, police said.

Woundedknee ordered the third man Bennett Yazzie, 32, of Ya Ta Hey to back away and the man complied.

About this time, Barton began trying to pull the deputy's feet out from underneath him so he let him go and worked on securing Charlie into the unit, police said.

But Woundedknee had two other suspects to deal with so he temporarily restrained Charlie by closing the door on the handcuff that was not attached to his wrist and went after the guy with the guitar.

The deputy said he got close to Yazzie, kicked his feet out from underneath him, handcuffed him and shoved him into the unit, a police report said.

In the meantime, Barton was trying to escape with the vehicle but the deputy had the keys so he took off on foot instead, police said.

As Woundedknee chased the suspect, he managed to gain distance on him and tackle him to the ground before he had time to retaliate.

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Survey: Fighting cocks not OK

Walter Howerton Jr.
Managing Editor

SANTA FE — If the numbers presented at the Capitol on Wednesday are correct, the Cibola County Commission simply was enforcing the will of the people when it voted last month to ban cockfighting.

Elisabeth Jennings, executive director of Animal Protection of New Mexico, stepped to the podium in the Roundhouse Rotunda to speak for a coalition that seeks to ban cockfighting statewide. Jennings also was part of the campaign against cockfighting in Cibola County.

Jennings said the results of a poll sponsored by her organization "represent a mandate" to end cockfighting in the state.

The coalition includes Attorney General Patricia Madrid, the New Mexico District Attorney's Association, Land Commissioner Ray Powell Jr., the Conference of Churches, various veterinary and animal control organizations and others, including the Ruidoso Police Department.

The group is supporting a bill that would make all animal fighting, including cockfighting, a fourth-degree felony in the state.
New Mexico is one of only three states that permit legal cockfights; however, 27 municipalities and 11 counties in the state have local bans. The other two states where cockfighting is legal are Oklahoma and Louisiana.

Sen. Nancy Rodriguez, D, Santa Fe, is sponsoring a bill to prohibit all animal fighting for monetary gain or entertainment. The bill has been endorsed by a number of other senators including Gallup Democrat Lidio Rainaldi. Rep. Ken Martinez, D-Cibola, McKinley and Sandoval, also supports the ban on animal fighting.

The animal protection coalition came to the Capitol armed with a poll of 412 registered voters in the state showing that 81 percent of voters support a ban on cockfighting.

Opposition came from every part of the state: 77 percent opposed in the east, 83 percent in the south and southwest, 82 percent in the Albuquerque area, 80 percent in the northwest and 80 percent in the heavily Hispanic north central part of the state.

The percentages were almost equal among Democrats and Republicans and 74 percent of Hispanics and 84 percent of Anglos opposed cockfighting.

The poll concluded that, "There appears to be very little voter support for the practice of cockfighting" in the state.

Jennings said the poll shows that pro-cockfighting groups' claims that the sport is a reflection of Hispanic cultural heritage are false. That was one of the arguments used to try to legalize cockfighting in Cibola County.

"Animal fighting is not entertainment and it is not a tradition," Rodriguez said. "If it was a tradition, our most populous counties would not have banned it. If it was so good for the economy, they would not have banned it."

Against claims that cockfighting brings an economic boost to areas where it is allowed, Rodriguez said, "The economic development in areas that allow cockfighting is not sufficient to support" keeping the sport legal.

"We have a societal responsibility to put an end to this cruel, gruesome sport," she said.

No cockfighting supporters appeared at the Roundhouse gathering, but the last time an effort was made to end cockfighting in the state in 1997, chicken fighters rallied around the notion of culture and tradition and even the bill's sponsor, the late Rep.
Delores Wright of Dona Ana County, ended up voting against her own bill.

Still, Rodriguez seemed to feel her bill banning animal fighting has a chance of passing.

"The state has not taken responsibility," she said. "I am confident that it is time for an animal fighting ban to be instituted.

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Arizona wrestlers set for state

Michael Peretti
Staff Sports Writer

Several area wrestlers will be in Phoenix this Friday and Saturday, representing their schools in the Arizona State wresting tournament.

The tournament begins on Friday at 10 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix. The tournament will go resume on Saturday at 10 a.m.

Winslow, the 3A North Enchantment Region champions, will be sending all 14 wrestlers from their team. The team scored 206 points in the regional tournament last weekend with three regional champions.

Window Rock, who placed second, will be sending 10 wrestlers from their team and Ganado will send six wrestlers
Valley was able to qualify eight wrestlers, after wrestling in the 2A North regionals.

Chinle will be sending four wrestlers from their team in the 4A tournament.

Winslow with regional champions in the 130, 152 and 160 weight classes, scored 66 more points than second place Window Rock last weekend.

Michael Martinez took first in the 130 lb. weight division was 31-7 on the year for Winslow. Kendal Ybarra, 20-13 on the year, will represent Bulldogs as the 140 champion. David Manthei will represent the team in the 160 weight class. He was 19-9 on the year.

Winslow will also have six region runners up making the trip to Phoenix. They are: Jeff Murray, 20-9 on the year in the 103 weight class; Dustin Taylor, in the 140 weight class and 20-13 on the year; Steven Martinez, 25-7 on the year and in the 145 division; Mike Yazzie, who was 5-9 on the year and in the 189 class; Brian Mitchell in the 215 class; and Brandon Mitchell, 9-12 on the year and in the heavy weight class.

Winslow's third place finishers in region that will be competing in the tournament are: Dustin Cole, (6-3) in the 112 class; Jessie Hancock, (15-15) in the 125 weight class; Efram Yazzie, (8-3) in the 135 division; and Stecen Polacca, (15-14) in the 171 class.

Scott Dobbins, 23-9 in the 119 class, placed fourth in the region and will also be going to compete.

Window Rock, scoring 140 points in the regional tournament, ended with two regional champions.

Shawn Yazzie took first in the 189 division. He is 30-7 on the year. Michael Wameneka also placed first, winning the 275 weight class. He is 27-9 on the year.

The Scouts will be sending four regional runners up, including: Jarred Yazzie, (26-11) in the 119 class; Duwayne Thomas, (25-12) in the 135 class; Caryle Cooke, (26-11) from the 145 division; and Chase Law, (25-11) who was in the 152 weight class.

The three third place finishers from Window Rock were Delton Yazzie (21-16) from the 103 class, Marcus Yazzie (25-13 from the 130 weight class and Alzado Gorman (8-7) from the 215 class.

Jerome James (12-19) finished fourth in the 125 weight class and will also be competing for Window Rock.

Ganado ended fourth the 3A North behind Winslow, Window Rock and Tuba City. The Hornets ended with 106 1/2 points in the regional tournament and will be sending six wrestlers. Of the six, three of them were regional champions.

Sterling Cornfield from the 125 weight class, Almon Nelson from the 140 class and Tony Rintala from the 112 pound class will all be representing Ganado and were regional champions.

Nolan White, from the 171 division took second in regionals.

Notah Silversmith in the 145 class and Leander Thomas in the 160 division each took third to qualify for state.

Chinle was able to qualify four wrestlers in the 4A Grand Canyon region, including one regional champion.

Evan Tracey took first in the 125 weight class for Chinle.

Taking third in regionals and qualifying for state from Chinle were Neilvel Hanley in the 112 class, Ronaldo Jumbo in the 140 weight class and Nelson Hanley in the 189 weight class.

Valley-Sanders took fourth in their region, and finished with three regional champions.

Chris Stanley (26-2) won the 135 division, Kenji MacCoo (10-3) won the 189 class and Damon Freeland (31-2) own the 275 division.

The Pirates did not have any wrestlers finish second, but had four finish third. Kendrix John, (19-4) in the 103 division, Josh Woodward (7-6) in the 130 division, Filmer Martinez (5-3) of the 140 division and Edmund Sangster (10-1) of the 145 division finished third.

Burtrum Billy, (5-5) placed fourth in the 112 weight class and will be the last participant from Valley-Sanders in the state tournament.

Window Rock teams split with Ganado

Santiago Ramos
Staff Sports Writer

GANADO, Ariz. — Free throw shooting coupled with a tough defense paved the way for the Window Rock Fighting Scouts and the Ganado Lady Hornets Wednesday night during the second round of the 3A Enchantment Regionals.

No. 5 seed Window Rock sank 19-of-27 free throws, 13-of-16 in the final 2:35, to knock off No. 4 Ganado for the first time this season, 72-57.

Meanwhile in the girls bracket, No. 4 seed Ganado converted 22-of-29 free throws, 8-of-11 in the final two minutes, that lifted the Lady Hornets to a 61-54 win over No. 5 Window Rock.

In the boys Final 4 regionals that will be held Friday and Saturday at the new Tuba City gym, top seed Monument Valley will play No. 5 Window Rock at 8 p.m. Friday. No. 2 Tuba City will play the winner of the No. 3 Winslow versus No. 6 Pinon game at 2:30 p.m. Friday. The championship finals are set for Saturday at 7 p.m. with the third place game at 11:30 a.m.

"We're a hungry ballclub," said Window Rock coach Tim Arviso whose team split with Monument Valley. "We're not satisfied just to go to state. We want to go as the No. 1 or No. 2 seed. We're confident we can win against Monument Valley."

In the girls Final 4 regionals that will be held Friday and Saturday at the new Tuba City gym, top seed and conference champion Tuba City will play No. 4 Ganado at 6:30 p.m. Friday while No. 2 Winslow will play the winner of the No. 3 Monument Valley versus No. 6 Pinon game at 1 p.m. Friday. The championship finals are set for 5 p.m. Saturday with the third place game at 10 a.m.

Ganado had lost to Tuba City by three points during the last meeting. But Ganado head coach Gwynn Grant feels confident about Friday's rematch with the defending state champion.

"We'll have to step it up defensively and box out," Grant said. "We lost by only three points the last time. But we're starting to come around. We have to be a little more focused."

Each of the Final Four boys and girls teams will advance to next Tuesday's Sweet 16 round that will be held at the Northern Arizona Skydome for two days.

Boys Window Rock 72, Ganado 57

After losing twice to Ganado during the regular season, Window Rock led from the opening tip and never trailed as the Fighting Scouts were finally able to upend the Hornets during the third meeting.

More importantly, the win allowed Window Rock, 17-13 overall, to advance to the Final 4 and a trip back to the state finals for the first time in the last five or six years.

"We're very happy for the players," Window Rock coach Arviso said. "This (going to state) was one of their goals. It's been a long time since Window Rock has gone to state. We were all focused. We knew that Ganado could be beaten. The boys were ready physically and mentally. We had a great defensive team effort with our full court man we were able to use the whole game with our tough physical conditioning. This was a big win for the school and the community. We had some tough losses this year but we knew we could bounce back."

Window Rock jumped out to a quick lead against Ganado by buckets by senior guard Lawrence Hickson and senior forward Augustine Anderson, who finished with 17 points.

Ganado pulled to within one point after junior Lavon Salabye buried his first of two treys. That would be the closest the Hornets would get the rest of the game.

Junior forward Elcaro Lee, who led all scorers with 24 points, sank a perfect 4-for-4 at the free throw along with tallying a bucket as Window Rock surged in front, 29-19.

The Hornets pulled to within six points, 51-45, early in the fourth period after sophomore guard Ty Lynch scored off a fastbreak.

The Fighting Scouts regained the momentum after Lee hit a turnaround jumper and then dished the ball off to junior forward Asa-Ryan Begaye for another score inside before Anderson capped the run with another score.

In the final 2:35, Ganado sent Window Rock to the free throw line where the Scouts sank 13-of-16 free throws as the Hornets were forced to foul. Lee sank a perfect 4-of-4, Dewayne Morgan and Garrick Haskie each went 2-for-2, Anderson sank 3-of-4, and Brian Smith and Jonathan Kaulaity each sank 1-of-2.

The Scouts sealed the win by sinking 19-of-27 free throws for the game while the Hornets made 4-of-6.

Window Rock had three players score in double figures with junior forward Elcaro Lee leading the way with a game-high 24 points with senior forward Augustine Anderson with 17 and senior guard Dewayne Anderson with 10 along with two treys.

Ganado's double digit scorers were junior guard Lavon Salabye and sophomore guard Tyrone Lynch each with 12 points with senior post Cody Mueller with 11 points and senior forward Jay Taliman 10.

Both teams shot nearly identical from the field. Window Rock shot 44 percent from the field, 25-of-57 with Ganado also hitting on 44 percent, 24-of-54. The Scouts hit on 2-of-12 treys for 17 percent with the Hornets 5-of-21 for 24 percent.

Window Rock's Lee grabbed nine rebounds with Anderson with eight boards. Ganado's Mueller and Taliman each had seven boards for the Hornets.

"We were patient on offense," coach Arviso added. "We were able to get the ball to Elcaro (Lee) and Augie (Augustine Anderson). Our bench also gave us valuable minutes especially Brian Yazzie who played well off the bench."

Girls Ganado 61, Window Rock 54

Like Window Rock, the Ganado Lady Hornets made good use of their free throw shooting opportunities to advance to the Final Four round at regionals.

Ganado hit on 22-of-29 free throws for 76 percent shooting while Window Rock, 13-13 overall, made 6-of-13 for 46 percent.
"Our defense was the key," Ganado coach Grant said. "We boxed out and we hit our free throws. We hit the shot when we needed to. We came out pretty strong even though we had a slow start again. Once we got started going our game came alive."

Ganado, 18-10 overall, claimed the two previous conference matchups, winning by two points each time, 50-48 and 55-53.

Thanks to hot shooting from the field (9-of-13) in the opening period, Window Rock grabbed the early lead as sophomore forward Roberta Haskie, who led all scorers with 28 points, tallied six of her points in the period.

But Ganado roared back to tie the game for the first time at 21-all after a score by sophomore forward Melissa Peterson, who led the Lady Hornets with 21 points. Ganado stole the lead away after senior post Melissa Jones scored.

At the start of the second half, Ganado capitalized on four quick Scout turnovers that led to three fast scores by Jolene Benally along with a pair of buckets by Peterson.

Window Rock trimmed the lead down to two points early in the final period on a Haskie score along with a free throw.

But Ganado regained its cushion on a pair of afree throws by Peterson along with a short jump shot. Junior guard Jolene Benally drilled a pair of back-to-back three-pointers with about three minutes left that opened a 10-point Ganado lead, 51-41.

Window Rock clawed to within four points again at 52-48 with 1:41 remaining but Ganado marched to the foul line and sank 8-of-11 free throws to seal the victory, 61-54.

Ganado's sophomore forward Melissa Peterson led the Lady Hornets with 21 points, senior post Melissa Jones added 16 and junior guard Jolene Benally kicked in 14 points and two treys.

Window Rock's sophomore forward Roberta Haskie again led the way with 28 points despite converting only 6-of-13 free throws. Senior post Treva Jim finished with 11.

Both teams shot 44 percent from the field with Ganado hitting on 18-of-41 shots while Window Rock made 23-of-52.

Ganado's Peterson grabbed 10 rebounds, along with one steal and one block. Jones grabbed six boards and Candice Kirk had five.

Window Rock's Haskie and Jim each hauled in nine boards.

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Snow hits Navajo hard

Jim Maniaci
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — Only 28 of the Navajo Nation's 110 chapters have not been impacted by the January snowstorms, the Emergency Management Department told the Inter-Government Relations Committee Monday.

Department Director Eugene Guerito was scheduled to give a report to the Navajo Nation Council during its Feb. 1 and 2 special session, but never got the chance, so a written report was given to the delegates.

On Monday Guerito updated the report that shows all Chinle Agency chapters, all except two Fort Defiance Agency chapters, and all except five Eastern Agency chapters are in the emergency area, with 11 chapters of the Western and seven chapters of the Northern Agency also impacted.

The report included an explanation from the Bureau of Indian Affairs on coordinating everything through Guerito's office on the second floor of the Window Rock fire station...

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Hopi boys advance with win

Stan Bindell
Special to the Independent

POLACCA, Ariz. — Cisco Mata poured in 28 points and Davin Leslie fired in 27 as Hopi High School beat Red Mesa 92-60 Wednesday night in the opening round of the boys basketball 2A North Regional Tournament.

Hopi improved to 8-15 overall and 6-5 in the 2A North. More importantly, the Bruins assured themselves a trip to the state playoffs by finishing among the top three in the 2A North tourney. Hopi will travel to Valley-Sanders for a 7:30 p.m. game on Friday. The winner of that game will face St. Johns at 7:30 Saturday in the regional championship game.

Red Mesa finished the season with a 13-12 mark, but only won four of 11 conference games.

Leslie and Mata played a game of Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside. Leslie hit six treys and an array of short jumpers while Mata scored off lay-ups-some off of fast breaks and others off the half court set up offense. Dellen Lomayestewa also pitched in 11 for Hopi...

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Deaths

Tommy Wilson

TWIN BUTTES — Services for Tommy Wilson, 53, will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, at Rollie Mortuary-Palm Chapel. Pastor Pete Riggs Jr. will officiate. Burial will follow at Gallup City Cemetery.

Wilson died Feb. 1 in Twin Buttes. He was born Nov. 23, 1947, in Mentmore into the Salt Water People Clan for the Towering House People Clan.

Survivors include his brothers, Ben Wilson of Scottsdale, Ariz., Johnny Wilson of Twin Buttes and Lee Wilson of Gallup.

Wilson was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Annie Ross Wilson, and brother, Kee Wilson.

Pallbearers will be Ben Wilson, Johnny Wilson and Lee Wilson.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Louise Court

MESA, Ariz. — Services for Louise Court, 55, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, at the Crystal Ward Chapel of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to funeral services at the church.

Court died Feb. 5 in Mesa. She was born July 11, 1945, in Mexican Springs.

Court was employed as a secretary and was a homemaker.

Survivors include her husband, Harris Court; sons, Travis Court and Jared Court; daughters, Sheila Court, Krisinda Puefua and Jennifer Court; brothers, Bobby Wauneka, Kee Wauneka, Edison Wauneka, Ashley Wauneka, Wilson Wauneka, Johnny Wauneka, and Harrison Wauneka; sisters, Mary Thompson, Alyce Sherman, JoAnn Wauneka, Caroline Tracey, and Ida Berg;
and four grandchildren.

Court was preceded in death by her sons, Trevor Court and Troy Court and a grandson.

Ronald Ramone

SMITH LAKE — Services for Ronald Ramone, 39, will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 9, at Bethesda Mission Church. The Rev. Harry House will officiate. Burial will follow at Smith Lake Community Cemetery.

Ramone died Feb. 4 in Albuquerque. He was born June 14, 1961, in Crownpoint into the Edgewater Clan for the Hairy Ones Clan People Clan.

Ramone attended Thoreau and Wingate high schools. He was employed by the Union and Southern Pacific Railroad for 10 years, NECA, Salvzar Brothers Drilling, Bokam Resources Corp., Kenneth M. Cross Construction Co., United Security Corp.,
Keeco Pipe Lining Incorporated and Dooley Hardware Mart. His hobbies included ranching, silversmithing and craftwork.

Survivors include his wife, Marilyn A. Ramone of Mariano Lake; sons, Ferlin Charley of Albuquerque, Roderick Ramone,
Rockey Ramone and Michael Ramone, all of Mariano Lake; daughters, Rochelle Ramone of Las Cruces, Kimberlynn Ramone
and Tammra Ramone, both of Mariano Lake; mother, Lilly Mary Ramone of Smith Lake; brother, Max Ramone of Smith Lake;
and sisters, Rose Jim of Thoreau, Elsie Murphy of Crownpoint, Etta Antone and Elsie Mariano, both of Smith Lake, Jenny
Shorty of Waterflow, Mable Grey of Albuquerque and Irene Palacios of Gamerco.

Ramone was preceded in death by his father, Tom Dick Ramone; brothers, Willie Ramone and Frank Ramone; grandparents,
Mary Cowboy and Little Cowboy; and a grandson.

Pallbearers will be Roderick Ramone, Carissa Grey, Brooks Grey, Lance Anderson, Alvin Palacios and Derek Yabeny.

Cope Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Edison Tsosie

GANADO — Funeral Mass for Edison Tsosie, 66, will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 9 at the All Saints Catholic Church in Ganado. Father Flannn O'Neill, OFM, will officiate.

Tsosie died Feb. 5 in Showlow, Ariz. He was born Dec. 15, 1935 in Ganado into the Coyote Pass People Clan, for the Red Running Into the Water People Clan.

Survivors include his brothers Wilson Tsosie, Samson Tsosie Sr., Harrison Tsosie, and Jerrison Tsosie; sisters, Desbah Evans and Mary L. Tsosie; and grandparent Tah baii il chii Williams.

Tsosie was preceeded in death by parents Frank and Yanasbah Tsosie and brothers Nelson Tsosie and Johnson Tsosie.
Pallbearers will be family members and relatives.

The family will receive relatives and friends after the funeral four miles north of the Burnside Junction and the family will hold a meeting tonight at 6 p.m. four miles north of Burnside Junction.

Tse Bonito Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.