Obituaries

JEANNETTE ALICE HOLMES RICH Jan. 19, 1932 – Oct. 30, 2025

“Life should be fabulous and fantastic.” – Jeannette Rich

Jeannette Alice Holmes Rich, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many, passed away on October 30, 2025, in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, in the home of her son Michael and daughter-in-law Cindy, where family gathered to connect and say goodbye. She was 93 years old, almost 94.

Born on January 19, 1932, in Sacramento, California, the daughter of Blanche and Floyd Holmes, Jeannette grew up in the Sacramento Delta town of Rio Vista. Jeannette went on to study History Read More

TIMOTHY LOUIS SCHAEFER Nov. 8, 1956 – Oct. 1, 2025

Timothy Louis Schaefer passed away unexpectedly on October 1, 2025, at the age of 68. Though his passing came too soon, his family finds comfort in the many memories he leaves behind.

Born to Joseph and Harriet (Fleming) Schaefer on November 8, 1956, Tim grew up in New Rockford, North Dakota, and graduated from New Rockford High School. After several years farming with his family, he pursued a degree in Physics Engineering from North Dakota State University. His education led to a career with Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico.

At LANL, Read More

BARRY WAYNE BURTON Sept. 1, 1947 – Nov. 1, 2025  

Barry Wayne Burton, age 78, of Phenix City, Alabama, formerly of Los Alamos, New Mexico passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Piedmont Columbus Midtown in Columbus, Georgia.

A private Service of Remembrance, with full U.S. Marine Corps honors, will be held at a later date, according to Vance Brooks Funeral Home in Phenix City.

Born September 1, 1947, in Compton, California, Barry was the beloved son of Dora Louise Cage Burton and the late Raymond Burton. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam Read More

MARLENE MILLER Feb. 2, 1944 – Oct. 28, 2025

Marlene Miller, a loved member of the White Rock community, passed away on October 28, 2025, at the age of 81. In her final days, she was under the gentle hospice care of family and Los Alamos Visiting Nurses.

Born on February 2, 1944, Marlene dedicated a significant portion of her professional life to Los Alamos National Laboratory, where she worked in nuclear safety. Marlene’s deep faith and contributions to her profession and her community will be remembered with admiration, and she will be deeply missed.

A funeral service will be held in her memory on Read More

MARGARET MAES Oct. 24, 2025

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Margaret Maes. Mom went to be with our Lord on October 24, 2025. Margaret was the beloved matriarch of the Maes family; her greatest joy and achievement was her large, close-knit family. As a mother of six, grandmother of (23] and great-grandmother of (43) great great grandmother (10) Margaret was the heart of the Maes family.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Rafael Maes, 3 infant children Louella, Anthony and Lenoard.

She is survived by her children Gene Maes (Evelyn), Ruby Maes Read More

RUTH EVELYN GIBSON September 1942 – Oct. 24, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Ruth Evelyn Gibson on October 24, 2025. Born to Ernest and Evelyn Bowman in Keams Canyon, AZ in September 1942.

Ruth grew up in New Mexico, graduating from Los Alamos High School. She married Hezzie Gibson in 1961. They lived in Los Alamos, where they welcomed and raised their son Lee, later moving to the Espanola valley where they made their home for the past 30 plus years.

Ruth worked and retired from Los Alamos National Laboratory. After retirement, Ruth attended massage therapy school, and she Read More

TIMOTHY THOMAS MORRISON Aug. 18, 1977 – Oct. 18, 2025

The elusive Timothy Thomas Morrison passed away unexpectedly (which was just like him!) on Saturday October 18, 2025 at the age of 48.

Tim made his first appearance in Idaho Falls, Idaho on August 18, 1977, and moved with his family to Los Alamos, NM in 1982. After graduating from Los Alamos High School in 1996, Tim went on to officially earn an Associate’s degree in Information Technology, and Bachelor’s degrees in both Physics and Mathematics, although his intellect and lifelong passion for learning likely qualified him for even more fancy Read More

CATHERINE ANN “KAY” ROBERTS Sept. 21, 1944 – Oct. 18, 2025

Catherine Ann “Kay” Roberts, 81, of Grinnell, IA, and formerly of Los Alamos, NM, passed away on October 18, 2025, at Windsor Manor in Grinnell, IA. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 29, at 10:30am at Grinnell United Methodist Church with a luncheon to follow. A more casual Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 30, in Grinnell.

Kay was born on September 21, 1944, to John Henry and Catherine “Kitty” (Quillin) Russell in Kingsport, Tennessee. From the age of 1, she grew up in the atomic city of Los Alamos, Read More

LOIS SCHNEIDER April 23, 1934 – Oct. 15, 2025

Lois Schneider, 91, passed peacefully in her sleep in Oakland, California on October 15, 2025 after a lengthy illness.

Lois Ellen Steele was born in Millvale, Pennsylvania on April 23, 1934 to Leonard and Elizabeth Steele. Her father died when she was a child and she was raised there by her grandparents, Paul and Magdalena Steele. She spent her earlier years in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, graduating from Shaler High School in 1952. Lois then attended and graduated from Robert Morris Business College, and later worked at Aluminum Company of America Read More

JERRY EUGENIA (HERRING) LONDON July 17, 1935 – Oct. 18, 2025

Jerry Eugenia (Herring) London, born July 17, 1935, in Stanton, Texas, gained her wings on October 18, 2025. She was 90 years old.

Preceded in death by her late husband, J. Ronald London, father John Era Herring (Rose Herring), and mother Rosa Lee (Cross) Smith (Arthur Smith), and forever dear friend and travel companion Dean Dugan. As many knew, Jerry was also known as Mema due to her comfort to many and joy to all, spreading love, sarcasm, and sass to all around her.

Jerry (Mema) is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Denise London (Michael), Read More

Helen Nanette Robinson Adams Oct. 18, 1935 – Sept. 24, 2025

Helen (Nan) Nanette Robinson Adams was born on Oct. 18, 1935 in New Orleans, Louisiana and passed from this life on Sept. 24, 2025 in Los Alamos, NM.

She was raised and attended school in Ponchatoula, LA. Gonzales, LA was home most of her married adult life. After her husband’s passing in 1999 she lived several years back home in Ponchatoula. Later moving to Prairieville and eventually residing in Los Alamos, NM.

Preceded in death by husband Hulen O. Adams and parents Helen and Bruce S. Robinson.

Survived by children Teri and husband Randy Read More

SHARON KAY WOODRUFF May 11, 2025

Affectionately known as “Bart”, Sharon Kay Woodruff of Rowe, NM passed away peacefully on Mother’s Day 2025 at the age of 78.

She is survived by her two children William and Kathryn, her daughter-in-law Holly, and her grandson Horton.

Originally from Lafayette, Indiana, she attended Dayton High School and then Purdue University, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design.

She was married to William Woodruff Sr. from 1971 to 1989. She worked as a buyer for fabric stores in Lafayette and Princeton, NJ before starting her own business, Bart’s Read More

CLAUDE MILTON GILLESPIE, JR. Dec. 13, 1932 – Oct. 1, 2025

Claude Milton “Milt” Gillespie, 92, passed away October 1 surrounded by his family. He lived a full and wonderful life devoted to outdoor adventure, intellectual curiosity, and most of all his family. The only child of Claude Milton Gillespie Sr. and Alice Hauer Gillespie of Huntsville, Alabama, Milt enjoyed childhood visits to the nearby family farm and told stories of mischief at nearby rivers and lakes.

He was fortunate to spend his high school years at Sewanee Military Academy, a college preparatory program located near Chattanooga, Read More

DAVID RUDY SANDOVAL July 10, 1953 – Oct. 13, 2025

David Rudy Sandoval (affectionately known as “Pops”), a man of boundless faith, wisdom, and strength, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 13, 2025, at the age of 72.

Born on July 10, 1953, David was a mighty man of God; steadfast in his devotion, unshakable in his belief, and guided always by the Holy Spirit.

David’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. He lived as a true prayer warrior, never hesitating to lift others up in heartfelt prayer. Those who crossed his path were often met with words of divine wisdom and encouragement; Read More

MARVIN I. TILLERY JR. Oct. 10, 1936 – Sept. 29, 2025

Marvin I. Tillery Jr., passed away September 29, 2025, 11 days short of his 89th birthday. He was born in a farmhouse in Idabel, Oklahoma, and never had a birth certificate, but loved to repeat Will Rogers’ joke about not needing a piece of paper to prove he was born, because “I’m here, ain’t I?” For Marvin, family lore says that he was born on October 10, 1936, so that was the established date.

Despite not being able to prove that he was born, Marvin had a full life. His father enlisted in the NM National Guard, and Marv’s family moved frequently during Read More

JAN REBECCA STEELE BOWERS July 5, 1942 – Aug. 4, 2025

Jan Rebecca Steele Bowers was the oldest of six children, born on July 5, 1942, in Los Angeles, California to Dorothy Jane Petersen and Floyd George Steele.

She grew up walking the beaches of Southern California and spent summers on her grandparents’ ranch in Colorado. She graduated from The Bishop’s School and attended The San Diego College for Women. Jan met her husband, Richard Bowers, in La Jolla, married in August 1963, and moved to Eugene Oregon. The family lived in Austin, Texas, New Providence, New Jersey and Livermore, California before Read More

DAVID CHRISTOPHER ORTEGA Sept. 1, 1946 – Sept. 30, 2025

David “Chris” Ortega, 79, of Montrose, Colorado, formerly of Los Alamos, New Mexico, passed away September 30th in Grand Junction, surrounded by family, after a heroic battle with cancer. He lived a full and wonderful life devoted to family, community, and adventure.

Chris was born September 1, 1946 and was raised in Chimayo, New Mexico, attending Holy Cross Elementary and St. Michael’s High School in Santa Fe. A graduate of New Mexico State University, Chris began his professional career at the Public Service Company of Colorado and then Read More

JOHN NATHAN HAINS Aug. 7, 1935 – Oct. 5, 2025

John Nathan Hains was born at Fort Riley, Kansas, on August 7, 1935, the son of Peter Conover and Ada Averill Hains. 

Because his father, a West Point graduate, was a career Army officer, John spent much of his childhood and adolescence in foreign countries. When his father was sent to Yugoslavia, John became a boarding student at Landon Prep School in Bethesda, Maryland where he graduated in 1955. 

He then received his undergraduate college degree at Georgetown University, where he was a member of the Army ROTC. Upon graduation, he became a Second Lieutenant Read More

Dr. MARLEY (CLARENCE) DULANY Oct. 25, 1940 – Sept. 23, 2025

Dr. Marley (Clarence) Dulany, a cherished figure in the community of White Rock, New Mexico, passed away on September 23, 2025, at the age of 84. Born on October 25, 1940, in El Paso, Texas, to Clarence Marley Dulany, Sr. and Myrtle Jones Dulany, Marley dedicated his life to the practice of veterinary medicine and the wellbeing of animals. Together with his beloved wife, Anne, whom he cherished for 58 years, he ran a successful veterinary clinic that became a trusted resource for local pet owners.

Marley’s academic journey began at Sul Ross Read More

FRANCES LELAH WALTER April 19, 1934 – Sept. 10, 2025

Frances Lelah Walter, a cherished soul whose light illuminated the lives of many, passed away on September 10, 2025, in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Born on April 19, 1934, in Lead, South Dakota, Frances was a devoted homemaker whose nurturing spirit provided a warm haven for her family and friends.

With a heart rooted in faith, Frances embraced the profound beauty of existence, finding strength and solace in her religious beliefs. Her home was filled with love, laughter, and prayers whispered in gratitude and hope. She embodied the essence of grace, Read More

DONALD B. DAVIDSON, Jr. April 20, 1929 – July 6, 2025

Donald B. Davidson, Jr.,  was born on April 20, 1929, in Chicago, IL., the eldest son of Donald B. and Ruth M. Davidson. He was raised with his brother Duncan C. Davidson, Carmel, IN., (deceased) and his sister, Susan M. Merrell, Sun City, AZ. Don passed from this earthly life on July 6, 2025, at the age of 96.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Don studied at Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, graduating with a BS in Fire Protection & Safety Engineering in 1951. After a stint in the Insurance industry, he joined Los Alamos National Read More

STEVEN P. WALLIN Nov. 9, 1944 – Sept. 2, 2025

Steve Wallin went to be with the Lord Sept. 2, 2025, with family by his side, and we rejoice in knowing that he is now at home with his Savior.

Steve was born Nov. 9, 1944, in Salida, Colorado, to Peter and Bernice Wallin. Most of his early years were spent in Bonanza, Colorado, and Palacios, Texas. He was proud of his roots and loved both the Colorado mountains and the open water of the bay near Palacios.

In 1966, Steve married Julia (Julie) Troutwine, and they shared over 59 years together. Steve is survived by his wife, Julie; sons, Mark (Susana) Wallin of Sugar Read More

MARY VIRGINIA PIERCE Oct. 6, 1941 – Sept. 15, 2025

Mary Virginia Pierce, 83, of Los Alamos, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Mary was born to Max and Virginia Day in Mobile, Alabama, on October 6, 1941. In the late 1940s, her family moved to Los Alamos, where she grew up and graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1959.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Max and Virginia Day; her brother, Max “Boy” Day; and her beloved daughter, Judy Henry.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Richard (Dick) Pierce, who was not only her lifelong partner Read More

MORRIS JOHN ENGELKE, JR Aug. 27, 2025

Morris John Engelke, Jr., 84, passed away on August 27, 2025, in Windsor, Colorado, due to complications from a longstanding illness related to a military service-connected disability.

Born in 1941 in Salt Lake City, Utah, he spent his formative years in Los Alamos, New Mexico, where his father worked as a physicist at Los Alamos National Laboratory, focusing on small reactor research and health physics.

Morris earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, followed by a master’s degree in business administration Read More

MARGARET “CAROLYN” FOY TRELA April 7, 1936 – Aug. 7, 2025

Margaret “Carolyn” Trela (nee Foy) was born April 7, 1936, at Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto,  CA, to Zed Lee Foy and Amabel Neeley Foy. Legend has it that she was born the night before her father’s oral exams at Stanford Graduate School of Education. Carolyn grew up in Boise, Idaho with her parents and older sister, Ginger, and where her father was superintendent of schools. She spent many an adventurous summer with cousins at her mother’s family farm in Columbia, SC.

In 1953, during Carolyn’s junior year at Boise High School, her father accepted Read More

JUDITH RAE WIDMAR WELSH LUTHER April 20, 1943 – Sept. 7, 2025 

Our beloved mother Judy passed away during the early morning hours of September 7, 2025, following a brief illness. She graced us with her love and humor until the end.  

Judy was born in Denver, Colorado on April 20, 1943, to Velma. When she was a young girl Bill Widmar entered their lives and adopted her and her sister after marrying Velma. She spent a lot of time in the mountains fishing with her dad and exploring the mountains of Colorado. She graduated from Holy Family High School in Denver in 1961.  

In 1963, she married Mike Welsh and Read More

JAMES NORTON ALBRIGHT June 4, 1943 – Sept. 2, 2025

Our dad, James Norton Albright, passed away on September 2, 2025. Jim was born on June 4, 1943, to Francis and Margaret Albright in Utica, New York. He grew up in Pawtucket, Rhode Island with two brothers, and shortly after graduating from Colgate University, Dad married his high school sweetheart Virginia Gormley. Our parents then moved to Chicago in 1965, where Dad earned his doctorate in Geophysical Sciences at the University of Chicago. During this time, they started their family amidst the backdrop of a city alive with social change and the Read More

JOSEPH WILLIAM YEAMANS April 27, 1944 – Aug. 25, 2025

Paonia, Colorado

Joseph William Yeamans passed on to his heavenly home on August 25, 2025, at eighty-one years of age. He died from complications of West Nile virus and pulmonary embolism at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction.

Joe was born on April 27, 1944, in Portland Oregon to Elizabeth Marks Yeamans and William Hughes Yeamans. He moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico at the age of ten. There he had many adventures in the woods, especially delighting in river running, hiking, and cycling. He graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1962. He continued Read More

JUDITH (CARROLL) HAMBLETON July 14, 1938 – Aug. 25, 2025

Judy passed away August 25, 2025, after a long battle with dementia. She was born in Columbus, Ohio on July 14, 1938, to parents Fremont and Carmel Carroll. She spent her childhood years in Ohio and the Pacific Northwest before moving with her family to Los Alamos in 1955. She graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1956.

After high school she moved to California and was part owner of a grocery store chain for many years. After the stores were sold, Judy trained in Interior Design and worked in that field until her retirement. 

Judy is survived Read More

PAT McCLELLAN March 17, 1940 – Aug. 27, 2025

Pat, as many that knew him, passed peacefully on August 27, 2025.

Pat was born on March 17, 1940, in Alamosa, Colorado to Orson McClellan and Olive Scott McClellan.

Pat was the youngest of the family with two older sisters and one older brother.

Pat spent his youth in Alamosa, working with his dad at the gas station selling candy, pumping gas, and working on cars.

In 1958, he graduated from Alamosa High School and started to migrate west to Arizona. He drove for Coca-Cola in Holbrook Arizona. It was there he met the love of his life, Kay Butler, and they got married Read More

PETER JOSEPH WALSH Jan. 19, 1949 – Aug. 31, 2025

Peter Joseph Walsh, succumbed to an extremely rare form of melanoma cancer in the early morning of August 31, 2025 surrounded by loving family.

He was born January 19, 1949 to Dr. Richard A. Walsh and Mary E. Walsh (nee Davis), deceased. The second of thirteen children, he was born at King’s County Hospital in Brooklyn, NY.

The family moved to Letterman Army Base when his father returned from the Korean Conflict for a Residency in Orthopedic Surgery. Then a residency in General Surgery took the family to Fort Knox, KY for a few years.

Peter completed first Read More

NICHOLAS “NICK” D’EGIDIO Jan. 15, 1960 – Aug. 29, 2025

Nicholas “Nick” D’Egidio, 65, of Albuquerque, NM, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family Aug. 29, 2025.

Nick was born Jan. 15, 1960, in Newark, New Jersey, to Maria and Antonio D’Egidio.

Oct. 3, 1981, he married his wife, Amy, and together they built a life grounded in love, devotion, and perseverance. He is survived by Amy, his two sons, six grandchildren, and three sisters.

Nick spent much of his career working at Los Alamos National Laboratory, where he took pride in his work. Known Read More

ROBERT ‘LARRY’ LAWRENCE MORTENSEN July 25, 1956 – July 23, 2025

Robert “Larry” Lawrence Mortensen passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family at UNMH on July 23, 2025, 2 days shy of his 69th birthday, after a courageous albeit brief battle with severe illness.

Larry was born July 25, 1956, in Albuquerque, NM, to Gene and Gail Mortensen. Larry was raised primarily in Los Alamos and was the oldest of six children. He was instrumental in providing loving support and guidance to his siblings with his kind, strong, and steady presence. He graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1974 and Read More

ALICE RANAE BATES RILEY Oct. 16, 1943 – Aug. 26, 2025

Alice Ranae Bates Riley, cherished mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, left her earthly home on August 26, 2025, in Albuquerque, NM. She was born October 16, 1943, the first child of Irvin Theodore and Ruth Geraldine Nelson Bates in Rexburg, Idaho. Irvin was killed shortly before the birth of her sister Geraldine while in Okinawa, Japan during World War II in 1945. This was a formative event in Alice’s life, but while she experienced tragedy early, it brought her a rich childhood on a small Idaho farm with her mother, sister, stepfather Harold Read More