Josephine Jue

Jue, Josephine Navakuku
Age 93, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2015. Josephine was born on February 3, 1921 in the Hopi Village of Shungopavy, Second Mesa, AZ to Lois Honwytewa and John Navakuku. She lived a long and fulfilling life and was blessed by a marriage to Gin Ah Jue for 65 years. She was a devoted mother and is survived by one daughter Frances Jue Dallas and son-in-law Bennard Dallas. Josephine was preceded in death by her husband, Gin Ah Jue; sisters: Lavon, Bernice, and Carolyn; her baby brother. She is survived by her eldest sister, Elma; sisters: Marietta, Maryann, and Jennie; brother, Emmitt. Josephine graduated from the Albuquerque Indian School in 1940. She spent two years in Dulce, NM where she attended a nurses’ training school. She returned to Arizona when she was recruited to work as a Harvey Girl by her Uncle Porter Timeche who spearheaded the construction of the Hopi House at the Grand Canyon. She worked at the historic El Tovar Hotel which still exists. She moved to Winslow, AZ in 1947 to work again as a Harvey Girl at the La Posada Hotel which has recently been restored. It was in Winslow she met her future husband Gin who operated a Chinese Restaurant and where Frances was born. In 1955 they moved to Show Low, AZ where Gin and Josephine operated the Show Low Café and bought the Mountain Air auto court. In 1964, she and Gin along with brother-in-law Tony and his wife Nancy purchased the Vagabond Motel and Restaurant in Socorro, NM. In 1982, Josephine and Gin bought the partnership interest and continued to operate the business until 1997, when they finally retired after more than fifty years of hard work and sacrifice. After retiring Josephine and Gin attended the First Baptist Church of Socorro until they moved to Albuquerque in 2012 to live with Frances and Bennard where they lived until their passing. Josephine was known for her phenomenal memory and attention to detail. She never forgot to call her siblings on their birthdays. She was a living historian with first-hand knowledge of events and people she knew or met. Because of her ability many family members and friends made special visits to learn more of their own history. She was lucid to the last days of her life. She loved her family and friends and will be remembered as being thoughtful, kind and generous. A Graveside Service will be held Thursday, January 22, 2015 at 2:15 p.m., Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, NM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Good Samaritan Society – Socorro, 1203 Highway 60W, Socorro, NM 87801. To view information or leave a condolence please visit www.danielsfuneral.com.  
Daniels Family Funeral Services
2400 Southern Blvd
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
505-891-9192