Michael Denetsone Benallie
July 20, 1988 - Dec. 18, 2009
Michael D. Benallie, 21 of Tempe, Ariz., passed away on Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, in Tempe. He was born July 20, 1988, in Shiprock.
Michael graduated from Shiprock High School in 2006. He participated in football and wrestling, and he was proud to have played with his teammates. In 2007, he volunteered his time to assist coaching wrestling at Navajo Preparatory School, which he enjoyed.
Michael embraced the Japanese culture. His favorite pastimes revolved around anime, MySpace, chat lines, working on his laptop and being around his family and friends. He will certainly be missed by everyone who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his aunts, Yolanda Lee and Audrey Begay; uncle, Ross Kee Lee; maternal great-grandparents, Robert and Elsie Martin; and paternal great-grandparents, Hoskie and Mary Lee.
Michael is survived by his parents, Chee "Sonny" D. Benallie Jr. and Vernita "Vee" Lee-Benallie; brother, Gabriel C. Benallie and niece, Kaylee (Ponyo) D. Benallie of the family home. He is also survived by his maternal grandparents, Wilford and Irene Lee; paternal grandparents, the Rev. Chee D. Benallie Sr., Lois Nez-Begay and Anna Mae Benallie; aunts, Virginia Lee, Linda Lee, Nadia Lonewolf (Dennis), Brenda Lee (Nate Begay) and Desbah D. Allison (Rob); uncles, Albert Lee (Verna), Wilbert Lee, Terrance Billy (Lynette), Lewis W. Ckray and Arthur C. Begay Jr.; and many more nieces, nephews and other family relatives.
Michael had the best five months of his life, living in Tempe with his friends, Jeremy, Julius and Audrey. He had many friends who he enjoyed hanging out with. Those who knew him were touched by his generous, gentle, humorous, kind and caring spirit.
Pallbearers are Jeremy Atcitty, Julius Walter, Shawn Franklin, Brandon Shorthair, Kodie Penn, Aaron Lee, Roberto Lee and Kody Jones.
Alternate pallbearers are Verna Lee, Carmelita Lee, Dennis Lonewolf, Nate Begay, Rob Allison, Doc Mann and Colleen Mann. Honorary pallbearers are the immediate maternal and paternal family.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 26, at Diné Christian Center in Shiprock. Pastor Freddie Hall will officiate at the service.
Burial will take place at the Shiprock Community Cemetery.
A celebration of Michael's life will be at the Diné Center.
The Benallie family would like to extend their appreciation and thanks to all those who contributed and assisted with words of condolences, encouragement, monetary donations, food, flowers and being with the family during their loss of their son, brother, uncle, nephew, relative and friend - "Domo Arigato!"
Michael is in the care of Desert View Funeral Home of Shiprock, North U.S. Hwy. 491; (505) 368-4607.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Farmington Daily Times on Dec. 24, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Benallie

4 Entries

January 21, 2010

May deepest sympathy to Vee and Sonny whom were my very good friends in high school. I am very sorry to hear about Michael. I do hope you continue to be strong and know of Michael's happiness with the Lord now. We will all see him again someday. I love the both of you and my condolences to both your families too. --Margaret Chase

Gerrie

December 29, 2009

May the Lord embrace your kindle spirit, Michael. May he also embrace your family with all his grace and his love, especially your mom and dad. You and your family are much loved and we will miss you greatly. But this is not good-bye, for we shall see you again in the gates of heaven awaiting your loved ones. Rest in Peace now that you are one of the Great Spirit's Angels.

Annabelle Miller

December 25, 2009

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Arthur Begay

December 24, 2009

My deepest condolences to my brother's family for the lost of Michael. There are no words the will express my sence of lost. Michael was a funny kid that made me laugh and really easy to get along with. My prays and thoughts are with you all.

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