Obituaries

ALAN TODD THAL Feb. 2, 1960 – May 14, 2025

Alan Todd Thal, age 64 of Los Alamos, New Mexico, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024 at University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico after a short fight with brain cancer.

Interment will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, May 14 in Lutheran Trinity Church Cemetery of Watertown.

Alan Todd Thal was born Feb. 2, 1960 in Watertown, the son of Sharon and Dr Leland Thal. Alan grew up in Watertown and was a graduate of Watertown High School. He attended the University of Minnesota and graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Read More

MYRNA ELLEN DROSS Jan. 28, 1934 – May 2, 2025

Myrna Ellen Dross passed away in her sleep in Rio Rancho. She was 91. She and her husband Allen Edward Dross were together for 50 years until his passing in 2005. She was born Myrna Ellen Bly in Billings, Montana on January 28, 1934.

She is preceded in death by one daughter Karen Ann Dross and her husband Allen Edward Dross and her sister Mary Helen Hanto.

She is survived by her other two children Laura Kay Zahn (65) and Douglas Edward Dross (60).

She will be remembered for her love for her church and its music, hummingbirds and her iris. Her favorite thing to do Read More

DAVID KEITH HOLMES Oct. 27, 1962 – April 24, 2025

David Holmes ended his journey on this earth with his family by his side after a hard-fought battle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). David was 62 years young. David was born to Everett and Merlyn Holmes in Kearny, NJ. His family moved out west to New Mexico in 1966 when he was 4 years old.

David graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1980 and went on to get his bachelor’s degree in Finance from New Mexico State University. He came back to Los Alamos and landed his first job as an officer at Bank of Los Alamos. He later moved on to work for the Los Alamos National Read More

DEACON RAYMOND E. ALCOUFFE April 10, 2025

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Deacon Raymond E. Alcouffe, a beloved longtime resident of Los Alamos, New Mexico, on April 10, 2025, at the age of 84. A man of deep faith, unwavering love, and devoted service, Ray has now joined his cherished wife of over 50 years, Joan Alcouffe (Davenport), who preceded him in death in 2015.

Ray was born in Calistoga, California, in 1940. He earned his Doctorate from the University of Washington in 1968, the same year he began his distinguished career at Los Alamos National Read More

MARIA ENEDINA (EDNA) SCHUTZ Aug. 6, 1932 – April 18, 2025

Maria Enedina (Edna) Schutz Age: 92

Resident:

White Rock, NM. She went to be with our Lord on April 18, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her children Bill, Leroy, Karen and Maria.

Edna was born on August 6, 1932, in La Jara, CO, to Pedro and Isabel Padilla. She married William Joshua Schutz, Sr. on August 16, 1956, in Los Alamos, NM, beginning a loving partnership that lasted 63 years.

Preceded in Death By:

• Father: Pedro Padilla, Española, NM
• Mother: Isabel Padilla, Española, NM
• Husband: William Joshua Schutz, Sr., Los Alamos, NM
• Brothers: Manuel

FAY T. MOSS Dec. 4, 1939 – March 21, 2025

Beverly Fay Tignor Moss, known simply as “Fay” to all who loved her, passed away peacefully in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, on March 21, 2025, at the age of 85. Her life was marked by compassion, quiet strength, and an unwavering dedication to caring for others.

Born on December 4, 1939, in Richmond, Virginia, Fay was the daughter of Clarence Tignor and Adeline (Deaner) Tignor and was lovingly raised by her stepmother, Florence Tignor. She cherished her blended family and is survived by her stepsister, Betty Olson, and stepbrother, Bryant Orrock.

Fay’s heart Read More

JESSE BELLAMY Jan. 23, 1958 – April 7, 2025

Jesse Bellamy of White Rock, New Mexico passed away on April 7, 2025, at the age of 67.

Born in Quanah, Texas on January 23, 1958, Jesse developed his reputation as a hardworking man at a young age, working in the farmlands of Texas as a boy. He joined the U.S. Marine Corp in 1975, serving as a Rifleman until 1981. Upon an honorable discharge, Jesse moved his family to New Mexico where he spent the rest of his life. He was proud to be a Measurement Technician for the New Mexico Gas Company and recently celebrated his 27-year work anniversary with the organization. Read More

KYLE SALAZAR May 8, 1999 – March 28, 2025

It is with heavy hearts and great sadness we announce the unexpected passing of Kyle Salazar, from Pojoaque, NM. Kyle was a beloved grandson, son, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin, boyfriend, and friend. He left a lasting impact on many and he will be missed deeply by all who loved him.

Kyle was a selfless person, always making sure everyone had a gift on holidays, never showing up to a party empty-handed, and consistently putting others before himself. His thoughtfulness and generosity left a lasting impression on many.

Kyle was a deeply loving man, cherished Read More

SARA LENORE MAXWELL April 1, 2025

Sara Lenore Maxwell (née Yeamans) passed away peacefully on April 1, 2025, at the age of 43.

Sara had deep love for animals that was matched by her reverence for nature and connection to music. She often said her soul felt most at home beneath a canopy of trees with her close friends (of the two- and four-legged variety).

Sara’s natural aptitude for all things culinary was a source of joy for all those with whom she shared her delicious creations. Her vivacious and compassionate spirit will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her loving mother, Marilyn; father, David; Read More

BETTY LOU MYERS

Betty Lou Myers passed away peacefully on March 29, 2025. She was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Upon graduation from high school, she enrolled in Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pennsylvania where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education.

In 1950, she married her college sweetheart, Bill Myers. In 1963, Bill accepted a position at the Los Alamos National Laboratory and they moved across the country to Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Betty Lou devoted a majority of her working career to the University of New Mexico campus in Los Alamos. She retired as Read More

MARGARET FERGUSON GIBSON Nov. 22, 1943 – March 31, 2025

Monday March 31, 2025, Margaret Ferguson Gibson, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away at the age of 81.

Margaret was born Nov. 22, 1943, in Bronx, New York, to Leonard and Edith Ferguson. After her early childhood in New York, her family moved to Connecticut where she attended elementary through high school, graduating in 1961. She attended Stanford University in California and spent her college summers in Provincetown, Massachusetts. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Stanford in 1965 and met Read More

MITCHELL ERBIS FRANK March 3, 1947 – March 28, 2025

Mitchell Erbis Frank, born March 3, 1947, in Gothenburg, Nebraska, passed away at the age of 78 on March 28, 2025. He was the oldest of seven children and raised on the family farm until the age of 13 years old when his family moved to Arvada, Colorado. He attended and graduated from Arvada high school. Mitchell went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in Zoology and minor in Chemistry at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado. He was drafted into the Army and served in the Vietnam War.

Once he was discharged from the Army he returned Read More

KAYE DIANE PETERSON July 30, 1946 – March 28, 2025

Our beloved, Kaye Diane (Christensen) Peterson, age 78, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at her home in Edgewood, Texas Friday, March 28, 2025. Her smile and laugh could light up a room and her passing has left us brokenhearted. 

Kaye was born July 30, 1946, to Eldon Lyle Christensen and Inez Evangeline (Knutson) Christensen in Fargo, North Dakota. Both Kaye and little brother Rod were born in North Dakota before the young family moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico in 1952. They grew up in the beautiful Jemez Mountains of northern New Mexico, adding Read More

WALTER FINLEY STEWART April 17, 1937 – March 29, 2025

Walter Finley Stewart, age 87, of Las Cruces, NM, passed away peacefully March 29, 2025 at his home in Las Cruces, NM. He was born April 17, 1937 in Hamlin, TX to Alvin S. Stewart and Minnie Marie Stewart. He was beloved by all his family members, especially his late wife, Marleen Stewart, of Las Cruces, NM, whom he married June 2, 1959.

He was raised in TX, with his five brothers. Alvin, Ronnie, Bobby, Lynn and John Stewart.

He received his BS in 1961 from New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM and his MS in 1970 also from New Mexico State University, Read More

CALVIN EUGENE KLATT March 17, 2025 – Aug. 15,1931

Calvin Eugene Klatt passed onto glory on Monday March 17, 2025. He was born in Syracuse, Kansas on August 15,1931. His family fled the worst Midwest dustbowl when he was three years old moving to Torrance County where they bought land to farm. They lived and worked in the Estancia Valley and Calvin graduated from Estancia high school in 1950. Then he joined the Navy and fought in the Korean war. In 1952 he married Oneta Norris, they lived in Santa Fe until moving to Los Alamos in 1955.

Calvin and Oneta had four children in Los Alamos before moving to East Read More

JACKIE MACFARLANE May 22, 1943 – Nov. 25, 2024

Jackie MacFarlane passed away peacefully at the age of 81 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, after a long battle with the motor neuron disease ALS. She is survived by her husband Bob, their three children John (Colleen), Tom (Anne), and Bill (Juniper), and five grandchildren, Chiara, Wilson, Amara, Tarn, and Claire.

She was born Janet Brooke Wilson on May 22, 1943 in Claremont, California, but her family and friends have always known her as “Jackie”. During her career as a math teacher, her students knew her as “Mrs. MacFarlane”, and later in life, her Read More

LEE ARLEN BUILTA Oct. 4, 1935 – March 23, 2025

It is with immense sadness that the family of Lee A. Builta announces his passing on March 23, 2025. Lee left this world peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones.

Lee, once named a Los Alamos Living Treasure, was a beloved figure in the Los Alamos and White Rock communities. He was renowned for his exquisite rose gardens. For many years, he dedicated his time to maintaining the gardens at Fuller Lodge, the LDS Church in White Rock, the Los Alamos Memorial Rose Garden, and the Los Alamos Demonstration Garden, among others. His late mother and first Read More

KARYN MARIE (HENCIER) HARRINGTON Sept. 6, 1951 – March 19, 2025

Karyn Marie (Hencier) Harrington, passed away March 19, 2025, at the age of 73 in Issaquah, Washington, after a valiant battle with Parkinson’s disease. Karyn’s legacy is one of strength, intelligence, and humor.

Born Sept. 6, 1951, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Vince and Jay Hencier, Karyn’s early years were filled with the love and laughter of a close-knit family including her sister, Jody and her brother, Rick. She achieved academic success early on, having earned an award for never missing a day of high Read More

BARBARA  ELLEN MILDER Jan. 15, 1946 – Dec. 14, 2024

Barbara  Ellen Milder (Harrison), 78, passed away unexpectedly on December 14, 2024, just a month shy of her 79th birthday. A lifelong resident of Los Alamos, Barbara was born on January 15, 1946, to Edwin and Polly Harrison (Gonzales) in the original World War II hospital adjacent to the Los Alamos Ranch School-era Ashley Pond. She was Edwin and Polly’s youngest child and only daughter. She graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1964.

Barb briefly moved to Albuquerque to study cosmetology. She received her cosmetology license in 1971 and then Read More

ROBERT EDWARD TAFOYA SR. Nov. 18, 1951 – March 6, 2025

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” –Matthew 11:28

In Loving Memory of Robert Edward Tafoya Sr., a resident of La Villita, NM, whom was called Bobby, by his mother, father, sisters, brother, and some of his friends.

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Robert Edward Tafoya Sr., who departed this life on the evening of March 6, 2025, at the age of 73, surrounded by his loving family and friends, Robert peacefully reached for the hand of God and followed Him home. Read More

SUSAN KINZER-ELLINGTON 1938 – 2025

Susan Kinzer-Ellington passed away in her Santa Fe home in February of 2025. She was 86. All of those who worked with her, befriended her, and took care of her during her final years say that she was the kindest, sweetest and most generous person they have ever met.

Susan graduated from Lawton High School in Lawton, Oklahoma in 1956.  She was a member of the National Forensic League, National Honor Society, National Thespian Society, Junior Play Production Staff, All School Production Staff, Who’s Who Among High School Students, and Future Homemakers of America. Read More

EUGENE F. DARLING Nov. 1, 1941 – Feb. 22, 2025

Eugene “Gene” F. Darling, 83, of Columbia Falls, MT passed away February 22, 2025. He was born November 1, 1941, in Columbia Falls, MT to the late Clare “Bud” Darling and Grace Darling (Green).

Gene was born and raised in Montana. Professionally, he was a police officer, volunteer firefighter, and ambulance server. He achieved the rank of Captain as a volunteer firefighter and was the Emergency Manager for Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Gene was always involved in the town and community. During his free time, he enjoyed fishing and camping. Family Read More

JOAN ELAINE MUDD July 13, 1933 – March 4, 2025

Joan Elaine Mudd ended her journey on this earth on a Tuesday morning with her son by her side at her residence in The Forum assisted living in Tucson, AZ. She was 91 years young.

Joan was born to Hugo and Nan Hoepfner in Peoria, IL. She married her high school sweetheart William (Bill) Mudd Oct. 3, 1953. The couple settled out West in New Mexico where Bill was employed at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Joan was a homemaker and volunteer while their two children were young, but once they entered high school, she pursued a career at the Lab.

Joan and Bill remained Read More

RICHARD HOAK March 25, 1956 – Jan. 8, 2025

Richard Hoak, born March 25, 1956, in Los Alamos, New Mexico, passed away Jan. 8, 2025. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, son, grandfather, uncle, and friend whose presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Richard proudly served his country in the United States Navy and later became a dedicated officer with the New Mexico State Police. His career was tragically cut short due to a severe motorcycle accident that left him mentally and physically impaired. Despite the challenges he faced, Richard’s resilience shone through. Read More

PAT J. UNKEFER May 23, 1947 – Feb. 3, 2025

Pat J. Unkefer died unexpectedly on Feb. 3, 2025. She had been snorkeling with her husband, Cliff, in Maui, Hawaii, when they were overcome by heavy seas.

Pat was born on May 23, 1947, in Groesbeck, Texas, to Pierce and Martha Wisdom. She grew up on the family farm where she gained an early appreciation for agriculture and the natural world. She graduated from Sam Houston State University with both a BS and MS in Chemistry. She continued her education at Texas A&M University where she earned a PhD in Biochemistry in 1978.

Pat next served as a Post-Doctoral Read More

JANET MARIE HARRIS Jan. 24, 1942 – Feb. 25, 2025

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Janet Marie Harris, 83, of Los Alamos, NM Feb. 25, 2025 at Beehive Assisted Living.

Janet was born Jan. 24, 1942 to the late John and Magdalen Germain (Krause) in Bay City, Michigan. She graduated from St. James High School (All Saints) in 1960 and worked as an office professional at Industrial Brownhoist, The Dow Chemical Company, and Delta College. She provided nanny services for the Bays’ family in Saginaw, Michigan as well as her Grandson Jack.

Janet was a frequent visitor at the Los Alamos Read More

JOHN ZINN Feb.28, 1928 – Feb. 17, 2025

John Zinn (lovingly called “Geezer”) was born February 28, 1928, in Brooklyn, NY and died at his beloved El Castillo Life Plan Community in Santa Fe on February 17, 2025, 11 days before turning 97. He was happy and active until the end, dancing at a Valentine’s Day party three days prior to his death. He passed away peacefully several hours after falling in his room.

John grew up in Manhasset, NY and graduated from Cornell University in 1949. While serving in the Army during the Korean War, he was among those observing Operation Desert Rock in Nevada in 1951, the Read More

MARTHANNE QUINLAN COLE REINHARD April 18, 1928 – Feb. 26, 2025

Marthanne was a beautiful soul. As a wonderful mom, wife, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, cousin, and friend to many she packed a lot of love and laughs into her 96+ years with us. She had the gift of hospitality, loved to entertain, and her homes were always places for family and friends to gather over food, drink, games, and skulduggery. She loved her kids fiercely and also her kid’s friends … she was a second mom to many.

Marthanne was born in Hopkins Hospital in Glenwood Springs, Colorado on April 18, 1928. Her parents were Read More

MARY R. ROMERO Feb. 25, 2025

The family of Mary R. Romero of La Villita, NM is saddened to announce her passing on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at the age of 76 years due to a lengthy illness. Mary was a caregiver and retired with Santa Maria El Mirador, also working for the Española Public Schools for many years.

Mary loved attending church and fellowshipping with her church family, spending time with friends and family, camping, yard sales and thrift store hopping (with her ride or die sister, Edna), traveling, watching Gunsmoke (Matt & Kittie) and Bonanza (The Cartwrights). She loved her pets Read More

JOANNE MURPHEY PROGESS Feb. 11, 1939 – Feb. 14, 2025

Joanne Progess, 86, passed away peacefully at home with her loved ones around her comforting her, holding her and praying with her.

Mom was born in Corpus Christi and spent most of her life there raising her children and family with her husband of 37 years, Glenn Progess. Dad worked as a mechanical engineer in the oil field. With Dad’s work we all had the opportunity to travel overseas in the mid 80s which was a memorable experience for all. Like Mom, Dad had a tender heart and through trials and love, together they figured it out along the way.

Mom took Read More

STEVE CONLEY March 31, 1953 – Feb. 12, 2025

Steve Conley, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away Feb. 12, 2025, at the age of 71. Born March 31, 1953, in Rock Rapids, Iowa, Steve moved with his family to Los Alamos, New Mexico when he was a young child. He was a proud graduate of Los Alamos High School, class of 1971. Steve married his best friend, Lynn, in 1999, and together they shared many adventures, creating a lifetime of memories.

Steve’s life was one of adventure, passion, and devotion to his family. An avid skier, he spent countless winter weekends at Pajarito Ski Hill, Read More

EMMA ‘BEVERLY’ KATCHER July 7, 1923 – Feb. 10, 2025

Emma passed away on February 10, 2025, peacefully at home with family. She was born on July 7, 1923, in Mora, NM. She was the 2nd oldest of 5 children, 4 girls and 1 boy.

Emma’s life started out during some tough times. Her family had lost both of her grandpas within a week due to the Spanish Flu pandemic and losing her father when she was only 7 years old. Her mother had to go find work in Santa Fe, NM to support her children and had to leave Emma and her siblings in the care of her grandma who also lived in Mora. While living with their grandma they attended school, Read More

JAMES ARTHUR HAUGEN March 9, 1942 – Feb. 1, 2025

James Haugen died Feb. 1, 2025, in Denver, CO after battling a long illness.

Jim was born March 9, 1942, in Alpena, SD to Arthur Haugen and Leona (Srstka) Haugen and grew up on farm homesteaded by his Norwegian grandfather Sivert Olsen Haugen.

He began his education in a one-room schoolhouse and graduated as the 1960 valedictorian of Wessington Springs, SD High School. He then attended the US Naval Academy where he was awarded the Foreign Wars Prize for Excellence in Mathematics upon graduation in 1964. While in the Navy, he completed his MSCE from the Read More

JERRY ALLEN VILLAREAL Feb. 28, 1946 – Feb. 11, 2025

Jerry Allen Villareal, beloved husband, uncle, educator, and legendary basketball coach, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born on February 28, 1946, in Alcalde, New Mexico, Jerry made his home in Ojo Caliente, where his passion for community, teaching, and sports left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

On September 12, 1971, Jerry married the love of his life, Noline E. Villareal, sharing a beautiful partnership filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Read More

MARY KATHERINE DESGEORGES Nov. 25, 1930 – Feb. 7, 2025

Mary Katherine DesGeorges left this world Feb. 7, 2025, leaving behind a circle of family members who deeply feel the weight of her loss, and can attest to the impact of a life centered around family. She had a strong desire that her family stay bonded together with each generation.

She is survived by her loving husband, Joseph A. DesGeorges Jr. They were married for 68 years! Katherine was fiercely devoted to her family, including her 3 children and their spouses, 5 granddaughters, and two great-grandsons. She was faced with many challenges Read More