Obituaries

ANDREW EDWARD ANDREWS July 29, 1942 – May 21, 2026

May 21 of this year, Andrew Edward Andrews passed away in the comfort of his own home at age 83 in White Rock, New Mexico. He was surrounded by loved ones and he went peacefully.

Andrew (also called “Andy” by his friends and family) was born July 29, 1942 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin to Francis Jerome Andrews and Ruth Janet Andrews. He enjoyed his upbringing in Wisconsin and Illinois before moving to California, where he attended high school in El Cajon and graduated as a National Merit Scholar. Not long after, he took the incredible prestige to West Point Read More

DAVID BRACKEN June 28, 1964 – June 8, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of David Bracken June 8, 2026, at his home, surrounded by the love that meant so much to him.

Born June 28, 1964, in Cohoes, NY, David Bracken lived a life defined by determination, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to doing what he believed was right.

A gifted nuclear physicist by profession, he dedicated his career to solving complex problems and advancing knowledge. Yet those who knew him best understood that his true passion was powerlifting. He approached the sport, and life itself, Read More

KENNETH L. COOP March 24, 1937 – May 16, 2026 

Ken Coop, a devoted husband, father and grandfather, passed away May 16, 2026, at the age of 89. 

Ken was born in Fairfield, Iowa where he and his brother spent their childhood doing farm chores, playing with their cousins, and attending a one-room country school. At 18, Ken joined the U.S. Navy and spent the next four years specializing in air traffic control.

With assistance from the G.I. Bill, he went to Colorado School of Mines where he played football and worked at the Coors brewery. He graduated with a master’s degree in Nuclear Physics from the University Read More

RITA M. APEL July 12, 1929 – May 6, 2026

Rita Apel of Los Alamos, New Mexico, whose generous, loving warmth reached countless hearts, passed unexpectedly on May 6, 2026, at the age of 96.

Rita was born July 12, 1929, in Chimayo, NM to Enemecio O. and Benita Martinez the same year her father completed the family chapel, Capillita de Santa Rita. When she lost her mother at a young age, Rita and her siblings were raised by their oldest sister, Tillie. They grew up on their farm surrounded by the beautiful northern New Mexico countryside and forged a bond that lasted a lifetime.

Rita spent her high school summers Read More

CHRISTOPHER EARL ROSS Dec. 8, 1970 – May 31, 2026

Christopher Earl Ross, 55, of Los Alamos, New Mexico, passed away on May 31, 2026.

Chris was born on December 8, 1970, and raised in Los Alamos. He graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1989 and dedicated more than 25 years of service to Los Alamos National Laboratory, where he was respected for his hard work, commitment, and professionalism.

Chris had a lifelong passion for sports. He was a devoted fan of the Seattle Seahawks, Philadelphia Flyers, and Chicago Cubs. Beyond being a fan, Chris excelled as an athlete, particularly in basketball and Read More

NIMA DIANE WARD May 4, 1934 – March 2, 2026

Nima Diane Ward, beloved mother, teacher and legislative advocate, died March 2, 2026, at the age of 91. She passed peacefully at St Vincent Hospital in Santa Fe surrounded by family. Nima was born May 4, 1934, in Los Angeles, CA to David and Mable Roland.

She graduated from Augustana College in Moline Illinois with a BA in education 1955. Nima met John Ward at Augustana, and the couple soon married and moved to Los Alamos, NM in 1957 where Nima began teaching second grade at Aspen Elementary and would go on to raise her family of four boys. In 1984 Nima began a 16-year Read More

JOHN CAPPIS April 24, 1942 – April 29, 2026

DALLAS, Texas – On Wednesday evening, April 29, 2026, John Cappis, age 84, quietly passed away of natural causes following an 18 year battle to still have a quality life after suffering a traumatic car accident and subsequent strokes. 

John was born in Telluride, Colorado, at the old hospital (now Historic Museum), and had many fond memories of a childhood in a small town including outside adventures from climbing different peaks, downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, snow mobiling, hunting with his dad and, of course, jeeping.

He inherited Read More

JEFFREY DALE PARKINSON May 22, 1963 – May 16, 2026

Jeffrey Dale Parkinson, 62, passed away from heart failure on May 16, 2026, in Neiva, Huila, Colombia.  He was born on May 22, 1963, in Los Alamos, New Mexico, to Joseph Lynn and Bonnie Joy Parkinson.

Growing up in Los Alamos, Jeff developed a lifelong passion for the outdoors. He spent countless hours backpacking, hunting, and fishing, creating cherished memories with his father and brothers. A proud Hilltopper, he graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1981.

Jeff went on to pursue higher education, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Information Read More

SHERRIE LEE BURK Dec. 23, 1947 – May 20, 2026

With deep love and sorrow, we announce the passing of Sherrie Lee Burk on May 20, 2026. Sher­rie was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, wife, and friend whose kindness, strength, and generous spirit touched everyone who knew her.

Sherrie was born on Dec. 23, 1947, in Den­ver, Colorado, to Charles Saunders and Harriett Robinson. Shortly after her birth, the family moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico, where she grew up with her sisters, Katherine “Kitty” Headdy and Dorothy “Dottie” Austin. She graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1965 and later attended Read More

HEDY DUNN March 4, 1943 – May 27, 2026

With great sadness, the Dunn family announces the passing of Hedy (Mannheimer) Dunn, age 83, who peacefully passed away on May 27, 2026, just weeks after a sudden diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. 

Hedy was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and member of the community. After a long career as the director of the Los Alamos Historical Museum, Hedy was a devoted and active volunteer with many organizations, including the Pajarito Environmental Education Center, Bandelier National Monument, the Los Alamos Unitarian Church, and the Santa Fe Opera. Read More

HOWARD LEE GURLEY May 14, 2026

Howard Lee Gurley passed away peacefully from heart disease on May 14, 2026, in Harlingen, Texas, with his mother and father by his side. He was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1967 and grew up in both Albuquerque and Los Alamos.

Lee was a creative and artistic person. After high school, he attended the Colorado Institute of Art and began his career as a graphic artist in New York City, where he lived and worked for over 20 years. He later returned to New Mexico and eventually moved to Texas to help care for his mother.

Lee was a quiet man who rarely spoke much about his life Read More

John FitzPatrick Aug. 28, 1946 – April 17, 2026

John R. FitzPatrick passed away on April 17, 2026, following a brief illness. He was born in Reno, Nevada on August 28, 1946, and grew up in White Pine County, Nevada, in the mining towns of Ruth and Ely. The wide-open outdoor spaces of his childhood resonated with him his entire life.

John graduated from White Pine County High School and attended the University of Utah where he earned a BS in Chemistry. He served in the U.S. Army for 2 years before returning to the University of Utah to complete a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry. Later, while he was working at Read More

STACY D. SANCHEZ Aug. 25, 1964 – May 22, 2026

Stacy D. Sanchez went to be with the Lord on May 22, 2026. Born Aug. 25, 1964, in Los Alamos, NM, where he lived for over 30 years.

He is survived by his parents, Amadeo Sanchez Jr (Terry) and Nancy Smith (Don ), his sister Valerie (Mike), brother Jeffrey (Melissa), uncles Eddie and Dawson, and cousins Justin, Eric, Tim, Fred, and Donny.

He also leaves behind countless friends and church brethren.

Stacy ran a successful handyman business and was a master craftsman, praised by his clients for his quality work.

Stacy was especially known for his friendliness Read More

PHILIP ANTHONY SEEGER Feb. 19, 1937 – April 23, 2026

Longtime Los Alamos resident Philip Anthony Seeger, PhD., died peacefully in his home April 23, 2026, surrendering his life to Parkinson’s disease, but never his dignity, surrounded by family and listening to the music he loved. He was 89 years old.

Phil was born Feb. 19, 1937, in Evanston, Illinois, to Gerald Paul Seeger and Jeannette Bresnan Seeger. The family moved many times as Phil was growing up, as his father was relocated multiple times, ending up in El Paso, Texas. Phil excelled in mathematics and science, building his own telescope Read More

MICHAEL WALTER MCINERNEY Jan. 21, 1939 – Feb. 21, 2026

Michael Walter McInerney of Rio Rancho, New Mexico was born Jan. 21, 1939, to Thomas and Doris McInerney in Shoreditch, London, England. He was the middle of three children; his sister Doris was the eldest, and his brother Stephen the youngest.

After completing secondary school, Michael served three years in the Royal Air Force (RAF), where he began what would become a firefighting career spanning more than six decades. He joined the London Fire Brigade in 1960 and served with distinction until 1981. He later trained firefighters for the Read More

MARTIN PATTERSON KELLOGG Feb. 20, 1939 – March 29, 2026

Martin Kellogg passed away peacefully on March 29, 2026 (sitting in his favorite armchair), leaving behind a legacy of intellect, creativity, curiosity, and an adventurous spirit. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Martin was born on February 20, 1939, to Emily P. (“Pat”) and Jerome Merle Blake (“Jerry”) Kellogg. According to his mother, from a very early age Martin showed an extraordinary fascination with classical music, obsessively listening to and recognizing musical pieces long before most children Read More

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