Pearl Cheschilly

Pearl Cheschilly, also known as Bil hajizbaá, 97, of Kirtland, beloved mother and grandmother, went to heaven in the afternoon of Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010. She passed peacefully in Kirtland, surrounded by her family. Pearl was born Aug. 3, 1913, in the hogan at Tó di K'oozh, N.M. She was the ninth of 12 children. She had four brothers and seven sisters. Her parents were Maxine Clahcheschilly and Hosteen Klizilani (Manygoats). Her maternal grandfather was Deshna Clahchisshillage. In her childhood years, Pearl herded sheep with her siblings. She attended Shiprock Boarding School, Fort Wingate Boarding School and Albuquerque Indian School. Pearl began her employment as a housekeeper for Mrs. Hanagarne in Shiprock, and Mr. and Mrs. George Salmon in Bloomfield and Bayfield. In 1958, she started working for the BIA schools as a cook in the Aztec Dormitory and Nenahnezad Boarding School. She retired in the early 1990s. Pearl loved her family and delighted in spending time with her relatives and friends. She was known as "Grandma." She loved to laugh and used her quick wit and sense of humor to make others laugh. Pearl will be remembered for her strength, sense of humor, love and generosity. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Tom Morgan, Klizilani Begay, Edmond Klizilani and Klizilani Begay; sisters, Minnie Saltwater, Marie Fasthorse Begay, Edith Benn, Lola Mae Yazzie, Betty Belin, Priscilla Atcitty and Alley Nahkai; and son-in-law, Jonas Blue Eyes. She is survived by her daughter, Florence Blue Eyes; sister, Marion Begay; grandsons, Marc and Nathan Blue Eyes; nine great-grandchildren, Trynna, Tonya, Tamara, Rachel, Chera, Talia, Isaac, David and Jesse; two great-grandchildren, Aryei and Zahara; and numerous nieces and nephews and their children. A service to commemorate her life will be held at 10 a.m. today, Sept. 30, at First Baptist Church, 17 Road 6500 in Kirtland. Pastor Robert Tso will officiate. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, 1606 N. Dustin Ave. in Farmington. Arrangements areentrusted to: Cope Memorial Kirtland Chapel 458 County Road 6100 (505) 598-9636.