Obituaries

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

MARCELLA S. LOCKHART Aug. 14, 2023

Marcella S. Lockhart, 88, left this earth peacefully in the early morning hours of August 14, 2023.

Mom was born and raised in Albuquerque, NM, the oldest of 6 kids. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1953. After high school she went to work for the District Court Probation office for 11 years.  

While in Albuquerque she met her sweetheart, got married and within two years moved to Los Alamos, NM. In 1966 mom and dad had a house built and adopted me. They moved to White Rock, NM where she began a new adventure. While being a stay at home mom, she enjoyed her church, Read More

CARLTON SMITH Feb. 1975 – Aug. 6, 2023

Carlton Smith (aka Messy Mervin), a talented and passionate chef, has left us after a courageous battle with a lifelong struggle with substance and alcohol abuse. He passed away Aug. 6, 2023 at the young age of 48. 

Born Feb. 22, 1975 in Chicago, Illinois, Carlton was a gifted individual who found his true calling in the culinary arts. His creativity and dedication shined in every dish he crafted, bringing joy and delight to countless palates. He started his culinary journey through his father Floyde’s passion of cooking and catering. He quickly rose to prominence, Read More

CHARLES HAROLD DAVIS April 14, 1942 – Aug. 11, 2023

Charles Harold Davis was born on April 14, 1942, to his parents Harold and Dora Amelia Davis. He passed away with his children by his side on Friday, August 11, 2023, to join his wife of over 52 years, Suzanne.

Charles was raised in San Diego, California with his younger sister, Sharon. Growing up he participated in football, rugby, track, wrestling, Boy Scouts, and also played the accordion. He graduated from Hoover High School in 1960. After 1 year of college, he joined the United States Army. He served 3 tours in Vietnam in the 5th and 6th Special Read More

MARSHA HELEN HARRIS CROOK March 3, 1952 – Aug. 17, 2023

Marsha Helen Harris Crook passed away Aug. 17, 2023. She was born to Margaret and Stanley Harris of Clovis, NM, where she grew up and graduated from Clovis High School. During her youth, Marsha was active in choir all through school, where she sang in the Women’s Barbershop Quartet and was a dedicated member of the International Order of Rainbow for Girls. She was a Past Worthy Advisor of Clovis Rainbow Assembly #8.

Marsha fell in love with, and married her DeMolay Beau, Rex Crook on August 10, 1971, and they celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary Read More

LAWRENCE FOSS 1950 – Aug. 10, 2023

Lawrence Foss (born 1950) died the night of August 10, 2023. He remains vividly alive to us all in our hearts. 

Few people in this world can give more happy memories. We remember the sad times too, such as the Paradise Fire when he and his wife Leslie lost their home and Larry’s lifetime of artwork. Larry’s art and life was full of beauty, humor and adventure. This he showed even in adversity. A button he wore said “it’s never too late to have a happy childhood!”  

As a boy he had a hard life under a father who was an abusive alcoholic gambler who later could not comment when Read More

CHRISTOPHER ALAN LANDT Dec. 24, 1966 – Aug. 14, 2023

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Christopher Alan Landt shares the news of his sudden passing Aug. 14, 2023 at the age of 56 in Las Cruces, NM.

Christopher was born on Christmas Eve in 1966 at Rapid City, South Dakota. At the age of 6 months, his family moved to California, then to Los Alamos, New Mexico in 1975. He graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1985 and then enrolled in NMSU. From a young age he displayed remarkable creativity including computer animation, photography, storytelling and other creative activities. He enjoyed many Read More

ALTON JAMES GRAY Aug. 17, 1940 – Aug. 11, 2023

Alton James (Jim) Gray passed peacefully Aug. 11, 2023, surrounded by his children after a brief but valiant fight with cancer.

Jim was born Aug. 17, 1940, in Reading, Pennsylvania to John and Stella Gray. Jim was the youngest son of seven children.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, four brothers, and mother of his children Rose Gray.

Jim is survived by his companion of 36 years Karen Collier, his children Michael (Jeanette) Gray, Melanie (Scott) McDuffie, and Neal Gray, grandchildren Terrance (Mindy) Gray, Jon Gray, Laureen Trujillo, Read More

DANIEL CARLOS VALDEZ SR May 2, 1924 – Aug. 4, 2023

Daniel Carlos Valdez Senior of Los Alamos, New Mexico passed away on Friday, August 4, 2023, at the age of 99. After several months of declining health, Daniel died peacefully in his sleep at Sombrillo Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Daniel was born in Antonito, Colorado on May 2, 1924, to Andres Valdez and Petronila Martinez. He was the youngest of ten children. After graduating from Antonito High School in 1943, Daniel studied for the priesthood at the Passionist Preparatory Junior College, in St. Louis, MO, but had to withdraw due to illness. Read More

KENNETH ALAN KOZACEK Jan. 4, 1950 – July 25, 2023

Kenneth Alan Kozacek went to be with the Lord Jesus on July 25, 2023. A remembrance will be held on September 9 at 11:00 am at Christ Church, 1213 Don Gaspar Avenue (At Cordova Road), Santa Fe, NM 87505.

Ken was born on January 4, 1950, to Floyde (Bill) and Josephine (Jo) Kozacek in Denver, CO, and lived in the Aurora area for 60 years, where he retired as a Maintenance Supervisor. After encouragement from his son Adam and daughter-in-law Adrienne, Ken decided to move to Los Lunas. Not long after settling in Los Lunas, Ken met Marlene Williams, and after Read More

PAUL R. CROWE III Jan. 19, 1959 – Aug. 9, 2023

Paul R. Crowe III, age 64, a long-time resident of Las Cruces, passed away fighting Esophagus Cancer on Wednesday, August 9, 2023.

Paul was born to Paul R. Crowe II and Evelyn (La Roche) Crowe in Wheeling, West Virginia on January 19, 1959. Paul lived in different places around the country like so many military families. The family settled in Las Cruces, New Mexico in 1972 and he graduated from Mayfield high in 1977. 

After finishing High School he moved to Ohio and worked in the coal mines. He then decided to serve his country in the US Army with a stint in Germany. Read More

MARY MCCALISTER Nov. 26, 1926 – July 10, 2023

Mary McCalister, a longtime resident of White Rock, New Mexico passed away in Denver, Colorado on July 10, 2023 after a brief illness.

Mary was born and raised in Denver, and it is now her final resting place along with her parents, per her longtime wishes.

Mary graduated from the University of Denver. She accepted a position with the Los Alamos National Laboratory in 1955 where she was an accomplished programmer until her retirement.

Mary was a world traveler and enjoyed many trips with family and good friends.  Additionally, Mary was a devoted domino Read More

BARBARA DEE HENDRIX July 30, 2023

Barbara Dee Hendrix of White Rock ended her time on Earth with us Sunday, July 30. Her great strength, wisdom, and love, will be greatly missed by her dear friends and family left behind.

Barbara came to White Rock after retiring from over thirty years of teaching to help care for her mother, Zetha Warren, and remained after Zetha’s passing. She was homebound but had family and good friends and neighbors who kept her informed and involved with Los Alamos events and church.

She is survived by her daughter Margaret Hendrix of Hotchkiss, CO, her daughter Elizabeth Ming, Read More

EMILY HOARD JOHNSON Dec. 30, 1955 – Aug. 2, 2023

Emily Hoard Johnson, loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, and so much more, passed peacefully into eternity on August 2, 2023. Her husband of more than 41 years, Bill (M. William) Johnson, was at her side when she passed, as was her first-born son William Lisle Johnson.

Emily Rosemary Hoard was born on December 30, 1955, in Berkeley, California, the first child of Dorothy (Goetz) and Donald Hoard. The growing family lived in California and Wisconsin before moving to Los Alamos, New Mexico, when Emily was six years old. She attended public schools Read More

JEANETTE ROBERTA LILIENTHAL March 21, 1950 – May 18, 2023

Dr. Jeanette Roberta Lilienthal, age 73, peacefully passed away May 18, 2023, of natural causes at her home in Longmont, Colorado. She crossed over to be with her beloved daughter, Doenika Lilienthal, her parents, Seferino and Geneva Trujillo, and her younger brother, Ronald Trujillo.

Jeanette was born March 21, 1950, in Española, NM. She grew up in Los Alamos with her loving parents, two sisters, Joyce and Lois, and her brother, Ron.

She is survived by her children, Jason Lilienthal and Katy and Kevin (son-in-law) Clopper, her Read More

BRYAN CHRISTOPHER BERZINS July 19, 1969 – May 13, 2023

Bryan Christopher Berzins, son of George and Joyce Berzins of White Rock passed away unexpectedly from cardiovascular disease on May 13, 2023 at his home in Albuquerque. He was 53, and his untimely passing was a shock, even though he had faced a few health issues in recent years.

Bryan was born July 19, 1969, grew up in White Rock amidst a loving family, attended Pinon Elementary School and graduated from Los Alamos High School. He attended NMSU in Las Cruces for 1 year then transferred to UNM in Albuquerque. After graduating from UNM, he worked Read More

RALPH LEON MARSH July 18, 1938 – May 26, 2023

Ralph Leon Marsh, beloved father and grandfather, age 84, passed away in the early morning hours of May 26, 2023, in Eagle Rock, CA.

Born on July 18, 1938, in Ft. Collins, CO, to James Gordon and Etta Marie Marsh (nee Wich), Ralph moved at the age of 12 to Los Alamos, NM, when Gordon was hired at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory (now Los Alamos National Laboratory).

Ralph was active in Boy Scouts and excelled at marksmanship, the Sousaphone and ROTC. He graduated from Los Alamos High School with the Class of 1956. He earned a marching band scholarship to Read More

SHIRLEY ANN LYTTEN July 14, 1932 – July 20, 2023

Shirley Ann Lytten left this earth in the early morning hours of July 20, 2023, as the sun was beginning to light the sky in a brilliant orange and the birds were beginning to sing. She was born July 14, 1932. She had just celebrated her 91st.

Shirley was a friend to everyone she met. She began her career at Los Alamos Medical Center in 1976. She started in Medical Records and moved to the Medical Center Laboratory a few years later. She was interested in learning all that she could. She was taught how to draw blood. She was a phlebotomist for several years and Read More

MARVIN ROBERT CARPENTER May 2, 1939 – July 11, 2023

Marvin Robert Carpenter died on July 11, 2023 while recovering from surgery. He was 84 years old.

Marvin was born in Durango, Colorado on May 2, 1939, the oldest of four boys.

Marvin served in the U.S.Army from 1962-1964 and received a Letter of Accommodation for service performed at President Kennedy’s funeral. Marvin then worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory until he retired in 2000. He was an Elks life member as well as a Legion member. Marvin was an excellent golfer and an avid fly fisherman.

He is survived by his daughter, Pam Carpenter, Read More

KARLA ANN (SMITH) ATKINS July 18, 2023

Karla Ann (Smith) Atkins, 66, of Durango, Colorado passed away on July 18, 2023, after an extended illness.

Karla left behind her loving husband, William H. Atkins, her dogs, Zephyr and Rosie, and her sister, Jennifer Robertson.

Karla was educated in computer science, and worked much of her career as a software developer in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Karla’s profound and selfless respect for nature provided the framework for her life adventures. As a nature lover, Karla hiked, climbed, skied and kayaked. She loved hiking in the high country. As an animal lover, Read More

MADELEINE JASMINE JANE WHITT Jan. 3, 1992 – July 20, 2023

Our beautiful Madeleine took her own life when years of depression and opioid dependence seemed to stretch endlessly before her. She could not find for herself the deep affection, empathy, and compassion that she always extended to others.

Madeleine loved animals. Over her life she had loved pet hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, cats, dogs, and even tarantulas. She loved playing hockey. She loved swimming and fishing in East Pond in Maine every summer. She loved her family, her husband Raleigh, and her son Jackson.

After asking for help with Read More

JOHN R. MILLER Dec. 9, 1948 – June 16, 2023

John R. Miller of Pepper Pike, Ohio, died June 16, 2023, following bouts of endocarditis and pneumonia.

He is the beloved husband of Sue Butler, beloved father of Weston (wife Brianna Blair) of Chardon, OH and Vivian (husband Craft Cowan) and beloved grandfather of Cormac Cowan of Bowling Green, OH.

He was born in Dubuque, Iowa on December 9, 1948, the oldest son and second child of Robert and Ruth Miller.

John is survived by sister Mary Jo Bauer (husband Richard) of Madisonville, Ky, brother Alan (wife Sandra) of Everett, WA, sister Lois McFarland (husband Read More

LAINA KATCHER Feb. 12, 1956 – March 12, 2023

On March 12, 2023, we lost our beloved Laina to a long and courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma Cancer and all the anti-cancer drugs that go with this barbaric disease. Her passing leaves an emptiness in our hearts, but she left us with a trove of wonderful loving memories we will always cherish.

Laina was born on February 12, 1956, in Los Alamos, NM, to Rhea and Clarence “Mack” McFatridge. She was a true Los Alamos native who attended Kindergarten through 12th grade in Los Alamos making many lifelong friendships along the way.

Laina could turn a person’s Read More

S. FREDRIC (FRED) MARSH 1935 – 2023

Fred Marsh, Los Alamos National Laboratory analytical chemist and Los Alamos resident from 1972 to 1998, passed away on July 2, 2023.

Fred was born in New York City in 1935, but grew up in Phoenix, AZ. His early interests included all things mechanical, particularly automobiles. He used his newspaper route earnings to buy old cars, fix them up, and sell them. He eventually worked in several auto garages before and during college. Early on he also showed a flair for music, playing saxophone in high school band and a semi-pro combo that played local dances for cash. Read More

LUPITA T. MARTINEZ Oct. 3, 1935 – July 11, 2023

Lupita T. Martinez, 87, a resident of La Puebla, New Mexico joined our Heavenly Father on Tuesday, July 11, 2023.

Lupita is preceded in death by her father Antonio Trujillo, mother Ursulita Trujillo, father-in-law Melaquias Martinez, mother-in-law Adelina Martinez; brothers Tony, Leroy and Billy Trujillo; Brother-in-laws, Ysrael Montoya, Roberto (Francis) Martinez, Robert Gutierrez and Fernando Roybal; Sister-in-law Adela Montoya, Son-in-law Anthony Maestas, Grandchild Adam Maestas and several other family members.

Lupita is Read More

ROBERT (BOB) COLDEN HAMMOCK Oct. 17, 1936 – May 29, 2023

Robert (Bob) Colden Hammock passed away May 29, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones in Santa Fe, NM. Robert was born October 17, 1936, in Atlanta, GA.

He joined the Air Force at the age of seventeen and was stationed at Castle Air Force Base in Atwater, CA.  While stationed there he met and fell in love with Freddie Lea Wilson, who became his wife.

While attending Modesto Junior College he made a pistol. This led to an interview and job offer with Lawrence Livermore Scientific Laboratory. He worked at Livermore until he transferred to Los Alamos Read More

CLARA STANEK GONZALES Feb. 4, 1938 – July 1, 2023

Clara Stanek Gonzales, longtime resident of Santa Fe and Los Alamos, passed away July 1, 2023, from breast cancer.

She was born Feb. 4, 1938, the first daughter of Joseph B. Stanek and Angeline Laurence in Bolivar, MO, on a farm located in the southwestern farm belt of Missouri. The doctor who helped Clara come into the world was paid for her home delivery with 10 hens.

Being the eldest of five children, she learned early that farm life entails a great deal of work, and she lived the many changes in farming that took place in the early to mid 1900s; she recalled Read More

SUE ELLEN KELLY June 3, 1944 – July 8, 2023

Canon Rev. Colin P. Kelly III is devastated to announce the passing of his beloved wife and best friend, Sue Ellen, on July 8, 2023, from lung cancer. Sue Ellen passed peacefully onto glory at home, surrounded in love by Father Kelly and son Todd Irving of Albuquerque. Sue Ellen was preceded in death by her son Scott Irving in 2013.

Born June 3, 1944, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Marie and Fremont “Hutch” Hutchens, Sue Ellen graduated from Arizona State University in languages. She and Colin met at a service at which Colin was preaching at West Point Academy, Read More

LENELY CHRISTOPHER SALAZAR May 12, 1984 – June 28, 2023

It is with torn hearts that we announce the passing of Lenley Christopher Salazar (Nick Salazar), who departed us June 28, 2023. Nick’s absence has left a profound void in our lives, but his memory will be cherished forever by all who had the privilege of knowing him. 

Nick was born May 12, 1984, in Idaho Falls, Idaho to Claudia Cedar and John Salazar. In 1989, Claudia married Lance Lackas, who became Nick’s father from that point forward, raising him with endless love and care until the day he passed away. Nick’s vibrant spirit, strong Read More

DOROTHY MARIE ELLIOTT Dec 4, 1936 – June 26, 2023

Dorothy Marie Elliott, age 86, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on June 26, 2023.

Dorothy is survived by Jimmy, her loving husband of almost 70 years. Their children Susan Russell, Keith (Alyce) Elliott, Jennifer and James Elliott, cherished grandchildren Jerrod (Emily) Elliott-Rowlison, Dawna (Ben) Macdonell, Dana Elliott, and Ashley (Travis) Gilbert, beloved Great-grandchildren Madeline, Logan, and Josie Elliott-Rowlison and Carson and Ayden Macdonell, and many loved Nieces and Nephews that were very special Read More

JOHN KALMAN IKAFALVI DIENES Sept. 21, 1928 – July 5, 2022

It was one year ago that my dad died from congestive heart failure. He went quickly, with minimal suffering.

Dad was born in Boston, Massachusetts as a first generation American, with a French mother and a Transylvanian father. They divorced when he was a young boy, and he was raised by a single mom in the 1930’s; it was not easy for anyone. He went to multiple boarding schools and universities and eventually graduated with a PhD from Caltech in 1961. He loved Caltech and remarked that they were the first people who saw him and his potential.

He Read More

HELGA ERNA MAXWELL Sept. 14, 1939 – June 27, 2023

Helga Erna Maxwell (Nee Scharlach), 83, died Wednesday, June 28, 2023, in Tacoma, WA, after suffering several debilitating strokes. Helga lived in West Seattle, WA, for the past 10 years, and before that resided in La Cañada, CA, for over 40 years.

Helga was born in Vienna, Austria, to Franz and Erna Scharlach. She had an older brother. Helga legally immigrated to America, with her mother, in her teens, proudly becoming a citizen. She graduated from the University of Southern California (USC) with a degree in accounting and worked as an accountant Read More

GARY M. HASTY – July 4, 1942 – Jan. 13, 2023

Gary Martell Hasty, Los Alamos High School Class of 1961, died of cancer January 13, 2023, in the San Luis Valley of Colorado.

He worked for the National Park Service for over 30 years. He began his career as a fire control aid at Bandelier National Monument, then worked as a ranger at Great Sand Dunes National Monument, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument, Rocky Mountain National Park, Arches National Park, Glacier Bay National Park, Shenandoah National Park, and Canyon de Chelly National Park. He became superintendent of Natural Bridges National Read More