Obituaries
Nathaniel Yupe
FORT HALL — Nathaniel Wester Yupe, 68, passed away Saturday, September 19, 2026 in Buhl, Idaho.
Nathaniel was born July 14, 1958 in Pocatello, Idaho, the son of Carrie McGill and Roy R. Yupe.
Nate grew up in Fort Hall, Idaho. He attended Tyhee Elementary, Hawthorne Middle School and Highland High School. He earned his GED through Idaho State University.
He worked as a laborer and a firefighter.
He enjoyed boxing, jogging and playing basketball. He also liked hiking, handgaming, playing chess and tanning hides.
Nate is survived by his children, Wester Yupe and Misty (Patrick) Ball, both of Fort Hall; his siblings, Nadine Auck, Armina Martin, Murton Yupe, Nelda Dale, all of Fort Hall and Chris McGill of Washington; and his grandchildren, Maximus Callahan, Isabella Callahan, Malia Callahan, Myra Ball, Merida Ball, Ila Yupe and Brayden Yupe; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Adeline Phelps and Winfred Yupe and his granddaughter, Danilynn Yupe.
Nate was taken out to the Martin residence at 185 Philbin Road, Pocatello Wednesday, September 23, 2026. He remained there until traditional burial services on September 25, 2026 at Cedars Cemetery.
The family is under the care of Hawker Funeral Home.
Sharon Johnson
FORT HALL — Sharon “Shoog” Johnson, 67, of Fort Hall, Idaho, passed away, September 15, 2026, at Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello, Idaho surrounded by family.
Sharon was born June 23, 1959, in Blackfoot, Idaho to Leslie and Patricia Nagashoah Honena.
She grew up in Gibson, Idaho with her paternal grandmother, Edith P. Honena and her six brothers.
Sharon attended schools in Blackfoot and graduated from Intermountain Indian School in Brigham City, Utah. She then continued at Intermountain in the field of cosmetology.
After returning home from school, Sharon met Demonte “Ogoo” Johnson Sr. and after several years together, on May 5, 1985, she married “Ogoo” at Mountain View Baptist Church in Blackfoot. Sharon and Ogoo raised four children on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation and numerous nieces and nephews, which they called their own.
In her early adult years, she helped raise nieces and nephews. Then she began employment as a Resident’s Service Specialist at the Fort Hall Housing Authority, where she retired from after 31 years.
She enjoyed playing volleyball, softball, pool, cards, and going to concerts. She also enjoyed going to the casino, beading, yard selling, and traveling. She wasn’t a stranger to enjoying herself and loved to dance to Motown. Above all Sharon loved watching her children and grandchildren participate in sports. She was a major part of the Real Ugly Co-ed Softball Team, which included her son and all her grandkids.
Sharon was a member of the Native American Church, participated in peyote meetings throughout her lifetime and strongly believed in Sundance.
Sharon is survived by her children, Patrica L. Johnson, DeMonte (Fawn) “JR” Johnson Jr., Pearl D. Johnson, Thomas N. Johnson, Tyson Johnson, RayLee and Rayanna Shane, godson, Darryus G. Honena, sisters, Ida Hidalgo Broncho, Stacey Timbana, Velma Ariwite, Elmarie Snipe, Louise “Popeye” Jim, grandchildren: Dayton, Kilynn “Rose,” Ry’Esha “Reesh,” Nathan Dean, Starlynn “Stars,” K’Tillianna “Tillie,” Jordan, Te’Lah, Friday, Koia, LaMonte, Marci, and Sienna, great-grandson Jeremiah “Jerry”, and numerous nieces, nephews, and grandchildren of Fort Hall, also nieces and nephews of Crow Agency, Mont., Fort Washakie, Wyo., Utah, and Nev.
Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Leslie and Patricia, paternal grandmother, who raised her, Edith Pokibro Honena, auntie/mom Vida Jackson Ballard, uncle/dad Willard Ballard, brothers: Nathan, Vernaldo “Toe,” Wesley Sr., Leo Honena, Buddy Tendoy and Bert Wadda; aunt, Delilah Boise George, sisters: Rosalynda “Dohji” Osborne, Rita Snipe Wettenbone, and Bertha “Bozo” Addison, nephews: Travis and LesSanyole “Sun” Honena, and Dallas Racehorse, nieces: Delsray Tendoy, Feather Sage Tendoy, Danielle Honena, Sherrie Brookshire, TwinkalSky Tendoy, and grandson Cedric “Ceddy” Old Crow.
Viewing service for Sharon was Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at Hawker Funeral Home in Blackfoot, Idaho. She was taken to her residence 60 E. Ross Fork Pocatello, Idaho until traditional burial services on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Sandhill Cemetery.
Thomas Tendore
FORT HALL — Thomas Eugene Tendore passed away September 15, 2026, in Fort Hall, Idaho.
Thomas was born January 1, 1990, in Pocatello, Idaho to Stella Mendez (Miller) and Alan Tindore Jr.
Thomas grew up in Fort Hall and surrounding areas. He attended Tyhee and Stalker Elementary Schools, Mountainview Middle School, and graduated from Sho-Ban Jr./Sr. High School.
Thomas met Kimberli Farmer during high school and together they had four children: Lennix, Dayton, Matao and their little angel Titan. Thomas and Kimberli eventually separated but remained friends.
Thomas worked as a Drop Team Member with the Fort Hall Casino for several years but in 2021 he landed the job he absolutely loved and began working for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Fish & Wildlife Department as a Hatchery Technician with the Crystal Springs and Waterwheel Fish Hatcheries.
Thomas enjoyed watching his boys, nieces and nephews play sports, he loved to go camping, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, Indian Relay Racing, and playing video games. But most all, Thomas was a devoted Raiders fan, and he loved watching games with his boys. Dayton and Matao were fellow Raiders fans, but Lennix has always been a dedicated Seahawks guy so of course, Thomas would trash talk while cheering for both teams when they had the chance to watch games together.
Thomas is survived by his children Lennix, Dayton, and Matao, his mother Stella Mendez (Julian), his father Alan Tindore Jr., his siblings Chasity Miller, Evelyn Tindore-Walters (Matthew), Michael Tindore (Leah), Anthony Jim, Victoria Tindore and Ramona Tindore. He’s also survived by his first cousins which he’s always considered his siblings Honey, Lizabeth, Stana, Misty, Sunie, Clarence, Jarvis, Idolina, Josie, Betiina, Evette, Ace, Rhonda, Robert, Steven, Travis, Ileana, Ethan, Nae, Fawn, Alan, Tia, and Maria and several auntie moms, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family.
Thomas held a special place in his heart for each of his nieces and nephews. He definitely loved hanging out with them and we’re pretty sure he even enjoyed it when they terrorized him. He took the time and made sure each of them felt loved and included and this special love is something each of the kids will always remember.
He is preceded in death by his son baby Titan Teo Tendore; brother Cass Tendore; maternal grandparents Hazel Roubidoux and Leonard Miller; paternal grandparents Evelyn Dixey-Surdam, Alan Tendore Sr., and Donald Surdam; nephews Sayveen Tay Tindore and Andrew DelaCruz; niece Beauleah Joe Farmer; brother/cousin Dylan Tindore and Slade Tindore; sister/cousin Raven Waterhouse; uncles Richard, Kim, Cass Tendore, Leonard Miller Sr., and Dale (Frog) Vallely; stepmom Jessica Navo; sister-in-law Victoria Ariwite and granddaughter Esmie Quezada.
Thomas was taken to his mom’s house, the Mendez’s residence at 128 Bates Lane and Hawthorne Road in Fort Hall, Idaho on Thursday September 17, 2026 for viewing and remained there until his burial. A sunrise service was Saturday September 19, 2026, and burial was at the Parker-Kutch Cemetery in Fort Hall, Idaho.
El Terese Kima
FORT HALL — El Terese Rose Kima "Ham Hocks" of Fort Hall, Idaho passed away on September 12, 2026. She was born on May 4, 1971 in Pocatello, Idaho to Jolene (Edmo) and Lumen Kima.
El Terese spent her life growing up in her parents’ home in the Fort Hall "Buffalo Lodge" area. She was a member of the Native American Church and also enjoyed attending the Good Shepherd Church.
She is survived by her aunt Sharron Wheeler, brothers Billy Joe Ferguson Jr., Patrick Kima, sister LaDona Kima. Her children Serena, Cecelia, and Terrence Broncho. Grandchildren Lilyauna, Anthony, Enzo, and Xavion. She was also "Auntie mom" to a lot of her nieces and nephews.
El Terese attended school at Tyhee, Franklin and graduated from Highland High School. She also furthered her education in business. El had her own business El Tees Promotional Printing. Later, she received her realtor license. El was a jack of all trades. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.
El Terese married Raymond Broncho and was later divorced but they still remained friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents Jolene and Lumen, nephew Jimille Kima, Jojo Rosie Mink English.
El Terese was taken to her home on 136 S. Siler in Fort Hall Wednesday September 16, 2026. Services were Thursday, September 17, 2026 at the Good Shepherd Church with traditional services Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Mission Cemetery.
Allelyn LeClaire
FORT HALL — Alellyn LeClaire, 57, of Pocatello, Idaho passed away peacefully at his home on September 12, 2026.
Alellyn was born on April 3rd, 1969, in Pocatello Idaho. He is the son of Alta Browning from Fort Hall, Idaho.
Alellyn graduated from Highland High School and attended Idaho State University studying Upholstery. Alellyn pursued a career as a Wildlife Firefighter for a number of years, followed by years of dedicated service at the Shoshone-Bannock Casino & Hotel in Security and Housekeeping.
Alellyn is survived by his siblings Ameliatte Pandoah, Delverne Seaman, and Darneal Browning; his niece and nephews: Tia Hardy, Danny LeClaire, Brenden Hardy, Roosevelt and Jonathan Browning; and his great-niece Aleah Hardy.
He is preceded in death by his mother Alta Browning, his step-father Adrian Seaman, his twin brother Danzil LeClaire; and his grandparents Roosevelt and Elaine Browning.
Alellyn was a believer of the Native American Church; he was passionate about his hobbies in hunting and fishing, camping, and woodworking.
We will cherish the precious memories made and admire the beauty his legacy will leave behind.
Traditional burial services were Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the Bannock Creek Cemetery.
The family is under the care of Hawker Funeral Home.
