Jennie Rose Willetto Begaii Obituary (1928 - 2015)

BRIGHAM CITY, UT. - Jennie Rose Willetto Begaii, 86, passed away Sun., June 14, 2015, at her home, surrounded by her children. She was born July 4, 1928, Crownpoint, NM, daughter to Chee & Lucille McCauley Willetto. She married Ernie N. Begaii, from Sanostee, NM, on March 28, 1948 in Crownpoint, NM. Jennie was raised in both the traditional Navajo way and in the Native American Church. Being away from the Navajo reservation, she did her best to live by and teach Navajo traditions to her children. She later became a member of the 18th Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; she served as a Visiting Teacher and in the Primary class and the nursery. She obtained her education thru B.I.A. Elementary School in Crownpoint, NM, Ft.Wingate High School in Ft. Wingate, NM, Utah State University in Logan, UT. and the Ogden-Weber Applied Tech. College in Ogden, UT.. On Saturday, February 28, 2015, she was blessed with an Honorary Degree from Utah State University, which was presented to her at U.S.U.'s annual powwow by her adopted son, Eric Olsen, Associate Vice President for Student Services. She worked at the B.I.A. Public Health Services in Crownpoint, NM as a Medical Assistant from 1947 to 1951. She and her family then moved to Brigham City, UT to work at Intermountain Indian School. She started working in September of that year until the school closed in June, 1984. She worked as a Dorm Attendant/Educational Aide in the Boys and Honor Dorms, a Teacher of Weaving, Ceramics, Beading and was a sponsor of many clubs on campus. During her time working at the school, Jennie took in some students as her own and extended her family. A year after the school closed, she got a job as a Cashier and with Security at Sears (Newgate Mall) in Ogden, UT. After a few years there, she wanted to be closer to home so she got a job in the bakery department at Kent's Market in Brigham City. She then retired shortly after. During the summer in the mid 1970s to the late 1990s, she worked with U.S.U. Special Events as a Native American Coordinator for the "Festival of the American West" and the production of "The West: America's Odyssey". Jennie received many awards and honors during her schooling and jobs, as well as from art shows and fairs. She enjoyed Intertribal and Navajo Arts & Crafts, music, powwows, weaving, ceramics, beading and silversmith work. She also enjoyed knitting, crochet, embroidery, tapestry, sewing, cooking, canning and gardening. She greatly enjoyed family gatherings; they were a great blessing to her and her family. Jennie is survived by her children: Mavis V. Price (Larry), Thoreau, NM; Bellerena V. Begaii, Aurora, CO; Victor G. Begaii, Brigham City, UT; Lavon C. Begaii-Douglas (Steve), Englewood, CO; Karen F. Begaii-Wilson (Harold), Eric A. Begaii (Quyen), Michael L. Begaii, Lynette P. Bockmeyer (Tyler), all from Brigham City, UT; 15 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Also survived by her sister, Ella Mae Chischilly, Coyote Canyon, NM; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernie, two daughters, Lucinda M., Colleen E., her parents and her brothers: Frank C. Sr., Tom H. and Harry Willetto. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2015, 10:00 a.m. at Myers Mortuary, 205 South 100 East, Brigham City, UT. Viewing will be on Wednesday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday from 9-9:45 a.m., prior to the service. Interment will be in the Brigham City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Intermountain Homecare, 550 E. 1400 N., Suite G, Logan, UT. 84341. VisitationMyers Mortuary - Brigham City 205 South 100 East Brigham City, UT 84302 June 17, 2015 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM ServiceMyers Mortuary - Brigham City 205 South 100 East Brigham City, UT 84302 June 18, 2015 10:00 AM CemeteryBrigham City Cemetery 325 South 300 East Brigham City, UT 84302 June 18, 2015