Mary Ella Charley

Mary Ella Charley, age 85, was born September 21st, 1934 in Klagetoh, Arizona and passed away February 26, 2020. She was the daughter of Bendick Yazzie and Maggie Woodman of Klagetoh, Arizona. Mary started life in Barstow California with the love of her life Ben Charley in November 1952. Together they were blessed with 5 children, Rita Nez, Ruby Martinez, Loretta Begay, Edison Charley, and Benjamin Charley from Barstow, Ca. From which she had 15 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren who she loved dearly.

Services will be held Friday, March 13th, 2020 at Victory Outreach Church 300 E. Grace Street Barstow, Ca with viewing starting 9am and services starting at 11am. Interment will be held at Mountain View Memorial Park in Barstow, Ca with reception following at Noonan Hall Barstow, Ca

Eulogy For Mary Ella Charley

Thank you for being with us today to celebrate the life of a remarkable woman, my mother Mary Ella Charley. My mother was born on September 21st, 1934. She was born and raised on Klagetod, Arizona. My mom had two sisters Grace B. Yazzie, Betty B. Kee and two brothers James B. Yazzie and Anthony Yazzie. Mom attended Klagetod Boarding School at a young age. From there she went to Sherman Indian School in the 50’s in Riverside, California.

There she met the love of her life, my dad, Ben Charley. At the time my dad was visiting a friend there. While being there, something caught his eye and that was my mom. He said she was the most beautiful woman I ever laid eyes on and he fell in love with her. At the time, he was working at Barstow Logistics Marine Base in Barstow, Ca. He took his sweetheart to meet his family in New Mexico and also to meet her family in Arizona. Soon after, they got married in November 1952. Two years later a baby girl was born. That’s me, Rita Nez with Rick Oakley. I’m the oldest, then my two sisters were born, Ruby Martinez and Loretta Begay with Ben Jaramillo followed by my two little brothers Edison Charley with MaryAnn Charley and Benjamin Charley with Maria Charley. Eventually the family grew. Rita welcomed Mary’s first grandchild, Genevieve followed by many more grandchildren. Joe Guerena, Regina Zavala, Paul Trujillo, Leroy Begay, Christina Nez, Donnie Nez, Alejandro Martinez, Marcy Charley, Percy Charley. Martine Saldana, Elaine Charley, Elisha Charley, Samson Charley and Miracle Charley. They made their life here in Barstow, Ca. In 1998 Mary’s first great grandchild was born, Alysia followed by Katrina, Alison, Marcus, Dominique, Serena, Senovia, Paul Jr., Elena, Kristin, George, Audrina, Alyssa, Riley, Jolissa, Nyla, Abby, Harley, Zara and Wyatt.

She worked at Barstow Marine Base as a laundry worker. Every summer mom worked in Newberry Apricot ranch as an assembly line worker. She was also a laundry worker at EL Rancho Motel 25 years in all. Other than that, she was a homemaker in the true sense of the word. Every room was cleaned spotless and very tidy. She cooked all kinds of homemade dishes. Always had hot meals 3 a day. We never went hungry. Mom liked to knit, sew, and weave beautiful Navajo Indian rugs and do bead work making all kinds of jewelry. All evidence of her many skills. Mom kept our home warm during the cold winter months. The quality of our lives was rich. Mom also loved to sing. She sang songs in Navajo and English Christian Gospel songs in churches and revivals. My dad would play his guitar when she sang. Our lives were filled with music, singing and laughter. My mom was an avid bingo player. I’m sure some of you knew her at the bingo halls. She loves playing bingo, she was caring, supportive and loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend. We have are so honored to have been her children. We are all grieving for the loss of the amazing relationships we made with mom. But we can take comfort knowing she has been reunited with her love, Chay Ben Charley. Mom taught us all what is really important in life…. To love, to support and care for our friends and family in our lives. Looking up at this room filled with all of you today. I can understand the impact my mom had in each of your lives. Thank you all again for supporting our family today and helping us get through this difficult time. Mary is survived by many friends and family members.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.meadcares.com for the Charley family.