Ursula Banashley

Ursula Banashley, of Canyon Day, Navajo County, Arizona passed away tragically April 23, 2012 at her home in Canyon Day. She was 59. Ursula was born to the late Domingo and Anita (Nosie) DeClay on April 26, 1952 in Whiteriver, Navajo County, Arizona. Ursula was very active and loved to walk and cook tamales. She was always working outside on her yard and was often seen chasing horses with her sling shot. She loved to gamble and could be found many times at Hondah casino where she had many friends. Ursula was always helping out at any event she could and was always seen smiling. She loved to joke around and tease people and had an infectious smile and laugh that could be heard and seen over any crowd. Very traditional in her ways she loved to attend the Sunrise Dances. She had a signature dance that everyone loved and many will remember her by. This dance helped her to win many awards at the annual Heritage Song and Dance festivities along with her attire that won many awards as well. She loved to do beadwork regularly, liked butterflies and adored all things purple. She enjoyed attending church every Sunday but her greatest joy was spoiling her grandchildren. She was very close with her sister and will be missed by her many family members and friends whom she had throughout the whole White Mountains. Ursula is survived by her daughters, Cleo (Mondale) Duane of Whiteriver, Arizona, Tina Henry of Snohomish, WA; son, John (Katherine) Henry of Whiteriver, Arizona; traditional goddaughter, Darnell Lupe of Whiteriver, Arizona; godsons, Matt Altaha and Mason Clendon of Whiteriver, Arizona; brother, Kenneth George, Sr. of San Carlos, Arizona, Randall (Christine) DeClay, Sr. of Whiteriver, Arizona; sister, Linda (Cliff) McCreery of Whiteriver, Arizona; grandchildren, John Henry, Jr., Montrell Duane, Willibaldo Flores-Diaz, Tiburcio Flores-Diaz, Kelsey Henry, Anita Williams, Cloe Duane, Feather Rae Duane and Cadence Duane. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo "Sonny" Banashley and a son, Laromie "Chummie" Banashley. A two night wake will begin 10:00AM Thursday May 3, 2012 at her home, 525 Tumbleweed Road, Canyon Day, Arizona. Funeral services will be held 1:00PM Saturday May 5, 2012 at the Chief Alchesay Activity Center in Whiteriver, Arizona. Interment will follow in the Canyon Day Cemetery Canyon Day, Arizona.