Manataba Messenger

Page 22 Obituaries Continued from Page 21 Phyllis Jean Hill Pallbearers, Timothy Thomas, Mathew Thomas, Jordan Thomas, Zachary Thomas, Taylor Thomas, Travis Manchado, Jake Owens, Calvin Owens, Bruno Owens, Jacob Menta, and Angel Medal. Honorary Pallbearers, Woodrow, and Bosephus Brown. Viewing Services were at Yuma Mortuary on Wednesday, July 22, 2020, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM Tribal Rites followed at the Quechan Big House on July 23 at 3:00 AM until Cremation 5:00 AM. In Loving Memory of Melba Lela Guerrero October 6, 1951—July 12, 2020 Melba was born on October 6, 1951. She passed away at Needles Hospital on July 12, 2020; she was 68 years old. Melba joins her parents Robert and Ethel Guerrero, Grandparents Hiram and Lela McCord, Aunt Martha McCord, and Brother Kendall Guerrero. She is survived by her Uncle Hubert McCord, siblings Izetta Courtwright, Jack Jackson, James Guerrero, Lisa Guerrero, Hope Guerrero, and Robert Guerrero. Also, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Visitation and serv- ices took place on July 18, 2020. In Loving Memory of Dorinda Row Short “Piggy” July 11, 1970—July 15, 2020 Daughter to Marinita Carlos and Desmond Short Sr. Sister to Desmond Short Jr. Orlando Short Sr., Etta Conger and Anthony Carlos. Dorinda was born on July 11, 1970, and passed away on July 15, 2020, her arrangements were under the care of Parker Funeral Home. Funeral services were held on July 25, 2020, at 1:00 PM at Parker Funeral Home, 1704 S. Ocotillo Ave., Parker, Arizona. Tribal Rites of Cremation took place on July 25, 2020, from 8:00 PM at Colorado River Indian Tribes Cemetery, 2nd Ave. & Laffoon Rd., Parker, Arizona. In Loving Memory of Angelo Cornell Johnson July 16, 2020—July 16, 2020 Angelo Cornell Johnson was born on July 16, 2020, and passed away on July 16, 2020, his arrangements were under the care of Parker Funeral Home. Funeral services were held on July 22, 2020, at 6:00 PM at Parker Funeral Home, 1704 S. Ocotillo Ave., Parker, Arizona. Tribal Rites of Cremation took place on July 22, 2020, from 8:30 PM at Colorado River Indian Tribes Cemetery, 2nd Ave. & Laffoon Rd., Parker, Arizona. In Loving Memory of Lolita Schofield December 31, 1944—July 26, 2020 Daughter of the Late Peter Sands & Grace Scott. Wife of Wesley Schofield, sister of Karen Paddock & Mildred Strongheart. Mother of the Late Dominick Paddock & Anissa Carter. Grandmother of Kachelle Carter, Tessa Short, Leah Morris, Nathan Paddock, the Late Danielle Paddock, Nicole Paddock & Wesley Paddock. Great-Grandmother of the Late Collin Paddock, Marcus Johnson, Aaden Cabrera, Brea Daniels and Journey Schurz. Lolita Schofield was born on December 31, 1944, and passed away on July 26, 2020, arrangements were under the care of Parker Funeral Home. Funeral services were held on August 1, 2020, starting at 5:00 PM at Parker Valley Mission, 2nd Ave. and Booth Rd., Parker, Arizona. Interment took place on August 2, 2020, at 6:00 AM at Parker Cemetery. OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF THE CRIT MOHAVE ELDERS COMMITTEE The CRIT Mohave Elders is a standing committee of the Colorado River Indian Tribes, established to promote and preserve the indigenous Mohave culture. It is with great sadness CRIT Mohave Elders Committee mourns the death of Mohave Elder Lolita Schofield. Our condolences to her family. Mrs. Schofield served as the Vice-Chairwoman and Treasurer of the Committee for many years, always meticulous in her work and efforts for the Committee. It was through her leadership the Mohave people were able to maintain the Mohave foot- print in the Mojave Desert. At times, the Committee was required to travel to big cities to participate in talks of the land or give testimony about the Mohave People and Indigenous sites. Through many hours of meetings, both in federal and state courts, Lolita provided Tribal Elder leadership and cultural direction for Committee and the Tribes. She often donned her traditional Mohave dress so that people at federal court hearings or state officials would know who they were dealing with when they threatened to take our water, land, or other natural resources. She felt strongly that by her pres- ence, she represented the Mohave People's presence, proud and strong, ensuring their legacy and stance, now and for the future. Though there was much opposition in dealing with top federal and state entities, the Committee stood firm for the Colorado River Indian Tribes and the Mohave people, always with the next gener- ation of Mohave people. Mrs. Schofield believed in the existence of the CRIT Mohave Committee. She made every effort to ensure they were active in the community, whether it was the annual celebration of Mohave Day or participating in cultural parades, all of which pro- moted our local culture to the young and upcoming Mohaves. It is a significant loss to Lolita's family, our Tribal Community, and those inspired by her words, devotion, and religious perspective. Though hurt with Mrs. Schofield's passing, we will continue to embrace and carry on her devotion to her people, as she did. I want to acknowledge Mohave elders Neucha Ruiz and David Harper, who served alongside her, and who so graciously prepared this official statement for public release. Most respect, s/ Sonia Stone, Chairperson CRIT Mohave Elders Committee Mrs. Schofield & Neucha Ruiz working at the 2015 Mohave Elder sponsored Annual Fall Gathering. She will be missed...