CHEE, BETTY JEAN

Betty passed away peacefully, at the age of 71, surrounded by her children and family members on May 8, 2018, in Phoenix. She was born March 9, 1947, in Manuelito, into the Black Sheep Clan born for the Bitter Water Clan. Betty retired from Indian Health Services after 43 years of loyal service in 2016. During her lifetime she served two-years as a Navajo Women’s Commissioner for the Eastern Agency under the Zah Administration from 1989-1990. She served as a Manuelito, NM Chapter Official prior to her term as a Women’s Commissioner. She was an active board member of the Phoenix Union High School Indian Education program from 1993-1996. Betty always liked to work and was an asset to any and all of her contemporaries. Betty enjoyed a wide variety of activities, such as sewing, traveling and spending ample time with her family and friends, especially her grandson, Tristan. She also enjoyed being out in nature on regular camping trips with her family. She was very generous and always willing to help anyone in need. She will greatly be missed by all those she had touched. Her life was a blessing to so many. Survivors include her son Ronn Lyle Arviso, and daughter Stacie Leslie Arviso both of Phoenix. sisters Helen Silversmith, Carol Begay both of Gallup, Lucy Pate of Talihina, Oklahoma, Alice Chee of Albuquerque, brothers David Chee of Albuquerque, Steven Chee and Robert Chee of Gallup; and one grandson Tristan Arnold Arviso. She was proceeded in death by her parents Allen Chee and Angela Charley, Sisters Marie Beeson and Joanne Chee. Pallbearers will be Brooks Silversmith, Blane Silversmith, Lance Beeson, Bryan Henry, Dallas Tsosie, and Kyle Silversmith. Funeral services for Betty Jean Chee, who passed at the age of 71 will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday May 14, 2018, at Whitney & Murphy Chapel, 4800 East Indian School Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85018, with burial following directly following at St. Francis Cemetery, 2033 North 48th Street, Phoenix AZ 85008 Her family set up a Go Fund Me account to assist her family for funeral and vast medical expenses. https://www.gofundme.com/betty-chee-memorial-fund A donation to Betty’s Go Fund Me Account can be used in lieu of flowers. This would be very helpful to her mourning family. Any Donation will be greatly appreciated. Condolences can be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfh.com