Obituaries

REID ZIRKLE Oct. 5, 1945 – Dec. 8, 2025

Reid was born in Klamath Falls, Oregon to Ira and Ruth Zirkle.

He graduated from Oregon Institute of Technology before moving to New Mexico in 1967, when Los Alamos National Laboratory recruited him as a draftsman to work on classified drawings. Reid spent most of his LANL career as an Area Coordinator at various lab facilities, retiring with 38 years of service.

Reid grew up hunting and fishing: passions he carried with him throughout his life. He especially enjoyed duck and quail hunting throughout New Mexico. After retiring, he and his wife purchased an Read More

PETER MANVILLE WARD 1939 – Nov. 14, 2025

Peter Manville Ward, 86, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed peacefully on November 14, 2025. He was under the care of the hospice unit at the New Mexico Veterans’ Administration Hospital in Albuquerque, NM after complications from a fall.

Peter was born in Inglewood, California in 1939 to Virginia and Winston Ward. He volunteered for the United States Air Force during the Vietnam Era. After four years, he presented his honorable discharge papers, his G.I. bill education benefits, and himself at the steps of the University of New Mexico. He subsequently Read More

DORY RYAN Sept. 12, 1960 – Dec. 5, 2025

Dory Ryan, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on September 12, 1960, Dory left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Following her graduation from New Mexico State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, she joined the Environmental, Safety and Health Division at LANL. After 30 years at LANL, Dory embarked on a life filled with gardening, hiking (completing Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim across the Grand Canyon for her 60th birthday), traveling, Read More

LEONORA ‘LEO’ TRUJILLO Aug. 17, 1947 – Dec. 10, 2025

Leonora “Leo” Trujillo was born on August 17, 1947, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and peacefully passed away there on December 10, 2025. For 27 years, she made her home in Los Alamos, where she built lasting friendships and a meaningful career, before moving to Santa Fe, a place where her spirit was inseparable from the landscape, traditions, and beauty she ultimately called home.

Leo was a graduate of Southern Methodist University, where she began her professional journey as a Dental Hygienist. Her intellectual curiosity later led her to continue Read More

ERNESTO V. BURCIAGA Jan. 26, 1946 – Dec. 4, 2025

Ernesto V. Burciaga, the eldest of the six children of Lorenzo R. Burciaga and Maxine T. Burciaga (nee Van Sloun) passed away Dec 4, 2025 following a lengthy battle with dementia.

In addition to being predeceased by his parents, his sister Ann C. Johnson and brother Timothy V. Burciaga, he was predeceased by his loving wife of 44 years, Cecilia, who passed away earlier this year.

Ernesto, also known as Ernie and Neto, was born Jan. 26, 1946 in Santa Fe, NM. His family moved to Los Alamos, NM in 1955. He graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1964 lettering Read More

VIRGINIA LEE KACHELMEIER June 7, 1948 – Oct. 23, 2025

Virginia Lee Kachelmeier, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully Oct. 23, 2025, at Arden Courts in San Antonio, Texas. She was 77.

Born on June 7, 1948, in Raton, New Mexico, Virginia was the cherished daughter of Roy and Marie Butt, both of whom preceded her in death. She graduated from Raton High School and was one of six siblings-David (deceased), Bobby (deceased), Larry, Jimmy, and Lori-each of whom held a special place in her heart.

Virginia’s life changed forever one snowy night when a fierce storm Read More

WALTER WRIGHT Oct. 26, 1941 – Dec. 2, 2025

Walter Wright, age 84, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Los Alamos, New Mexico, Dec. 2, 2025. Walter was born in Bellows Falls, Vermont Oct. 26, 1941 to Leland Fuller Wright and Thelma (Staniszewski) Wright.

Growing up on the Connecticut River, he attended Bellows Falls High School and graduated in 1959. Overcome with a sense of service and willingness to give back to his country during the Cold War Era, Walter joined the US Air Force in 1960. He specialized in Weapons Control and System Maintenance at Lowry AFB in Colorado from February to Read More

LARRY LEE MARR June 5, 1952 – Nov. 24, 2025

Larry Lee Marr, 73, of Los Alamos, N.M., began his next journey on Monday, November 24, 2025, after a short hospital stay in Albuquerque.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Virginia Marr.

He is survived by his wife, Jean Marr, and son, Tyler Marr.

Known by the nickname “Hawg” by many of his longtime friends and co-workers, Larry first  retired from the New Mexico Air National Guard after 25 years of service, before retiring from the Los Alamos National Laboratory Hazmat Division. He always found ways to bring a little humor to his workplace Read More

RICHARD CYRIL STUPKA Oct. 25, 1948

Richard Cyril Stupka (“Rick,” as he preferred to be called), was born the first of a set of fraternal twins (Robin Gail) Oct. 25, 1948. He was raised one of four children (Ronald and Marilynn) on the south side of Chicago to parents Cyril A. and Edith V. Stupka. He attended Catholic School for twelve years and his high school was Mount Carmel, one of the foremost schools in the United States. He attended Northern Illinois University for his B.S. in Biology (Chemistry) and M.S. in Vertebrate Ecology.

In high school he demonstrated an aptitude for science and history, Read More

ANN DURNO SHAFER Oct. 11, 1939 – Nov. 10, 2025

Ann Durno Shafer, a longtime resident of Los Alamos, passed away on November 10, 2025, of complications after a fall. She was an active member and supporter of local and New Mexico state organizations during her time in New Mexico.

Ann was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan and graduated from East Grand Rapids High School. She earned her BA from Brown University in 1961; her M.Ed from Boston University; and a MSW from George Williams College. She married her husband, Robert Shafer in Boston, MA in 1968. They lived in Cambridge, Massachusetts and Glen Ellyn, Read More

MARILYN STEVENS 1933 – Nov. 30, 2025

Marilyn Stevens passed away peacefully at her home in Los Alamos on Sunday morning, Nov. 30, surrounded by her loving children and faithful dog.

Marilyn Watkins was born in Minneapolis, MN., in 1933. When she was five, her family moved to a farm outside Carlton, MN (about halfway between Duluth and Lake Wobegone), where she grew up. Many of Marilyn’s family stories and memories were centered there. Marilyn was the youngest of 6 children and grew up during World War II. Her oldest brother, Harold, served in the war, and was killed in Italy in 1943.

Marilyn was a very Read More

JOAN LOUISE FARMER KIM June 28, 1937 – Nov. 22, 2025

Joan Louise Farmer Kim, age 88, beloved wife, mother and grandmother of White Rock, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on Nov. 22, 2025, in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

She was preceded in death by her parents James Roy and Ana Linda Farmer, sister Helen Book, brother James Farmer, Father-in-law Chae Suk Kim, Mother-in-law Yuen Hee Chung, Sisters-in-law Dr. Soon Ock Kim, Soon Ki Kim, Soon Cha Kim, Yoo Syun Kim, and brother-in-law Young Chull Kim.

Joan was born on June 28, 1937, in Rausas, Missouri to James Roy and Ana Linda Farmer. Joan was the eldest of five Read More

MARGARET FLAUGH May 9, 1937 – Nov. 3, 2025

Margaret Flaugh born May 9, 1937, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Beulah and Leonard Sherman, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She will be greatly missed.

Margaret met the love of her life, Harry Flaugh, in elementary school, and the two began dating in high school. They married in 1956 while attending Iowa State University and moved to Los Alamos, NM in 1961. They shared nearly 67 wonderful years together until Harry’s passing in 2024. Their love for each other was the foundation of a rich life filled with adventure, Read More

ELIAS JOSIAH TIBERI April 6, 2004 – Nov. 15, 2025

Elias Josiah Tiberi, 21, passed away tragically Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Espanola, NM. Elias was a bright and creative soul whose passion for music, skateboarding, and cars, his loyalty to his friends, and infectious energy will be sadly missed.

Born April 6, 2004, in Uniontown, PA, Elias came into this world with a smile that could melt your heart.

He devoted countless hours to skateboarding and creating music, producing a stream of songs that flowed straight from his heart. His music captured his genuine, unfiltered, raw and often humorous Read More

JOSEPH ARCENIO DESGEORGES JR.  Nov. 7, 2025

Beloved brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed from this world Nov. 7, 2025, after a long and devoted life marked by love of family and service to his country. Joseph passed away exactly nine months to the day after the death of his wife of 68 years, Mary Katherine DesGeorges.

He is survived by his three children and their spouses, five granddaughters, and two great-grandsons. He leaves behind sons Joseph A. DesGeorges III (Janet) and John David DesGeorges; daughter Anne Louise (DesGeorges) Sanchez (Roy Sanchez); granddaughters Read More

ROBERT NEAL COLYER Aug. 1, 1951 – Nov. 13, 2025

Neal Colyer, age 74, passed peacefully in his home in Westmont, Pennsylvania on November 13, 2025.

Neal Colyer, beloved son of Harvey and Mildred (Stone) Colyer of Leary, Texas, was born on August 1, 1951, in Los Alamos, New Mexico. He graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1970, where he was a proud member of the choir and the football team.

Neal served his country in the United States Air Force as a Military Police Officer, was a member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local #412 in Farmington, New Mexico, and later attended the Police Academy where Read More

JESSICA LEEANN MARTINEZ April 30, 1990 – Nov. 10, 2025

Jessica Leeann Joyce Juanita Martinez (Chef Jessica), 35, was born and raised in Española, NM, and attended high school at Española Valley High and went on to attend Santa Fe Community College and studied Culinary Arts and Hotel and Restaurant Management.

As a teenager, Jessica was in 4-H and a member of the Hillbillies Club, where she entered character cakes, jams and pies at the County Fair and went on to compete at the NM State Fair and won a savings bond. She created so many special shaped cakes, her talent was amazing.

Jessica loved the outdoors Read More

CATHLEEN MARIN Aug. 24, 1960 – Nov. 6, 2025

Cathleen Marin, age 65, a resident of Los Alamos, NM, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2025, in Santa Fe. Born on August 24, 1960, in Montgomery County (Norris town), Pennsylvania.

Cathleen was preceded in death by her mother, father, and older brother. She is survived by her husband, Jon.

Cathleen was a delightful person. She was witty, funny, sweet, and very well-read. Among her proudest achievements was loving and caring for six Irish Wolfhounds, from playful puppies to gentle-giant adults. Cathleen’s ashes will be combined with theirs and Read More

THOMAS EARL ‘TOM’ MOXLEY III Aug. 12, 1977 – Oct. 16, 2025

Thomas Earl “Tom” Moxley III, age 48, of White Rock, New Mexico, passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2025, in Seattle, Washington. He was born on August 12, 1977, in Phoenix, Arizona.

Tom will be remembered for his generous heart, quick wit, and unmistakable sense of humor. His intelligence, dedication, and caring nature touched all who knew him and will be deeply missed. Above all, he will be remembered for the deep and unwavering love he held for his daughter, Zoe.

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Zoe Elizabeth Moxley (7); his sister, Read More

WARD L. HAWKINS May 1, 1951 – Nov. 8, 2025

Ward L. Hawkins, 74, a native Nevadan of Los Alamos, New Mexico, passed away peacefully Nov. 8, 2025.

Ward was born May 1, 1951, in Reno, Nevada, to Ralston Oliver and Romietta Ward Hawkins. He grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, alongside his three brothers. It was also in Las Vegas that he met his lovely wife, Karen Cooper, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and adventure.

Ward graduated from St. Anne Grade School, Bishop Gorman High School, and the University of Nevada, Reno, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Geology.

His work took him and his family to Los Read More

OLIN VAN DYCK April 2, 1939 – Nov. 5, 2025

Olin van Dyck was born on April 2, 1939, and passed away on November 5, 2025. A man of intelligence and charm, Olin lived a fulfilling life, touching many with his kindness and love.

Olin is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Linda van Dyck, their two children, Christopher van Dyck (Patty) and Stephanie Nakhleh (Charlie), and his cherished grandchildren, Emily Flores (Gabe), Julia Nakhleh (Juanmi Martinez), Eric van Dyck, and Aidan Nakhleh, Great-granddaughter, Karine, and sister, Sara Chesluk.

Educated at Amherst College, Olin earned his Bachelor’s Read More

STANLEY MOORE Sept. 23, 1928 – Sept. 16, 2025

Stanley Moore, born September 23, 1928, in Hays, Kansas, passed peacefully on September 16, 2025, in Los Alamos, New Mexico, just shy of his 97th birthday. A devoted family man, decorated veteran, and lifelong outdoorsman, Stanley lived a full and purposeful life marked by resilience, curiosity, and quiet strength.

He was a proud veteran of the United States Army and served in Korea in the 25th Infantry Division. He was recognized with a Bronze Medal in recognition of his courage and commitment to duty. He married Carol Munson in 1950 while serving. Read More

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