Lucy Morris Gishi

Lucy Morris Gishi, 91, passed away on January 19, 2013 at her home in Holbrook, Navajo County, Arizona. Lucy was born on May 26, 1921 in Indian Wells, Arizona, to Clahs Zhinnie Begay (also known as HP#1) and Lucy Charley. She was the oldest of 6 children; Annie Sangster (deceased); Billy Morris (deceased); Nellie Paddock; Barbara Paul; and Etta Mae Honewytewa. As a child Lucy attended Leupp Bureau of Indian Affairs Boarding School in Leupp, Arizona, and went to high school at the Albuquerque Indian School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She played sports and lettered in basketball. Lucy graduated from the Albuquerque Indian School in 1942. Upon graduation she enrolled in classes to become a nursing assistant at Ganado, Arizona. Due to the declining health of her mother after one year Lucy was unable to continue her schooling. As the nation entered World War II, she took a job at the Navajo Army Depot near Flagstaff, Arizona. Her job was a teletype operator at the depot. While attending school earlier in Leupp she met her future husband, Roy Gishi Sr, whom she kept in contact with even after he entered the US Army and served in the South Pacific Theatre. Upon his return they were married and started their family and eventually settled in Indian Wells. Tragically in 1958 Lucy lost her eye sight which she never regained. She went back to school in 1960 and attended and graduated from the Little Rock School for the Blind in Little Rock Arkansas. Lucy was a homemaker, livestock owner and caretaker. She continued to care for the home and her family. Her emphasis to her children was and always has been to get an education. In 1964 her husband died and that left her with the responsibility of raising her five children (the oldest was 15 and youngest being 6). Lucy continued to lead and guide her family as the oldest of the Todicheenie clan. Because of her education, she served as an interpreter for many who needed help communicating their concerns with those who did not understand the Navajo language. As a child she learned to speak English when she assisted a public health nurse, who worked on the Navajo Nation, acting as an interpreter for the Navajo's who needed help understanding English. In the early 1960's, Lucy moved her family to Holbrook, Arizona, to be closer to essential services. After the death of her husband, Lucy continued to emphasize education to her children and grandchildren. She blessed the lives of many with her wisdom and her compassion. Lucy is survived by her children, Linda Bushman (Lile deceased)of Holbrook, Arizona; Roy Gishi, Jr. of Holbrook, Arizona; Gloria Gishi Price (Dennis) of Shiprock, Arizona; Ernie Gishi (Barbara) of Tuba City, Arizona; and LeRoy Gishi (Michele) of Germantown, Maryland; 12 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Roy Gishi, Sr. A visitation will take place at 9:00 A.M. Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Little Colorado Ward Chapel, 1127 Helen Ave., Holbrook, Arizona. The funeral will begin at 10:00 A.M. Concluding Services and Interment will be in the Holbrook Cemetery.