Shed owner asks council: 'Why me?'
City man told to tear down shed
Bill Donovan
Staff Writer
GALLUP — When Keith Foutz looks around his neighborhood,
he sees numerous homes with sheds in the backyard that appear
to be in violation of city law.
But it was Foutz who was caught and it is Foutz who now has to
tear his shed down to comply with a decision Tuesday by the Gallup
City Council.
Council delegates sympathized with Foutz, trying to figure out
a way he could keep his shed and still comply with city zoning
regulations but in the end, city law won out and Foutz now has
six months to tear down the shed.
Foutz admitted during the public hearing that the shed he has
been building off and on for the past several years was undertaken
without him going to city hall and getting a building permit.
He also admitted that the shed is located right up next to the
utility poles in the back of his house.
But what about the other sheds in his neighborhood that are located
within city easements?
He pointed out that within a few blocks radius of his home, he
counted 130 homes, 86 that had sheds and 27 that appeared to be
violating city zoning regulations.
Council delegate Louis Bonaguidi admitted that this may look like
selective enforcement.
City planning officials said that some of these sheds may have
been built before the city ordinance was put in place in 1984
and therefore were grandfathered in.
But the fact that other home owners near Foutz's home at 307 Valentina
may have constructed sheds in violation of city law doesn't exempt
Foutz from complying, said City Planner Lisa Baca Diaz.
"Some get caught speeding, some don't," she said.
Gallup Mayor John Pena added that the city "does have standards"
and worried that if the city allowed Foutz off the hook, others
who get cited in the future will also want the same kind of treatment.
The city council talked to Foutz for more than half an hour Tuesday
trying to find a solution.
One thing that was brought up was the possibility of Foutz moving
his shed further into his yard to bring it into compliance.
At times during the discussion, he indicated that this may be
a possibility, since all he would have to do is build a new concrete
slab and move the shed over.
But he has a flower bed in the center of his yard that he wanted
to preserve and ultimately agreed to tear it down and rebuild,
if the city gave him enough time to get that done.
At the end of the meeting, however, the one question he still
couldn't figure out was "Why, me?"
He pointed out that he went around to all of his neighbors and
everyone he saw said they had no problem with his shed being where
it was.
But in the end, the only reason that seemed to fit was something
that Council delegate Charlie Chavez said during the meeting.
"Keith, you just got caught," he said.
| Top |
EPA destroys radioactive hogan
Larry Di Giovanni
Staff Writer
MONUMENT VALLEY, Utah — Elsie Mae Begay wasn't home when the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency came knocking at the door. She
was traveling on her way home from Phoenix.
So the first-known case of the U.S. government removing a Navajo abode
made of highly radioactive uranium tailings bricks proceeded without
her and with little fanfare. On a cloudless spring day, just a mile
from Goulding's Lodge on the Begay homestead, the quick, 30-minute
length of the event belied its historical significance.
Several structures on the Begay property are located underneath power
lines, and above them, tall, red mesas hide long-abandoned uranium
mines. Begay lives within the Oljato Chapter of the Navajo reservation.
Removing the small hogan was an easy feat, requiring just two contracted
workers employed by CET Environmental, based in Seattle. Donning white
radiation-proof suits with yellow boots, backhoe operator Mark Conway
quickly demolished the home while water truck operator Ed Zitnik hosed
down the structure to keep the dust level down.
Supervising Wednesday's event was a CET response manager and Dan Suter,
the U.S. EPA Region 9's on-scene coordinator from its Emergency Response
Office in San Francisco. The demolition work began at about 11:30
a.m.
An "easy" job
"I've never tore a house down like this before," Suter said.
"It's very straightforward. Lots of times with this type of work
there are too many unknowns."
What is known is that the small hogan used in recent years only as
a storage shed, and determined by U.S. EPA to contain dangerously
high radiation readings was built about 40 to 45 years ago. The last
items taken out Wednesday before demolition were an old couch, two
tires and an engine block.
Begay lived in the house with her children from the late 1970s to
the early 1980s. Prior to that, other relatives lived in the small
hogan made of uranium tailing bricks taken from nearby uranium mines,
which are long since abandoned. One of the relatives who lived in
the home was her aunt, Mary Holiday, who is still alive.
Other relatives weren't so fortunate. Begay's son, Louis, died when
he was just 24 years old. Several male family members who worked in
the uranium mines died of cancers and respiratory illnesses they believe
to be linked from exposure to harmful radon gas. Its small alpha particles,
invisible to the human eye, lodge in the lungs and cause lung cancer.
Suter said the Begay hogan and another U.S. EPA project removed this
week in Teec Nos Pos, Ariz., near Shiprock, N.M.
had what are considered "dramatic" radiation readings. A
micrometer read off between 800 and 1,000 microroentgens per hour
in these homes. A micrometer measures exposure to gamma radiation,
which unlike radon gas, "shoots right through you" but can
also cause severe health problems given long-term exposure.
Prolonged exposure to 150 microroentgens per hour is the borderline
figure for serious health risk hazards. A reading of 1,000 microroentgens
is more than 80 times the level of normal "background" radiation.
Suter called exposure to radon gas and gamma radiation inside a "uranium"
home a "double-whammy." Gamma radiation gives a person a
"full-on body exposure" to radioactivity.
"It's not a huge health hazard unless you were living inside,"
he said. "Then, it's significant ... you can never be for sure,
but I would say there are long-term health problems with that kind
of exposure."
The "uranium" home in Teec Nos Pos belonged to the family
of Betty Clark. Her husband, who worked in area uranium mines, died
when he was 30.
"Working the mines during the day and sleeping inside that home
at night, I'm sure he took a pretty good dose (of radiation),"
Suter said.
Possible survey
The "logical thing" to occur in the near future would be
for Navajo EPA, the Navajo Office of Abandoned Mine Lands and the
tribe's Superfund Program to coordinate a survey of all remaining
"uranium" homes on the reservation, Suter said.
According to the Begay family, there may be as many as five to six
such homes just in the Monument Valley area alone.
"Personally, I think they should (complete a survey) as soon
as possible," Suter said. "But I just run the field jobs."
U.S. EPA's Region 9 was given a budget of almost $150,000 to remove
the Begay and Clark homes, Suter said. But the actual cost should
be closer to $50,000. The remains of Begay's hogan were taken to nearby
Moonlight Mine, which is becoming a repository for uranium waste ore.
The U.S. EPA will hand over a $3,000 check to Elsie Mae Begay to cover
the cost of a new storage shed. She lives now in a much larger hogan
built by her family and only about 100 yards from the demolished "uranium"
home.
The lower half of the Begay hogan's outside walls about the first
three feet up were made of the uranium tailings bricks. The concrete-like
portion above the bricks consists of sand granules also taken from
the mines. Such a concrete mixture is deceptively deadly and more
a threat than uranium tailings bricks because unsuspecting tenants
may not have any idea what the material consists of.
"That adds another caveat to this story," said Andrew Sowder,
a Washington-based EPA fellow and researcher with the American Association
for the Advancement of Science. "Just because a building isn't
made of stone doesn't mean it doesn't have harmful radioactivity."
In January, U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I., the youngest child
of Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy, visited Begay's home. The founder
of the Native American Caucus in Congress, he pledged his support
to help the Navajo Nation resolve uranium hazard issues, including
uranium mine remediation.
Kennedy said he was particulary concerned that the Navajo children
of today may be exposed to harmful radiation, some of which comes
from water sources close to abandoned mines.
Begay on way home
As it happened Wednesday, Elsie Mae Begay was likely driving back
to her home at the same time her "uranium" home was being
demolished. Jeff Spitz, an independent film maker from Chicago, had
provided her way there over the previous weekend, where she and her
brother, John Wayne Cly, were recognized as living legacy survivors
of Cold War contamination issues.
Begay and Cly were honored by Prairie Earth, a nonprofit organization
that is part of the Unitarian Universalists, Spitz said.
Spitz made the film "The Return of Navajo Boy," released
last year, a Sundance Film Festival winner and well-received documentary
about family separation and a reuniting more than 40 years later.
After their mother died, Cly, just an infant at the time, was taken
away from his family. He now lives in New Mexico's Zuni reservation.
Spitz said it's a travesty that Begay repeatedly attempted to receive
health screenings for radiation exposure, and was turned away from
the Indian Health Service hospital twice in Shiprock. She was accepted
for a screening on her third attempt.
Though the Radiation Exposure and Compensation Act of 1990, amended
last year, provides screenings for former uranium miners and now millers,
their dependents have had a much more difficult time gaining medical
attention related to their exposure.
"It's another coordinated human rights abuse that is going on,"
Spitz said. "There are more and more people that are seeing the
injustice now."
| Top |
Grants prisoners flood, burn cells
Tom Purdom
Staff Writer
GRANTS — The second area prison uprising in four days was put
down with tear gas at 6 a.m. today in the wake of flooding and burning
by up to 63 inmates.
This disturbance happened at the state-run Western New Mexico Correctional
Facility here.
The Cibola County Corrections Center, a federal facility in Milan
about seven miles from Western, was the site of a disturbance Monday
by about 700 inmates. Tear gas had to be used in that incident as
well.
"If you can say there was anything good about this, it's that
no staff was injured, no inmates were injured and the citizens of
Grants were never in any danger," said Corrections Department
spokesman Gerges Scott, who was told of the uprising at 1 a.m. today
and came to Grants.
The 63 inmates involved were being transferred to a more secure prison
facility in Santa Fe, Scott said.
In the meantime each inmate was being interviewed to find out why
the inmates rebelled.
Scott said inmates were upset because of low water pressure at the
prison. Grants had a major water main break Thursday, shutting down
water to several areas of the city and vastly reducing the water supply
to the prison.
"That's why they said they did it, because of the low water pressure,"
Scott said.
The inmates trashed what is called the S-Unit at the prison and were
classified as minimum or medium security inmates. Scott said it is
not known exactly how many of the inmates took part in the disturbance;
however, all 63 who were being questioned today lived in the S-Unit.
Although he did not know an exact time the outbreak happened, Scott
said he believed it was late Thursday, possibly 10 or 11 p.m.
State police and a few Grants Police Department officers were called
in for perimeter patrol while the facility's tactical team, as well
as tac-team members from Santa Fe and Los Lunas went inside the prison
to handle the situation from there.
Inmates were told several times to stand down, but refused to do so.
"We gave them every opportunity to stop, but they would not,
so we used the chemical agents and they stopped then," Scott
said.
The unruly inmates stuffed toilets to flood the facility and then
started fires. "We're going in there this morning to assess the
damage," Scott said. "We call what they did flood and burn."
Scott said the cell block suffered "extensive water, smoke and
fire damage."
He did not know how much it will cost to repair the damage. Late this
morning, Scott said the damage is still be assessed.
He said the reason the inmates are being sent to the maximum security
facility in Santa Fe is because of the damage to the S-Unit.
"There were a total of 72 beds in that unit and because they
damaged it, we don't have any other place to put them in here, so
they are being taken by bus to Santa Fe," Scott said. "Because
of what happened here they deserve to be there (in the Santa Fe Facility)."
Scott did not say if the inmates will return to Grants.
Scott said there was no connection between the uprising at Western
and the one at the federal facility. "It's just a heck of a coincidence,"
he said.
The Grants/Milan area is home to three prisons: the federal one in
Milan holding 818 inmates with a total capacity of 1,100, Western
with a prison population of 450, and the privately-owned New Mexico
Women's Facility in Grants with a prison population of some 550 inmates.
| Top |
Tohatchi sweeps improved Grants team
Michael Peretti
Staff Sports Writer
GALLUP — Tohatchi and the Grants JV softball teams met up Thursday
for a pair of shoot-outs.
In the end Tohatchi (9-9) came away with a 16-1 and a 25-10 win, both
in under four innings.
"They are a lot better than the first time we played them,"
said Tohatchi head coach Alvin Bitsilly. "Our guys still need
a lot of work, but we played a decent game."
Game 1 Tohatchi 16, Grants JV 1 (3 Innings)
Grants was only able to get three hits and as a result only got one
run.
In the top of the first Grants took a brief lead when Rolanda Hudson
walked and was advanced by another walk. Hudson came in to score on
a single by Gabby Sabroe, giving the Lady Pirates a 1-0 lead.
The Grants advantage did not last long as Tohatchi retaliated with
three runs in their first at bat to take the lead. With two runners
on Kyla Bitsilly stepped up and knocked a two run triple. Bitsilly
then came in to score.
The Lady Cougar blew the game open in the bottom of the second, going
around the lineup scoring nine on eight hits, including Bitsilly's
second hit, a double. Samantha Sam and Leeja Bitsoi each had double
hit bases, Sam picked up a triple and Bitsoi earned a double to give
Tohatchi a 12-1 lead.
After getting Grants out in order in the top of the
third Tohatchi came back up to bat and scored three runs, ending the
game with the "mercy rule".
Grants was led by Gabby Sabroe with a 2-for-2 performance at the plate.
Leading the way for Tohatchi in the first game was Marci Anna Morris
with a perfect 3-for-3 performance at the plate.
Picking up the win for Tohatchi was Kyla Bitsilly, going the distance
giving up one run on three hits.
Game 2, Tohatchi 25, Grants JV 10 (3 Innings)
The second game started out competitive before Tohatchi pulled away
and got the big win.
Grants was unable to score any in the first, but put on three runners.
Nadine Padilla led of the inning with single and advanced on a Nikole
Hicks walk. Padilla was thrown out stealing before Gabby Sabroe singled.
Tohatchi jumped out in the bottom of the inning, scoring four runs.
Nicole Chiquito grounded into a fielders choice but then went around
the bases to score on a Natasha Watson double. Dakota Jim, who was
on first got to third and scored on a passed ball. Watson then scored
on another passed ball.
Grants took a big lead in the top of the second, scoring eight runs
on three hits and five walks. The highlight of the inning was a two
on, no one out in the park home run by Gabby Sabroe to put Grants
ahead 7-3.
The Lady Cougars were not about to be outdone, coming back in the
bottom of the inning to go around the lineup twice, scoring 19 on
10 hits and nine walks.
Sabrina Sam went 2-for-2 in the inning with a single, double and a
walk. Roxanne Long did not have an official at-bat in the inning,
picking up three walks.
Grants was able to keep the game going into the bottom of the third
by scoring two, cutting the Lady Cougar lead to 23-10, avoiding the
5 run mercy rule.
The game did not go very much longer as Tohatchi quickly put up the
need runs to end the game. Rebecca Henry singled and scored the final
run of the game, giving Tohatchi the 15 point lead.
Leading the way for the Lady Cougars was Sabrina Sam going 3-for-3
with a double and a walk and Natashia Watson going 3-for-4 with three
doubles.
Leading the way for Grants was Gabby Sabroe going 3-for-3 with a single,
triple and home run.
Picking up the win for Tohatchi was Natashia Watson, going the distance
giving up 10 runs on seven hits and seven walks.
With the loss was Nadine Padilla, going the distance allowing 25 runs
on 14 hits and 10 walks.
Tohatchi will close out their season next weekend in the Navajo Prep
softball Invitational. They will face off against
Newcomb in the first round on Friday.
Window Rock keeps sports head
Larry Di Giovanni
Staff Writer
WINDOW ROCK — Bo Whitelock has retained his position as Window
Rock Unified's athletic director, Superintendent Ron Hennings confirmed
Thursday.
The school board had voted at its April 11 meeting not to renew his
contract. But after meeting Wednesday night in executive session during
a regular board meeting, Whitelock's status changed.
Still unclear is whether Whitelock, who has been recently hospitalized,
is athletic director only on a temporary basis until a replacement
is found. Hennings said he could not comment. Under Arizona law, a
school employee who loses a position such as athletic director retains
"default" status as a teacher.
In related action, the school board approved the Constitution of the
high school's Interscholastic Athletic Council, which the board had
placed on hiatus since October. The board's decision was well received
by the council's president, parent Romero Brown. The council has an
advisory role with the school board, able to pass resolutions on such
matters as coaches' pay.
"We need to work with an athletic director, not a coach,"
Brown told the board.
Addressing a matter that involved the baseball squad's late March
stay at the former Arizona Boys Ranch near Phoenix, Hennings told
the Independent earlier Wednesday that such accommodations will be
avoided in the future. Parents were highly critical of the stay, apparently
necessary due to hotels being booked up.
"I prefer that our teams stay at commercial establishments,"
Hennings said. 'It protects us from liability."
No action on principals
The board listened to comments from Window Rock Elementary Principal
Joan Gilmore, in closed session, and Tse Ho Tso Primary Principal
Sherry Mitchell, who requested an open session, but took no action.
The principals, particularly Gilmore, have been criticized by some
members of the Window Rock Education Association, prompting board
attention. The criticism leveled by association President Emily Arviso
and Vice President Leona Paywa at the April 11 board meeting also
prompted a superintendent's report on elementary school "concerns
and issues."
A copy of Henning's report was unavailable as of press time.
Arviso said the Window Rock Elementary School has a host of problems
fragmenting the teaching staff from its administration, including
lack of a coordinated reading program, lack of a set curriculum and
a "dictator-style leadership."
Paywa said the teachers suffer from harassment, favoritism and lack
of consideration of their professional judgments.
A number of other teachers, however, support Gilmore and Mitchell,
saying they are only being criticized because those within the school
fear the changes that are occurring. Gilmore described the major change
as an evolving into a standards-based curriculum.
"We are developing programs around the kids' needs," Gilmore
said.
| Top |
Arizona teams claim series
Abelita Rose Freeland
Staff Sports Writer
GALLUP — The Tour of Legends basketball series, pitting the most
talented boys and girls area prep basketball players made it's final
stop at Gallup High School Thursday evening.
The Arizona boys grabbed a 126-92 win over New Mexico to finished
with a 5-1 winning record and the New Mexico girls beat Arizona 95-87
for just the second time in the series as Arizona swept the series.
Receiving awards at the game for the three point shootout were Grants
Pirate Wayne Smith with 16 treys, Radley Smiley had 11 three-pointers,
Ganado Lady Hornet Melissa Jones with 13 three-pointers and Farmington
Scorpion April Ledesma.
"It's been a great experience because you are able to play against
the best in Arizona and New Mexico," said Ganado standout Melissa
"It has been an honor and an experience for me..."
| Top |
Window Rock keeps sports head
Larry Di Giovanni
Staff Writer
WINDOW ROCK — Bo Whitelock has retained his position as Window
Rock Unified's athletic director, Superintendent Ron Hennings confirmed
Thursday.
The school board had voted at its April 11 meeting not to renew his
contract. But after meeting Wednesday night in executive session during
a regular board meeting, Whitelock's status changed.
Still unclear is whether Whitelock, who has been recently hospitalized,
is athletic director only on a temporary basis until a replacement
is found. Hennings said he could not comment. Under Arizona law, a
school employee who loses a position such as athletic director retains
"default" status as a teacher.
In related action, the school board approved the Constitution of the
high school's Interscholastic Athletic Council, which the board had
placed on hiatus since October. The board's decision was well received
by the council's president, parent Romero Brown...
| Top |
Human bones near school examined
Remains taken to Albuquerque
Larry Di Giovanni
Staff Writer
FORT DEFIANCE, Ariz. — The FBI and Navajo Department of Criminal
Investigations are concluding their work involving the discovery
of human bones found this week beyond the bleachers and close to
the Window Rock High School football field and athletic track.
"The Navajo archaeology office is involved," Principal
Joe Gill said Wednesday. "They are doing an assessment."
Also involved is the Navajo Office of Historic Preservation.
Indications are that the bones are from just one person, who was
a "preteen." The remains are reportedly "recent,"
which means they could be up to 60 years old. Superintendent Ron
Hennings said any findings are unconfirmed. The remains were discovered
by a school buildings and grounds crewman.
"It's done. We're complete (with our assessment)," said
Ron Maldonado, supervising archaeologist with the Navajo Office
of Cultural Resources and Compliance Section...
| Top
|
Cibola jury indicts two for assault
Tom Purdom
Staff Writer
GRANTS — Driving while under the influence of alcohol, and
drug and assault cases are what the Cibola County grand jury sees
coming through the doors of the Thirteenth Judicial District.
Robbie Farias, 22, and Patrick Luna, 24, both of Cubero, each faces
up to 10 years in prison and/or fines up to $25,000 for what happened
the night of Feb. 26. The grand jury indictments state that each
committed aggravated battery when they intentionally hit Sheldon
Riley with a red Chevrolet Blazer and then turned around and hit
Garron Eagle with the same Blazer.
Each of the aggravated battery with a deadly weapon charges is a
third-degree felony. The two then tried to hit the two men again,
but failed. However, even trying to hit the men brought charges
of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a fourth-degree felony.
In the process of the attack Riley's Sonoma S-15 truck was damaged
which constitutes criminal damage to property over $1,000, which
is a fourth-degree felony...
| Top
|
Panel puts hold on bad debt cases
Former tribal leaders agree to payments
Jim Maniaci
Diné Bureau
WINDOW ROCK — More than two dozen people will have to wait
about two weeks to learn what the Ethics-Rules Committee will do
in their restitution cases.
On Thursday the eight-member committee concluded three days of show
cause hearings for 26 people, with only four men and women not showing
up, although two sent letters explaining why. Resolutions will be
presented to the committee for formal action, but that will take
one to two weeks.
Thursday the committee agreed, at the request of Forrest Buffington
to allow his client, Don Hubbard, up to a month to meet with the
panel about paying back $9,000 to the Navajo Nation Hospitality
Enterprises. The lawyer said the former Navajo Nation Inn manager
was in a job training program, out-of-state, for an unidentified
Gallup restaurant and would lose that job if he left the training
for even a day...
Panthers hold on for 7-6 win
Santiago Ramos
Staff Sports Writer
ALBUQUERQUE — Senior first baseman Bryan Sparks blasted a two-run
homerun went 3-for-4 as Gallup Catholic held on for a 7-6 District
6A-AA baseball victory over Menaul Thursday afternoon in its regular
season finale.
"He's been hitting and doing a heck of a job," Gallup
Catholic head coach Amos Schmaltz said of Sparks. "He failed
that one time when he struck out with the bases loaded but I can
forgive him since he hit the ball well before that. I was pleased
the bottom half of the lineup came through for us when we took the
lead."
Gallup Catholic (16-3 overall, 6-2 in the district behind champion
Laguna-Acoma) heads into regional play this Wednesday at West Las
Vegas in Las Vegas, N.M. In its opening round game, Gallup Catholic,
who lost in the first round of regionals last year to Pecos, is
scheduled to play at 3 p.m. Their opponent will most likely be Estancia.
Should the Panthers win Wednesday they will play Thursday in the
regional finals.
| Top
|
Deaths
Robert G. Martinez
GALLUP — Services for Robert Martinez, 17, will be held at 10
a.m. Saturday, April 28, at Rollie Mortuary-Palm Chapel. Pastor Tom
Payne will officiate. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.
Martinez died April 26 in Albuquerque. He was born Feb. 26, 1984,
in Gallup.
Martinez was a member of the GATE, TDFL and GABC. His hobbies included
football and baseball.
Survivors include his parents, Robert Martinez Sr. of Los Lunas and
Cindy Martinez of Gallup; sister, Heather Martinez of Albuquerque;
and grandparents, Dick and Judy Farrow, both of Bosque, Esther Martinez,
Rose StClair and Bobby Martinez, all of Gallup.
Pallbearers will be Jamie Estrada, Ryan Jardon, Arthur Martinez, Pablo
Martinez, Joe Rodriguez and Matt Williams.
Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Bessie Lee
THOREAU — Services for Bessie Lee, 71, will be held at 11 a.m.
today, April 28, at Thoreau Church of God. Pastor Jerry Yonnie will
officiate. Burial will follow at Thoreau Cemetery.
Lee died April 24 in Grants. She was born Jan. 4, 1930, in San Antone
Springs, Thoreau, into the Two Came to Water Clan for the Red Streak
Clan.
Lee was a rug weaver for eight years at Continental Divide Gift Shop.
She was a foster grandparent volunteer for eight years, Navajo Nation
School Board member for 19 years, and Community Action Committee member
for four years in the Thoreau Chapter House.
Survivors include her husband, Kenneth E. Lee of Thoreau; sons, Kenneth
Lee Jr. of Aztec, N.M., and Jackson Lee of Nazlini, Ariz; daughters,
Irene L. Endito, Betty Henio, Doris Thompson, all of Thoreau, Rhoda
Carr of Aztec, and Rebecca Lee Morgan of Smith Lake; sister, Mary
L. Mariano of Thoreau; 38 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.
Lee was preceded in death by her parents, Jose and Desbah Largo; son,
Herbert E. Lee; and brother, Frank Largo.
Pallbearers will be Kenneth Lee Jr., Jackson Lee, Marvin Endito, Shane
Lee Carr, Michael Lee, and Vernon Lee.
The family will receive friends and relatives at Irene Endito residence
in Thoreau.
Cope Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Fred T. Houston
GALLUP — Services for Fred Houston, 92, will be held at 2 p.m.
Saturday, April 28, at Rollie Mortuary-Palm Chapel.
Houston died April 24 in Gallup. He was born July 1, 1908, in Taos.
Houston was a World War II veteran, serving in the U.S. Army. He was
employed as a railroad porter with the Santa Fe Railroad, retiring
after more than 50 years, and he was a bartender at the Fred Harvey
Hotel and the El Rancho Hotel. He also co-owned and operated the Carbon
City Shoeshine Shop on Coal Avenue.
He was a founding member of the Howard African Methodist Episcopal
Chapel, a lifetime member of the Kings Harim
Lodge 3 and the NAACP, and he served on the Gallup Housing Committee.
Survivors include his wife, Mildred Juanita Houston of Lemon Grove,
Calif.; nieces, nephews and one granddaughter.
Houston was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Houston and Edith
English, and first wife, Maggie Houston.
Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Eli Williams
GANADO — Services for Eli Williams, 83, will be held 10 a.m.
today, April 28, at Church of Latter Day Saints in Ganado.
Burial will follow at Ganado Community Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at 9 a.m. today.
Williams died April 25 in Ganado. He was born May 7, 1917, in Ganado
into the Red House People Clan for the Coyote Pass People Clan.
Survivors include his sons, Eric Williams of Ganado and Ronnie Morgan
of Steamboat; daughter, Evelyn Davis of Ganado; and sister, Lens Wauneka
of Ganado; and five grandchildren.
Williams was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Sam Williams,
Paul Williams, and Ben Williams.
The family will receive friends and relatives after the burial at
Evelyn Davis' residence along N. Mesa Road.
Tse Bonito Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Betty Hale Shirley
MEXICAN SPRINGS — Services for Betty Shirley, 60, will be announced
at a later date.
Shirley died April 25 in Albuquerque. She was born Aug. 7, 1940, into
the Mexican Clan for the Meadow People Clan.
A family meeting will be held at 5 p.m. tonight at the Twin Lakes
Chapter House.
Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
| Top
|
Contact the Gallup
Independent
Please send the Gallup Independent feedback on
this website and the paper in general.
E-mail: gallpind@cia-g.com
By mail:
The Independent
PO Box 1210 Gallup, NM 87305
500 N. 9th Gallup, NM 87301
All contents property of the
Gallup Independent.
Any duplication or republication requires consent of the
Gallup
Independent.
Feel free to send any questions or comments to
gallpind@cia-g.com
E-mail the webmaster at
martyr_dom@hotmail.com
for problems concerning the website ONLY.
