Ernest Yazhe

Ernest joined the Marine Corp and was a Navajo Code Talker during World War II. He participated in the capture and occupation of Guam, Marinas Islands, and Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, and was later sent to China. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and later awarded the Congressional Silver Medal in 2001. After the war he moved to Salt Lake City where he worked for Kennecott Utah Copper and retired after 38 years of employment. On June 29, 1957, he married his loving wife Katie Trujillo in Brigham City. They enjoyed 49 years together and raised 7 children. After retirement he and his wife moved back to the Chaco Canyon area of Nageezi, New Mexico. After the passing of his wife he returned to Sandy, Utah where he enjoyed spending his later years with his children and grandchildren who he dearly loved. He enjoyed watching his family participate in sports activities, quick trips out west, playing solitaire, and watching westerns and sports on television. He will be greatly missed by numerous relatives and friends.

Ernest is survived by his children Maxine Mountainlion, Ernest Yazhe, Kevin Yazhe, Marcia Picklesimer, Melissa Yazhe, and Maureen (Joel) Frank. Grandchildren Shawn Yazhe, Josh Yazhe, Joey Picklesimer, Anthony Yazhe, Cherokee Angel, Cheyenne Yazhe, Dominique Frank, and Jason Mancuso, and great-grandchildren Taya and Dre Angel. His brothers Herbert Yazhe, Albert Yazhe, and sisters Marie Begay, Evelyn Billy, Helen Begay, and Clara Waska.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife Katie, son Gary, parents, brothers Andrew Yazhe, Silas Yazhe, Harrison Yazhe, and sisters Mary Billy, Ethel Yazhe, Ella Eagleman, Bertha Yabeny, and Grace Toledo. The family wishes to thank Dr. Jansen, Dr. Schellenberg, and the staff at South Mountain Dialysis for the excellent care of their father.

Services will be held Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at 11:00 am at Utah Veterans Memorial Park Chapel located at 17111 South Camp Williams Road, Riverton, Utah. Friends may call at Evans and Early Mortuary at 574 East 100 South, Salt Lake City on Monday, January 18, 2016 from 6:00-8:00 pm and on Tuesday one hour prior to services at Utah Veterans Memorial Park. Interment at Utah Veterans Memorial Park Cemetery. Funeral under the direction of Family Funeral Care. Online guestbook available at www.familyfuneralcareutah.com