Obituaries

PAULA KLECZKA Sept. 17, 1978 – April 24, 2026

Paula Kleczka went to be with her eternal Lord and Savior on Friday, April 24, 2026, after a courageous battle with stage four cancer. She was born on September 17, 1978. Although she was taken much too young, she was blessed in her final moments to be surrounded by her devoted boyfriend and loving family.

Paula grew up in a loving and welcoming home in White Rock, New Mexico, as the youngest of six children. She attended Los Alamos High School, where she developed her strength of will competing in track competitions. Following her graduation in 1997, she Read More

CLAUDIA DEERING HILKO May 8, 1948 – May 26, 2026

April 26, 2026, Claudia Deering Hilko, mother, dancer, physiotherapist, and beloved wife, passed away at age 77 at Scott’s House, Santa Fe.

Claudia was born May 8, 1948, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, growing up in Wheaton, Illinois and Hopewell, New Jersey. Claudia attended North Carolina University in Chapel Hill, NC. There she met and married Robert A. Hilko (Bob), who became her loving husband in 1976, and they danced together through life. They raised their son, Rob, and daughter, Meg, in Los Alamos, NM where Claudia resided until she passed. Read More

ROBERT ‘BOBBY’ RAEL July 28, 1937 – April 13, 2026  

Robert “Bobby” Rael passed away in White Rock, NM on Monday, April 13, 2026 at the age of 88. A longtime resident of Silver City, Bobby was a lifelong New Mexican and proud steward of the land he loved.

Born on July 28, 1937, in Horse Springs, New Mexico to Martin and Precila Rael, his humble beginnings instilled in him a sense of resilience and quiet strength. Determined from the start, he began attending school early after insisting on tagging along with his older brother, Danny. The second of ten siblings, he spent his days fishing creeks with homemade Read More

ROBERT LAWRENCE CARLSON Jan. 13, 1940 – April 26, 2026

Robert L. Carlson – a man talented and intelligent, with a sneaky wit and gentle humor (at times). He was married and divorced three times, but his long-time love was Fran Berting. They were together at least three decades. During that time, he designed, engineered, and worked on his “castle” on Los Pueblos Street. When asked when it would be finished, he always would say “December, but I won’t tell you the year”.

Bob was highly skilled at handcrafted furniture, jewelry, and gem-cutting. Past president of the Western Division of the American Read More

BARBARA JANE WINKELMAN June 18,1927 – April 26, 2026

Our beloved “Pepsi Queen,” Barbara Jane Winkelman (Wright), 98, died Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Accura Healthcare in Lake City, IA.

Barbara was born June 18, 1927, in Jefferson, IA, to Leo Roscoe and Clella Viola Wright. During high school, Barbara worked at Springer’s grocery store.

Barbara married a farmer, Dale Winkelman on March 17, 1947, at The Christian Church in Jefferson. As a preview of becoming a farmer’s wife, Dale couldn’t get ‘hitched’ until after 7 p.m. and his chores were done. Being part of a close-knit farming community in Adaza, Read More

MARGARET SUMMA Oct. 12, 1934 – April 27, 2026

On Monday, April 27, 2026, Dr. Margaret Mones Summa, beloved sister, mother, and grandmother, passed away at the age of 91 after a short but fierce battle with cancer.

Margaret was born on October 12, 1934 (Columbus Day) in Queens, New York, to German immigrant parents Luise and Johann Mones, the seventh of 9 siblings. She grew up in rural Long Island where she and her family raised chickens, goats, and rabbits. At the age of 16, she entered St. John’s University in New York, where she earned her B.S. in biology and chemistry in 1955; she also met her future Read More

DOLORES ‘DEE’ JEAN RIGHTLEY Oct. 7, 1932 − April 5, 2026

Dolores “Dee” Jean Rightley (nee Martin), age 93, passed away on April 5, 2026 in Albuquerque, NM. She is survived by eight children, Jean, Susan, Lisa, David, Todd, Jim, Michael, and Paul, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and her sister Paula Martin. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Ed Rightley, infant child John, parents Herschel and Madeline Martin and her brother Bob Martin.

Dee was born in Denver, Colorado on October 7, 1932. She was a self-reliant young girl who would often ride the Denver trolley to the Read More

JAMES BOHANON June 14, 1941 – April 12, 2026

The greatest dad in the world has left us. James (Jim, Jimbo, Bobo) Bohanon passed away in Norman, Oklahoma on April 12, 2026.

Jim was born June 14, 1941 in Ventura, California to his mom, the marvelous Eva Mehringer. They moved to Perry, Oklahoma when he was in junior high, along with his little sister Shirley after his mom and her friend threw a dart at a map to determine where to open a business. He graduated from Perry High School where he loved sports and was a star basketball player for the Perry Maroons.

Jim received his Bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma Read More

JOAN MARKS MOORE April 23, 2026

Joan Marks Moore, a devoted wife, mother, scientist, and community volunteer, passed away on April 23, 2026, at the age of 94.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Jo spent her early childhood there before her family relocated when she was five due to her father’s work as a civil engineer with the Tennessee Valley Authority. That move took the Marks family to Fountain City, outside of Knoxville, Tennessee. The family later settled in Houston, Texas, where she attended high school and met her future husband, Michael Stanley Moore. The two shared classes in Algebra, Latin, Read More

TERESA LYNN BURROWS Jan. 19, 1956 – April 21, 2026

Teresa Lynn Burrows, a devoted bookkeeper whose commitment to her career spanned many years, passed away on April 21, 2026 at home.

She was born on January 19, 1956, in Troy, Ohio to Robert and Esther Lutz.

Teresa’s life was marked by a blend of pragmatism and a uniquely “warped” sense of humor, especially evident in her eclectic taste in movies. She often reminded her husband, Gordon, that she simply “couldn’t be out-stubborned” due to her German heritage, a testament to her humor but also the strength and resilience that defined her character. Read More

CHAD AVERY KUZMACK April 5, 2026

Chad Avery Kuzmack was called to be with our Heavenly Father on April 5, 2026. Over his 19 years, Chad grew from a happy kid who was the loudest in any room into a young man who never knew a stranger, just a person he didn’t have a chance to talk to yet. 

He had many aliases, including Charlie Kuzmack and Chad Maestas, and even more roles as a son, grandson, brother, nephew, uncle, aspiring nursing student, door greeter at Walmart, animal shelter and elementary volunteer, and his most cherished: friend. 

Chad’s enthusiasm for life was immeasurable – he loved harder Read More

ZOE ELLEN CORONADO March 8, 1957 – April 17, 2026

Zoe Ellen Coronado, a beloved wife, mother, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2026, in White Rock, New Mexico, surrounded by love. Born on March 8, 1957, in Rexburg, Idaho, Zoe lived a life marked by warmth, friendship, and an enduring spirit that touched all who knew her.

Zoe’s journey was one of heartfelt dedication and vibrant enthusiasm. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Toledo, Ohio, before embarking on a distinguished career in finance, engineering and planning. Her professional achievements were significant, Read More

MARY ELIZABETH DALY Dec. 14, 1955 – April 12, 2026

Mary Elizabeth Daly (“Liz” or “Nonna” to many in Los Alamos) was born December 14, 1955, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to John J. Smith and Regina Murphy Smith, and passed away on April 12, 2026, in Los Alamos, New Mexico, after a life of many places and adventures.

She was the eldest child of what would eventually be a family of five children. When her father finished his medical internship in New Orleans, LA, the family moved to Little Rock, Arkansas for his residency, and then on to Anchorage, Alaska, where he was assigned with the US Air Force. The family Read More

RICHARD DAVID AMES June 26, 1979 – April 8, 2026

Richard David Ames, a man whose life was marked by resilience, humor, and an insatiable curiosity, passed away April 8, 2026, at the University of New Mexico. Born June 26, 1979, in New York City, Richard’s journey was one filled with moments of joy, challenge, and profound growth.

A jack of all trades, Richard found his greatest joy in the simple yet fulfilling task of tending vending machines with Coca Cola. This job reflected his appreciation for the small pleasures in life. His personality was distinctly his own—stubborn and onery, Read More

KATHERINE LOUISE HEADDY June 5, 1943 – April 9, 2026

Katherine Louise Headdy, 82, of Grand Junction, CO, passed away surrounded by family and a few close friends Thursday, April 9, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital.

Katherine was born June 5, 1943, in Baytown, TX to Charles Robert Saunders and Harriett Louise Robinson. In 1948, she moved to Los Alamos, NM where she lived for forty-nine years and worked as a Protocol and Special Event Coordinator at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, where she directed the visits of numerous dignitaries and government officials.

After twenty-three years at the national Read More

LOIS COFFIN July 10, 1929 – March 16, 2026

Lois Coffin, born Lois Hamilton on July 10, 1929, in Jamison, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026, in Los Alamos, NM. She was surrounded by loving family and caring staff at Los Alamos Assisted Living, where she lived with her devoted husband, Don Coffin. Lois and Don had recently celebrated 76 years of marriage, an inspiring testament of true love to all who knew them.

Lois had a miraculous and challenging beginning on this earth, as she was born six weeks premature at the home of a country doctor; she and her twin brother, Leo, weighed less than Read More

HORACE H. (BILL) SPROUSE Nov. 24, 1944 – March 29, 2026

Horace H. (Bill) Sprouse, 81, passed away Sunday, March 29, 2026. Horace was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be dearly missed. He was born in Madill, Oklahoma on November 24, 1944, to William and Ruth Sprouse. He was preceded in death by his parents and by the love of his life – his loving wife Teresa Sprouse.

Horace is survived by Daughters; Cheryl L. Sprouse and Lori M. Sprouse. and one Brother; Doris Sprouse of Union Town, Pennsylvania, Grandchildren; William, Corey, Amber, and Aidan. 

Horace attended Madill Public Read More

CAROLYN SUE WOLTHUSEN Feb. 22, 1949 – April 5, 2026

Carolyn Sue Wolthusen, formerly of Glen Ellyn, IL, passed away suddenly on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, in Los Alamos, New Mexico. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.

She was born on February 22, 1949, in Sabetha, Kansas. Carolyn’s life was marked by a love of family, a passion for knowledge, and an unmistakable spirit that touched all who knew her.

Carolyn’s journey was one of steadfast dedication to learning and vibrant curiosity. She graduated from Addison Trail High School in Addison, IL, in 1967. She was Read More

BATRICE I. VIGIL Nov. 9, 1959 – Feb. 28, 2026

Batrice I. Vigil, 66, of Chimayo, NM, born Nov. 9, 1959, passed away on Feb. 28, 2026. Batrice was preceded in death by her husband Gerald Vigil, sons Antiono and Pablo Vigil, father Lennis “Skip” Taylor, brothers Jerry Wayne and Michael Ray, paternal grandparents Clyde and Flossie May Taylor, maternal grandparents Paul and Ernistine Olivas, and God Father Tony Lujan.

Batrice is survived by her mother Mary Taylor, brother Adrian, granddaughter Tatyana Vigil, Aunt Rose Lujan, close cousin who she considered a sister Bernie Quintana, Uncle Jerry Taylor Read More

BRIAN EASTON July 17, 1957 – March 17. 2026 

On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, Brian Easton, beloved brother, esteemed teacher and long-time resident of Los Alamos, New Mexico, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 68.

Brian was born on July 17, 1957, in Saint Joseph, Michigan; his parents were John and Marilyn Easton. He spent his early childhood in Michigan, moving to Oxford, Maryland at age 11.

Brian attended the College of William & Mary, graduating with honors in 1979, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Economics. He earned his Juris Doctorate at the University of Michigan Law School Read More

JOYCE CLARISSA MCELHINNEY CADY Jan. 1, 1933 – April 1, 2026

Joyce Clarissa McElhinney Cady died April 1, 2026 in Los Alamos, New Mexico at age 93. She was born to Denis Francis McElhinney and Clarissa Valentine McElhinney on Jan 1, 1933 in Alameda, California. Joyce was the New Years Baby for the San Francisco Bay Area.

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, sister Helen Margaret McElhinney and brother Frank Dennis McElhinney.

She is survived by her husband Howard Hamilton Cady and children John Hamilton Cady, Thomas Francis Cady, Carol Therese Cady, Carl McElhinney Cady and their families. Read More

CHRISTOPHER GALLEGOS July 17, 1949 – Feb. 21, 2026

The family of Christopher (Chris) Gallegos will celebrate his life and patriotism to country with a service at noon, April 16. The Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish will host the service. His family will host a small reception prior to the funeral at 10:30 a.m., at the Betty Ehart Senior Center, 1001 Bathtub Row.

The burial with full military honors will take place following the service at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 2 p.m.

Chris was born on July 17. 1949 and left this Earth far too soon Feb. 21, 2026, after a brief bout with pneumonia.

Chris was born Read More

TIMOTEO  ‘TIM’ P. L’ESPERANCE Sept. 25, 1967 – March 27, 2026

Timoteo “Tim” P. L’Esperance, 58, passed away on March 27, 2026, following a long and admirable fight against cancer.

Tim was a remarkable father, husband, brother, and friend. Remaining to remember him are his loving wife of 31 years, Denise L’Esperance; his children, Timoteo J. L’Esperance and Julia L’Esperance; his daughter-in-law, Sierra L’Esperance; his mother, Velma L’Esperance; his siblings, Celina Trujillo, Manuel L’Esperance, Christina Jay, Catalina Sander, Carolina Nishimoto, Jennifer Beadle and Cheryl Atma; Read More

RICHARD ROLSTON September 23, 1960 – March 27, 2026

Richard Rolston, 65, passed away March 27, 2026 after a battle with cancer. 

Richard was born September 23, 1960 in La Mesa, California to Frank and Pat Rolston. He was raised in Phoenix, Arizona. He was one of five siblings- Dan (deceased), Tom, Doris (Phil) Logan and Mary. He also leaves behind his nieces Kate, McKenzie and Jazmine, nephews Aaron and Alex, and many beloved cousins. 

Richard worked at Smith’s meat department for 10 years. He had a special bond with animals and pets were always drawn to him. Dick loved fishing, had a passion Read More

ROB TRUJILLO March 17, 2026

Rob Trujillo passed away of natural causes peacefully at home in Los Alamos March 17, 2026. Born to Michael Trujillo and Kathleen Fitzgibbon, Rob was a lifelong resident of Los Alamos; he graduated from Los Alamos High School and continued his education at the University of New Mexico.

Rob worked in the home improvement retail business for decades and was known to many as “Mr. fix-it,” due to his extended knowledge and experience. Rob also worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

While cherishing his solitude, Rob relished his rare opportunities fishing the rivers Read More

Dr. RON JONES May 13, 1937 –  March 13, 2026

It is with great sorrow we mourn the passing of Dr. Ronald “Ron” Crater Jones, 88, following complications of a fall. He was surrounded by family in his final moments.

Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1937 to Thomas and Maureen (née Crater), Jones was a 1955 graduate of Highland High School.  It was there that he met his future wife, Mada Swayze, in orchestra class. They married in 1957.

Jones received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of New Mexico two years later and went on to complete his Master’s degree in chemical engineering at the University Read More

ANITA ‘NEET’ OSBORN June 27, 1926 – March 3, 2026

Anita “Neet” Osborn, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, moved on to her heavenly home March 3, 2026, at the age of 99. Until her passing, she lived independently in the house her husband built, diligently performing all household duties and driving herself wherever she needed to go. Her resilience and tenacity were truly remarkable. 

Born Anita D. Hissman in Colorado Springs, Colorado, June 27, 1926, she grew up surrounded by the beauty of the mountains and the great outdoors. Her childhood was filled with Read More

CLARICE LEORA WRUCK COX Aug. 6, 1930 – Jan. 23, 2026

Clarice Leora Wruck Cox, beloved wife, mother and grandmother peacefully died in her sleep in the afternoon of January 23, 2026, at the Los Alamos Medical Center in Los Alamos, New Mexico. She was 95.

A public memorial celebration of life will be held at the Unitarian Church at 1:00 pm on Friday, April 24, 2026.

Clarice was born on August 6, 1930, in Norwalk, Wisconsin to Vernon Carl Wruck and Wilmyna Gajewski. She was the third of their four children.

She was preceded in death by her younger sister, Gloria, her older brothers Quayne and Clinton, and Read More

CYNTHIA MARY HUSS-BATHKE March 10, 1954 – Feb. 21, 2026

Cynthia Mary Huss-Bathke — beloved wife, mother, friend, poet, and radiant force of love — passed away Feb. 21, 2026. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Cynthia, or “Cy” as she was known, carried the heart of her city with her wherever she went: resilient, compassionate, and fiercely devoted to helping others.

Cy embodied an unmistakable goodness that is rare in this world; one rooted in a deep kindness, generosity, and acceptance of others. Her spirit was gentle, yet strong, independent, and at times, rebellious and beautifully defiant. A quote Read More

CHARLOTTE WINSLOW CHRISTIAN March 24, 1952 – March 1, 2026

Charlotte Winslow Christian, 73, of Rio Rancho, NM, passed away March 1, 2026, in Rio Rancho. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., March 28 at the First Baptist Church of Albuquerque, 4101 Paseo Del Norte NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114.

Charlotte was born in Chowan County, NC, to Charlie and Sybil Monds Winslow March 24, 1952. She married Ronald Christian Oct. 1, 1971, in Sparta, NC. She attended DePaul School of Nursing in Norfolk, VA, before completing her training in Santa Fe, NM.

Charlotte dedicated her life to helping others, Read More

THOMAS (MIKE) FOGLE Dec 13, 1950 – March 4, 2026

Mike Fogle, aged 75, died on March 4, 2026, after a 9-month battle with liver cancer.

Born Dec 13, 1950, he was the last of 6 kids born to Charles and Eva Fogle.  He joined the US Army when he was 18 and went to Vietnam.  He was a construction engineer and when his first sergeant asked if he could drive, he said, “Sure.”  He failed to mention he didn’t have a drivers license.  He was sent to bring back a large flatbed truck with a bulldozer.  Driving back to the compound, he was getting the hang of all the gears and not paying attention to the road.  He went through Read More

Gary Steven Martinez July 13, 1967-March 8, 2026

JOSE ALFREDO ROYBAL Aug. 14, 1936 – March 5, 2026

Jose Alfredo Roybal, lovingly known as Alfredo, age 89, a lifelong resident of El Rancho, New Mexico, passed away peacefully at his home March 5, 2026, surrounded by the love and memories of the family he cherished so deeply.

Alfredo was born Aug. 14, 1936, and lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service to others. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, he carried a strong faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and shared that faith through both his words and his actions. Alfredo believed deeply in the importance of family and community and Read More

CHARLES W. ‘CHUCK’ OWENS March 12, 1939 – March 1, 2026

Charles W. “Chuck” Owens, born March 12, 1939, in Washington, Indiana, passed away March 1, 2026, reuniting with the love of his life after 65 beautiful years of marriage.

Chuck spent his early years in Washington, Indiana, before moving to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he spent many of his formative years. He eventually made his home in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather — a good man whose quiet strength, steady work ethic, and deep love for his family defined his life.

Chuck worked Read More

GLORIA GUTHALS Feb. 10, 2026

Gloria Guthals of Los Alamos, New Mexico – the daughter of Cleotilde and Juan Alvarado – passed away Feb. 10, 2026 at the age of 96.

A Native of the Great State of New Mexico, Gloria was born and raised in Santa Rosa where she resided until she attended New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas. In 1955, Gloria took employment with the New Mexico Oil Commission before meeting her future husband Paul Guthals two years later.

Paul and Gloria married the following year and took up residence in Los Alamos where they welcomed their son, Mick, in 1959, and their daughter, Jody, Read More