Obituaries

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

JOY DRAKE May 15, 1936 – June 1, 2024

Joy Drake, 88, of Los Alamos, died June 1, 2024.

Joy was born May 15, 1936 in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Joy was a wonderful person, who could be described in numerous ways: elegant, silly, adventurous, artistic, musical, a football fanatic and a true friend.

During her early childhood she lived in Eagle Grove, Cherokee and Waterloo, Iowa following her father’s teaching positions. At 7 years old through high school, she lived on her Grandpa Henry Stavenhagen’s farm (he homesteaded in the 1800s) in Victor, Iowa. They had a mixed farm where she loved the variety of plants Read More

JESUS AGUSTIN HERRERA VELARDE May 23, 2024

Jesus Agustin Herrera Velarde better known as Dad, Tata or Chewie entered into the arms of our Father, Thursday, May 23 in his Sierra Vista home in Arizona and was laid to rest with his family on Saturday June 1 at the Rivera Memorial Gardens.

He was 85 years old and is survived by his wife, seven children, 31 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren all of which were his motivation, his greatest joy, and the purpose of his being.

He grew up in Los Alamos to Miguel [Estrada] Velarde and Loretta Isabel Herrera the second born in a family of 11, he was always busy Read More

JUDITHA ANN (JUDY) YOUNG May 25, 1935 – May 21, 2024

Juditha Ann (Judy) Young of Los Alamos, NM died peacefully with her family by her side on May 21, 2024 – just four days shy of her 89th birthday.

She was born on May 25, 1935, in Fort Collins, Colorado to Harold Dillon Graham and Ruby Rossi Graham.  When Judy was just a baby she lost her mother (Ruby Rossi Graham) to tuberculosis.  Judy was lovingly raised by Katy Fedric Graham.

Survivors include her son, Jeff Young DVM (Sandra) of Amarillo, Texas; daughter, Ruby Alexander (Mike) of Los Alamos, New Mexico; Daughter-In-Law, Dawn Sue Young of Bridgeton, Read More

MARTHA E. DEHAVEN May 24, 2024

Martha E. DeHaven, daughter of Jack and Ruth Greene of Las Cruces and Raton, passed away on May 24, 2024, at age 78. She is survived by her husband Russell DeHaven and two children Roy DeHaven & Leanne DeHaven; her granddaughter Nicole Leitch, and great grandson Luke Leitch.

She was a fine artist in White Rock and participated in several studio tours and art shows around the state. She was represented by the Seigel Gallery in Santa Fe. She was a LANL employee for many years. Also, she was the first parent of a student at New Mexico School for the Deaf appointed to the school’s Read More

KATHERINE ANN ATTREP Feb. 1, 1938 – May 26, 2024

Katherine Ann Attrep, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, died in Santa Fe on May 26, 2024, of natural causes.

Born the middle child to Alfred and Esther Gerloff on February 1, 1938, in Bland, Missouri, Katherine grew up on a farm near Owensville. She was known to drive the tractor at a young age and stories of her experiences on the farm were often retold by her family.

The first to go to college in her family, she attended Southwest Missouri State in Springfield. She continued on to graduate school in Arkansas, one of the only women in the chemistry Read More

WAYNE ALLEN TAYLOR Taylor July 29, 1954 – May 7, 2024

Wayne Allen Taylor, 69, was a beloved father, husband, brother, and uncle. He was globally known for his capabilities as a scientist and was a talented outdoorsman. Above all he valued family, he would often claim the wellbeing and health of his family had the utmost priority to him.

As a scientist he won many awards and accolades for his work with the Los Alamos National Laboratory as a radio chemist. Between patents and distinguished performance awards, he became a well-known scientist and was even involved in the Russian exchange program at Read More

NITA VIJAYA ESTHER DAVID Jan. 2, 1942 – May 17, 2024

Born in pre-independence India on January 2, 1942, Nita Vijaya Esther David (nee Jesudian) was the middle of the seven children of Frederick Jesudian and Nellie Jesudian (nee Azariah). Nita committed her life to Jesus at the age of thirteen after reading a tract she found lying at home and never wavered in her faith, passing on to Him on May 17, 2024, in Los Alamos, NM.

Nita was born and raised in Bombay (Mumbai) in India, surrounded by loving parents and siblings, a host of fun, and deep faith. She attended Queen Mary High School and learned how to play Read More

MICHAEL GERARD GURULÉ Feb. 6, 1962 – May 19, 2024

Michael Gerard Gurulé (Mike), age 62, was born in Durango, Colorado on February 6, 1962, to the late Hernando Michael Gurulé and Rosalie Victoria Martinez Gurulé as the youngest of five siblings. In 1974, he moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico where he graduated from Los Alamos High School, class of 1980. Around 1988, he moved to Rio Rancho where he decided to make his home.

Mike had a loving community around him and where he worked. He started at Albertson’s in 1986 and retired in 2023. He deeply demonstrated a servant’s heart by exuding compassion and kindness Read More

BARBARA (TYNAN) BOLDRIN February 1947 – May 22, 2024

Barbara (Tynan) Boldrin. Born February 1947 died May 22, 2024. She was born to William and Elizabeth Tynan in Ft. Worth, Texas. The family moved to Los Alamos in 1952.

She graduated Los Alamos High in 1965 then moved to Seattle, Washington to attend college, then Nursing School, eventually ending her working career working for Blue Cross managing the Microsoft account.

After retirement Barb moved back to Los Alamos in 2015 to live with her sister Sheryl. They were raised golfing, and really enjoyed the Los Alamos course, fellow golfers and county Read More

SAMUEL ERIC ELSON May 10, 2024

Samuel Eric Elson, 30, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on May 10, 2024, at Mesilla Valley Hospice in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He was the loving husband of Sonja Lee Elson (nee Smith), having shared 7 (almost 8) years of marriage together.

Born and raised in Los Alamos, New Mexico, he was the son of Jean Sanzo (nee LaFauce) and Jay Elson. He graduated from Los Alamos High School in 2012 and then went on to graduate from New Mexico State University with both a bachelor’s degree (2016) and a master’s degree (2017) in Mechanical Engineering. Samuel was employed Read More

MERLE DEAN KOEPKE June 24, 1935 – May 5, 2024

Merle Dean Koepke, 88, of Los Alamos, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2024. Merle was born on June 24, 1935, in Junction City, Kansas, to the late Genevieve and Werner Koepke.

Upon graduation from high school, Merle followed his older brother’s lead and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served as a first-class electrician on a destroyer for four years.

Merle married Carolyn Harrison upon his honorable discharge from the Navy and obtained a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. Upon completion of Merle’s EE degree, he took a job in Los Alamos. Read More

RONALD J. POULTON (RON) – Nov. 14, 1942 – May 10, 2024

Ronald J. Poulton (Ron), age 81, passed away surrounded by his family in White Rock, New Mexico on Friday, May 10, 2024, after a 9-year battle with cancer caused by Agent Orange exposure during his service in the Vietnam War.

Ron was born in Vineland, New Jersey on November 14, 1942, to the late George and Barbara (Kantz) Poulton and raised in Bridgeton, New Jersey by his single mother and later with his stepfather, Frank Schaffer (both deceased).

He joined the U.S. Air Force at seventeen and served for over 26 years. He served 14 of those years overseas Read More

MARLENE HENINS May 11, 2024

Marlene Henins (McClure) passed away in the early hours of Saturday, May 11, 2024.

Marlene was born in rural Roosevelt, Oklahoma to Clara (Newton) and Herman McClure. She was the eldest girl in a family of 7 kids and as such, she helped her mother manage a household.

She graduated as the valedictorian of her small high school class and after college, met the love of her life, Ivars Henins. Ivars and Marlene married on June 8 of 1960, and after completing his PhD in Physics at Johns Hopkins, they moved to Los Alamos, where they adopted and raised three children. 

Marlene served Read More

LOUIS ‘LOUIE’ MORRISON April 19, 1940 – May 5, 2024

Louis “Louie” Morrison passed away peacefully at home on Sunday May 5, 2024.  

Louie was born in Dobbs Ferry, New York on April 19, 1940, to Mary (Tuohy) and Chester Morrison. He grew up on the Hudson River in the Village of Irvington, NY where he graduated from Irvington High School in 1957 and Westchester Community College in White Plains, NY in 1960, with an AAS in mechanical technology.

In 1961 he joined the US Navy and after completing initial submarine school courses, was assigned to the USS TORSK for his first duties. During his Navy tenure, Read More

LEONA MAE CARTER WALTON May 2, 1938 – March 22, 2024

Leona Mae Carter Walton, passed into the arms of her Savior on March 22, 2024, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was born at her family’s homestead in Mills County, Texas to John Ralph and Lillian Leona Carter on May 2, 1938. The youngest of 10 children, Leona grew up in a time of poverty, drought and war. With the love and support of her family and community, she thrived and graduated from the University of Texas, Austin in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in Education and taught both 6th and 8th grade. 

Through long distance letters, she and a childhood Read More

WILLIAM (BILL) BRADLEY WILSON Aug. 21, 1942 – March 2, 2024

William (Bill) Bradley Wilson passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 81 on March 2, 2024 at Bear Canyon Hospice in Albuquerque due to complications attributed to dementia.

Bill was born in Houston, Texas on August 21, 1942 to his late parents Cecil and Erline Wilson and his sister Shirley who was able to fly from San Antonio to visit Bill in hospice shortly after her 91st birthday.

As a child he loved to ride his horse, Thunder and hop trains that passed close to his backyard. He would jump off and walk home – luckily a neighbor reported Read More

SHIRLEY ANDERSON May 2, 2024

Shirley Anderson, 90, passed away peacefully at home on May 2, 2024 with her 3 dear daughters (Jemez Springs and Salt Lake City) by her side.

Los Alamos Visting Nurses were blessed to care for Shirley until the end.

A more formal obituary to be expected down the road.

Rivera Family Funeral Home of Los Alamos encourages all of Shirley’s friends, old nursing buddies, neighbors and all who loved her and her daughters to leave a message, story or photo at www.riverafamilyfuneralhome.com Read More

JOHN FLOYD HIGGINS, III April 30, 2024

John Floyd Higgins, III of Los Alamos, New Mexico passed away on April 30, 2024 at the age of 66.

Rivera Family Funeral Homes thanks Los Alamos Medical Center for their trust for Mr. Higgins’ final care and his medical attention until the end, Los Alamos County Social Services for their assistance in Mr. Higgins’ cremation, and Los Alamos County Parks for Mr. Higgins’ permanent placement at Guaje Pines Cemetery columbarium.

Anyone who knew and cherished Mr. Higgins is encouraged to share in his memory at www.riverafamilyfuneralhome.com Read More

BOBBY FRANK POE March 27, 1936 – April 29, 2024

Longtime Los Alamos resident, Bobby Frank Poe (Bob), passed away at home on Monday  evening, April 29, 2024. Dad struggled with heart related issues for the last number of years. He spent ten days in April at the Heart Hospital of New Mexico and came home to Hospice Care on Friday, April 26.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Wanda Nell (Cooke) Poe of the home; his brother Don Poe, of Grandbury, Texas; his daughter Teri Price and her husband Bobby of Kingston Springs, TN; his daughter Lori Hinojosa and her husband Hugo of Los Alamos, NM; his son Lonny Poe Read More

Thomas Hiram McReynolds Sept. 22, 1941 – April 30, 2024

The man dubbed a ”Northern New Mexico icon” and the “King of Tough Love”, Thomas Hiram McReynolds – known to countless many as Coach Mac, Uncle Mickie, Mr. Mac, cuñao, or simply Mac – has left us to find peace and rest in the Lord, passing away from this life on April 30, 2024. He was 82 years old.

Mac was born in Los Ojos (Parkview), New Mexico on September 22, 1941, to George Ellsworth and Isabel Fulgencia (Montaño) McReynolds. He was a great-grandson of Perfecto Esquibel, one of 100 delegates to the New Mexico Constitutional Convention of 1910, Read More

JOSEPH PATRICK ROJAS March 27, 1959 – April 22, 2024

Our brother, Joe, left his earthly confines on the early morning of April 22. We are devastated.

Joe is the youngest child of Patricia Mendiola Rojas and Louis Gonzalez Rojas, to us the most devoted parents in the history of the world.

He was born in Los Alamos, NM, the youngest of six children, and grew up in that remarkable  environment of education, community, and exquisite natural beauty. His talents ranged broadly, from the strength to move a grand piano to the vision to design living spaces of a home to the creation of verdant gardens. Joe was Read More

JOSEPH JAMES PETRANTO May 2, 2024

Joseph passed away peacefully surrounded by his favorite music and his loved ones last week.

He is survived by his son, Steve (Maria); daughter, Lisa; and grandson, Joe. He was preceded in death by wife, Audrey; his son, Paul (Shirley) and grandson (Anthony.)

He was a devoted family man, a loyal friend, a LANL mechanical engineer extraordinaire, and a big band enthusiast. He was also a faithful member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and a dedicated Cowboy and Broncos fan.

Joseph was blessed by many members of the Los Alamos community. Thank you, one and all, Read More

PATRICIA ANN CASE DAUN Dec. 28, 1927 – March 25, 2024

Patricia Ann Case Daun passed peacefully in her sleep on March 25, 2024 at the age of 96.

She was pre-deceased by her 2 husbands, James Case and Keith Daun.

Pat is survived by her three children, Diane (John) Lenssen, Debra (Frank) Kraus and Mitch (Gaby) Case; 3 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Pat was interested in gardening and was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and The Ladies Sewing Circle there. She volunteered at Los Alamos Medical Center as a ‘Pink’ lady, and at the Sombrillo Retirement Community, where she was also a part of Read More

HARVEY A. ROSE Nov. 9, 1947 – April 9, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Harvey A. Rose on April 9, 2024, at the age of 76. Harvey was a cherished husband, father, brother, and a distinguished scientist.

Born on November 9, 1947, in Manhattan to Bessie and Michael Rose, he excelled academically from a young age and started higher education at City College of New York in 1963 at the age of 16, earning a bachelor’s degree. He later graduated with a PhD from Harvard.

Harvey’s professional life was marked by his time at Los Alamos National Laboratory, starting in 1977. His contributions Read More

DUSTIN MATHEW BENNETT Jan. 12, 2000 – April 15, 2024

Dustin Mathew Bennett of Los Alamos, NM was a wonderful caring son, brother, grandchild, nephew, cousin and friend. He left us unexpectedly on April 15, 2024, at the age of 24.

He was born Sunday, January 12, 2000 in Albuquerque, NM. The son of Alison Bennett.

He began his education at the Ark Child Development Center and went on to attend Aspen and Barranca Mesa Elementary Schools, Los Alamos Middle School and Los Alamos High School.

Dustin loved his family and life. He was all in with fun activities like swimming, whitewater rafting and rollercoasters. Read More

MATILDA ‘EVELYN’ VOOS Oct. 13, 1941 – March 26, 2024

Beloved wife to Raymond Voos, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at her home in Rio Rancho, NM. She was 82 years old.

Born Monday, October 13, 1941, in Mora, NM, Evelyn was the cherished daughter of Amadeo and Amanda Sanchez. She grew up in Los Alamos, NM, with her two brothers; Amo and Eddie, where she developed a love for the outdoors as well as for her arts and crafts. She was an avid wood carver, stained glass artist and a talented painter.

After completing her Business Administration education Read More

JONATHAN PORTER March 25, 1938 – March 26, 2024

Jonathan Porter, Professor Emeritus of Chinese History and Asian Studies at the University of New Mexico, died peacefully at home on March 26, 2024 in Chupadero, a rural community in Santa Fe, after surviving more than two decades with metastatic prostate cancer. He was 86.

Jonathan was born on March 25, 1938 in Boston to Eliot Furness Porter, a photographer, and Aline Kilham, a painter. In July 1946, the family drove out west to move to Tesuque, New Mexico. Eliot would later write, “When we crossed the border into New Mexico, we stopped by the roadside Read More

DONALD E. GERHEART June 28, 1942 – March 21, 2024

Donald E. Gerheart, loving husband and father of two, passed away Thursday, March 21,  2024 at age 81.

Don was born on June 28, 1942, to Stephen and Margaret S. Gerheart in Palmerton, PA. Don earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1964 and Master’s Degree in 1969, in Music Education both from the University of Wyoming in Laramie.

On June 6, 1964, he married Jane Seltenrich and together they raised two children, Ann Marie and Charles Stephen in their home in White Rock where Don resided for 57 years.

Don spent 27 years in the Los Alamos Public Schools, after Read More

JEANNE LORRAINE COTTER Dec. 31, 1928 – March 7, 2024

Jeanne Cotter died peacefully at the age of 95 at El Castillo in Santa Fe, NM, with her daughters by her side.

Jeanne was elegant, gracious and a loyal friend to many. She loved a party, had a quick wit and  cared for others. She dearly loved her family and sharing adventures with them. She loved the outdoors and traveling to see the people and mountains of the world.

Jeanne was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Ted Cotter, and her partner after she was widowed, Richard Colgate.

She is survived by her children Lise Muzny (Chris) and Sheila Read More

DENNIS ALFRED MONAGHAN Sept. 15, 1936 − March 22, 2024

Dennis Alfred Monaghan, born in Spokane, WA on September 15, 1936, passed away peacefully in Albuquerque NM on Friday March 22, 2024. Dennis passed just 17 days after his wife of 65 years, ‘Kie’ Monaghan, passed away on March 5, 2024. They were with each other until the very end, as they had lived most of their lives.

Dennis was preceded in death by his mother and father, Alfred & Ann Monaghan, his wife, Carol Ann Swears, and his two sons, Kevin and Todd Monaghan.

Dennis is survived by his two daughters, Kristy & Teri Monaghan, his sister Read More

JIM BARTON FINLEY June 16, 1928 – April 5, 2024

Jim Barton Finley passed away on April 5, 2024. He was born to Wilma and Leo Finley on June 16, 1928, in Miami, Oklahoma.

He was a sweet and loving man who adored his family deeply. In 1951, he married Rose (Rosie) Marie Shelton in Norman, Oklahoma, and together they shared a life of memories, adventure and love. Jim was a graduate of the University of Oklahoma as a mechanical engineer and worked for 36 years for Los Alamos National Laboratory. He was a dedicated father to Gail, Jim and Linda, instilling in them the values of laughter and adventure.

In addition Read More

SHARON LYNNE (MADISON) PAYNE Aug. 5, 1941 – April 2, 2024

Sharon Lynne Payne died at her home in Los Alamos, NM, on April 2, 2024, at the age of 82. 

Sharon was born on August 5, 1941, in Red Wing, MN to David and Geraldine Madison.  She graduated from Central High School, Red Wing, MN.

Sharon met her husband Edwin Payne in high school. They were married in Red Wing, MN on December 12, 1964.

Sharon worked as a medical transcriptionist for 15 years. She was an excellent cook and  enjoyed looking after her home and yard. She also sang in a Madrigal group in Red Wing, MN and enjoyed being active in Safford, Read More

DONALD EUGENE VANCE  April 3, 2024

Donald Eugene Vance, age 84, passed away April 3, 2024 at his home in Santa Fe, NM.

He is survived by his wife Barbara, to whom he was married for 56 years, his son Matthew Vance and wife Lisa Schatz-Vance, grandson Rowan Vance, his daughter Tracy Archuleta, and granddaughter Alexandra Archuleta.

Donald was born in Mt. Vernon, IL to Anna Marie and Walter Vance. He was the only son with 3 sisters: Sandra, Patsy, and Audrey. He attended school in Raton, NM and graduated from NM State University. He served in the United States Air Force as a Captain. After he retired from Read More

IDA SERNA PACHECO Sept. 7, 1927 – APRIL 4, 2024

It is with immense sorrow and broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved matriarch, Ida Serna Pacheco. Ida departed peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones on April 4th at the age of ninety-six. Her life was a radiant tapestry, intricately woven with threads of tradition, faith, wisdom, strength, and boundless love. Her infectious humor and playful nature brought laughter and joy to all who knew her.

Ida was born on September 7, 1927, in El Guache, New Mexico to the late Adan Serna and Onofre Salazar Serna. She was predeceased by her Read More