Yolanda M. Dennison

Forever in our Hearts
On September 26, 2022, Yelonda M. Dennison, dedicated and loving wife, mother, daughter, and sister, passed away peacefully in the city of Albuquerque, NM. Yelonda (Lala) is survived by her husband Gilbert Dennison of 17 years and her 2 daughters Kiryn Tatuana Dennison and Destiny Dale.
Yelonda was born in Cuba, NM on December 8th, 1975. Her parents are, her late father Leroy J. Betoni, and her mother Marilyn Betoni of Kirtland, NM.  Lala was very blessed to come from a large family of 9 siblings. Her late brother Virgil Betonie, sister's Marlo Balch, Shawna Onley, Denise Betoni, Marsha Pruit, and Matauiu Betoni. Two brothers Joaquin Betoni and Beau Betoni.
Yelonda was born of the Honágháahnii clan (Ones Who Walk Around People),
Her father's clan Tł’ááshchí’í (The Red Bottom People)
Her maternal grandfather's clan Kinyaa’áanii  (Towering House People)
And Paternal grandfather clan Naakaii Dine’é (Mexican Clan)
Yelonda's education path was extraordinary and she excelled from the Tribal schools, Kirtland Elementary and KCHS in Kirtland NM, Clearfield Utah, and onto Western NM University in Silver City, NM. For the last 20 years she worked as a medical biller for various hospitals and clinics.
Lala's heart exuberated even at her work. She enjoyed her job and was so admired by her colleagues of her knowledge and dedication to her career.
Yelonda brought a very special light to her family. She had many roles she played in which her shoes will be hard to fill. Her laughter, humor, generosity, goofiness, advice and counsel, and her listening ears, were always of great warmth and comfort. She loved the outdoors, spending time at the lake, taking road trips, walking her dog, singing songs from all genre's, watching movies, attending concerts, hosting tea parties, writing in her journals, and spending time with her neices and nephews. She was always open to new things, and adventures. Every week she found something to take interest in, like the learning of her heritage and ancestory, crafts, make-up, shopping, or planning events months in advance. Her gracious heart truly encompassed her family, her daughters, siblings and their children. Lala always put in enough room in her schedule and made time for her family. Her goofiness, strength, beauty, and love to others was so effortless. She was the best role model and she inspired everyone she interacted with. She will live on with the memories we have and the moments we created with her. She has captured our hearts and will be dearly missed, and never forgotten. To a wonderful and amazing women, we love you Lala.
Yelonda's funeral services will be held at the LDS church in Kirtland, NM 473 CR 6100 on October 1, 2022 at 9 am.
She is under the care of Cope Memorial Chapel in Kirtland, NM 458 CR 6100. Kirtland NM 87417. 505-598-9636
Donations can be sent to Venmo
@Kiryn-Dennison. We thank you and truly appreciate your kindness and support. Thank you from the Dennison and Betoni family.