YELLOWHAIR, William, Sr.

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, AZ Wednesday, June 08, 2011 William Yellowhair Sr., 94, died June 5, 2011, at the home of his daughter in Phoenix, while surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. He lived his entire life on the Navajo Reservation in and around the Tuba City area until his family moved him to Phoenix immediately prior to his death to provide individual hospice care. He was a veteran U.S. Marine, having trained at the Marine Corps base in San Diego; he was honorably discharged in 1945. Major stints of employment throughout his life include that of a Navajo Police officer in the 1950s, followed by three terms as a Navajo Council Delegate representing the Coalmine Canyon Chapter. He was also elected, at various times, to chapter-affiliated positions such as chapter secretary and grazing officer. Upon conclusion of his political calling, he remained close to home and maintained his ranch and tended to his livestock until age-related illnesses would no longer permit him. He was a man of quiet disposition and character and it spoke immensely of him. He leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, great compassion and generosity, a sense of humor and precious memories that will live in the hearts of his family and those who loved him. Mr. Yellowhair is survived by his wife of 73 years, Vaughan T. Yellowhair; children Lorraine Williams, Louva Yellowhair, Willie Yellowhair, Willis Yellowhair and Yvonne Yellowhair; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; sister Anita Begay of Tuba City; and brother Charlie Yellowhair of Tuba City. He was preceded in death by his children, Nellie Sloan, Sarah Preston, William Yellowhair, Jr., Beatrice Kennedy and Julia Williams; his parents, Bidoni and Bitsii Yellowhair; brothers the Honorable Chester Yellowhair, Ross Yellowhair, Harry Yellowhair, Joe Yellowhair and Kee Yellowhair Sr.; and sisters Elizabeth West, Helen Goldtooth and Maryann Begay. The Yellowhair family wish to extend their sincere and heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Yellowhair's home caregivers, Norma Watson of Tuba City and Bessie Begay of Sanders, who cared for him in the years and months prior to his passing. A funeral service will be Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Flagstaff Assembly Church in Flagstaff, followed by burial with military honors at the Flagstaff Citizens Cemetery, veterans' section. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.norvelowensmortuary.com. Norvel Owens Mortuary is handling arrangements.