Obituaries

DONALD HENRY MCLAUGHLIN May 27, 1934 – Sept. 16, 2023

Donald Henry McLaughlin, 89, of Los Alamos, NM, passed away Saturday, September 16, 2023.

Donald was born May 27,1934; the second of seven children. He would proudly add he was so impatient to get started on his story that he was his mom’s only home birth.

Donald was born and grew up in Lafayette, Indiana. He was welcomed by his father, William Raymond McLaughlin, and Mother, Frances Rovine (Jenkins) McLaughlin.

Spending time with Donald would give you a glimpse of a time when gentlemen wore ties, hats and always had a clean hankie in their pocket. Read More

DR. JERE LANE GREEN Aug. 19, 1935 – Nov. 1, 2023

Dr. Jere Lane Green passed away on November 1, 2023, at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, surrounded by his loving family. Jere was born on August 19, 1935, in Clovis, NM, to Lowell Clarence Green and O’leta Fern (Lane) Green. He and his sister, Judith Green, lived with their parents in Clovis until 1945 when they moved to Santa Fe, where Lowell was Clerk of Court for the Supreme Court of New Mexico for many years.

Jere graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1953 and then attended the University of New Mexico where he earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering. He Read More

MARCO FRANCIS ASHCROFT July 21, 1973 – Nov. 1, 2023

Marco Francis Ashcroft, 50, died unexpectedly on November 1, 2023, at his home in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Marco was born July 21, 1973, in Encino, California, son of the late Lina and Frank Ashcroft of Albuquerque New Mexico, and brother to the late Maysa Peterson of Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was the youngest of five siblings.

Marco was a happy child; intelligent, athletic, kind and thoughtful, and full of silliness and energy. But life quickly became difficult, eventually complicated by mental illness and addiction. He struggled all his Read More

AUSTIN RYAN GARDNER – Nov. 10, 1993 – Oct. 30, 2023

Born in Albuquerque, NM on a “Black Sabbath kind of day,” raised mainly in Los Alamos, Austin’s most loved place was Vail, CO, where he worked hard, and played harder.

His love for a full send down the mountain and the same energy with every type of music will live forever within us all and reminds us to go for it even when we are scared. We all hear him in the simplest songs, and the passion he had for music and the beauty of this world is within us all. His music was infectious and brought so many of us together even through the hardest of times. He will now forever Read More

JJ PAUL MAIER Oct. 13, 2023

JJ Maier (Jeffie Joy Paul Maier) of Los Alamos died at home October 13, 2023, after a long and difficult journey following a vehicular accident in 2005. JJ was born to parents Betty Joy Sharp Paul and Elza Paul in Albuquerque, NM in 1946. She would have been 77 this month.

JJ graduated from Los Alamos High School and attended UNM prior to moving to Las Cruces with her family. She worked with Jim Patton and Design Interiors of Las Cruces and in Northern NM on projects including the Taos Courthouse and the Downs Racetrack.  She lived and worked briefly in Salt Lake City, Utah Read More

DUANE FLAMIG April 16, 1951 – Oct. 29, 2023

Duane Flamig born April 16, 1951 in Oshkosh, Nebraska, passed away Oct. 29, 2023 in Peoria, Az.

Born in rural Nebraska, and the oldest son in a family of 8 children, Duane had a natural curiosity about everything. In his youth he memorized the encyclopedia and bet his siblings a shiny penny they couldn’t ask him a question from the pages that he wouldn’t be able to answer. His learning culminated in a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Nebraska. He spent the first half of his career working on techniques for MR imaging that could be used to improve Read More

SHIRLEENE ANN WESTERHOLD Oct. 22, 2023

Shirleene Ann Westerhold, age 88, of Rio Rancho, passed away peacefully at her home Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Charles Eugene “Gene” Westerhold, parents James and Ella Scullawl, in-laws Charley and Bertha Westerhold, granddaughter Wenona Westerhold, and son-in-law Bill Cushing.

After high school, Shirleene married her sweetheart, Gene, in May of 1954, which they were married for 55 amazing years. Shirleene drove a school bus for Los Alamos Public Schools for 13 years. Shirleene then worked for Los Alamos Read More

STEVEN ALLEN COCKING May 26, 1948–Oct 3, 2023

We are saddened to announce the passing of Steve Cocking. Steven Allen Cocking was born May 26, 1948 in Glendale, Arizona to Henry Cocking and Lois Tibbet. Steve was a devoted son, husband, father, uncle, coach, Papa and friend. He passed away Oct. 3, 2023 in Sun City, AZ at the age of 75.

Steve moved around frequently during his childhood years, but he found a home his sophomore year of high school in Artesia, NM. As a proud Artesia Bulldog, he discovered his deep love for the game of football, which would later develop into his passion for coaching and his Read More

MARIE (SCHOPPY) SCHELBERG

Marie (Schoppy) Schelberg, long time resident of Los Alamos, died October 20, 2023. She was born on March 25, 1925, in Locust Gap, Pennsylvania.

Marie worked in the Locust Gap Post Office starting in 1947 and became Postmaster in 1962. She retired in 1985. Marie then moved to Los Alamos to help care for her sister. In 1989 she married Arthur Schelberg. They spent their remaining years in Los Alamos.

Marie enjoyed knitting and was a member of the Prayer Shawl Group at IHM. She delighted in watching the birds and wildlife that visited her deck.

There will be a viewing at the Read More

Obituary: DIANNE HORN Nov. 23, 1942 – Oct. 22, 2023

Dianne M Horn, 80, of Rutheron, N.M., passed away peacefully on October 22, 2023, with family by her side.

She was born November 23, 1942, in West Bend, Wisconsin—the daughter of the late Hilary and Marie (Engelhardt) Hoepner.

Dianne attended Marion College and graduated from Fond du Lac Vocational School as a licensed Practical Nurse in 1962.

On April 4, 1964, she married William (Bill) Horn at the Catholic Church in Kewaskum, Wisconsin. Dianne was a nurse at St. Joseph Hospital and West Bend Medical Center.

Dianne, her husband, and their children Read More

Obituary: Shirley René April 26, 1961 – May 18, 2023

It is with great sadness and fond memories that we announce the passing of our dear friend and colleague Shirley René Holaday on May 18, 2023. She led a full and interesting life, and touched the life of everyone she met.

René was born on April 26, 1961, in Tarrant County, Texas, the youngest of three siblings. She attended college at the University of Texas at Arlington, where she majored in Physics (BS, 1990) and met her future husband, Jim Cooke. Her extracurricular activities included leadership roles in Sigma Pi Sigma and marching band. During Read More

WILLIAM SCOTT PHILLIPS June 14, 1956 – Oct. 3, 2023

Loving husband of his MIT sweetheart, Melinda Darby Dyar of Freeport, ME. Proud Dad to Middy Davis of Eugene, OR; Chloe Jachim (Teddy Jachim) of Seattle, WA and William Geoffrey Phillips (Michelle Parent) of Portland, OR. Beloved and devoted Grandfather to Lou Davis. Much-loved Stepfather to Duncan and Lindy Crowley.

Born in Oakland, CA and raised in the San Diego area, he was the oldest son of the late William and Ellen Phillips. Scott began his education with undergraduate work at UC Berkeley in Geophysics, studied abroad at the University Read More

KATHERINE CHIYOKO FRAME Sept. 20, 1966 – Aug. 28, 2023

It is our sad task to announce the passing of our petite, plucky, purple-mohawked, punk-rocker PhD particle physicist Katherine (Kate) Frame. After her four-year battle with pancreatic cancer, she is missed dearly and deeply.

Kate curated a veritable cornucopia of friends, no two alike, each feeling uniquely cherished. Many of her friends were also coworkers at Los Alamos National Laboratory, where Kate performed leading roles in an impressive diversity of important projects supporting international nuclear safeguards, arms control Read More

ELAINE M. JOSEPH Oct. 29, 1946 – Aug. 20, 2023

HARRIS LOUIS MAYER Feb. 15, 1921 – Sept. 17, 2023

On Sunday, September 17, 2023 Harris Louis Mayer, loving husband and father, passed away at the age of 102.

Harris was born on February 15, 1921 in New York to Abraham and Sadie (Reinschreiber) Mayer. He received his BS degree at NYU, MS degree from Columbia, and his PhD in physics from University of Chicago.

Harris was involved in the Manhattan project first in New York, then in Chicago, before moving to Los Alamos in 1947. 

On October 20, 1946 Harris married Rosalie Ann Holtsberg. Together they raised their three children, David, Joel, and Margo until Read More

GAIL JOAN MCFARLANE Aug. 23, 1949 – Sept. 21, 2023

Gail Joan McFarlane passed away peacefully in her sleep Sept. 21, 2023. She lived her life to the fullest with her many friends and large family by her side.

Listening to the Rolling Stones and the Beatles was one of her favorite pastimes, and she went to many rock concerts in her day. In her downtime, Gail enjoyed listening to the sound of running water and playing cribbage. Anyone who knew Gail, knew she was obsessed with the Green Bay Packers. She was a stockholder and traveled far and wide to go to games including the one and only Lambeau Field.

Gail Read More

SCOTT ALLEN SANDRY BOLIVAR July 21, 1969 – May 26, 2023

Scott Allen Sandry Bolivar passed away on May 26, 2023, at the age of 53 from a stroke.

Scott was born in Albuquerque, NM on July 21, 1969, at 12:05 PM, the night that astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon.

He graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1987 and attended New Mexico State University. Scott was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He spent most of his adult life in the Pacific Northwest where he enjoyed the outdoors, clam digging and salmon fishing.

Scott was preceded in death by his father Michael Sandry. He is Read More

MARY JANE CUNNINGHAM (MCCULLOUGH) 1933 – Sept. 24, 2023

Mary Jane Cunningham (McCullough) of Los Alamos, NM passed peacefully at home in the arms of her husband, sons and caregivers Sept. 24, 2023, at the age of 89.

Mary was born in 1933, at home in Proctor, Vermont to Homer and Ruth (Landon) McCullough. She grew up in Proctor, Vermont where she worked at the family bakery stand during the Vermont State Fair, played basketball and softball at Proctor High School. After graduation, she attended business college and began her banking career as a teller at the Proctor Bank. Mary moved to San Diego, Read More

ROBERT (BOB) ISIDORE FERRAN Nov. 15, 1935 – Sept. 16, 2023

Robert (Bob) Isidore Ferran left this earth Sept. 16, 2023 at the age of 87 years. He was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico Nov. 15, 1935 to Marianita Flossie (Cortez) and Isidore Hipolito Ferran of Santa Fe and Gallina, New Mexico. He was the youngest of six children.

Bob attended school in Santa Fe and spent summers and weekends working on his family’s ranch near Gallina and Coyote, NM. He graduated from Santa Fe High School and went on to play baseball for New Mexico State University while earning an engineering degree. At one point he was being Read More

Joanne Malicky Miller Roman Aug. 15, 2023

Joanne C. Malicky Miller Roman, 89, of Salem, Oregon, and longtime resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico passed away on August 15, 2023 after her long fight with Parkinson’s Disease and dementia.

Joanne was born in 1933, to Georgia and Charles Malicky in Marysville, KS. Joanne graduated from Barneston, NE as Valedictorian of her class and received the Regent’s Scholarship to complete a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics from the University of Nebraska and a Master of Science from Kansas State College. 

Joanne was the editor of her high school yearbook Read More

ERNEST (TITO) ULIBARRI JR. Sept. 18, 2023

Ernest (Tito) Ulibarri Jr., age 91, son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, carpenter, superintendent and mentor residing in White Rock, New Mexico, passed away of natural causes. He died peacefully in his home surrounded by family on September 18, 2023.

He was born in Park View, New Mexico, in 1931, to Ernesto and Maria Ana Ulibarri. Ernest attended school in Tierra Amarilla until an injury sustained by his father required that Ernest leave school to help support the family.

Later he went to work in the construction industry, Read More

WENONA KAY WESTERHOLD Aug. 24, 1974 – Sept. 16, 2023

Wenona passed away with her loving family close by her side. Family was very important to her. She lived a life centered around her daughter Elyssa, her grandchildren Jada and Cameron, and her many friends. She loved being a Nana. Whether it was cooking with Jada or watching National Geographic specials with Cameron, she was always available. She got great joy from everyday things like grocery shopping with Elyssa or watching football with family and friends. You could always count on Wenona to show up with her huge smile and contagious laugh. Read More

ERICA DIANE MERTZ March 31, 1990 – Sept. 15, 2023

Erica Diane Mertz passed away Sept. 15, 2023, in Albuquerque, New Mexico at the age of 33.

Erica was born March 31, 1990 in Augusta, Georgia. She later moved with her family to New Mexico where she attended Los Alamos High School.

For the past two years Erica shared a group home in Belen. Erica had an infectious smile and laugh that she reserved for only the most special moments. Her happy place was in the water, where she felt a sense of freedom from her disability. Erica often expressed herself through movement, from swimming, to bopping to her favorite Read More

GARY ALAN FILLMORE Sept. 1, 1938 – Sept. 9, 2023

In the early afternoon of Saturday, September 9, 2023, Gary Alan Fillmore departed on his final trip to the West, chasing the sunset and leaving behind an adoring family and many, many friends grateful for a lifetime of laughter and shared adventures. Gary had recently celebrated his 85th birthday doing what he loved most, spending a warm San Diego afternoon surrounded by his family and friends.

Gary was a native of San Diego, California growing up in the neighborhood of Bay Park and forging life-long friendships there. The cars, music, and lifestyle Read More

RAYMOND C. MJOLSNESS April 22, 1933 – Sept. 13, 2023

We are deeply saddened to have lost Raymond C. Mjolsness on September 13, 2023. He was a fine theoretical physicist and applied mathematician, a patient mentor and insightful collaborator to colleagues, a longtime member of the Theoretical Division of the Los Alamos National Laboratory, and an excellent trombone player.

Raymond Mjolsness was born in Chicago on April 22, 1933. He grew up in several places including St. Louis, Missouri and Helena, Montana. He was an American original, a son of a school teacher who went on to excel in science and Read More

AMY DAREAN JARAMILLO MARTINEZ March 14, 1961 – Aug. 30, 2023

Amy Darean Jaramillo Martinez, 62, of Rio Chama, NM, went to be with the Lord Aug. 30, 2023.

Amy was a loving wife, mother, daughter and sister whose love for the Lord was first in her life. She shared this love with all who knew her. Amy will be remembered for her friendship, kindness, and willingness to help others.

Amy is survived by her husband Manuel, her sons Joshua and David; her mother Irene Jaramillo, Brothers Lorenzo and Diego (Darlene); In-Laws Joe and Florence Martinez, Brothers in-law Joe and Chris (Susan); numerous nieces, Read More

LORETTA ‘SAM’ OLIVAS April 14, 1935 – Sept. 9, 2023

Long time Los Alamos resident Loretta “Sam” Olivas passed away Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, peacefully, with her family watching over her. 

Loretta was born in Low Gap, Arkansas April 14, 1935 and moved to Los Alamos when she was 10 years old with her mother, Kathryn Byrd, who was in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps. She like to tell the story of once picking up a gentleman’s hat that was blown away, who then told her, “Thank you, you can call me Oppie”.

Loretta was a majorette in high school, twirling and dancing until graduating in 1955. After graduating Read More

A.J. ROBINSON Feb. 16, 1940 – Sept. 11, 2023

A.J. Robinson, born February 16, 1940, in Delwin, Texas, died Sept. 11, 2023 in Albuquerque. 

He joins his beloved wife, Janet, in rest at Santa Fe National Cemetery. AJ is survived by his three children, Jennifer Robinson (Fred Lewis), Andra Ridout (Brian Ridout), Cody Robinson (Lindsey Robinson) and two grandchildren Lillian Ridout and Alexander Ridout. 

After the completion of his Army service in Germany, during the Vietnam war, AJ and Janet were long standing residents of Los Alamos, NM where he worked as a carpenter, building trades instructor Read More

CLYDE ANTHONY ‘TONY’ MAHONEY March 25, 1941 – Aug. 24, 2023

Clyde Anthony “Tony” Mahoney was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, March 25, 1941, to Russell and Helen (Reid) Mahoney. He died unexpectedly August 24, 2023. As a young man, he served in the United States Army in Germany as well as several stateside bases. While living in the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico, he was able to indulge his passions for hunting and fishing.

Tony, with Patty, finished his life raising cattle on the “Bar2M ranch” in the middle of Torrance County, New Mexico.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Sue, Teresa, Read More

MARIE ORVIS ANDREW June 1, 1925 – July 30, 2023

Marie Andrew passed away peacefully on July 30 at MacKenzie Place Retirement Home in Colorado Springs. At age 98, she had lived a long, full life, brightening the lives of countless others along the way. Born in New Jersey to Harold and Leora Orvis, she grew up with sister Barbara and brothers Harold and John just outside of New York City.

Marie began playing piano at an early age, and enjoyed a life-long love of music. She met her future husband, Jim Andrew, while attending Guilford College, NC, where she completed her undergraduate degree in Piano Performance. Read More

RENE’ MICHELLE ECHAVE Aug. 18, 1957 – Sept. 2, 2023

It is with a sad heart that we announce that Rene’ has lost her fight with breast cancer and brain cancer. It has been a long and hard struggle, but she is at rest now. She has her angel wings and is now watching over us who cared for and loved her so much.

Rene’ is preceded in death by her son Jason Albert Echave, her parents Marvin and Dolly Cline of California.

She is survived by her sister Cara Cline (CA), husband John A. Echave and children Carina Echave and Giovanni Echave all of Los Alamos, and three stepchildren.

She will be deeply missed.

There will Read More

ERNEST ‘BUD’ AGNEW May 7, 1949 – Aug. 24, 2023

Ernest “Bud” Agnew passed away peacefully in his sleep Aug. 24, 2023.

Born May 7, 1949, he was raised in Fort Collins, CO and graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1968.

He continued living throughout Colorado before ultimately settling in Los Alamos, NM. There, he worked for over 30 years as a lineman and supervisor for the Los Alamos County Electric division.

He was preceded in death by his wife of over 30 years, June and daughter Cara.

Ernest ‘Bud’ Agnew May 7, 1949 – Aug. 24, 2023

He is survived by his ex-wife Minor; children (and respective spouses) Read More

DARLENE MARIE YORK Jan. 31, 1936 – Aug. 26, 2023

Darlene Marie York passed into God’s hands on August 26, 2023, at the age of 87.

Darlene was born on January 31, 1936, in Heron Lake, MN, to Arthur and Teresa Fest. She graduated from Heron Lake High School and then attended Nursing School. Her nursing career brought her to Los Alamos, where she met and later married Marvin York. Together they made their home, welcoming four children. Darlene and her family were long-time parishioners of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin, her parents, Arthur Read More

LEONARD D. GEHRE March 26, 1935 – Aug. 8, 2023

Leonard D. Gehre (Jack), 88 years old, passed away Aug. 8, 2023.

Jack was born in Kearney, NE, March 26, 1935. He graduated from Gibbon High School. He went on to Kearney State and studied there for a couple of years. He then joined the Army Band and played the French horn in 1957. Most of his duty was in Germany. He returned to Kearney State and received his Degree in Mathematics in December of 1959. He later attended several colleges and finished his master’s degree from Portales, NM.

Jack was at a dance and ran into Julia N. Denning. He had remembered Read More

COMMANDER CARL FREDRICK HUTH, JR.

Commander Carl Fredrick Huth, Jr., 93, USN Ret’d, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2023, in Reno, NV.

Retiring from the Navy in 1978, he served as Program Manager at LANL, Los Alamos, NM until 1993.

He is survived by his wife, Donna, brothers Robert and George, and children Carl III, Kirk, and Lisa.

Arrangements are with Walton Funeral Home, Reno.  Commander Huth will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to the U.S. Navy Memorial, 701 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington DC, 20004-2608.

Condolences can be shared in Carl’s Guestbook at Read More