Obituaries

JEANNE L. BUTLER March 27, 1941 – June 19, 2024

It is with a heavy heart that our family announces the passing of Jeanne on June 19, 2024. She passed away peacefully after a visit with her daughter and grandchildren.

Born on an Iowa farm, a 4-H member most of her life, driven to helping others, and someone who loved to tend to her gardens and fruit trees – Jeanne was a mid-westerner through and through.

Jeanne grew up in Franklin County, Iowa, attending school in the nearby town of Hampton. Her early goal was medical missionary work, helping others through nursing. She attended Yankton College in Yankton, Read More

PEGGY JOHNECE HOISINGTON May 24, 1956 – Aug. 7, 2024

Peggy “PJ” Hoisington passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in Albuquerque at the Lovelace Heart Hospital on August 7, 2024, at the age of 68, surrounded by her husband and family.

PJ was born in Lubbock, Texas May 24, 1956. As a young girl she moved to Albuquerque, NM where she lived with her parents, Edward and Joyce Clay and 3 siblings. PJ graduated from Albuquerque’s Valley High School in 1974. She was a cheerleader, a member of the Glee Club and a Honor Roll Student. She later attended Cosmetology school and upon graduation she moved to Taos, Read More

LONNI (KATY) CATHERINE HARRISON March 22, 1945 – June 10, 2024

Lonni (Katy) Harrison, 79, a long-time resident of White Rock, NM, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Katy was born on March 22, 1945, in Rogers, Arkansas, to the late Averill and Lawrence Heisserer. In 1968, she graduated from UT Arlington as salutatorian of her class with a bachelor’s degree in physics. She went on to work on Bell Helicopter’s Osprey program before joining Los Alamos National Laboratory in 1969 and later earning her PhD in physics.

Katy was a devoted wife and mother, and a woman of many Read More

THEODORE FRANCIS ROLLER Oct. 7, 1932 – Aug. 5, 2024

Theodore Francis Roller, (age 91), entered eternal life the morning of Monday, August 5, 2024, at his home in Santa Clara Pueblo.

Ted began life on October 7, 1932, in Clifford, North Dakota, the fourteenth of fifteen children born to Joseph B. and Mary Ann (Kubishta) Roller. Ted grew up on the family farm near Clifford where he helped his parents with huge crops of sorghum, sugar beets, soybeans, corn, and the major crop of wheat.

Ted graduated from Clifford High School in 1950. He spent time discerning whether to become a Roman Catholic priest or Read More

BARTON OLINGER Feb. 11, 1943 – July 30, 2024

Bart could have remained in Gettysburg, PA nestled among family and friends. Instead, he chose to travel west – to the University of Chicago. Here he earned a doctorate in geophysics and met his wife, Colleen. Onward to New Mexico, he began what would turn out to be a fifty-four plus years career at Los Alamos National Laboratory. With two sons, Miles and Seth, the four lived in Bandelier, ‘the Valley’ (Jaconita), and Los Alamos.

Besides his family, science was central to Bart’s life. He knew early on that he was supremely lucky to make friends with the few Read More

TIMOTHY SINGLETON July 27, 2024

Timothy Singleton, 71, passed away July 27, 2024, at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Santa Fe.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Mary Singleton, his brother Thomas and sister-in-law Katherine, and his beloved cat Misty.

Tim lived in Los Alamos for many years, and was well known there, walking with a cane to Smiths and Danielle’s café.

He moved to Santa Fe and lived at Kingston Assisted Living in the months before his passing.

Tim was a loving brother and friend to many people who knew him.

Tim is survived by his sister Jeanne and bother Patrick, and close Read More

EFFIOK BEN ETUK April 21, 1955 – June 11, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Effiok Ben Etuk. Effiok passed away June 11, 2024, from complications due to cardiac arrest.

Born April 21, 1955, in Kano, Northern Nigeria, Effiok left his home at 18 years old to attend college in the United States. Through hard work and perseverance, Effiok successfully navigated life in America. Earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering at the University of Nebraska, it was also here that he met his wife, Wendy.

He became a Naturalized Citizen of the United States of America where he stood, full Read More

BONNIE FISHBINE Oct. 12, 1921 – July 2, 2024

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Bonnie  on Tuesday, July 2, 2024. She departed peacefully at the Los Alamos Medical Center following a brief illness.

Born Oct. 12, 1921, Bonnie was predeceased by her beloved husband, Harold Fishbine. She leaves behind a loving family, including her sons, Brian and Glenn Fishbine, Glenn’s wife Kathy, her granddaughter Jenna Fishbine, and her two great-grandchildren, Margot and Aiden.

Bonnie and Harold tied the knot in Santa Fe in 1946. After a short period in Florida, they returned to Los Alamos, where Read More

MARGARET DUNFORD REID Oct. 10, 1932 – July 25, 2024

Margaret Dunford Reid passed away on July 25, 2024, in Colorado Springs, Colorado  where she and her husband of 70 years have lived since 2016. Prior to Colorado Springs, they lived in Los Alamos, NM for many years as well as several years in Redwood City, California.

She is survived by her husband Don W. Reid, a daughter Lisa Morgan (Lyle) of Cary North Carolina, a daughter Dana Belva (Jim) of Colorado Springs, Colorado and a son David of Seattle, Washington. She is also survived by 3 sisters, Arlene Van Wagenen, Barbara Christiansen and Annie Thayne. Read More

Gayle Louise Campbell March 16, 1937 – July 12, 2024

In loving memory of Gayle Louise Campbell, whose warmth, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her family and community touched the hearts of all who knew her. Her legacy of compassion and service will continue to inspire us forever.

Gayle Louise Campbell, a dedicated nurse, volunteer, and beloved family member, passed away peacefully in Beaverton, Oregon, July, 12, 2024. Born in Multnomah County, Portland, Oregon, March 16, 1937, to Gertrude Lindgren Christianson and Harold Morris Christianson, Gayle was raised in a close-knit Scandinavian Read More

TATYANA MIKHAILOVNA KURENNAYA May 13, 1953 – July 19, 2024

Tatyana Mikhailovna Kurennaya (née Fedorova), 71, passed away on Friday, July 19, 2024, in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Tatyana was born on May 13, 1953, in Kalinin (Tver’), Russia, to Mikhail and Evgeniya Fedorov. She also lived with her grandmother, Anna Nikishina, in Serpukhov, during her school years. Tatyana received her master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Moscow Energy Institute in 1977.  She moved to Protvino, Moscow Region, with her son, Denis Kulakov. There she met her husband, Sergey Kurennoy. Tatyana and Sergey Read More

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