Obituaries

JAMES ANDREW CROCKER Oct. 7, 1980 – April 25, 2021

Even in such a sad time, there is great joy in sharing my son James with his friends, loving relatives, and new acquaintances.

James was born in Los Alamos and graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1999. A great lover of the outdoors and winter, he was an active biker (and builder), soccer player, and a member of both ice hockey and ski racing teams. He and friends from a block away preferred to be walking to Mountain School rather than taking the bus, and as an adult, he also became active in rock climbing, especially when he was home the same time as friends. Read More

SARA (McCann) SNOWBALL Oct. 22, 1986 – May 20, 2021

Sara (McCann) Snowball passed away unexpectedly from complications due to childbirth on May 20, 2021.

Sara was born in Harrisburg, PA on Oct. 22, 1986. She grew up in Bradenton, FL and married her high school sweetheart, Matthew Snowball after many years of engagement.

Sara attended Lakewood Ranch High School and went on to earn a Master of Education from the University of Florida and was a proud Florida Gator. Sara was a dedicated early childhood educator who always went above and beyond to ensure her students had the best education and support Read More

KATELYN ROSE PARKER Jan. 17, 1988 – May 11, 2021

Katelyn Rose Parker was found deceased in her home in Leicester, NC on Tuesday, May 11, 2021. She was 33 years old. She received much care from dedicated health professionals over the last several years in the Asheville, NC area.

She was born to Paul Ruston and Patricia Eve (Shane) Parker on January 17, 1988 in Hartford, CT. She grew up in W. Granby, CT, Virginia Beach, VA and the Los Alamos, NM area.

Katelyn was a loving sister to Keith Joseph (Abby) Parker, Rachel Rosemary Duffield (Andy) and Grace “Dovina” Elisabeth Parker (Thomas).

Katelyn was a devoted Read More

CHARLES CALEF March 18, 1947 – May 16, 2021

Charles Calef died at home in Los Alamos on May 16, 2021 from cholangiocarcinoma.

Chuck was always in motion. He excelled at rock climbing, cross-country skiing, back packing, swimming, and bicycle riding. A good day for him included as many activities as possible.

Inspired by the beauty of nature, Chuck loved to make beautiful things. He painted watercolor landscapes that expressively captured his view of the world. He built fine wood furniture, baked sourdough bread, and played the piano. Never complacent, he was always curious to learn new things Read More

OLAND DALE THOMPSON Feb. 22, 1943 – May 15, 2021

Oland (Dale) Thompson, 78, of Los Alamos, NM, passed away after a short illness on May 15, 2021 with family by his side.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Oland Lay and Rosie Klechka Thompson, and his sister Barbara Sinclair.

Dale was born in Houston, TX and graduated from Sam Houston High School in Houston in 1961. He graduated from the University of Texas, Austin, with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in nuclear engineering. Years later, he also obtained a master’s degree in business administration from Read More

SAMUEL D. GARDNER July 19, 1933 – May 15, 2021

Samuel D. Gardner, 87, passed away, with family present, on Saturday May 15, 2021 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

He was born on July 19, 1933 in Phoenix, Arizona. He was one of nine children. He spent his childhood in Durant, Oklahoma where his family ran a construction business.

After High School, he enlisted in the Navy and became a jet pilot. He left the Navy, in 1960, to seek a postgraduate degree in Physics from the University of Oklahoma. He was employed by Los Alamos National Laboratory from 1961-1994.

He was an avid photographer, fly fisherman, tennis Read More

FRANK P. WELCH March 15, 1931 – May 1, 2021

Frank P. Welch, 90, of Sun City West, AZ, and Los Alamos, NM, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home May 1, 2021.

He was preceded in death by his infant son Mark Stephen Welch, his parents Archibald and Josephine Welch, his sister Margaret Herold and his brothers John and Michael Welch.

Frank was born in Davenport, Iowa, March 15, 1931, and was one of 8 children. The family business was a successful local gas station and Frank and his brothers all helped out there. Frank attended St. Ambrose College in Davenport and earned a degree in Accounting.

On a drive Read More

LESTER F. LUEHRING Nov. 30, 1932 – May 9, 2021

Lester F. Luehring, 88, passed away onto the Lord in his Rio Rancho home on Sunday, May 9, 2021. Les was born on the family farm near Hanover, Kansas on November 30, 1932. 

A memorial celebration of his fulfilled life will be held on Friday, May 14, 2021 at 3:00 pm at French Funerals – 9300 Golf Course Road NW in Albuquerque.

Les was an excellent student attending a one-room schoolhouse, winning the County spelling bee in eighth grade and graduating high school at the age of 16 years old. After one year at Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS, he taught school (5th Read More

Joanne Jean Mosher Meade Aug. 8, 1930 – Feb. 23, 2016
Robert Eugene Meade May 11, 1930 – April 14, 2021

Joanne Mosher was born in Milton Michigan and grew up on a farm in South Bend, Indiana. She played viola in the South Bend Symphony, graduated from Mishawaka High School, and worked at a clothing boutique.

She realized she wanted more out of life than hanging out with friends, going to dances and having fun on the beach. She obtained her private pilot license at the age of eighteen and received a scholarship to The Art Institute of Chicago. After moving to Chicago to attend the Art Institute, she stayed Read More

ELIZABETH HIGGINS Oct. 2, 1936 – April 8, 2021

Elizabeth Ann Higgins went home to Jesus April 8, 2021, at the age of 84.

Elizabeth was born to Clarence and Grace Hamrick October 2, 1936, in Hilton, Oklahoma. As a child, Elizabeth enjoyed spending time with her pets including her pet squirrel.

Elizabeth met her husband, Jim Higgins in 1953 at Hobbs High School. They got married September 10, 1956, and went on to have three children: Nancy, Claire and Blaine. Elizabeth and Jim attended college at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, NM.

After graduation, the couple moved to Los Alamos, NM where Read More

S. PETER GARY April 21, 2021

Peter Gary died on April 21, 2021 in Santa Fe, NM after a short illness. He was 81.

Peter was born in Cleveland, Ohio. His parents were Stephen Gary and Marie Shiglinsky Gary. His father taught at Memorial High School in Campbell, Ohio, where his parents raised Peter and his brother Dennis. The two boys were best friends. His mother was the star of their Byzantine Church choir and head of the PTA.

Peter and Dennis were both students in their father’s ninth grade Algebra I class, where their father exposed both boys to the logic and challenges of mathematics, leading them to Read More

PETER B. LYONS Feb. 23, 1943 – April 29, 2021

Peter B. Lyons passed away in Golden, Colorado on Friday, April 29, 2021, following a yearlong battle with cancer. Pete’s partner Peggy Lyon-Bull and his sons Daniel, David and Michael were able to join him at his side in his final hours. He leaves behind a legacy of dedication—to his family, to the scientific community and to the nation for a life spent in public service.

Pete was born to Leland and Rita (nee Horblit) Lyons in Hammond Indiana, in 1943. Although born in the midwest, he spent his childhood in Boulder City, Nevada, just outside of Las Vegas, Read More

KENT CARLETON CROASDELL July 11, 1941 – April 20, 2021

Kent Carleton Croasdell passed through the gate to the eternal ballgame on Tuesday, April 20, 2021. We picture him now with a hot dog in one hand, a Pepsi in the other, a scorecard in his pocket, and a smile on his face.

He had been hospitalized following a series of strokes. Despite the current pandemic he was able to have loving family at his bedside at the time of his passing.

Kent was born July 11, 1941 in Pontiac, Michigan to Howard Sutton York, Jr. and Teresa Frances Felice. After his parents divorced, Teresa married Jack Croasdell. The family Read More

ROBERT WILLIFORD III Oct. 10, 1954 – April 27, 2021

Robert Williford III, age 66, passed away April 27, 2021 after a very courageous battle from a lengthy illness.

Even though a failing illness took him away from this world, his loving heart left a beacon of light for all in the community as his loving caring soul is welcomed into the arms of his loving Savior.

Bob, as many knew him by, was born Oct. 10, 1954 in Belhaven, NC to Robert L. Williford II and Mary Jane Bulluck.

Bob is survived by his loving sister Elizabeth (Liz) Oden and partner Jim Peck of Cushing, Maine, brothers, Bill Williford and wife, Eva, Read More

BARBARA LISTON Feb. 28, 1956 – April 22, 2021

Barbara Liston was a beloved matriarch and a bad-ass spitfire. She was kind and thoughtful to others, but also fiercely protective of her family and loved ones. A lioness protecting her cubs is the image that comes to my mind.

Anyone that had the pleasure of knowing Barb knew that her petite frame gracefully concealed a woman full of tremendous strength, vigor, and resilience.

Barbara bartended at local bars in Los Alamos, NM to provide for her two sons, Michael and Nathan. She spent her life working with incredible ethics and integrity to make sure her Read More

EDNA EARLINE MCKEE Oct. 30, 1928 – April 21, 2021 

It is with great sadness, Edna Earline McKee, has passed. 

Born Oct. 30, 1928, Earline was a resident of Cottonwood for many years. She is formerly from Los Alamos, New Mexico, where she worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Edna is preceded in death by husband Vanhoozer, daughter Brenda and son Martin and dear friend Ross Calvin.

She is survived by three children, Stanton (Janice) of Oregon, Letitia of California and Timothy (Diane) of New Mexico; seven grandchildren Kenneth, Sharlean, Alicia, Adams, April, Amy and Denise, four great grandchildren. Read More

BEA WILKINSON Sept. 16, 1918 – April 10, 2021

Bertha (Metz) Wilkinson died on April 10, 2021, in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

She was known as Nai Nai or Mum to her family and Bea to her friends. She lived the past 21 years in Los Alamos near, and then with, her son and daughter-in-law, Rich and Mary Pat Kraemer.

But her journey to Los Alamos was far from ordinary. She was born in Saskatchewan, Canada, on a remote farm so rural her birth certificate lists her birthplace as “Sec.3, Tp23, Rge 24, W2nd.” Her Mother died when Bea was 12, and as the oldest child she became “mother” to her 4 siblings. 

She told tales Read More

JOANNA JAVORSKY Sept. 26, 1939 – April 16, 2021

Joanna Javorsky was born on September 26, 1939 and died from long term poor health on April 16, 2021 at 4:55 p.m. in Los Alamos Medical Center. Her loving husband Charles, their son Peter, and dear friend Loraine were with her.

She is survived by her husband, son and brother-in-law Frank and his wife.

Joanna spent her early years in Gary, Indiana, with her father and mother Larry and Esther Castle. They moved to Spokane, Washington, where Joanna completed junior and senior high school. She was an excellent trumpet player, achieving first chair Read More

ALLEN MARTINEZ Feb. 7, 1945 – April 14, 2021

Allen Martinez, 76, loving Husband, Father, Brother, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Friend, and well-known businessman, passed away on April 14, 2021, in Rio Rancho, NM.

Allen was well-known for his building and remodeling business, Al-Con Building and Remodeling that he owned and operated for 43 years in the Los Alamos area. His son has been operating the business since Allen’s retirement.

Allen, his wife Connie and their three children moved to Los Alamos in 1973. After retiring, Allen and Connie moved to Rio Rancho in 2015.

Allen enjoyed fishing, Read More

PASCUAL P. CHAVEZ Nov. 29, 1923 – May 5, 2020

Our beloved patriarch Pascual P. Chavez of Los Alamos, N.M., was called to Our Lord May 5, 2020 at the age of 96.

Pascual was preceded in death by his wife and best friend of 71 years, Margaret Antia (Geoffrion) Chavez, his parents Adolfo and Susan Chavez of Las Vegas, N.M., mother- and father-in-law, Alfonso and Ellen Geoffrion also of Las Vegas, brothers Mariano and Adolfo ‘Babe’ Chavez, brother-in-law Billy Geoffrion, his infant daughter Mary Ellen Chavez, sons Mitchell, Nicholas, and Mark Chavez, daughter Annette Chavez-Aragon, son-in-law Joe Read More

ALBERT SCHOOLCRAFT April 1, 1927 – March 29, 2021

Albert Schoolcraft was born April 1, 1927 in Albuquerque, NM and passed away March 29, 2021 in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

Albert enlisted in the Navy in 1945 and was honorably discharged in 1952. He worked as a vacuum leak detection specialist at the Los Alamos National Laboratory for 45 years and, after retiring, returned for another 15 years. Albert also taught others, participating in seminars across the country.

Albert took pride in having a manicured lawn and enjoyed planting flowers, trout fishing, reading and watching classic movies. Albert Read More

DELLA LUCILLE HONSINGER Feb. 27, 1915 – April 8, 2021

Della Lucille (Whitley) Honsinger died on April 8, 2021, in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

She was 106 years old, having been born on the family homestead in the Okanogan valley of North Central Washington state on February 27, 1915.

She was known as “Lucille” or “Lucy”, and became the central figure in a large extended family, remarkable for its involvement in community, spread over the Western United States, from Washington to Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico. 

Her descendants included librarians, nurses, attorneys, architects, Read More

MAUREEN O’DEA HOLLANDER April 29, 1953 – April 8, 2021

Maureen “Missy” O’Dea Hollander, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother passed away on Thursday, April 8, 2021 in Rio Rancho, NM due to complications from her heart conditions.

Missy was born April 29, 1953 to Dr. Hugh B. Woodward and wife Aileen in Rochester, NY, subsequently moving to Albuquerque, NM. She graduated from Highland High School in 1971, and obtained her BS in Nursing from the University of New Mexico in 1975.

She married her High School sweetheart on August 12, 1972 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Albuquerque, NM. Read More

BETTY OLIPHANT Dec. 4, 1930 – April 6, 2021

Betty Oliphant, 90, passed away on April 6, 2021 in Portland, Oregon after having struggled for many months with the aftereffects of contracting COVID.

She was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Whitney Hall Efferson and Gladys Efferson on December 4, 1930.

The last surviving member of the six Efferson children, Betty is survived by her husband of 70 years, Thomas Oliphant; daughters Cathy Kernodle (and husband Gary Kernodle) of Portland, Oregon and San Antonio, Texas; Carol Salesky of Lubbock, Texas; and Julie Oliphant of Santa Rosa, New Mexico; as Read More

SUSAN M. WOY Aug. 6, 1946 – March 17, 2021

Susan M. Woy, of Albuquerque, born August 6, 1946, passed away on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 after a fight with pneumonia, with loved ones by her side.

She leaves behind her husband Rod, daughters Heather and Alissa, son Jimmy and 7 grandchildren, brothers Gary (Sue) Tubb of Seabrook, TX, John (Pat) Tubb of White Rock, NM, and sister Karen (Garry) Bryant of Edgewood, NM.

She was preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Dorothy Tubb and her son Roy Neil.

She was a graduate of Los Alamos High School and was active in the Order of Rainbow for Girls. She attended Read More

URSULA (USCHI) SANDERS Jan. 11, 1944 – March 28, 2021

Beloved by her family and friends, Ursula Sanders died Sunday March 28, 2021 of complications from her medical conditions.

Ursula is survived by her stepson Stephen Sanders and his wife Fran Sanders, both of Santa Fe, NM.  Ursula’s only other relative is her sister Marian who still lives in Germany.

Ursula was born in Berlin on January 11, 1944 and moved to Santa Fe in 1981. She was married to Benjamin Sanders for twenty years and they were active in the Santa Fe Community.

Ursula, herself, was active in the Women’s Golf Assn, an Opera Guild Member, Read More

MARY MERRILL ST. JOHN ZEMACH Dec. 5, 1930 – Feb. 26, 2021

Mary Merrill St. John Zemach passed away of natural causes at her home on February 26, 2021, a few weeks after her 63rd wedding anniversary, with her husband by her side.

Mary was born on December 5, 1930, in Honolulu, Hawaii, where she studied hula dancing, collected insects (including a cockroach deemed worthy of admission to the Bishop Museum), worked in the pineapple fields during WWII, and didn’t wear shoes until 7th grade, and only then because it was required by the marching band, in which she played flute.

Mary left Hawaii upon graduation Read More

THOMAS MICHAEL PANOWSKI 1944 – 2021

It is with sadness that we announce the death of Thomas Michael Panowski. He died at the age of 76.

He grew up and lived in Los Alamos until he left for college where he graduated from New Mexico State University with majors in journalism and electrical engineering.

He was able to do some very interesting work tracking satellites in Kwajalein Atoll during work/study programs at NMSU in the early 1960’s.

Tom was a great big brother, initiating games such as “chair tag”, and the rope swing around the big tree in our back yard. He was the adventurer in the family – Read More

RONDA JONES Nov. 4, 1959 – March 23, 2021

Ronda Jones, 61, of Los Alamos, passed away on March 23, 2021. Her final days were spent surrounded by family.

Ronda was a free spirit. She loved to play her fiddle and make music with her friends. Attending bluegrass festivals and outdoor camping were some of her favorite things. Known by her friends as “mama bear,” she was always there when one needed help.

Ronda was born on November 4, 1959, in Gary, Indiana, and grew up in Los Alamos where she enjoyed skiing and learned to play the piano. After graduating from LAHS in 1977, she attended the University of New Read More

DAVID C. BUCKLAND (date withheld at request of family)

This world has truly lost a bright light with the recent passing of David Buckland.

David loved life and his passions made him a gifted musician (Blackjack Davey); a truly dedicated, compassionate teacher (Mr. B); an avid, enthusiastic skier (the Purple Haze); a steadfast ally to his friends (Davey); a thoroughly delighted pal with his first ever pup Lexie; and the most loving, supportive, playmate, lover and best friend to his wife TJ who adored him beyond words. 

His optimism, enthusiasm for life and generous nature flowed through his Read More

CARL JOHNSON March 22, 2021

Carl Johnson, Jr., 90, of Los Alamos passed away on March 22,2021.

He was proceeded in death by his wife Dorothy Johnson and his parents Carl Sr. and Ida Johnson.

Carl was born in Dolomite, Alabama. He served in the United States Air Force and later worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

He was full of life and loved to joke with people and enjoyed quail and turkey hunting.

Carl is survived by his granddaughter Crystal Zamir and her husband Khalil.

He was a devout Catholic and was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Los Alamos. Read More

DESIREE RUTH (TAFOYA) ST. ONGE July 22, 1966 – March 18, 2021

Desiree Ruth (Tafoya) St. Onge was born July 22, 1966 and passed away March 18, 2021 at the age of 54.

Services will be held on Saturday April 10, 2021 at 12:00pm at San Juan Bautista Chapel in San Juan Pueblo, 1 Church Cir., San Juan Pueblo, NM 87566.

We will be gathering after church services to share some of our favorite memories, our stories, to laugh, to cry, and remember a wonderful person who will be greatly missed, 26 Private Road 1149, Española, NM 87532 – La Mesilla area. Read More

ROBERTA MARIE CUNNINGHAM STRAIGHT Sept. 7, 1940 – March 22, 2021

Roberta “Bobbye” Straight was born on September 7, 1940 in Amarillo, Texas and came with her family to Oklahoma where she grew up.

She graduated from Bartlesville’s College High School as a National Merit Scholar in 1958, received a Bachelor’s Degree from Kansas University in Lawrence, Kansas in 1962 and a Master’s Degree in English from Arizona University in Tucson, Arizona in 1967.

While attending KU, Bobbye married her husband of 59 years, Dr. James (Jim) William Straight, also from Bartlesville, OK, on August 12, 1961. The Read More

LORI HEIMDAHL GIBSON June 4, 1946 – March 20, 2021

Lori Heimdahl Gibson has begun satisfying her curiosity about the spiritual universe beyond this world.  While here, she was a “full spectrum human being.” Her Viking heritage was evident in her sense of adventure, her strength, and her courage. She was also known as “Walks with Open Heart.” She loved everyone, especially young people.

Born into a railroad family in Havre, MT, she then lived much of her young and early adult years in central Minnesota. She loved athletics and the outdoors. She excelled at high jumping, running, water skiing, racquetball, Read More

KRYSTI MICHELLE HERNANDEZ Jan. 8, 1971 – March 11, 2021

Krysti Michelle Hernandez, a resident of White Rock, passed away at home on March 11, 2021 after a lengthy illness. She was born on January 8, 1971.

Krysti enjoyed the outdoors including water skiing, jet skiing, downhill snow skiing, horseback riding, camping, and fishing. She was a lover of all animals, especially her beloved cat Wally who preceded her in death two weeks before her passing.

Krysti will be remembered for her beautiful smile and soft and loving heart. She received the sacrament of baptism one week prior to her passing. She Read More