John K. Begay

John K. Begay, 82, of Farmington, NM, passed away on November 24, 2024, in Shiprock, NM. He was born on July 1, 1942, in Lukachukai, AZ, to Descheenie Begay and Irene Bitani. 

John grew up in Lukachukai/Tsaile, AZ, and tended sheep for his grandmother and grandfather. He attended Intermountain Boarding School in Brigham City, Utah. During the summer months, he worked on farms in Wyoming and on dairy and potato farms in Idaho.

As he grew older, he enrolled in an 8-month trade school in Los Angeles, CA, where he became a welder. He met and married his beloved wife, Laurena Werito Begay. They soon welcomed their children: daughter Jacquelynn, daughter Kimberly, and son Marvin.

John worked for several welding companies in Los Angeles, including the shipyards on the coast. The family eventually moved to Farmington, NM, where he worked for American Tank & Steel and other welding companies before retiring from Pesco. He was loving and supportive of each of his grandchildren. He especially enjoyed watching them play softball, baseball, basketball, and football.

John was a diligent worker and always provided for his family. After hours, his adventures included ranching in the Bisti area, caring for cattle and horses, and mending fences. He cherished his time outdoors, which brought him great joy. He passed this passion on by teaching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren how to tend to the ranch.

He often shared many stories with his family about his childhood and teen years growing up in Arizona with his cousins. These stories were so numerous they could fill a book. He was always proud of his children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s accomplishments, whether in employment, education, or ministry. He encouraged them to pursue their goals for a better life. His patience and loving guidance will be greatly missed.

The family would like to express their gratitude and sincere thanks to the Northern Navajo Medical Center staff, San Juan Regional Cancer Center, San Juan Oncology, and My Kidney Care for their special care of our beloved dad, papa, brother and uncle.

John is preceded in death by his loving wife, Laurena Werito Begay; his daughter, Jacquelynn Werito Atole; his parents, Irene Bitani and Descheenie Begay; his brother, Danny Benally; his grandparents, Genevieve Bitani and Hosteen Bitani; and his granddaughter, Tyeshea Atole Yazzie.

John is survived by his son, Marvin Begay (Delia); his daughter, Kimberly Yazzie (Orlando); his grandchildren: Tashia Chavez (Delbert), Shawnnia Atole (Jazzmarae), Ivan Atole III (Amanda), Marques Yazzie, Micah Yazzie (Kassandra), Autumn Begay, and Chloe Begay; and his great-grandchildren: MeKenzie Chavez, Sean Chavez, and MeKayla Chavez.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 29, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Time Has Come Ministries, located at 400 E. Gladden Dr., Farmington, NM. Interment will follow at St. Luke's Cemetery at 12:00 p.m. A reception will be held afterward at Carson Living Waters Assembly of God.