Login

Gallup Sun

Thursday, Mar 28th

Last update12:57:39 AM GMT

You are here: News Sun News Navajo Nation mourns loss of longest-living Ariz. veteran

Navajo Nation mourns loss of longest-living Ariz. veteran

E-mail Print PDF

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. - Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer offered condolences to the family of Sophie Yazzie, who died Jan. 25 in Tucson, Ariz. at the age of 105.  Yazzie was the longest-living veteran in the state of Ariz.

She was a member of the Navajo Nation, born in 1914 in Canyon de Chelly, Ariz.

At the age of 28, Yazzie enlisted with the U. S. Army Air Corps and served during World War II until she was honorably discharged. Following her time in the military, she returned home and worked at Wingate Boarding School.

She had four children with her late husband Jordan B. Yazzie. She was grandmother to five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

“On behalf of the Navajo people, we offer our thoughts and prayers for the family of the late Sophie Yazzie, a matriarch for her family and a warrior for our Navajo people who served our country with great honor and dignity. To her family, we pray for comfort during this difficult time,” Nez said.

Lizer also spoke about Yazzie. “She was a loving and compassionate mother, grandmother and veteran who served her people throughout her life in several different capacities.  We will always be grateful for her contributions and we give thanks for her life and we pray for her family and friends during this time.”

The family is in the process of setting up an account to receive donations.

The details of the funeral service for Sophie Yazzie are still being confirmed.

Staff Reports

Share/Save/Bookmark