Obituaries

LEROY R. MIERA Dec. 11, 2024

LeRoy R. Miera, 81, of Taos, New Mexico passed away peacefully on December 11, 2024, in Albuquerque, NM. He will always be remembered for the generosity and kindness that he showed to all. LeRoy was the consummate family man and the world’s best provider.

LeRoy was born in Oakland, California in 1943. He grew up between the family ranch in Taos where his deep family roots are, and Los Alamos, New Mexico where his father was a letter carrier. LeRoy was an excellent athlete and was a star basketball player for the Los Alamos Hilltoppers, and at 5 ’11’’ was dubbed Read More

JENNIE KNAPP June 26, 1932 – Dec. 16, 2024

Our beloved Jennie Knapp reached for the hand of God and followed him home Dec. 16, 2024.

Born June 26, 1932, Jennie lived her last five years in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, enjoying beautiful views of the San Juan mountain range and Lake Pagosa. Until the end, she was an avid bridge player, participating three days a week through games organized by the senior center.

Jennie was of Italian heritage and would lapse into that language without warning. At times, when her “Italian” did come out, you knew you were in trouble! Her favorite command, ‘Mangia’, was our Read More

STEVEN LEE HOUSEHOLDER April 29, 1953 – Dec. 10, 2024

Steven Lee Householder passed away Dec. 10, 2024. He was born April 29, 1953 in Olney, Illinois to Daniel and Ann Householder, who have both preceded him in death.

Mr. Householder is an accomplished lawyer, graduating from Butler University in 1975 and then again from Harvard University in 1978, and dedicated his career to representing International Paper Company.

Steven is survived by his daughter, Caitlin Householder and her child Aizen Martir.

The staff of The Legacy of Santa Fe are greatly appreciated for their kind care of Mr. Householder. Read More

LUELLA WILLIAMS May 1, 1935

A lifetime of love, laughter, and legendary kindness came to a close on December 15, 2024, when Luella (Lu) Williams bid her final affectionate farewell.

Born at the family home in Gravelton, Missouri on May 1, 1935, to the late Rev. Theodore C. Predoehl and Dorothea M. Predoehl (Blesse), Lu was a double blessing to the world, arriving alongside her twin sister, Lois. Growing up in the Missouri Ozarks during the Great Depression, Lu spent her first 11 years living what can only be described as a “rustic” lifestyle—without electricity, indoor plumbing, or the internet. Read More

BERTHA V RODRIGUEZ June 19,1939 – Dec 11, 2024

Bertha V Rodriguez was born in the village of Cundiyó, NM, to Noberto and Elena Vigil on June 19,1939.  She was the youngest of her siblings Adelina Vigil, Ruby Vigil, Ruby Johnson, Pita Lujan, and Joe Vigil.

Bertha attended Cundiyó Elementary and Pojoaque Elementary. She graduated from Loretto Academy. She began college at the young age of 16. She attended UNM and NMSU and obtained a Master of Arts in Foreign Languages in 1973.

She taught Spanish for the Pojoaque School district for 25 years. She founded the Spanish club, El Círculo Español. She wanted Read More

GERALD T. GARVEY Jan. 21, 1935 – Nov. 14, 2024

Gerald T. Garvey, a very well-known nuclear physicist, passed away on November 14 at the age of 89 from a rare heart disease. Gerry leaves behind his beloved wife of 65 years Doris, their three wonderful children: Deirdre, Gerald, and Victoria, 7 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. Gerry died knowing he had experienced a happy and successful life.

Both of Gerry’s parents, Anne Williams (Garvey) and Jack Garvey immigrated from the Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry, Ireland to the US in the early 1900s. Gerry and his parents moved to Hartford, CT. Read More

JOHN PAUL STANFORD Aug. 15, 1939 – Sept. 3, 2024

John was born in Palestine, Texas, to Paul Stanford and Mary Helen (McLeod) Stanford on August 15, 1939. After attending Lamar High School in Houston, Texas, he received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of  Houston and his Masters of City Planning from Georgia Tech in 1971.

He worked in Savannah, Georgia, where he created a historic presentation guide for development proposals for the downtown historic district. He was a Senior Planner in Denver, Colorado, from 1971-73 and moved from there to Aspen, Colorado, where he directed Read More

CHARLOTTE FAY MILLER Aug. 23, 1928 – Nov. 11, 24

There aren’t enough words to truly capture the remarkable life of Charlotte Fay Miller who passed away peacefully at her home on November 11, 2024 with her son and daughter by her side. Born on August 23, 1928, in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Michael Kunza and Mary Ann Slivon, Charlotte’s life was one full of love, adventure, and deep connection.

As a young woman, Charlotte was the stronghold sister to her brother Kenny Kunza and sisters Dian Burrell and Mary Ann Martos from the beginning, especially during the challenging times while they lived in a small Read More

KENNETH G. FELLERS Aug. 15, 1940 – Dec. 9, 2024

Kenneth G. Fellers, born August 15, 1940, in Taos, NM, passed away on December 9, 2024, at the age of 84—or, as he jokingly celebrated, the “34th anniversary of his 50th birthday”. The second of four children of Ida Z. Peabody, Ken entered this world in his family home and often recalled the story of turning blue as a baby, almost missing his first birthday.

From an early age, he was known for his precocious spirit; his mother would recount tales of him attempting to take apart furniture even while being spanked. This spirited nature exemplified Ken’s life Read More

JOHN H. WARREN May 14, 1932 – Nov. 16, 2024

John H. Warren, age 92, died on November 16, 2024, at the Neighborhood Life Plan Community in Rio Rancho, NM.

John was born on May 14, 1932, in McLeansboro, Illinois to Inman C. and Mildred E. (Hamilton) Warren. He had one sister, Martha D. Cinotto, who died in 1967.

John married Wilma Mae Nuebel on August 9, 1959. She preceded him in death in 1980.

John is survived by four children from this marriage; daughter Dianna L. Hutchison (Craig) of Carlsbad, NM and sons Russell N. Warren (Pamela) of West Richland, WA, Roger J. Warren (Vickie) of Rockaway Beach, OR, and Read More

ROBIN MARTIN NICHOLAS Nov. 7, 1951 – Aug. 15, 2024

Our beloved friend, brother, and uncle, Robin “Rob” Martin Nicholas, of Santa Fe New Mexico, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly of natural causes August 15th, 2024 in bed at his home of 30 years, at the age of 72. He was alone and all indications are that it was peaceful.

Please visit https://tinyurl.com/Rob-Nicholas-Memorial for memorial information and to share your memories of Robin.

Born November 7, 1951, in Elgin, Illinois, to Sam and Lucille Nicholas, both deceased. He is survived by his brother, David (Lynn) Nicholas; niece, Alicia Read More

LaVerne Chapman  Jan. 27, 1928 – Nov. 21, 2024

On Thursday, November 21, 2024,  LaVerne Chapman went to her Heavenly home. She passed away at her home in Los Alamos at the age of 96.

LaVerne was born in Campbell, MO on January 27, 1928, to J.M. Benson and Stella Bolin Benson. Her mother passed away less than a year after her birth. Later, her father had heart problems. When she was 13, he moved the family to Michigan so they could be closer to family. That is where she met Ray Chapman. They were married on January 13, 1945. Their three children were born in Oklahoma. They moved to Los Alamos, NM in 1956. LaVerne Read More

GREGORY ALAN DUERRE (GREG) May 7, 1955 – Nov. 16, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce Greg’s passing after a courageous battle with cancer on November 16, 2024, in Edgewood, New Mexico. Greg was born in Fargo, ND to Ken and Ruth Duerre. He spent his formative years in Los Alamos, NM and Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, where he graduated from high school.

Greg had a passion for working on cars, which led him to pursue a career as a master diesel mechanic after attending Denver Automotive. While residing in Los Alamos he met and married Linda Baran with whom he had two sons, Dustin and Daniel. Though they Read More

RAY POLLOCK Nov. 20, 2024

Ray Pollock, late of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at his new home in Broomfield, Colorado on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 20 years, Neva, and leaves behind sons Clif Pollock (Melissa) of Broomfield, Colorado, and Craig Pollock (Sharon) of Los Alamitos, California. He was also the proud grandfather of three grandsons, three granddaughters and two step-grandsons and great-grandfather to six.

Ray Pollock was born in 1931 near Oakland, California. He held degrees in physics from the University of Colorado Read More

THOMAS P. MCLAUGHLIN May 10, 1943 – Nov. 13, 2024

Thomas McLaughlin, 81, passed away peacefully in his home in the arms of his son, Patrick, on Wednesday November 13, 2024, after a battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).

We love and miss you Dad/Grandpa, you are forever in our hearts. “Grandpa was the best” said one grandchild and another added “He always supported us and was at every activity we had, even when he was very ill.” Tom was a devoted brother, father, grandfather, husband, and child of God. He is now reunited with his wife, Karen, in Jesus’s loving arms.

Tom was born on Nantucket Island, Read More

SHIRLEY PAPIN March 3, 1935 – Nov. 11, 2024

Shirley was born in Blaine, Washington to George and Lillian Brandt amid the great depression. They relocated to Bellingham shortly after. Her parents had come from very humble circumstances and through hard work managed to achieve a middle-class life. Her father George “Turk” was a fisherman and the first boat he built was the “Shirley B” when she was a toddler. Bigger and better boats would follow but this was the foundation of what would become a solid and successful career. Last seen, the Shirley B was still afloat 70 years later.

A strong work ethic Read More

FREDERICK WILLIAM KRAMER May 28, 1932 – Nov. 12, 2024

Frederick William Kramer, 92, resident of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family Nov. 12, 2024.

Fred was known throughout his life for his kindness; generosity; and devoted service to his family, church, community, and country.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, May 28, 1932, Fred grew up in Chicago before moving to Seattle, Washington, and then to Denver, Colorado, for high school. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Colorado at Boulder. He then moved to Los Alamos, Read More

FREDERICK H. KELLEY Aug. 15, 1932 – Nov. 9, 2024

Frederick H. Kelley, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2024, at the age of 92 in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

Born on August 15, 1932, in Washington, Pennsylvania, Frederick lived a life full of passion, dedication, and love that touched the hearts of many. Frederick was the cherished son of James and Rachael Kelley.

He was preceded in death by his siblings James, Florence, Betty, Donald, Alice, and Edward, who he often reminisced about with fondness. His legacy is carried forward by his loving wife Read More

CAROLE SUE (JOHNSON) LEHMANN Nov. 2, 1939 – Nov. 1, 2024

Carole Sue (Johnson) Lehmann went to heaven on Friday, November 1, 2024, just one day shy of her 85th birthday.

Carole was born November 2, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois, to Gordon “Buddy” and Myrtle Johnson. Carole was the oldest of 5 children. She graduated from Downers Grove High School in 1957.

Carole met James Lehmann (Downers Grove High School, Class of 1955) on a church youth group hayride, and they were married in 1959. Carole & Jim welcomed their only child, Deborah (Debbie), in 1960.

In 1969, Jim was transferred from Argonne National Read More

BRENT EVANS BOYACK June 10, 1940 − Nov. 9, 2024

Brent Evans Boyack, beloved husband, father, brother, and grandfather, passed away after a short, serious illness Nov. 9, 2024, at home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Brent was born June 10, 1940, in Provo, Utah to Harold Joshua and Dona Fay Evans Boyack.

Brent spent his childhood and growing up years in Provo where, as a teenager, he worked as a janitor for the Provo City Schools learning to work hard. He graduated from Provo High School where he met the love of his life, Marcia Wiser. Brent and Marcia were married June 9, 1961 in the Salt Lake City Temple of Read More

PATRICIA ANN LANIER KIRK Sept. 5, 1933 – Nov. 6, 2024 

Sunrise: September 5, 1933; Sunset: November 6, 2024. Patricia Ann Lanier was born in Decatur, Alabama to Charner and Pearl Lanier. Born with a heart for adventure and a keen intelligence, she grew up in Savannah, Tennessee with her dear sister, Bettye.  

In 1953, Pat married Lt. William L. Kirk (USAF), and they lived in many different cities before settling in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Pat had a variety of careers, and owned several businesses, including Kachina Preschool and Aspen Realty. Never one to sit and rest, Pat also led multiple philanthropies, Read More

DEA JEAN (PETTY) RENFRO June 11, 1950 – Oct. 30, 2024

Dea was born in Wichita, Kansas in 1950. She graduated from Los Alamos High School, attended UNM, and became a dental hygienist. She married Larry Renfro in 1970. In 1972, they welcomed their only son, Steve.

Dea is survived by Steve, her 2 grandchildren, Genevieve and Jackson, and their mother, Jennifer. She is also survived by two sisters, Lee Ann Waterman (husband Ted), Sue Harper (husband Ron), sister-in-law Shelli Petty (Mullins), and her wonderful mother-in-law Mary Renfro, together with many nephews, nieces and cousins.

Dea’s parents Read More

PHYLLIS ABBIE KIRKPATRICK July 8, 1938 – Oct. 18, 2024

Phyllis was born July 8, 1938 to George Nelson and Irma (Cousins) Furbeck, in Mexico City, Mexico. Phyllis’s fond memories of growing up in Mexico City include Sunday dinners after church with her family, friends at the American School, and earthquakes during which the city seemed to rock on the lake. She loved the sight of the mountains all around the city.

During 2nd grade, at the height of WWII, Phyllis and her older sister, Irma Ann, went with their mother to live with their grandmother in New Orleans, LA, while her father served as a US Army Read More

PEGGY ANN BOWEN September 2024

Peggy Ann Bowen, 77, a trailblazing attorney, social justice advocate, and cherished friend passed away in September.

Born in Paris, Arkansas and raised in Carlsbad, New Mexico, she graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1965 and received a full scholarship to Washington University in St. Louis. Peggy earned her Juris Doctorate from the UNM School of Law in 1973.

She had the distinction of being among the first 100 women attorneys admitted to the New Mexico Bar. 

Also a member of the Texas bar, early in her career, Peggy was in private practice in both Texas and Alamogordo, Read More

BRYAN EDWARD HOUTZ Nov. 24, 1954 – Nov. 7, 2024

Bryan was born in Los Alamos, New Mexico, son of Jeanne Carpenter Houtz and Harry Edward Houtz, Jr. He was the second of four children and he grew up hunting, fishing, and roaming the canyons and mountains of northern New Mexico. He was an active member of Boy Scout  Explorer Post 20.  He graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1973 and attended the Denver Automotive and Diesel College.

After graduating, Bryan enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1974. He served on board the USS Coral Sea during the Iranian hostage crisis, and earned the Navy Read More

CHRISTOPHER BRUELL Dec. 11, 1942 – Nov. 6, 2024

Christopher Bruell, born December 11, 1942, died peacefully at home on November 6, 2024 after a long illness.

Chris was a professor of political philosophy at Boston College for 41 years. He retired to Los Alamos from Boston in 2011.

Chris is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Marjorie, son Harry (Jenny), daughter Katie, and grandsons Leo Bruell (Rachel), Peter Watson, and Andrew West. Read More

GRACE ELAINE (FELIX) ALEI March 21, 1930 – Oct. 20, 2024

On October 20, 2024, Grace Elaine (Felix) Alei died peacefully in her sleep after a rich life dedicated to others.

Born in Cleveland March 21, 1930, Elaine was a bright and curious child, leaving home after high school to attend Texas Tech where she received her degree in mathematics. She accepted a job at the newly public Los Alamos National Laboratory and worked as a programmer on some of the world’s first computers.

She enjoyed her free time hiking, playing tennis and folk dancing where she met her future husband, chemist Mohammed Alei.  Read More

MARILYN SUE (COVER) FOSTER May 11, 1935 – Oct. 13, 2024

Marilyn Sue (Cover) Foster passed away unexpectedly October 13, 2024, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

She was born May 11, 1935, in Akron, Ohio to Berwyn and Hilda Cover. She married Richard Foster August 5, 1961, in Saint Sebastian Church in Akron, Ohio. They shared a beautiful 61 year marriage until his passing in 2023.

Marilyn graduated from the Elms High School, and the University of Akron and owned and operated the Cover School of Dance in Akron. She also graduated from the University of New Mexico and worked as a technical writer at the Los Alamos Read More

By ROBERT L. HENGSTENBERG Dec. 8, 1948 – Oct. 18, 2024 

Robert L. Hengstenberg (Bob) passed away Oct. 18, 2024, at the age of 75 from complications of Parkinson’s disease. Born Dec. 8, 1948, to Leo F. and Dolores E. Hengstenberg in Santa Fe, Bob was the eldest of three children.

He is survived by his wife Carol; his sisters Irene Holland and Carol McSmith (Bill); daughter Abigail Hengstenberg, son Robert W. Hengstenberg; grandchildren Harper Gamble, Mia Jaramillo (Juan) and Layla Tapia; in-laws Ann Zeltmann, Tom Zeltmann (Kay), and Jill Rice (Scott); and many nieces and nephews and their families. Read More

THOMAS CECIL ROBINSON Nov. 28, 1938 – Oct. 23, 2024

Thomas Cecil Robinson passed away peacefully at home with his wife at his bedside on October 23, 2024, after a brief illness. Tom was born in Bryan’s Mill, Texas on November 28,1938. The family relocated to Santa Fe, NM and Tom graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1957. After high school, Tom served his county in the US Navy aboard the USS Boxer.

Following his time in the Navy, Tom began his employment with Los Alamos National Laboratory working at the Omega West Reactor and the Van de Graff facility. Tom was an RCT at TA15 at the time of his retirement. Read More

RUBY KNIGHT Nov. 10, 1940 – Oct. 21, 2024

Ruby Knight, 83, of Los Alamos, NM, surrounded by her family, passed away on October 21, 2024, in her home. She was born on November 10, 1940, in Chimayo, New Mexico, from Andrita Martinez.

Ruby was an outstanding wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who loved all her family dearly. She enjoyed spending her time shopping, gambling at the casino and making memories with her family. Ruby had a special gift with children and spent many years babysitting out of her home. Her home was “home” to all whom she cared for.

Ruby is a testament to how strong a Read More

PETTY LUCCO July 7, 1930 – Aug. 25, 2024

A bright star has left our orbit. On August 25, 2024 in the early morning dark, Petty Lucco, a past resident of Los Alamos, left this world to join her ancestors. At a remarkable age of 94 years old, she passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.

Born, July 7, 1930 in Buenos Aires, Argentina she was given the name Teresita Nelly Raynuad by her parents Pedro Raynaud and Diznarda Lidubina Itcea. She was the eldest sibling of 3—her sister Mabel is called “Tia Chicha” and her brother Pedro Osvaldo often called “Poli.”

Teresita went by many names. Most knew her as Petty Read More

TOBIAS JOSE RICARDO TRUJILLO April 2, 1947 – Oct. 12, 2024

Toby Trujillo, 77, a resident of Rio Chiquito, New Mexico, concluded his life’s journey on October 12, 2024.

Toby was preceded in death by his parents: Estevan and Clarita Trujillo; his sisters Marie Vigil and Felice Salazar and his beloved grandson Kenny Trujillo.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Elsie Trujillo, his daughter Clarita (Michael) Trujillo and his son Julio (Melissa) Trujillo; grandchildren, Tristan (Jaclyn) Trujillo, Faith Trujillo, Ayesha Martinez, Matthew, David and Madelyn Owen; five great grandchildren, Read More

JANET C. (LARIVEE) HULL Sept. 11, 2024

Janet C. (Larivee) Hull, 83, of Los Alamos, NM, and Centerville, MA, passed away on September 11, 2024. Jan was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years, Don, and her parents, Clarence and Margaret Larivee.

Born in Shrewsbury, MA, Jan moved to Cape Cod during her adolescence and graduated from Barnstable High School in the class of 1958. Her professional journey began as a Paralegal on the Cape, transitioning to a role in the legal department at Argonne National Laboratory in Downers Grove, Illinois, before moving to Ames, Iowa.

Jan and Don lived Read More

JOHN WILLIAM HUFF Jan. 25, 1968 – Sept. 30, 2024

John William Huff, 56, of Jemez Springs, passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness on September 30, 2024, while working in Eastern Texas. John, or Johnny as many knew him, was born on January 25, 1968, in El Paso, Texas.

Sometime during his high school years at Los Alamos High School, Johnny briefly met Tania Edgett, yet their paths didn’t cross again until later. After graduating high school in 1986, Johnny met Tania again and then married her in October 1996 at Camp May. Johnny and Tania began building their home themselves in the Jemez with Read More