Obituaries

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

LARRY RAY JOSEPH ROMERO June 25, 2023

Sunday, June 25, 2023, retired Los Alamos Firefighter, Larry Ray Joseph Romero, 54, of Albuquerque, NM, passed away peacefully at home with his beloved wife, children and parents by his side after a 2 ½ year battle with cancer.

Larry and the love of his life, Melissa married in June of 1991 and resided in Los Alamos and White Rock for more than 20 years. They had two amazing children, Christopher and Miranda.

In 1990, Larry began his journey of serving others with a career in the Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD). This enabled him to pursue his dream of helping others Read More

TYLER AHRENS June 26, 2023

Tyler Ahrens, beloved son, grandson, brother, boyfriend, and friend, passed away on June 26, 2023. He was born in New Mexico and was raised in Los Alamos, NM where he attended Los Alamos Public Schools and, recently, the University of New Mexico. His family and friends are deeply saddened by his passing.

Tyler was an artist at heart and appreciated art in many forms: fine art, graphic novels, anime, games, playing card design, architecture, and interior design. He sketched and drew pictures on the cards he gave to family members; his favorite holiday was Valentine’s Read More

HELEN MARIE LUETH BENSON, Aug. 16, 1920 – Nov. 26, 2022

Helen Marie Lueth Benson was grateful for her life and generous with her talents, quick to see the good in everybody, slow to criticize and one who always saw beauty everywhere. 

All that women are—all their talents, expertise, skills, time—Helen contributed to others and what she didn’t give away, she kept as adventures in her inner world. She brought much of that feminine creativity and talent to those she met.

Helen grew up in a large, extended family in Champaign, Illinois, daughter of Waldemar Lueth, a German immigrant father and Eleanor, Read More

PEGGY ALICE WILLIAMS Feb. 12, 1947 – June 6, 2023

Peggy Alice Williams was called to Heaven June 6, 2023 at the age of 76.

A New Mexican native; born Feb. 12, 1947 in Taos to Paul and Louise Iko. She had two brothers, William and Robert, and one sister, Laurie.

As a child she flourished in the Taos beauty and arts. She excelled in school and in her twenties took employment with the United Nations as a medical records administrator. This opportunity afforded her not only the ability to help people and further her education, but also to live a life of adventure; visiting
many beautiful places across all seven Read More

GEMMA MORRISON ‘JIB’ BENNETT May 30, 2023

Gemma Morrison “Jib” Bennett, born Gemma Mazelle Morrison, passed away in her home on May 30, 2023.

Jib was born in Manhattan to Jualice (Bennett Simmons) and Alfred Morrison but sometime later moved back to her mother’s home state of Georgia where she was raised, specifically in Hazlehurst with a short but memorable time on St. Simons Island.

Over the years, Jib wore many professional hats, including secretary, train dispatcher, house mother, oil field technician, writer/editor, landlord, and patent attorney.

However, what she truly sought and Read More

PATRICIA A. PIEROTTI June 6, 2023

Patricia Ann (Giles) Pierotti, age 76, passed away on June 6, 2023. Patricia, the daughter of Robert and Gloria Giles, was born in Chicago, Illinois. Patricia’s father accepted a job with the National Park Service; therefore, Patricia lived in many different western national parks throughout her early life before settling in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Patricia was educated in Catholic elementary schools and high school at Loretto Academy. One of her fondest memories from high school was being chosen to sing at the Loretto Chapel at Christmas Mass, while standing Read More

NICHOLAS ADAM CAPELLI March 3, 1996 – June 13, 2023

Nicholas Adam Capelli, passed away June 13, 2023 at his residence in Los Alamos, NM. Nicholas, born March 3, 1996, was only 27 years old. His family is deeply saddened by his death.

Nicholas was a beautiful and precious person inside and out. Nicholas had a heart of gold and was a remarkable young man that made impressions on even the most unlikely of people. His witty sense of humor and irresistibleness, along with his empathy and compassion charmed everyone in his life from his closest family members to strangers he just met. His willingness to help Read More

SALLY ANN NIX Oct. 5, 1935 – March 9, 2023

Sally Ann Nix passed away peacefully in her sleep in Campbell, California on March 9, 2023, at the age of 87. Sally was born in Davenport, Iowa on October 5, 1935, and was the only child of her parents, George and Ruth Wood.

Sally graduated from Carleton College in Minnesota and was a middle school teacher in San Diego, California before obtaining her master’s degree in education from the University of California, Berkeley. There she met her husband, James Rayford “Ray” Nix whom she married on August 19th, 1961. After living in Denmark for a year and traveling Read More

GAILEN HART HOOPER July 25, 1932 – Nov. 20, 2022

Gailen Hart Hooper received his angel wings on November 20, 2022 when the Lord called him from Las Cruces, NM to his forever home surrounded by family and friends at his bedside.

Gailen was born July 25, 1932, to Foster Hollar “Pete” Hooper and Mary Jeff (Hart) Hooper in Lovington, NM. His growing up years were spent in Lovington, NM; Monument, NM; Visa, CA; Long Beach, CA and Victorville, CA. He attended Poly High School in Long Beach, CA and graduated from Lovington High School in 1950. Gailen attended college at Eastern NM University in Portales, NM. Read More

RICHARD DONALD ‘DICK’ FOSTER  July 20, 1933 – June 8, 2023

Richard Donald “Dick” Foster of White Rock, New Mexico, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on June 8, 2023.

He was born July 20, 1933 in Weedville, Pennsylvania, the son of Joseph Foster and Clara Wolf Foster. He and Marilyn Cover were married on August 5, 1961, in Saint Sebastian Church in Akron, Ohio. They shared a beautiful 61-year marriage.

In addition to Marilyn, he is survived by three daughters: Mary (Greg) Valentine of Williamsville, New York; Dorothy (Mark) Silvanic of Monument, Colorado; Catherine (Bill) Brockman Read More

BETTY JANE ELLESTAD March 26, 1927 – June 8, 2022

Betty Jane Ellestad was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin. She and Charles Harper were married there March 27, 1947, and started a life neither had ever anticipated. 

Betty had two uncles who worked in Los Alamos and they encouraged Betty and Charlie to move to Los Alamos, New Mexico. Their possessions fit into a car and they drove to Los Alamos, Betty crying all the way as she loved family and was leaving her family in Madison.

What fun stories she always told about living in the married couples dorm in Los Alamos when they moved there!!! The couples Read More

HANSJÖRG ‘JORG’ JANSEN June 6, 2023

It is with a great sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the unexpected and sudden passing of our beloved husband, best friend and 62 year companion Hansjörg “Jorg” Jansen who left us on Wednesday June 6, 2023.

Jörg grew up and was educated as an electrical engineer in Germany. Brigit, his wife, grew up and was educated as a chemist in Switzerland. They both came to the US in 1960 and 1959 respectively, for one year, out of curiosity. Their common life started in 1961, when they got married in Rockport, Mass.

They lived in Magnolia, near Gloucester, and worked Read More

JERRY LYNN HOFER Feb. 13, 1952 – June 6, 2023

Jerry passed suddenly on June 6th after a short illness from neuroendocrine carcinoma.  He was only ill for three weeks and passed at Christus St. Vincent Hospital in Santa Fe with his family tenderly caring for him and sharing memories until the very end.

Jerry was born to Harris (“Blackie”) and Marilyn (Stroup) Hofer on February 13, 1952. He was born in Pierre, South Dakota and raised in Fort Pierre, South Dakota. He graduated from the Fort Pierre Schools in 1970 where he participated in basketball and track. He was very proud of the relay team that he was Read More