Florence Nez
Our loved one Florence T. Nez entered into rest on September 16, 2025, she was 88 years old. She was born on June 26th, 1937, in Tolani Lake, AZ. Her early years were rooted in Tolani Lake, AZ, where she and her family thrived through ranching, raising cattle, sheep, horses, and various farm animals, ensuring the family’s livelihood. After marriage, she divided her time between Coalmine, AZ, and her family home in Winslow, AZ, where she dedicated over 25 years to the hotel industry. Her career reflected her commitment to instilling strong work ethics, family values, and Navajo traditions in her children. Before retirement, she loved to spend weekends in Tolani Lake, AZ as she continued to embrace her heritage by participating in extended family activities, herding and branding cattle, demonstrating that life included having lots of fun alongside hard work. With that said, those were her happiest memories of family gatherings filled with laughter, picnics, and watching all her children and their cousins, uncles, and aunts play softball games, horseback riding, and the kids riding bulls. Additionally, Florence loved to sew and cook, creating beautiful clothing, quilts, and preparing traditional Navajo cuisine for those she loved. Lastly, she cherished her many friends and neighbors, considering them family, as they supported each other through life’s triumphs and tribulations.
Florence was preceded in death by her parents, Navajo Billy and Nona Thompson, and 2 sons, Norman Thompson and Ervin Nez. Sadly she was the sole survivor among her 13 siblings. She is survived by her children: Katherine Nez, Ernie Nez, Luther Nez (Lorena) and Lavina Gonzales (William). 10 Grandchildren: Jamie (Jed), LaRee (Mickie), Shonevise, Davison, Kendrick (Cassandra), Angelica (Xavier), Markel (Valerie), Robert Jr., Joshua Vargas (Taylor), and Daniel (Kally). 14 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson.
We cannot leave out her favorite, “Katie”—her beloved fur baby. They loved each other at first sight! Katie never left her side during her illness.
A graveside service will be held on Friday September 19th, 2025 at 9:00AM, Desert View Cemetery, followed by a reception at 10:30AM, Girl Scout House, 500 Loy Engelhardt Way Winslow, AZ.