Valentina Blackhorse, 28, of Kayenta, Arizona lost her life to COVID-19 April 23. Blackhorse, the mother of a one-year-old girl had a passion for competing in pageants and won the title of Miss Diné College 2011-12 and Miss Western Navajo Nation 2015-16.

She was employed by the Division of Community Development and devoted much of her time to helping the Nation’s 110 chapters.

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer asked all of the Navajo people to pray for her family. She leaves behind her daughter Poet, Her parents Danny and Laverne Blackhorse, her sisters Victoria and Vanielle and her boyfriend Robby Jones.

A Go fund me account has been set up in her name to cover travel expenses and funeral arrangements