Raymond Yazzie

Raymond Yazzie, age 70, of Whiterocks Road, passed away August 9, 2024, at the Uintah Basin Senior Villa.

 He was born May 19, 1954, in Roosevelt, to Francis and Rosella Checora Yazzie. He married Ilona Gardner and they later divorced. He graduated high school in 1974 then went to the UBATC in Roosevelt to get his carpenter and plumber certificates. He had a passion for carpentry and worked in various Ute Indian Tribal Departments, Ute Fab, Forestry, and Ute Tribe Housing. He also created his own plumbing company, RY Plumbing, and was employed at Micron and Flint Engineering.

 Raymond excelled at playing chess, Sudoku, swimming, and was an artist, coin & watch collector. He enjoyed reading history books about the Navajo Code Talkers, watching Pitch Perfect, listening to music (oldies, Motown, 60's and 90's), watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, playing basketball & softball, fishing, hunting, and had an interest in law. He was very intelligent. His favorite pastime was playing the video games “Zelda- Breath of the Wild” and “Tears of the Kingdom.” He was an avid storyteller, took many weekend excursions to Wendover, and his favorite holiday was Christmas. He believed in his traditional values and was a Sundancer in his younger years.

 He was known by the Milholland grand-girls as “Papa Raisin”; and also went by “Papa,” “Uncle,” and “Brother.” He loved his family and was a strong man who overcame many obstacles in life. He was a real warrior. 

 Raymond is survived by his children James Ray Yazzie (Sheena Ridley), Vernal; Chris (Sophia) Tabbee; several grandkids and many great-grandkids; siblings, Robert (JoAnn) Yazzie, Ft. Duchesne; Yvonne (Ron) Stewart, Sedro-Wooley, Washington; Kathrine Yazzie, Roosevelt; Bonnie Martinez, Frances Yazzie, both of Ft. Duchesne; aunts, Pauline Black; Angela (Dale) Shavanaux; Frances Yazzie; James Yazzie;  and numerous nieces and nephews.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Clifford; and a son, Raymond “Sonny” Yazzie, Jr., 

 Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at the Community Pentecostal Church on Whiterocks Road. There will be a wake on Monday, after 5:00 p.m. at his residence, 378 N 5750 E (Whiterocks Road). 

 Burial will be in the Ft. Duchesne Cemetery. 

.