Obituaries

DONALD R. MACHEN May 30, 1936 – Dec. 30, 2023

Donald R. Machen left this earth on Dec. 30, 2023, just after hearing the music of bagpipes while surrounded by his wife and children.

He was preceded in death by his parents, C. Raymond Machen and Myrtle Elizabeth Canny, and is survived by his wife of sixty-three years, Judy; son Jonathan (Paige); daughter Patty (Michael); four grandchildren; and a loving group of close relatives.

Born in California’s Bay Area eighty-seven years ago, he received BS and MS degrees in electrical engineering from the University of California at Berkeley and served in Read More

WEI CHEU ‘JOYCE’ RIDLON Nov. 5, 1939 – Feb. 22, 2024

Wei Cheu “Joyce” Ridlon was born November 5, 1939, in Tachia City, Taiwan, the first daughter of Wang Tsu-Nan and Wang Shiou-chu. She had one older brother and eight younger brothers and sisters, four of which still reside in Taiwan. She grew up during the Japanese rule of Taiwan in the subsequent years of WWII, which was followed by the turbulent takeover and rule of Taiwan by Chang Kai-Shek.

She was taught to speak basic English at a religious mission in her hometown and was a self-taught hair stylist and seamstress. She was also fluent in Mandarin, Read More

DONALD ELDEN CARTER Dec. 29, 1944 – Feb. 11, 2024

Don Carter, age 79, died February 11, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Don was born December 29, 1944, in La Junta, Colorado.

Preceded in death by parents Bill and Dorothy Carter, sister-in-law Roberta Carter, step-mother Letha Carter, and step-brother J.D. Scofield.

Survived by wife Donna Carter, daughter, Donnette (Jeff) Lewis, granddaughter Rachel (Michael Owen) Ehler, great granddaughter Piper Owen, brother Melvin Carter, step-sisters Gwen Richardson and Michelle (Alan) Strong, sister-in-law LaWanna (Leonard) Hendrickson, and multiple Read More

GAYLE ELLIOT March 16, 1943 – Feb. 19, 2024

Gayle Mortensen Connor Elliott of Los Ranchos, New Mexico passed away Monday, Feb. 19, 2024 after a battle with Atypical Parkinsons Disease.

She was born in Manti, Utah March 16, 1943 to Fred and Bonnie Mortensen. Her father was in the U.S. Army Air Forces and was stationed in various places around the world. Gayle and her brother Fred were raised in Utah, Texas, Illinois, Japan, North Carolina, Paris France, and Maryland where she graduated from High School. In 1961, the family moved to Albuquerque where her father was stationed following his heart attack. Read More

CHARLES RAMSEY May 23, 1935 – Feb. 18, 2024

Charles Witzel Ramsey, age 88, passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2024, in Rexburg, Idaho. He was born, May 23, 1935, in Ducktown, Tennessee, to Julia Frances Cain Ramsey and William Henry Ramsey.  He was the 9th of 11 children. He married his sweetheart in Elko, Nevada. They were later sealed in the Manti Temple on Aug. 22, 1978.

He is survived by his sister, Claire Jean; and his four children, Clay Ramsey (Cindy), Lucinda Ramsey Torrez (Jody), Ryan Ramsey, Kevin Ramsey (Kay), his 16 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren.

Charles grew up in Ducktown Read More

MYRNA JOY STRONG April 16, 1938 – Jan. 21, 2024

Myrna Joy Strong, born on April 16, 1938, left this world on January 21, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family. She was a remarkable soul who touched the lives of many with her kindness, warmth, and boundless love.

Myrna entered a lifelong journey with her beloved husband, Ronald Strong, on March 7, 1959, creating a union that stood the test of time. Together, they shared countless adventures, exploring the beauty of life side by side. Myrna’s joy for life was evident in her love for skiing, camping, jeeping, backpacking, and RVing. Her spirit Read More

RAYMON (RAY) TIRSO MALDONADO

Raymon (Ray) Tirso Maldonado, 16, passed away suddenly on Monday, February 12, 2024. Born on July 2, 2007, in Los Alamos, NM, Ray was a beloved child of Victor and Dawn Marie (Kernodle) Maldonado and little brother to Arianna.

He attended Barranca and Pinon Elementary Schools, as well as Los Alamos Middle and High Schools. During summer breaks, Ray worked in his family business, stating that the best part of the job was shoveling gravel because it gave him a good workout. He recently attended Young Life and White Rock Baptist Church where he enjoyed being part of the Read More

Dr. THOMAS ORVILLE MCKOWN May 31, 1940 – Feb. 8, 2024

Dr. Thomas Orville McKown, 83, despite never having smoked, succumbed to his nine year battle with non-small cell lung cancer and was called home Thursday February, 8 2024.

The eldest of four children, Tom was born May 31, 1940 to Ira and Francis (Schiesser) McKown. He grew up in Wichita Kansas with his mother and siblings; as his parents divorced when he was only 6 years old. 

He attained an undergraduate degree at Sterling College in Sterling, Kansas, his masters at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas and his Doctorate of Education Read More

ROLAND ARMAND BIBEAU Jan. 14, 1938 – Feb. 4, 2024

Roland passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family and the skilled staff that lovingly cared for him in his final years.

Born to Armand and Marguarite (Ledoux) Bibeau in Blackstone, Massachusetts, he and his sister Constance grew up in Woonsocket, Rhode Island.

He is preceded by his parents, and wife Barbara Bibeau.

Roland shared childhood stories of fishing with his father in the local ponds and the Narragansett Bay, of riding his bicycle all over the hills of Woonsocket, amateur radio, and flying model airplanes.

He graduated from Read More

JOSEPH NEWTON FRITZ Dec. 27, 1931 – Jan. 27, 2024

Sadly, Joseph Newton Fritz, after having overcome a health challenge just before Thanksgiving 2023, passed away Jan. 27 due to complications from a fall he suffered in his long-time home in Los Alamos, N.M. He was 92 years old.

Joe was born in the small coal mining community of Klein, Mont., Dec. 27, 1931, to Joe Fritz and Justina Fritz (née Stefanik). Early on, the younger Joe displayed high aptitude for academic pursuits, of which his father, who had no access to education, was extremely proud. Joe made his way from a one-room schoolhouse, through Read More

ROBERT TERRENCE “TERRY” CRAIG Aug. 5, 1944 – Jan. 27, 2024

Robert Terrence “Terry” Craig, 79, of White Rock, New Mexico, passed away on January 27, 2024. Born on August 5, 1944, in Coshocton, Ohio, Terry was a beloved brother, uncle, and grand uncle.

Terry had a passion for travel and cooking. He enjoyed exploring new places and making friends along the way. His culinary skills were admired by all who had the pleasure of tasting his creations.

Terry worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory, and he retired after 20 years of dedicated service.

In his younger years, Terry attended Bremerhaven High Read More

DUANE ROBERT MARR Jan. 5, 2024

Duane Robert Marr, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, was born in Adrian, MN and passed away at age 89 on January 5, 2024 in Albuquerque, NM surrounded by family.

He was preceded in death by his parents Willard and Mabel Marr and niece Karen Marr.

Duane spent his younger years delivering bread for the local grocery stores by bicycle and playing in the high school band. He graduated from Worthington High School in Minnesota, attended Worthington Junior College, then moved with his family to Oregon where he graduated from Oregon State University with Read More

JAMES WILLIAM STRAIGHT Aug. 5, 1940 – Jan. 27, 2024

James “Jim” Straight was born to Russell James and Marian (Ringer) Straight on August 5, 1940, in Wichita, Kansas. His family relocated frequently during his father’s service in the U.S. Army during WW2, eventually settling in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

He graduated from Bartlesville’s College High School in 1958, received his BS Mechanical Engineering from University of Kansas in January 1963 and his master’s degree in August that same year. He was then commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. As the top engineering student in Read More

DAVID J. WADE Aug. 31, 1943 – Jan. 29, 2024

David John Wade, 80, died at his home in La Cueva, NM on Monday, January 29, 2024.

Mr. Wade was born August 31, 1943 to David Matthew Wade and Rhea (Coleman) Wade in Saginaw, Michigan. His father was in the US Air Force, and so the family had lived in Roswell, NM and several other states before settling near Sacramento, California, where Mr. Wade graduated from Folsom High School, and attended American River Junior College.

Mr. Wade was an early adopter of computer technology. His work at the State Comptroller’s Office in Sacramento was programming with punch Read More

JACK E THALMA June 7, 1926-Jan. 19, 2024 & LAURA MAE THALMAN July 9, 1932-Jan. 21, 2024

Jack E Thalman, 97, of Las Cruces, NM passed peacefully in his home on January 19, 2024. His loving wife Laura Mae followed, passing away on January 21, 2024.

Jack was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on June 7, 1926. Jack loved the Boy Scouts and was proud to have been an Eagle Scout. Jack graduated from Tulsa Central High School then enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War 2 where he trained to be a tail gunner. After the war, he moved to New Mexico and worked for Mountain State Telephone and Telegraph. He enjoyed Read More

DAVID RUSSELL CHURCH May 17, 1950 – Jan. 26, 2024

“I loved practicing medicine.” For Dr. Church, being a “simple country doctor” was a true calling. He was devastated when he had to stop serving the Los Alamos community, and he missed his patients  immensely.

A bright, talented student, David was born in Los Alamos in 1950 and raised in a rich stew of science. His father James S. Church was a research chemist who was tapped by the Government to work on the Manhattan Project. Esther W. Church, David’s mother, was a biologist who taught in the schools for decades.

Dr. Church attended the University of Read More

MARTIN DONALD TORREY June 26, 1923 – Jan. 8, 2024

Martin Donald Torrey passed away peacefully on January 8, 2024, in San Diego, CA. He was 100 years old.

Born on June 26, 1923, in Porterville, CA, to Hazel Vera (Houck) and Tevis Max Torrey, Martin was the second oldest of four children. The Torrey family moved often in the 1920’s and 30’s up and down California’s Central Valley. He graduated from Central Point High School in Central Point, OR, in 1941, where he was an all-star baseball player. Athletic, smart and personable, Martin easily made friends.

Martin was always a top student and, prior to moving Read More

JEROME E. DUMMER Nov. 21, 1930 – Jan. 14, 2024

Jerome E. Dummer died on Sunday January 14, 2024, at 93 years old. He died peacefully with his daughters by his side after a short illness.

He was born November 21, 1930, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He married Jean, the love of his life, on June 1, 1952, after attending Colorado College together. He obtained his degree in Physics from CC and his master’s degree from Vanderbilt University.

After graduate school and two years in Maryland in the US Army, they settled permanently in Los Alamos, New Mexico in 1953. He worked for over 30 years at Los Alamos National Read More

STUART CHARLES STEIN April 26, 1956 – Jan. 17, 2024

Stuart Charles Stein passed away on January 17, 2024, with family by his side. Stuart was born April 26, 1956, in Sedalia Missouri to John L. and Betty Lou Stein.

 The youngest of 4 children, his family moved from Missouri back to Los Alamos in 1957, where he grew up and attended Los Alamos Public Schools until he graduated in 1974. While in high school, he developed a love for music and playing the drums. He was in the marching band and played in bands throughout his 20’s & 30’s in Los Alamos and Santa Fe.

After high school, Stuart joined the United States Read More

JOHN LESLIE LYMAN June 16, 1944 – Jan 14, 2024

John Leslie Lyman died peacefully in the company of his wife and family on January 14th, 2024, due to complications of multiple sclerosis.

John was born on June 16th, 1944, to Frank Anderson Lyman and Virginia Porter in Delta, Utah. He developed strong values of hard work, diligence, and honesty throughout a childhood spent working on his father’s farm with his younger siblings, Susan, Karrol, Carl, Ray, and LuAnn. John loved his Delta community and family, and greatly valued the positive impact they had on his life and character.

During his high school Read More

JANE ANN OWENS Aug. 31, 1941 – Jan. 14, 2024

Jane Ann Owens, 82, passed away on January 14, 2024, peacefully with her husband Charles by her side.

Jane was born in Pittsburgh, PA on August 31, 1941, to Thomas and Janet Mikula. She married her high school sweetheart Charles Owens on October 24, 1959. They had 3 children born in Pittsburgh, PA and moved to Los Alamos, NM in 1963 where they had a 4th child.

Jane is survived by her husband of 65 years Charles Owens, younger brother Thomas Mikula (Johanna), daughter Sherri Davis (Gary), 3 sons, Charles (Sammi), Rob (Colleen), Brian , (Wanda), 13 grandchildren, Read More

ALFORD ‘OMAR’ ROOS Aug. 11, 1944 – Dec. 30, 2023

On Saturday, December 30, 2023, Alford “Omar” Roos, passed away at the age of 79 after a long illness at the Los Alamos Medical Center, New Mexico. Omar was born on August 11, 1944, in Panama City, Republic of Panama, the son of Alford Roos, Jr., and Clotilde Lasso.

Omar graduated from Balboa High School in the Panama Canal Zone in June 1962, followed by Canal Zone College from 1962 until graduation in 1965. Omar then transferred to New Mexico State where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1968. He continued his education in chemistry, physics, Read More

DARRA FLYNN GALLEGOS May 17, 1956 – Jan. 13, 2024

Darra left this world on Saturday, January 13, 2024 with her husband John by her side. Darra was born in Champaign, Illinois and moved to Los Alamos when she was two years old with her dad, mom and older sister, Kathy. Darra became a big sister to Trish, Mike, Eddie and Colleen.

Darra was the second oldest of six children. She was born to Dr. Edward R.  Flynn and the late Gail (Bauer) Flynn.

She is predeceased by her son Jacob Busse, mom Gail, brother Edward Flynn Jr, nephew Jordon, and nephew Christopher.

She is survived by her loving husband of 43 years John Read More

(ELI) VOIL LATTIN Jan. 7, 2024

(Eli) Voil Lattin, 87, passed away on Jan. 7, 2024, peacefully in his sleep.

He was born in Winslow, AZ to Eli Voil Lattin Sr. and Betty (Rubi). After his father’s death in a train accident when he was 12 years old, his mother moved the family to Albuquerque in 1949 where he attended Jefferson Jr High and Highland High School. He was very active in athletics and student government at Highland.

While at UNM he was also in the Air Force Reserve. He married Mary Legere in 1961 and they had two sons. That marriage ended, and in 1985, he married Shirlie Radosevich. Their blended Read More

CHARMAINE STRAWMAN WEBER Feb. 18, 1935 – Jan. 2, 2024

On January 2, 2024, Charmaine Strawman Weber, loving wife, mother and grandmother, passed away, peacefully in her sleep, at her home in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Charmaine was born February 18, 1935, in Toledo, Ohio, to parents Harold and Flossie Strawman of Rising Sun, Ohio. She grew up on a farm where her love for animals, gardening and especially music, shaped her entire life.

Charmaine’s mother was a very caring piano teacher and encouraged many students to go on with their music, including her daughter.

Good advice was taken, and Charmaine Read More

JOSHUA LEE BRASHEAR June 16, 1987 – Jan. 2, 2024

Joshua Lee Brashear joined Jesus in heaven on January 2, 2024. Joshua was born on June 16, 1987 in Albuquerque, NM and grew up to be a very bright and witty young man. When he was four years old, the family moved to Hesperus, CO. Joshua attended Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary, New Life Academy, and Excel Charter School where he graduated in 2005 as Valedictorian of his High School class.

After High School, Joshua attended San Juan College in Farmington, NM receiving several computer certifications. He then attended New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology Read More

CAROL BELSHEIM NIELSON Feb. 20, 1930 – Oct. 19, 2023

A celebration of Carol’s life will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2390 North Road, Los Alamos, NM 87544.

Carol Ruth Belsheim Nielson — a musician and librarian known and loved for her graciousness, generosity, and irrepressible sense of humor — died Oct. 19, 2023, in Santa Fe, NM, after a long decline due to cardiac issues and Parkinson’s disease.

Born Feb. 20, 1930, in Minneapolis, MN, Carol was the oldest child of Dorothy Stephan Belsheim, a homemaker and grocery store worker, and George Read More

GENE FRANCIS MORTENSEN Dec. 24, 1935 – Dec 24, 2023

Gene Mortensen passed away peacefully on his 88th birthday, surrounded by his children, on December 24, 2023.

He was born in Albuquerque and attended St. Mary’s High School where he was a vital member of the football, basketball and track teams, while also lending his expert speaking skills, with wit and banter, to the high school speech team.

He graduated from the University of New Mexico with a degree in Chemistry, and during his time there, met the love of his life, Gail Gere. They were married in 1955 and lovingly raised six children together Read More

PATRICIA MARIE CARNEY March 7, 1955 – Dec. 13, 2023

Patricia Marie Carney, of White Rock, died on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, after a sudden illness. She was 68.

She was born to Hugh and Marion Carney on March 7, 1955, and lived—along with six siblings and numerous animals—on the family’s farm near Renton, WA.

She attended parochial schools, spent a year studying in Grenoble, France, and graduated from the University of Seattle. She then lived, through the years, in Seattle, Kent, and Selah, WA, as she worked for various agencies as a social worker; primarily Consejo, Group Health, and Evergreen Read More

CONRAD HENRY LONGMIRE Oct. 27, 1948 – Dec. 25, 2023

Henry Longmire of Newburyport, MA, passed away peacefully at the age of 75, surrounded by his loving family, on December 25, 2023 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House.

Born in New York City on October 27, 1948 to Conrad and Theresa Longmire (née Izzo), Henry and his family relocated to Los Alamos, NM in 1949. Henry forever considered Los Alamos his home, having been raised in a community of scientists, whose curiosity sparked Henry’s own endless desire to learn. The second of seven siblings, Henry retained a constant, strong sense of family Read More

JOSEPH F. WATHEN Dec. 22, 2023

Joseph F. Wathen passed away on December 22, 2023, at 97 years old. 

Joe was born in Louisville, Kentucky in 1926. At age seven, in the midst of the Great Depression, Joe’s family moved to a family farm in Hardin County, near Elizabethtown, KY. The farmhouse had no running water, electricity, or furnace, much like the nearby one-room schoolhouse that he attended.

Joe and his brothers learned the value of hard work and determination, by necessity. They worked the tobacco crop and tended the animals, all while excelling in their schoolwork and athletics.

In 1944 Joe Read More

DONALD EDWARD LANDRY April 18, 1936 – Nov. 21, 2023

Donald Edward Landry, 87, was born on April 18, 1936, in Garner, Massachusetts, and passed away on November 21, 2023, in Rio Rancho after a brief illness. He was the son of the late J. Omer and Irene Landry of Athol, Massachusetts.

After graduating from Athol High School in 1954, Don attended Norwich University for 3 years before he received his appointment to The United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 1961 with a degree in civil engineering.

Don’s 20-year military career included a tour of Panama during the Panama Riots (1964) Read More

WILLIAM LEE MUDD April 12, 1931 – Dec. 17, 2023

An incredible man earned his wings with his loving family by his side on December 17, 2023.

William Lee Mudd was born on April 12, 1931, in Peoria, IL to Lela and William C. Mudd. He enlisted in the US Air Force in 1950 and served 3 years during the Korean conflict. He married his sweetheart, Joan E. Hoepfner, also from Peoria, upon his return to the US.

Bill earned his BS in physics, and the couple headed West. They arrived in Los Alamos in 1959 where he worked his entire career. He retired at 57, and he and Joan explored NM living in Albuquerque, Corrales and Conchas Read More

BLAIR MICHAEL ART Nov. 22, 2023 – Oct. 28, 1968

On Wednesday, November 22, 2023, Blair Michael Art, father of three, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 55. Blair was born on October 28, 1968, in Denver, CO to Jon and Susan Art. He received his undergraduate degree from Colorado State University, where he met his wife of 27 years, Kellie. The couple moved to Los Alamos, NM where they were married and went on to raise three children, Chandler, Cameron and Jon.

During his time in Los Alamos, he pursued and received his Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering from the University of New Mexico, alongside Read More

WILLIAM MARSH 1930 – Dec. 2, 2023

Bill was born in Quanah, TX in 1930 to Dewey and Augusta Marsh. The family lived in a number of Texas communities, and he graduated high school in Houston. Bill served honorably in the USAF during the Korean War. He moved to New Mexico where he met and married his wife of 60 years, Dorene.

Bill worked for the New Mexico State Police and later for Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) where he held a high-level security clearance and worked in several departments. He enjoyed building and repairing things and was incredibly skilled at both.

In retirement, he enjoyed playing Read More