Chavez D. Shirley

Chavez D. Shirley

Beloved husband, father, brother, grandpa and great-great grandpa, Chavez D. Shirley, age 71, passed away peacefully and went home with the lord, July 23, 2020 at Presbyterian Rust Medical Center in Rio Rancho, NM, surrounded by his twin daughters. He was born in Newcomb, NM, on June 1, 1949 and a longtime resident of Alamo Navajo Reservation. He was also a member of Alamo Baptist Church. Chavez grew up in Newcomb, NM when he was young he attended Toadlena Boarding School, Toadlena, NM during his elementary and mid school years. Later, transferred to AIS (Albuquerque Indian School), where he graduated with a high school diploma in 1969 and later married his high school sweetheart, Bernice Apache and had 3 children together. Chavez worked for Navajo Nation for couple of years as a CHR (Community Health Representative) to work with Alamo Navajo Community. In 1977, he was hired as EMT Coordinator and started an EMS (Emergency Medical Services) on Alamo Reservation, from the help and support from the late Chapter Officials and Socorro Fire Department. Chavez took trainings and workshops at SIPI (Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute) and UNM where he got his medical certificates for Emergency Medical Technician. He worked as an EMT for 20 years. Then transferred his job to CNA (Certified Nurse) and worked at Socorro Good Samaritan and Hospice within Socorro County for over 10 years. And on his days off, he worked at Socorro General Hospital. He finally retired in 2012, due to his health issues. His hobbies were chatting and spending time with his family and friends. Listening and singing to his favorite gospel songs/music. He is preceded in death by his parents Daniel D./Martha B. Shirley, Brothers Lorenzo D. Shirley, Harrison D. Shirley, Granddaughter Baby Platero and great-great granddaughter Cassidy Platero. He is survived by his wife Bernice Apache, twin daughters Lanicelia S. Apachito husband Kee B. Apachito, Bernicelia Shirley partner Sam Henio, and son Travis D. Shirley, 10 grandchildren and 15 great-great grandchildren. Sisters Gracelia Gonzales, Cecelia Apachito (Nixon Apachito), Amelia Shirley, Rosecelia Harrison (Phillip Harrison), Emelia Monte (Herman Monte) and Darlene Begay, brothers Leroy D. Shirley (Rose Ann Shirley) and Orlando Begay, Step-father James Begay and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Kee B. Apachito, Kendrick Apachito, Dyron Apachito, Jay Athin K. Apachito, Leander Platero, Sam Henio, Manuel Monte II, Christella Clement and Clydean Apachito. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him, he will forever be in our hearts. A graveside service was held on July 23, 2020 at Word of God Cemetery, Alamo, NM. A memorial service will be held at a future date for all his family, friends and loved ones. Thank you, daddy, for all the beautiful memories. The family of Chavez D. Shirley would like to thank everyone for your thoughts and prayers during these difficult times. To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com

Daniels Family Funeral Services

309 Garfield St

Socorro, NM 87801

575-835-1530

El Defensor Chieftain