Obituaries

DANIEL J. TORRES June 28, 2024

Dan Torres, beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather was called to his eternal resting place on June 28, 2024. He was born in Las Vegas, NM, to Luciano and Manuelita Torres.

He is survived by his wife Shirley Torres, daughters Gretchen Torres-Baumgartner and Danielle Torres; son-in-law Bern Baumgartner; grandsons Mason and Matthew Baumgartner and brother Robert Torres.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father and brother Luciano “Buddy” Torres, and sisters Nettie and Alice.

Dan was a standout athlete and played basketball and baseball at Los Alamos Read More

ANTOINETTE MARIE SHEFFIELD Oct. 3, 1949 – July 20, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved wife and mother Antoinette Marie (Mals) Sheffield at the age of 74.

Antoinette was born on Oct. 3, 1949 in Dayton, Ohio to Chester and Betty Mals. Raised in Dayton, Antoinette spent her young adult years working at a local hospital in the newborn nursery. She loved children and had a natural way with them.

Vibrant and a true beauty inside and out, she became a member of the High Cincinnatians Tall Club and was crowned Miss Tall International in 1976. She spent the next year traveling Read More

PATRICIA ANN LUNDQUIST GRALL Nov. 22, 1939 – July 20, 2024

Patricia “Pat” Ann Lundquist Grall, born Nov. 22, 1939, in Longview, WA, passed away peacefully at the age of 84 Saturday, July 20, 2024, in Rio Rancho, NM, with her son and daughter by her side.

Pat was preceded in death by her son Richard “Rick” Erick Grall, her parents Robert Eric Lundquist and Anna Lois Timmen, and her sister Sally Templeton.

She is survived by her daughter Stacey Lutz of Plano, TX, her son Russ Grall of Oahu, HI, her grandson Hayden Lutz of Grand Prairie, TX, her twin brother Paul Lundquist of Tacoma, WA, and numerous nieces, Read More

EDWARD SNOW, SR. Nov. 16, 1934 – July 14, 2024

Dr. Edward Clark Snow, Sr. of Whitney passed away Sunday, July 14, 2024, at home in the Bethel Community.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Marshall and Marshall Funeral Directors Chapel in Hillsboro.

He was born November 16, 1934, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Kenneth and Opal (Clark) Snow. He spent most of his childhood in Litchfield, Illinois, and moved to the Rio Grande Valley of Texas during high school. He graduated from McAllen High School in 1953. He joined the US Army and served two years in Germany before returning Read More

RUTH LORRAINE REDENIUS MAIER Aug. 25, 1937 – June 1, 2024

Ruth Lorraine Redenius Maier of Westminster, CO, left a life well-lived in the company of her loved ones on June 1, 2024. She was 86.

Ruth is survived by her husband, Bill, and their four children; their son, Will and his partner, Averil; their daughters, Alycia, Terese, and Victoria and her husband, Jakob; five grandchildren, Alex and his wife, Monica; Helen and her partner, John; Aidan and his fiancée, Lois; Max; and Harvey; and two great-grandchildren, Ava and Vivian. She is also survived by her younger sister, Rosalie Schrack and her Read More

LARRY ALLEN BAYS July 5, 1944 – June 10, 2024

Larry Allen Bays, aged 79, passed away on June 10, 2024, in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Born on July 5, 1944, in a small mining camp in Oak Hill, West Virginia, Larry’s life was marked by a rich tapestry of experiences and accomplishments.

Larry proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1965 to 1968, where he was stationed in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. His military service took him to Vietnam multiple times, specializing in North Vietnamese radar capabilities. His longest continuous stay was 7 months, during which he demonstrated exceptional skills and dedication. Read More

PAMELA LOU ANDERSON Aug. 21, 1943 – July 10,2024

Pamela Lou Anderson left this world peacefully on July 10,2024 in Little Rock, Ark.

Pam was born August 21, 1943, in Casa Grande, Arizona to Maurice “Muggs” and Joyce Manes. She was raised in Los Alamos, NM where she attended school and graduated Los Alamos High School in 1961.

She went on to meet and marry the love of her life Douglas Anderson. Their story was the greatest love story ever told as they were married 62 years.

Pam is proceeded in death by Marice “Muggs” Manes (Father), Joyce Vivian Manes (Mother),  Candice Marie Bone (Sister), Tracy Thornton Read More

JOHN SANCHEZ June 2, 1952 – June 28, 2024

John Anthony Sanchez was born on June 2, 1952, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was the first-born son of John S. and Elsie Sanchez. As a child John loved to play outside. Around twelve years old, John found a passion for chemistry and experiments. His mother, Elsie saw this growing passion for chemistry and bought John a white lab coat from the local pharmacist and the local pharmacist would order the chemicals John needed to do his chemistry experiments in their backyard shed.

When John went to college, he earned his degrees in Chemical Engineering. After college Read More

SAMUEL JASON NASISE Sept. 26,1969 – June 10, 2024

It is with great sorrow that we announce that our Beloved son, father, cousin, fiancé and friend, Samuel Jason Nasise, was called home into the loving arms of our Lord and Savior, on June 10, 2024.  

He was born on September 26,1969 in Los Alamos, N.M. Sam passed away surrounded by his loving parents and his cherished Fiancée, Christa Baer Corrigan, leaving behind a legacy of love, warmth and light. Sam lived a life filled with joy, kindness and unwavering optimism. His passion and zest for life touched the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to know Read More

FAYE LOUISE PORTER July 24, 1930 – June 18, 2024

On Tuesday, June 18, 2024, Faye Louise Porter, passed away peacefully at the age of 93 with family at her side.

Born July 24, 1930 in Roswell, NM, Faye was preceded in death by her first husband, William R. “Randy” Cooper Sr. and son Mark Elliot Cooper.

She is survived by daughter, Karen Leigh Hawkins and husband, Ward of Los Alamos, NM, and William R. “Randy” Cooper Jr. and wife, Leslie of Tigard, Oregon.

Faye married Kenneth R. Porter in Albuquerque in 1984. Opportunities took them to San Diego, Walnut Creek, and finally Tri Cities, Wa. where they retired Read More

JESSE LEE LAESER June 26, 2024

Jesse Lee Laeser left this world on June 26, 2024, surrounded by family. He was 41 years old.

Jesse spent his life in New Mexico and grew up in Los Alamos. He played soccer, participated in Boy Scouts and spent numerous hours outside. Jesse was a tinkerer. He could build without plans, construct with many materials, and take anything apart and put it back together in better form. When he was a teen, he repaired the family washing machine and it lasted another 25 years. He was a solid craftsman and eager to help his friends and family with any type of project.

Jesse was a giving Read More

LUIS E. VALDEZ Feb. 24,1937 – June 6, 2024

Luis E. Valdez, 87, passed away on June 6, 2024, with his loving family at his bedside. Luis was born on February 24,1937, in Alison, Colorado, to Solomon and Benita Valdez.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Edna; parents, Solomon and Benita Valdez; sisters, Phyllis Gomez and Virginia Gallegos; brothers, Solomon Jr., Don, and Bernardo Valdez; granddaughter, Shayna Valdez; and son-in-law, James Smith.

Luis grew up and lived in Colorado until 1955 when he moved to Española, New Mexico, where he met the love of his life, Edna June Martinez, and was married Read More

ROLAND HAGAN Feb. 21, 1938 – June 15, 2024

Born February 21, 1938, to Ralph and Ethelda Hagan in Boston, Massachusetts, Roland grew up on a succession of military bases ranging from Marine Corps Base Quantico to Pearl Harbor.

Immediately upon finishing high school, Roland followed his older brother into the Air Force and was assigned to the United States Air Force 4926th Test Squadron. His assignments ranged from supporting the observation of French nuclear tests in the Algerian Desert to Operation Hardtack I in the Pacific in 1958. During this time, he was able to witness multiple atmospheric Read More

MARTIN MACROBERTS June 12, 2024

Martin MacRoberts passed away on June 12, 2024, peacefully at home with his wife Frances and son Patrick at his side. He was born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana and graduated high school from New Mexico Military Institute in 1958.

After punishing himself earning a BA in mathematics at William and Mary in 3.5 years and being honored by selection to Phi Beta Kappa, he decided that education was not for him. A summer job with United Gas Corporation where an 8 hour day with weekends off was the norm (and they paid) convinced him that working was better than school.

He Read More

MONTY JOHN BILBERRY Oct. 10, 1950 – June 25, 2024

Monty John Bilberry, a beloved resident of White Rock, NM, passed away on June 25, 2024, at the age of 73. Born on October 10, 1950, in Portales, NM, Monty was known for his kind and loving nature, deeply cherished by all who knew him.

Monty graduated from Santa Fe High School and earned his Bachelor’s degree from Eastern New Mexico University. His career was diverse, including time as a rancher with a small cow and calf operation, and roles in real estate, construction, the oil and gas industry, and the TV and film industry. These varied paths showcased Read More

JAMES M. PEEK Sept. 5, 1933 – June 19, 2024

James M. Peek was born in Unionville, MO, the only child of Everett Riley Peek and Ramah McNabb Peek. He attended public schools in Missouri and Illinois and earned a BSED from Western Illinois College in McComb Illinois. He got his MS and PhD in Chemistry at the Ohio State University.

He worked at the Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory from 1962 through 2007. He authored or co-authored numerous peer-reviewed scientific journals and one book titled Dissociation in Heavy Particle Collisions.

Peek was a member of the American Read More

MARGERY WILL WOLFE July 18, 1930 – April 5, 2024

Margery Will Wolfe was born to Don and Pauline Will on July 18, 1930 in Cleveland, Ohio, the second of three girls. She died at the age of 93 in Los Alamos, NM, on April 5, 2024. Marge lived a life of love, laughter, service, and adventure, making lifelong friends in every community in which she lived.

Marge met the love of her life, Pete Wolfe, while taking dance classes as a young teenager. They dated throughout high school and college and were married in 1951. The following year, Marge graduated from Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree Read More

PHILIP WALTER PELLETTE June 8, 2024 

Philip Walter Pellette, 65, of Midway, Utah, passed away on June 8, 2024, while hiking in Yosemite National Park. Though he was taken far too soon, we take solace that he lived a deeply loving and passionate life and died surrounded by the natural beauty he loved.

Philip was born in Amityville, New York to Philip and Margot Pellette, and grew up in Las Cruces and Los Alamos, NM, graduating from Los Alamos High School in 1977. He received his Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York in 1981, graduating Read More

BARBARA ANN (VAN MARTER) HANNEMANN March 25, 1932 – June 6, 2024

Mom was an artist and now, after a lifetime painting a wide variety of subjects, at age 92 she has left us to paint the Cosmos. Happily, she left us an extensive body of work to enjoy for years and generations to come.

Mom’s art journey started at an early age – in her teen years she studied with artist Fritz Troutman at the Rochester Memorial Art Gallery.

Mom married Ralph B Hannemann in 1950 and in 1952 they moved to Los Alamos NM where Dad had a position at what was then Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory. In the years 1952 – 1977 she became Read More

GEORGE SCOTT FITZGIBBON Nov. 10, 1977 – June 4, 2024

Scott Fitzgibbon, 46, of Ruidoso and Los Alamos, New Mexico, was killed by a drunk driver and died at the scene of the accident on June 4, 2024, around 9 p.m. on N.M 48 near Shasta Place in Lincoln County, NM.

Scott graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1996 where he was very involved in Olions and choir. In high school he spent his free time climbing the rock faces around Los Alamos and White Rock and kayaking.

He went on to UNM and majored in voice. He sang with the Santa Fe Desert Chorale during his time at UNM. He met and married Reni Roberson who was getting Read More

MAXINE MAY TAYLOR May 28, 1924 – April 3, 2021

Maxine loved her family. She had four children. Maxine had been active in PTA and was president of PTA when she lived in Nebraska. She and her husband moved their family to Los Alamos in 1955.

She loved camping with her whole family every summer as well as with her husband in the winter. She also enjoyed being a Boy Scout den mother. She was a Master Gardener and was always happy working her garden. She joined DAR. She worked for many years at the Los Alamos Golf Club.

Maxine was predeceased by her husband Edward and by her daughter Karen.

She was survived by her Read More

PRESTINIA L. CHAVEZ Oct. 18, 1946 – June 3, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Prestinia Chavez, who passed away in Alamogordo, NM on June 3, 2024.

Prestinia was born on October 18, 1946, to Juan and Edna (Phillips) Torrez in Carrizozo, NM, and was the second of seven children. She grew up in the Alamogordo area, and lived in White Rock, NM for 34 years with her former husband, Arthur Chavez, and children.

She is survived by her former spouse of 49 years, Arthur Chavez; and beloved family including her sons, David Chavez and Ray Chavez (Venessa) of Nambe NM; grandchildren Read More

KAREN LEE BIEHL Feb. 8, 1943 – June 5, 2024

Karen Lee Biehl passed away peacefully at home on June 5, 2024, with her daughter and son-in-law by her side. Despite a terminal cancer diagnosis, Karen was determined to live her life independently and only required assistance during the week before her death. Her quiet strength and tenacity will continue to profoundly inspire her children.

Karen was born in Bartlett, Illinois to Alvin Hahn and Dorothy Eaton Hahn. She was the middle child with older brother, Ken, and younger sister, Judy. She grew up on a farm and attended a one room schoolhouse for elementary Read More

HELEN RAEL LEHMAN May 29, 2024

Helen Rael Lehman, 79, a long-time resident of Los Alamos, NM, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones at her home Wednesday, May 29, 2024.

Helen’s loving spirit can be seen in the lives she has touched, including her family, friends, and those in need. Everyone who knows her will miss Helen’s beautiful smile, quick witty humor and her warm embrace. She is now  waltzing across heaven with her beloved husband Charles A. Lehman Jr. who preceded her in death.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m., June 20, 2024, at DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory in Read More

JOY DRAKE May 15, 1936 – June 1, 2024

Joy Drake, 88, of Los Alamos, died June 1, 2024.

Joy was born May 15, 1936 in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Joy was a wonderful person, who could be described in numerous ways: elegant, silly, adventurous, artistic, musical, a football fanatic and a true friend.

During her early childhood she lived in Eagle Grove, Cherokee and Waterloo, Iowa following her father’s teaching positions. At 7 years old through high school, she lived on her Grandpa Henry Stavenhagen’s farm (he homesteaded in the 1800s) in Victor, Iowa. They had a mixed farm where she loved the variety of plants Read More

JESUS AGUSTIN HERRERA VELARDE May 23, 2024

Jesus Agustin Herrera Velarde better known as Dad, Tata or Chewie entered into the arms of our Father, Thursday, May 23 in his Sierra Vista home in Arizona and was laid to rest with his family on Saturday June 1 at the Rivera Memorial Gardens.

He was 85 years old and is survived by his wife, seven children, 31 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren all of which were his motivation, his greatest joy, and the purpose of his being.

He grew up in Los Alamos to Miguel [Estrada] Velarde and Loretta Isabel Herrera the second born in a family of 11, he was always busy Read More

JUDITHA ANN (JUDY) YOUNG May 25, 1935 – May 21, 2024

Juditha Ann (Judy) Young of Los Alamos, NM died peacefully with her family by her side on May 21, 2024 – just four days shy of her 89th birthday.

She was born on May 25, 1935, in Fort Collins, Colorado to Harold Dillon Graham and Ruby Rossi Graham.  When Judy was just a baby she lost her mother (Ruby Rossi Graham) to tuberculosis.  Judy was lovingly raised by Katy Fedric Graham.

Survivors include her son, Jeff Young DVM (Sandra) of Amarillo, Texas; daughter, Ruby Alexander (Mike) of Los Alamos, New Mexico; Daughter-In-Law, Dawn Sue Young of Bridgeton, Read More

MARTHA E. DEHAVEN May 24, 2024

Martha E. DeHaven, daughter of Jack and Ruth Greene of Las Cruces and Raton, passed away on May 24, 2024, at age 78. She is survived by her husband Russell DeHaven and two children Roy DeHaven & Leanne DeHaven; her granddaughter Nicole Leitch, and great grandson Luke Leitch.

She was a fine artist in White Rock and participated in several studio tours and art shows around the state. She was represented by the Seigel Gallery in Santa Fe. She was a LANL employee for many years. Also, she was the first parent of a student at New Mexico School for the Deaf appointed to the school’s Read More

KATHERINE ANN ATTREP Feb. 1, 1938 – May 26, 2024

Katherine Ann Attrep, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, died in Santa Fe on May 26, 2024, of natural causes.

Born the middle child to Alfred and Esther Gerloff on February 1, 1938, in Bland, Missouri, Katherine grew up on a farm near Owensville. She was known to drive the tractor at a young age and stories of her experiences on the farm were often retold by her family.

The first to go to college in her family, she attended Southwest Missouri State in Springfield. She continued on to graduate school in Arkansas, one of the only women in the chemistry Read More

WAYNE ALLEN TAYLOR Taylor July 29, 1954 – May 7, 2024

Wayne Allen Taylor, 69, was a beloved father, husband, brother, and uncle. He was globally known for his capabilities as a scientist and was a talented outdoorsman. Above all he valued family, he would often claim the wellbeing and health of his family had the utmost priority to him.

As a scientist he won many awards and accolades for his work with the Los Alamos National Laboratory as a radio chemist. Between patents and distinguished performance awards, he became a well-known scientist and was even involved in the Russian exchange program at Read More

NITA VIJAYA ESTHER DAVID Jan. 2, 1942 – May 17, 2024

Born in pre-independence India on January 2, 1942, Nita Vijaya Esther David (nee Jesudian) was the middle of the seven children of Frederick Jesudian and Nellie Jesudian (nee Azariah). Nita committed her life to Jesus at the age of thirteen after reading a tract she found lying at home and never wavered in her faith, passing on to Him on May 17, 2024, in Los Alamos, NM.

Nita was born and raised in Bombay (Mumbai) in India, surrounded by loving parents and siblings, a host of fun, and deep faith. She attended Queen Mary High School and learned how to play Read More

MICHAEL GERARD GURULÉ Feb. 6, 1962 – May 19, 2024

Michael Gerard Gurulé (Mike), age 62, was born in Durango, Colorado on February 6, 1962, to the late Hernando Michael Gurulé and Rosalie Victoria Martinez Gurulé as the youngest of five siblings. In 1974, he moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico where he graduated from Los Alamos High School, class of 1980. Around 1988, he moved to Rio Rancho where he decided to make his home.

Mike had a loving community around him and where he worked. He started at Albertson’s in 1986 and retired in 2023. He deeply demonstrated a servant’s heart by exuding compassion and kindness Read More

BARBARA (TYNAN) BOLDRIN February 1947 – May 22, 2024

Barbara (Tynan) Boldrin. Born February 1947 died May 22, 2024. She was born to William and Elizabeth Tynan in Ft. Worth, Texas. The family moved to Los Alamos in 1952.

She graduated Los Alamos High in 1965 then moved to Seattle, Washington to attend college, then Nursing School, eventually ending her working career working for Blue Cross managing the Microsoft account.

After retirement Barb moved back to Los Alamos in 2015 to live with her sister Sheryl. They were raised golfing, and really enjoyed the Los Alamos course, fellow golfers and county Read More

SAMUEL ERIC ELSON May 10, 2024

Samuel Eric Elson, 30, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on May 10, 2024, at Mesilla Valley Hospice in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He was the loving husband of Sonja Lee Elson (nee Smith), having shared 7 (almost 8) years of marriage together.

Born and raised in Los Alamos, New Mexico, he was the son of Jean Sanzo (nee LaFauce) and Jay Elson. He graduated from Los Alamos High School in 2012 and then went on to graduate from New Mexico State University with both a bachelor’s degree (2016) and a master’s degree (2017) in Mechanical Engineering. Samuel was employed Read More

MERLE DEAN KOEPKE June 24, 1935 – May 5, 2024

Merle Dean Koepke, 88, of Los Alamos, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2024. Merle was born on June 24, 1935, in Junction City, Kansas, to the late Genevieve and Werner Koepke.

Upon graduation from high school, Merle followed his older brother’s lead and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served as a first-class electrician on a destroyer for four years.

Merle married Carolyn Harrison upon his honorable discharge from the Navy and obtained a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. Upon completion of Merle’s EE degree, he took a job in Los Alamos. Read More