Teresa Bia Salabiye, 89, a devout Catholic woman, teacher, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, nalii, aunt and mentor, passed away on Friday, June 5, 2015, in Flagstaff, and went to be in the loving arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with family by her side.

A rosary and full Mass were held June 9 at St. Michael’s Mission, with Father Patrick Schafer officiating. The pallbearers were Jeremy Gishey, Ron Gishey Jr., Marc Gerren Salabiye Yazzie, Jason, Long, Jacob Manuelito Salabiye and Jiron Edgar Bitah. Honorary pallbearers were Ryan Salabiye Rumley, Kyden Kescoli Yazzie, Levi Long, Jared Bitah, Vinton Yazzie, Lewis Yazzie, Dennis Clah, Robert Clah, Randy Stewart and Paul Stewart. The eulogy was read by Levi Long, Tamara Long, Lanova Yazzie, Ronalda Bitah and Dr. Rhiannon Gishey. Burial at the family plot in Tsezhin’setle’e (Wet Mesa/Greasewood Springs) followed, with Brother Paul O’Brien officiating, then a celebration of her life was held at Greasewood Springs Chapter House.

Teresa was born inside a Hogan on Aug. 15, 1925, to Chee and Alice Chee Biah in White Cone. She was Maiideeshgeezhnii (Coyote Pass/Jemez Clan) and born for Nakaidine (Mexican Clan).

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jerry E. Salabiye Sr.; her son, Jerry E. Salabiye Jr.; her daughter, Velma Salabiye; her brother, David Chee Biah; and her stepbrother, James Larson.

Survivors include her children, Linda S. Yazzie (Thomas), Gloria J. Long (Louie), Dr. Leclare Salabiye-Gishey (Ron), Michael R. Salabiye (Darlene) and Deborah L. Salabiye; and nephew, Edison Spencer (Mary Lou). She leaves behind 20 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren spanning in age from 45 years to 17 months. She is also survived by numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was of the horse and wagon generation. She worked in the cornfields from planting to harvesting, herded sheep, wove rugs and sash belts, made baskets and learned to be a great cook from the teachings of her parents. From this, she developed her remarkable work ethic.

She received her education at St. Michael’s Mission, Ft. Wingate High School, Fort Lewis College, Arizona Teachers College/ Northern Arizona University (NAU) and earned college credits at other universities in Colorado. She had a fondness for astronomy; however, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education while her husband earned his B.A. from the University of Arizona. While in school, they paved a pathway for other Dine’ and instilled the importance of higher education in their children. Most of the family ended up at NAU, as well, following in their footprints.

She worked with and taught hundreds of children and kindergarten students from Indian Wells, Dilcon, Steamboat, Cornfields, Jeddito, Wide Ruins, Klagetoh and Greasewood Springs areas during her tenure. She retired in 1990 with 41 years of service with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Her work has also been mentioned in the book Arizona’s War Town (Bellemont) and Navajo Camp. She was also interviewed for research papers including doctoral dissertations.

After her husband died in 1984, Teresa continued to work in education. She also continued as a volunteer and as an advocate for veterans. She was a member of the Navajo Code Talker Association, White Eagle Gourd Dance Society and Greasewood Springs Veteran’s Association, serving as one of the officers; these were her way of giving tribute and honoring her husband. She traveled extensively locally and nationally with members of the Navajo Code Talker Association. In 2001, she accepted a Congressional Silver Medal on behalf of her husband. She often joined Bill Toledo from Torreon, N.M., in his travels to educate the young and the old with academic presentations and stories. They became influential in various historical and academic capacities.

A few of her personal interests and hobbies included long walks, puzzles, reading newspapers and literature, word search, rock collection, star gazing, traveling, Bible study, drawing rug designs freehand, traditional Diné song and dances, pow-wows, sewing and storytelling, often recounting her school days. She became a great fan of Days of our Lives, and a passionate fan of the Phoenix Suns and Steve Nash.

She was extremely disciplined, generous, humble, humorous and loving. These attributes, along with her love as a Catholic woman, are sprinkled among several generations of family and community members. She lived a life that was rich in family tradition, in culture, respect and dignity. It is a life we all strive for.

Memorial contributions can still be made to GoFundMe-Teresa B. Salabiye and Wells Fargo Donations to Teresa Salabiye.

Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow was in charge of the arrangements.