Alta M (Chischilly) Dodge

Alta Mae Dodge, 76, resident of the Nenahnezad and Chaco Canyon area, our beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and community leader passed away Tuesday, May 17, 2016. She was born of the Nihoobaanii Clan and born into the Tsenabahilnii Clan. Alta's maternal grandfather was of the To'aheedliinii Clan and her paternal grandfather was of the Todich'ii'nii Clan. Her children are born into the Ashiihi Clan. She was born February 28, 1940 in Chaco Canyon to the late Tom Chischilly and the late Mae (Beyale) Chischilly.
She is survived by her daughters and sons, Althea Francis (Alfred) of Farmington; Dorothea Huff of Nenahnezad; Wanda Taylor of Nenahnezad; Brenda Becenti (Edison) of Farmington; John E. Dodge, Jr., of Nenahnezad; Carletta Dodge of Nenahnezad; Thomas Dodge of Pagosa Springs; and Elton Dodge (Mena) of Nenahnezad; one brother Norman Benally (Etta). She was blessed with 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her late husband John E. Dodge, Sr., parents Tom and Mae Chischilly, sisters Sarah Charley and Bessie Pine, brothers Jerry Chischilly and Perry Bennally, and uncles Clark Beyale and John Beyale.
Alta met the love of her life and husband, John E. Dodge, Sr., in 1957 and were married for 39 years. They had 8 children who were always their priority and most all, their pride and joy.
She began working at Nenahnezad Boarding School in 1968 and taught grades from Kindergarten through 4th grade, she retired in 1992 after 24 years of service with the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Her hobbies included farming, bowling, sewing, crocheting, traveling, storytelling and enjoying the love, laughter and presence of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She began bowling with her husband in 1972 and her late brother Jerry Chischilly and her late Uncle, Clark Beyale. Through the years their love of bowling is continued through her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She bowled in numerous tournaments stretching from California to Florida, and met many people and made many more friends. The highlight of her bowling was when her Ladies bowling team placed Second in the Annual Women's International Bowling Congress National Tournament in 1996, bowled in Buffalo, NY. She was a community leader in Lake Valley Chapter, holding the position of Secretary, Treasurer. She registered voters for the Navajo Tribal, local, State and Federal elections, ensuring everyone's vote counted. She was a devout Republican and campaigned for many candidates.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10 am Saturday Morning, May 21, 2016 at the Kirtland Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Stake Center with Bishop Lee officiating. Family and friends may view one hour prior to services. Interment will be at the Kirtland Cemetery. Pallbearers are Russell Francis, Byron Francis, Patrick Huff, Joshua Becenti, Alejandro Uentillie and Hubert Harwood. Honorary Pallbearers are John E. Dodge, Jr., Thomas Dodge, Elton Dodge, Norman Benally, Alfred Francis, Edison Becenti, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ms. Alta Dodge's care is entrusted to Cope Memorial Chapel, 404 W. Arrington St. in Farmington, 505-327-5142.