Virgil Dean Teller

Virgil Dean Teller, 40, was born into the Ta'nee'zahni (Scattered Wood) Clan and born for Naasht'�?©zh' (Zuni) Clan. Virgil attended Window Rock High School and he was a self-employed and well-known Native flute artist. His artistic works are known throughout the Southwest as well as internationally. He was a great mentor/teacher and taught several of his friends and relatives the art of flute making. He created many flutes for the Southwest Indian Foundation's catalog, various Indian art merchants, and sold to many of the customers at Earl's Restaurant in Gallup. He had many artisan friends and relatives. He was very friendly, always smiling, courteous, and ready to help anyone in need. Survivors include his son, Apollo Bitsuie of Fort Defiance; daughter, Kimberly Yazzie of Fort Defiance; parents, Marjorie and Vernon Teller of Window Rock; brothers, Gabriel Howard of Fort Defiance, and Justin Hartley of Indian River, N.Y.; sister, Vanessa (Donald) Jackson of Kayenta; aunts, Rosh Foley of Window Rock, Rena Teller of Newcomb, and Jeri LeBeaux of Pine Ridge, S.D.; and various uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, and cousins. Virgil is preceded in death by his grandparents, Sarah and Fred Thompson Sr., and Hilda and Kent Teller. Honorary pallbearers are friends, cousins and nephews. A reception will be held at St. Dominic's Hall following services. Arrangements are entrusted to: Tse Bonito Mortuary
16 Alma Drive
Tse Bonito, New Mexico 87301
(505) 371-5565