Stephan Rockwell, 24, passed away on Saturday, June 4, 2011, in Dilkon. Funeral services were held June 7 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Indian Wells. Interment followed at the Lucy Rockwell Memorial Cemetery.
He was born on Jan. 29, 1987, in Keams Canyon to Gary C. Poleyestewa and LaBrenda K. Rockwell. Stephan was of the Zuni White Corn, Red Streak Running into the Water People Clan born for the Hopi Bear Clan.
He was a 2005 graduate of Holbrook High School, and lettered all four years in basketball. After high school he attended Northwest Indian College in Bellingham, Wash., playing basketball there as a point guard for two years. He also played basketball with the Native Boyz basketball team and the NABI Tournament.
Stephan enjoyed playing basketball, and being with family and friends. He was energetic, smart and an all around good person.
Survivors include his father, Gary Poleyestewa of Shungopavi; his mother, LaBrenda K. Rockwell of Indian Wells; his brother, Angel Rockwell of Indian Wells; his sister, Candace Poleyestewa of Indian Wells; a nephew, Eliase Begay; his paternal grandparents, Peter and Joan Nuvamsa; his maternal uncles, Lemuel Lester, Norman Lester, Herbert Rockwell Jr., Tayah Rockwell, Acey Rockwell, Arson Rockwell, Fred Rockwell and Myrtis Rockwell; his maternal aunts, Louise Begay, Marlene Lester, Shawna Rockwell and a missing aunt, Christine Lester; his paternal aunts, Greta Lomayestewa and Melalanie Honwytewa; and his paternal uncles, Gerald Honwytewa, Lionel Honwytewa, Ben Nuvamsa and Pascal Nuvamsa.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Herbert Rockwell Sr. and Lucy Rockwell; his uncle, Lorenzo Lester; and his maternal grandmother, Mae Rose Honwytewa.
Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow was in charge of the arrangements.
