Lilly Chief Memorial

Shinali, Lilly Chief (Aug 9, 1925-Oct 17, 2023) entered into paradise this morning at 4:23 AM. She was a believer in Jesus Christ. Lilly Chief is from Black Mesa and is Tó’áhaní or Near-the-water Clan and born for Kinłichíinii or Redhouse Clan. Her maternal grandfather is Hash’kaan Hoozo'o or Banana Harvest Clan and her paternal grandfather is Yéii Dine'é Táchiinii Her parents loving called her Dzanibahi which means “Fair Lady”. Lilly is the first daughter of Atsidí Benally also known as Black hat Son and Vera Etsitty and was born around August 9, 1925. Her father was also named Cha’łijiní Biye’ and Kinłichíinii Tso’ who was a Beauty Way medicine man. Her mother was also known as Dzaanééz Hólóonii Bitsoi. Her mom was a rugweaver and strung turquoise necklaces. Her parents used traditional herbs and her father was an herbalist. Her father knew medicines for healing skin conditions and birthing. He learned the herbs from her paternal grandfather. Her great grandfather was a silversmith and his name was Atsidí which means silversmither. Atsidí was later made to be the last name of the family as “Etsitty.” Her great-great maternal grandmother (the grandmother of her grandmother), Asdzáá Adizí went on the long walk. Her great-grandmother (her grandmother’s mom) whose name is Adzáá Adízí bimá was born at Fort Sumner and she was carried back from Fort Sumner after the Long Walk. Her maternal grandmother’s grandma are originally from Ndischį Sitá (window Rock Summit). Her maternal great grandmother never went on the Long Walk and they hid in the secret canyons. Grandma Lilly never went to school. She herded sheep and her parents were afraid to lose her if she went to school. She spoke Navajo all her life and as an elder she knows a few English words. Her parents taught her to live in harmony, take care of the home; raise livestock to earn a living; and live a good life.

Lilly Chief had 4 siblings. Her older brother is Kee Benally and her younger siblings are Laura Etsitty, Daniel Benally and Linda Yazzie. She grew up with her paternal grandparents Blackhat (Hastiin Cha’łijin) and Red Lady (Asdzaa łichíí’i). She was 98 years old and has 6 children, 26 grand children, 72 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great-grandchildren. Her children are Paul Chief, Billy Chief, Jack Chief, Carol Grass, Kee Chief and Roberta Boswell.

Lilly Chief Memorial will be Saturday Oct 28, 2023 in Black Mesa, AZ. Paul Chief and Carol Grass hosting a family meeting for relatives at Lilly Chief's house Wednesday Oct 18, 2023 at 5:30 pm Black Mesa time. Feel free to bring a dish.