Obituaries

ROSCOE FAUSSONE June 25, 1927 – March 2, 2021

Roscoe Faussone, 93, left this world on March 2, 2021.

Roscoe was born on June 25, 1927 to Mary (DeJulio) and Tony Faussone in Montrose, Colorado. After graduating from Montrose High School, Roscoe moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico and worked for Los Alamos National Laboratory in the materials technology department.

After losing his first wife, Anita, Roscoe married his longtime neighbor, Martha Hume, also recently widowed, on January 2, 1981. Martha had four children which became Roscoe’s family when they married. Roscoe retired from the Lab in 1984 Read More

PATRICIA STARKEY March 22, 1929 – March 17, 2020

One year ago on March 17, 2020, Patricia (Pat) L. Starkey died from natural causes. 

Pat was born on March 22, 1929 to Lila and Nile McFarren. As a child she was raised on an orange grove in Anaheim, CA and loved spending time with her grandmother. As a young woman she studied music and sang at the USO and even produced a record. 

In 1946, Pat married LeRoy (Roy) Starkey. They started their life in Balboa, California and in 1965 they moved to Los Alamos. Pat started a small business named Originals by Patricia and she created beautiful trees and floral decorations. Read More

JOANNE M. RUPPRECHT Jan. 21, 1934 – March 11, 2021

Joanne Rupprecht, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on March 11th after losing her battle with Multiple Myeloma. 

Joanne was born in Detroit, Michigan to the late Howard and Kathleen Moore.

She was preceded in death by sisters Carolyn (Erickson) of Albuquerque, twins Mary and Martha Moore of Los Alamos, and Niece Karen Erickson of Santa Fe.

Joanne graduated from Berkley High School in Berkley, Michigan in 1952. She worked as a cashier at a local telephone company for a few years before meeting her late former husband. Read More

MARGARET “PEGGY” LOURAINE SHEMEK

Margaret “Peggy” Louraine Shemek, Nov. 24, 1933, passed away on January 11, 2021 in Albuquerque, NM.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis E. Shemek.

She was an avid Rock hound for the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show for numerous years. She was an active member of the Potawatomi Nation.

She is survived by her daughter Lorre Bice and spouse Joe, NM, her daughter Catherine Shemek, NM, and her son Robert Shemek and wife Dr. Julia Shemek, Tucson, AZ.

A memorial and scattering of her ashes will be scheduled in the future per Peggy’s final wish. Read More

DOROTHY ALICE HOOKER Feb. 11, 1935 – Feb, 27, 2021

Dorothy Alice Hooker, age 86. Loving, supportive mother and wife. Born on February 11, 1935, passed February 27, 2021.

She was known for her upbeat energy, kind soul, generosity, and abundance of unconditional love to all those around her. She enjoyed playing tennis, going to karaoke with her husband and all their friends.

Robert and Dot were married 66 years and shared a life of undying love together.

Dot is survived by her husband, Robert Hooker; son, Joseph Hooker; brother-in-law, Richard Hooker; nieces, Pamela Armstrong and Athena Theodosis, Read More

RICHARD L. WARREN Nov. 4, 1931 – Dec. 12, 2020

Richard Lee (Dick) Warren, resident of Green Valley, Arizona, passed away at his home Dec. 12, 2020, following a battle with COVID-19. Although family was unable to be with him due to the pandemic, Southern Arizona Home Care employees, who had provided loving and competent home care, were with him as he passed.

Richard Warren was the eldest son of Dr. Aubrey W. and Zetha M. (Hendrickson) Warren of Sutherland, Nebraska. After graduating from Sutherland High School, he attended Nebraska Wesleyan University, worked as a signal electrician for the railroad, Read More

STAN PRIMAK March 3, 1951 – Feb. 27, 2021

Stan Primak, of Los Alamos, died February 27, 2021 of Frontotemporal Dementia and COVID-19 complications.

Stan had a life well-lived. He loved and was loved. He discovered his passions and purpose. He shared it with others.

He was born in Summit, NJ, to John and Irene Primak, and grew up in Basking Ridge, NJ, alongside his younger brother, Steve.

In high school he met Joan, and it was there and then that their lives became one. They had their first daughter at 17, married at age 20, packed their bags, and headed west. Fort Collins, CO was home for six years and where Read More

THERESA ELLEN GLASCOCK Oct. 27, 1934 – Feb. 26, 2021

It is with great sadness that the family of Theresa “Terry” Ellen Glascock (Starkey) announces her passing on February 26, 2021 after a brief illness.

Terry was born to Colonel Benjamin and Carrie (Carter) Starkey in Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii on October 27, 1934. Because her father was in the Army Air Corps, the family moved frequently throughout her childhood, finally settling in Albuquerque, NM.

Terry graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1952. She then attended the University of NM where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Read More

MARY DUFOUR July 9, 1931 – Feb. 17, 2021

Mary Dufour passed away on February 17, 2021, in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, at the age of 89.

Mary was born on July 9, 1931 in Houtzdale, Pennsylvania, to George and Margaret Gallo. She attended Moshannon Mirror High School in Madera, Pennsylvania. She married Jules Dufour on September 18, 1947, in Houtzdale, Pennsylvania, and they were married for 63 beautiful years.

Mary and Jules moved to Los Alamos, NM, in 1950 and raised their family. Mary worked at a gift store for 20 years and was a manager for 15 of those years.

Jules and Mary were founding members of Bethlehem Read More

SARA M. CREAMER Oct. 15, 1939 – Feb. 20, 2021

Sara M. Creamer, passed away peacefully in her home in White Rock, NM Saturday Feb. 20, 2021 after a long illness, her loving children surrounding her. She was 81 years old and a resident of White Rock since 1976.

Sara was born Oct. 15, 1939 in Dayton, Ohio. In 1968, she married the love of her life, Laurence (Larry) Creamer, and together they relocated to Los Alamos, NM where they remained and happily raised a loving family.

Sara served in many different positions in her life, she was an Administrative Assistant, a wife, a mother, and most importantly, a dedicated Read More

EMILY MCGAY May 20, 1947 – Feb. 18, 2021

Emily McGay of Los Alamos, New Mexico, passed away the evening of February 18, 2021 following a long illness.

Emily is mourned by all who were privileged to know her. She is adored and missed by her soul mate, husband and partner of thirty years, Roger Waterman, her twin sister, Dorothea, “Dottie” McGay of Virginia and her children, Carrie and Jason Ferguson of Oklahoma City, OK, Maralie Waterman of Albuquerque, Mike and Marti Osborn of Sahuarita, AZ and Rick and Kim Osborn of Boerne, TX.

She was much loved sister and aunt to Kent and Linda Waterman of Colorado Read More

ROYCE M. KJOSA Nov. 14, 1939 – Feb. 16, 2021

Royce M. Kjosa, Lt Col., Ret. USAF of Lubbock, Texas died February 16, 2021 and was born November 14, 1939, in Webster, South Dakota.

He retired from the USAF and was Administrator at Sombrillo Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Los Alamos, NM.

He is survived by; his wife of 55 years, Jackie (Evans) Kjosa, 2 sons; David E Kjosa of El Paso, and Jon A Kjosa & wife, Lissa (Haggard) Kjosa, and 2 grandsons; Katon & Brek all of Lubbock.

He leaves behind many in-laws, nieces, nephews & friends.

Online condolences may be offered at www.resthavenfuneralhome.com Read More

BEVERLY EUGENIA SIGLOCK Jan. 29, 1937 – Feb. 16, 2021

Beverly Eugenia Siglock passed into the Lords hands surrounded by family on Tuesday February 16th of natural age-related causes.

Beverly Eugenia Siglock was born on January 29, 1937 in Sand Springs, Oklahoma to Clark and Virginia Seay. Six days after her birth, her parents were diagnosed with Tuberculosis and were moved to a Tuberculosis sanitarium for 4 years.

During this timeframe Beverly was cared for by family relatives in Pawhuska, OK, the Wells family. Beverly always considered this timeframe as a blessing as her early upbringing Read More

ERIC WILLIAM LYNCH Dec. 13, 1958 – Jan. 27, 2021

Eric Lynch of White Rock died peacefully at Lovelace Heart Hospital in Albuquerque on Jan. 27, 2021, after suffering cardiac arrest.

Born on Dec. 13, 1958 in Bristol, Pa., he lived in Pennsylvania, Florida, Ohio and Michigan before arriving in New Mexico. He excelled in school sports and quickly adapted to hunting, fishing, river rafting, hiking and camping in his new environment.

He graduated from Los Alamos High School, the University of New Mexico, and Pierce College, Washington, where he specialized in Dental Technology.

His career included Read More

BRUCE JOSEPH MEYER Dec. 29, 1952 – Dec. 25, 2020

Bruce Joseph Meyer, 67, died at his home in Sahuarita, Arizona on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2020 from complications related to COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.)

Bruce was born Dec. 29, 1952 in Faulkton, South Dakota to Kenneth and Katherine (Gebhart) Meyer.

Growing up, Bruce was very curious about “how things work” and always kept the household lively, tinkering with bicycles, engines, magnets, optics, taxidermy, and no doubt several “hidden” projects.

He was very active in high school activities: band, chorus, dance band, science Read More

KENT PEGG Feb. 23, 1964 – Feb. 11, 2021

Kent Pegg, of Los Alamos, NM died unexpectedly February 11, 2021, twelve days short of his 57th birthday.

Kent was born in Canton, Ohio to Jerry and Judy Pegg. As a young boy, Kent grew up on his grandparent’s lake house in Canton, Ohio. He loved boating and playing baseball and football. He attended the Canton Country Day School, Central Catholic High School, and he graduated from Kent State University Suma Cum Laude.

Kent was a highly intelligent well-educated man. He had two Engineering degrees and one history degree and an extremely high IQ. He was very versatile Read More

ANTONIO J. LUJAN Oct. 8, 1935 – Feb. 8, 2021

Antonio (Tony) J. Lujan, 85, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 8th, 2021, at his home surrounded by his wife, Rose, daughter Bernadette and son-in-law Rick, granddaughters Elysha and husband Bobby Bustos and Sasha Quintana.

Tony was born in Española, New Mexico on October 8th, 1935 to Sevedeo and Acension Lujan. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sevedeo and Acension, older siblings Martha and Toby who died as children.

Also, preceding him in death, sister Cordelia Long, brothers Noe, Benny, and Felix Lujan. In-laws Paul and Ernestine Read More

MACO STEWART IV 1955 – Jan. 29, 2021

Maco Stewart passed away peacefully from cardiac arrest at his home in Los Alamos, New Mexico, Friday, Jan. 29, 2021. He was 65 years old.

Maco was born in 1955 in Austin, Texas, to Maco Stewart III and Ina Backman Stewart. After his parents’ divorce, his mother lived in New York City, and his father in Texas, giving him a broad experience of his country. He graduated from the Riverdale Country School in the Bronx, and then from Wesleyan University.

Always a seeker, Maco studied meditation and Eastern religion at ashrams in New York, India, and many other places. Read More

EVAN BALLARD Dec. 28, 2020

My warrior husband Evan, age 76, started his next adventure without me as he passed into Eternity Dec. 28, 2020.

He was a resident of Los Alamos for 47 years, but was born and raised in southern Utah. He attended Utah State University where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked at the Hanford Nuclear Facility for five years and obtained his Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering along with his Professional Engineering license before moving to Los Alamos to work at LANL. Evan enjoyed his 32 years of employment at LANL before retiring Read More

DOYLE DENTON SIMES Aug. 6, 1930 – Feb. 4, 2021

Beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather, Doyle Denton Simes, 90, of Los Alamos, New Mexico passed away Feb. 4, 2021.

Doyle was interred at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 2:15 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 11. Funeral arrangements were handled by the Rivera Funeral Home.

Doyle was born in Piqua, Ohio Aug. 6, 1930. After serving in the United States Air Force, he worked in the City Planning Division for the city of Lubbock, Texas where he met Betty Pickett. The two were married Oct. 12, 1957 for 59 years until Betty’s death in 2016.

Doyle worked for Los Alamos Read More

TRACY A. FOWLER March 18, 1969 – Feb. 4, 2021

Our beloved son, brother, father, grandfather, and nephew, Tracy A. Fowler passed away suddenly and unexpectedly Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021 at the age of 51.

Tracy was born March 18, 1969 in Albuquerque, NM. In 1973 he moved to Berkley, CA with his parents and then to Los Alamos, NM in 1975. Feb. 15, 1978 Tracy was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes.

From 1978 to 1985 he spent time at the American Diabetes Association Summer Camp for kids and the last two summers as a counselor.

In his younger years Tracy played little league baseball, was a Cub and Boy Scout, and spent Read More

SHARON E. SMITH March 5, 1950 – Oct. 20, 2020

Sharon E. Smith, 1950-2020, died unexpectedly at home Oct. 20, 2020. 

Sharon was born March 5, 1950, to Hiel K. (Jimmy/Snuffy) Smith and Mildred E. Smith (nee Martens) at Las Vegas, NM, where she lived and attended school. She always considered herself “a Vegas girl” with all the attitude and spunk that connoted.

She was a graduate of Robertson High School and earned a BA degree from New Mexico Highlands University, then went on to the University of Texas at Austin for graduate school in library science. She worked at libraries in Ohio and Texas, and eventually Read More

DAVID MALLIN LEE JR Jan. 23, 2021 

David Mallin Lee Jr, 53, of Placitas, NM died suddenly on January 23, 2021 while visiting his parents in Santa Fe, NM.

David was born the first child to his parents David M Lee and Judith S Lee in Charlottesville, VA. After moving to Los Alamos in 1971, he graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1985 and went on to get his Bachelor of Science degree from University of California at Riverside in 1989 and his Master of Science degree from California State University, Northridge in 1995.

In high school he excelled in sports and skiing, most notably the varsity soccer team. Read More

ANN MARIE TOWNSEND WALLACE Jan. 18, 2021

Ann Marie Townsend Wallace passed to her Heavenly Father on January 18, 2021.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jerry Wallace, former Group Leader at the Meson Physics Facility.

She is survived by her three children, Kerry Wallace of Pavillion, Wyoming, Joni Wallace of Tucson, Arizona, David Wallace of Saratoga, Wyoming, and seven grandchildren. 

Ann was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many. An accomplished musician, she taught piano in Los Alamos for many years, later changing her career to nursing. 

She subsequently Read More

GAIL VICTORIA (WILSON) LONDON Dec. 18, 1946 – Jan. 28, 2021

Gail Victoria (Wilson) London, 74, returned to her heavenly home on January 28, 2021.

Her turn on earth began on December 18, 1946 in Portland, Ore., as the eldest of six children of Dean and Elva Wilson. She grew up in Los Alamos, NM where she met and married Ralph London in 1965 and soon settled in Albuquerque to raise their five children.

A devoted member of the LDS church for 40+ years, Gail lived her faith and dedicated her life to the service of others. She touched many lives through her frequent quiet acts of generosity and genuine love of Read More

KASEY CRAWFORD Sept. 6, 1946 – Jan. 26, 2021

Kasey Crawford, a long-time resident of Bloomfield, NM entered eternal rest on January 26 in Albuquerque, NM after battling heart and kidney failure.

Kasey is survived by her husband, Terry Crawford; her sister, Robin Wheeler; her aunt, Betty Conrad; her cousins, Katrina Conrad-King, Susan Fleming, Karen Burch, Sharen Lindberg, Dale Farrar, her sisters-in-law, Sharon Stiffler and Alta Sue (Tom) Radke; her children, Brandon (Beverly) Fredenburg, Jeffrey (Tammie) Fredenburg, Kristin (Erik) Hansen; her stepchildren, Tim (Christina) Crawford, Read More

BARBARA VAN VLEET Dec. 19, 2020

Barbara Van Vleet, 88, of Albuquerque and formerly of Los Alamos, New Mexico (lived in Los Alamos over 40 years) and Tyrone, New Mexico, passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 19, 2020.

She was born in Seattle, Washington as an only child to Warren and Viola Keith who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her son Dennis Hoak.

Barbara is survived by her daughter Star Tierra (her husband David), her son Richard Hoak, and her daughter Cary Christoff (her husband Brad). She is also survived by grandchildren Tessa (David), Terry (Nicole), Megan, Read More

DENNIS ALYN HOAK May 20, 2020

Dennis Alyn Hoak, 66, of Anchorage, Alaska, and formerly of Los Alamos, New Mexico, passed away on May 20, 2020.

He was born in Bremerton, Washington to Lester and Barbara Hoak who survived him in death. His mother, Barbara, later passed away on December 19, 2020.

Dennis is also survived by his sister Star Tierra (her husband David), his brother Richard Hoak, and his sister Cary Christoff (her husband Brad).  He is also survived by nieces Tessa (David), Megan, Brenda (Chris), and Molly, nephews Terry (Nicole) and Kiel, and 9 grand nieces and nephews. 

Dennis was active Read More

ROLAND CASPERSEN Dec. 16, 1936 – Jan. 3, 2021

A man of intellectual curiosity, laughter, love and friendship left earth Sunday, January 3, 2021, to join the heavenly hosts. He struggled with cancer for two years.

He was born to Roy and Astrid Caspersen on December 16, 1936, in Oslo, Norway. Worried about the war clouds looming over Europe, in January 1940, Roland’s grandfather, William Caspersen, joined his American born daughter, Astrid, in New York to prepare a new home in the United States.

Roland and his grandmother, Dagmar Caspersen, were to come in mid-April. Germany invaded Norway on April Read More

BARBARA (GRIEGO) JAMES Feb. 10, 1957 – Jan. 10, 2021

Barbara (Griego) James of Visalia, California passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 10, 2021 at the young age of 63.

Barbara was born on February 10, 1957 in Anchorage, Alaska. She grew up in Los Alamos, NM and graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1975.

She is preceded in death by her daughter Marie Johnson, parents David and Mary Griego, brother Don Griego and sister Rosanne Griego Kincaid.

Barbara retired from Visalia Unified School District in July, 2020 after 25 years of service. She was looking forward to traveling with her husband Read More

LOYAL DEAN ‘BEN’ BENHAM Jan. 8, 2021

Loyal Dean “Ben” Benham passed away January 8th, 2021 from heart failure in Corvallis, Oregon.

Ben was preceded by his beloved wife Millie. 

He is survived by his sons Tom and Jeff. Ben was a strong, caring supporter of his extended family and friends, and lover of the outdoors.

Ben was born in northern Minnesota, though he spent most of his youth in Washington state, working on farms and rebuilding cars even before he could drive. 

Ben and Millie met in Las Vegas while he was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base. When he was transferred to Spain, Millie followed, and Read More

HELEN ARCHULETA Aug. 15, 1939 – Jan. 3, 2021

Our beloved Helen Archuleta, 81 took her final breath on January 3, 2021, after a long battle with COVID-19. Surrounded by true heroes—the amazing health care workers and staff of Los Alamos Medical Center—who worked day in and day out risking their lives fighting to save hers.

Although it will be hard to fathom this earthly world without Helen physically here, she is now at eternal peace with God who led her spirit home to heaven and lives on in all those who had the pleasure of knowing her. 

Helen leaves behind the love of her life, Videlio “Phil” Archuleta Read More

JOHN ERIC RUNDBERG – May 13, 1986-Jan. 8, 2021

John Eric Rundberg, a resident of Socorro, New Mexico, died unexpectedly on Friday, January 8th in Santa Fe, New Mexico at the age of 34.

He was born May 13, 1986 in Los Alamos, New Mexico, the second of three children born to Bob and Ginger Rundberg. He grew up in Los Alamos, where he attended Los Alamos High School, played club rugby, and taught swimming lessons as a lifeguard at Canyon Vista Pool in White Rock.

He attended New Mexico Tech in Socorro, where he became involved with Pygmy Rugby, first as a player and later as the team’s unofficial photographer. Read More

JOSHUA DAVID MIKO Dec. 26, 2003 – Jan. 9, 2021

Joshua David Miko was born on December 26, 2003 and was called back to heaven at the age of 17 on January 9, 2021.

He died doing what he loved – camping.

Josh is the son of David and Janice Miko and was born and raised in Los Alamos.

Josh was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Joseph Miko; maternal grandparents, Charles and Barbara Heise; and uncle, Richard Heise.

He is survived by his parents; sister, Rebecca Miko; grandmother, Dolores Miko; and many other relatives and friends.

Josh was very active in the community, being a long-standing member Read More

LORING COX, JR. April 24, 1919 – Dec. 29, 2020

Loring Cox, Jr. was born on April 24, 1919 to Thomas Loring Cox and Araminta (Ninnie) Cox in Birch River, West Virginia. He grew up on a farm in rural West Virginia, back when rural meant very basic, as one of ten children.

After finishing school, he started working at a law firm, but soon had an opportunity to get a job with the federal government, which paid better and had more job security.

At the outbreak of World War II, he was stationed in Bermuda. He volunteered for the Army Air Corps, much to the displeasure of his boss. He wasn’t able to qualify as a pilot Read More