Obituaries

MARIA “MARY” ELLA BUCKLAND July 24, 2017

Maria “Mary” Ella Buckland, 90, long time Los Alamos resident died July 24, 2017 at her home.

She was born and lived in Las Vegas, New Mexico for 17 years and came to Los Alamos to work for the U.S. Army Engineers in August, 1945. She met her future husband, Carl W. Buckland, at a dance at Theater #2 and as Carl would say, “That was the end of that story.” They soon fell in love and were married on August 1946. They remained in Los Alamos and Mary Ella enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom raising their four children and doing volunteer work for church, schools, and community. Read More

TREVOR MICHAEL MATUSZAK Aug. 10, 1997 – July 24, 2017

Trevor Michael Matuszak, 19, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 24, 2017 while hiking in the White Rock Canyon.

He was born August 10, 1997 in Jackson, Tennessee, later moving to Santa Fe and finally to Los Alamos in 2004. Trevor graduated from Los Alamos High School in 2015 and was about to start his junior year at New Mexico State University, studying Athletic Training.

Trevor was a very caring, fun-loving happy young adult that was a joy to have around. He touched the lives of many and was a blessing to have in this world. Everyone that knew Read More

MEREDITH MADSEN MATLACK Oct. 9, 1921 – July 9, 2017

Meredith Madsen Matlack died at her home in Los Alamos, New Mexico early on the morning of July 9, 2017. She was 95.

Meredith was born in Bartlesville, Oklahoma on Oct. 9, 1921, the firstborn child of Martin C. Madsen and Ethel Huffer. She met George Miller Matlack when they were chemistry majors at Grinnell College in Iowa, and they married in 1943. She worked as a blood technician to help him through his Ph.D at the University of Iowa. They moved to Los Alamos in 1949 with two toddler daughters, Nancy and Christine; their sons Martin and Allyn were born Read More

KENNETH L. GONZALES May 24, 1960 – July 9, 2017

Kenneth L. Gonzales, age 57, passed away on July 9, 2017 in El Paso, Texas.

Kenneth was born in Espanola, NM on May 24, 1960, and raised in Los Alamos, NM. He was a graduate of Los Alamos High School 1979 and entered into the Airforce after graduation.

Kenneth was a Supervisory Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer in El Paso at the time of his passing.  Supervisor Gonzales worked at the Port of El Paso at the Ysleta Bridge and was promoted to Supervisor in April of 2015.

He served honorably with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as well as the Read More

BARBARA ANN (HAYGOOD) JUSTICE Nov. 18, 1933 – July 2, 2017

Barbara Ann (Haygood) Justice, aged 83, passed away at her home in White Rock, NM, on July 2nd, 2017. She was with family at her passing.

Barbara was born November 18th, 1933, in Rensselaer, Indiana to Oren and Louise Haygood. She was one of 8 children. She married Dorwin Justice May 21st, 1955 at Lafayette, Indiana. They had two children, Robin (son) and Pamela (daughter). In 1965 the family moved to Albuquerque, and in 1968 they moved to Los Alamos.

Barbara managed convenience stores for 7-11 Company, Brewer Oil, and the San Ildefonso Pueblo. Read More

BENERITO ‘BENNY’ CORDOVA Jan. 18, 1924 – July 6, 2017

​Benerito ‘Benny’ Cordova, known as Benny, was born on Jan. 18, 1924 and raised in Truchas, NM. Went on to be with the Lord on July 6, 2017.

He was preceded in death by his parents Maximano and Galacia Cordova; brothers, Alberto and Ernesto Cordova; sister, Sarafina Cordova; daughters, Sarah and Isabel Cordova, and many grandchildren.

Benny is survived by his wife Isabel Cordova; sons, Sammy (Irma) Cordova, Ross Cordova, Medardo Cordova (Betty), Bobby (Carol) Cordova; daughters, Cecilia (Sam) Gonzales, Kathey (Rick) Montoya, Susan Abeyta, Read More

STELLA TRUJILLO Feb. 1, 1947 – July 9, 2017

Our beloved, Stella Trujillo, 70, passed away on Sunday, July 9, 2017 surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Stella was preceded in death by her parents, Jose and Ida Trujillo; and brother, Ernie Trujillo. Stella will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by her husband, Tony Trujillo; daughter, Susie Trujillo-Martinez (Dominic), son, Ronald Trujillo (Peggy); grandchildren, Amanda Quintana (Allen), Victoria Trujillo and Ariana Trujillo; siblings, Henry Trujillo (Margarita), Maria-Rae Desmond (Reggie), Santiago Read More

GEOFFREY B. MILLS July 31, 1955 – July 3, 2017

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Geoffrey B. Mills announces his passing on July 3, 2017 after a truly courageous 18 month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Geoff is preceded in death by his father, Frederick Eugene III. He is survived by Ellen, his wife of 39 years, his sons Jonathan and Alex of Albuquerque, his mother Joyanne of Oro Valley, Arizona, and his sister Debbie and his brother Dan, both of Illinois.

Geoff was born in Ithaca, New York on July 31, 1955. Soon after the family moved to Madison, Wisconsin where Read More

JOSEPH LIPPARD THOMPSON May 12, 1932 – June 8, 2017

The loving family of Joseph Lippard Thompson, 85, of White Rock, NM, reports that he peacefully passed away in his sleep at home Thursday, June 8, 2017 from a very sudden illness of only a few days.

Born May 12, 1932 in Newport News, VA, Joe was raised in Virginia and served in the U.S. Army as a 1st Lieutenant in Georgia. ​He earned a BS in Chemistry from Virginia Tech, followed by a PhD in Radiochemistry from Penn State. He taught chemistry for 17 years at Idaho State University in Pocatello, ID where he raised his family.

After testing out the surroundings Read More

KATHLEEN F. WITTE Nov. 9, 1937 – June 24, 2017

Kathleen F. Witte, 79, of Santa Barbara, CA, passed away June 24, 2017 at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, CA. She was born Nov. 9, 1937 to Catherine and Albert Halbing. She spent her career working at Los Alamos National Laboratory. After retirement, Kay moved to Santa Barbara to enjoy the weather and many outdoor activities.

Kay is survived by her children, Elise Conlee and Eric Witte; granddaughter, Zoe Conlee; brother, Robert Halbing (wife Peggy); nieces Christine Thompson, Patty Moore (Larry Dodson), Christy Cardec, Michelle Floyd (Pete), Read More

GAIL ROACH June 26, 2017

Gail Roach, 64, a resident of White Rock, passed away peacefully on Monday June 26th, 2017 after battling with cancer. Gail was a beautiful and loving person and will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her father, Kelly Blount, Sr., of Jemez  Springs; and nephew, William Horvath, of Carlsbad.

Gail retired from the Los Alamos National Laboratory after 13 years of service. She enjoyed being outdoors, camping, fishing, hunting, spending time at the lake, going to yard sales, and getting together with her book club.

Gail was an amazing Read More

BRUCE NOEL Sept. 13, 1934 – June 18, 2017

Bruce Noel departed this world from his home in Espanola, New Mexico on June 18, 2017.

Bruce was born in York, Pennsylvania on September 13, 1934. He began his working career as a bartender and truck driver there. Given the opportunity to start college at the age of 22, he completed his undergraduate studies at Drexel University in Philadelphia, received his M.S. at Case in Cleveland, and his Ph.D. in Electronics Engineering from UNM in Albuquerque while also working at Sandia Laboratories. For two years after he finished his doctorate he taught electrical Read More

TYLER ERIC (T-BONE) BONE Nov. 4, 1968 – June 19, 2017

Tyler Eric (T-Bone) Bone, 48, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 19, 2017 at his Los Alamos home.

He was born November 4, 1968 in Santa Fe, the son of Gerald and Candiace Bone. His father has preceded him in death. He leaves behind his mother, Candiace Bone; his fiance, Michelle Schaedel; uncle, Mr. & Mrs. Steven Bone and children; aunt, Paella & Douglas Anderson and children.

T-Bone was a man of honor, strength, and character. No other man came close to the most amazing man he became. We were all better for Tyler being a part of our lives. Read More

ANTHONY L. BEERY Feb. 17, 1963 – May 30, 2017

Anthony L. Beery (aka: Tony Beery and Tony Nahlee) passed away May 30, 2017 in an automobile wreck in Alamogordo, NM. He was born February 17, 1963 in Chicago, Illinois and had been residing in Albuquerque, NM.

He is preceded in death by his late sister Crystal A. Beery. He is survived by his biological father, Lawrence Tucker and mother, Peggy Nahlee Harrison. He is survived by his sister, Stacy Nahlee, and her children Crystal and Evelyn; and her grandchildren, Calista, Calina, and Ilijah. He is survived by adopted family: Jerome and Joyce Beery (parents); Read More

WILLIAM (BILL) HENRY MELOY Oct. 22, 1944 – June 17, 2017

William (Bill) Henry Meloy, 72, passed away on June 17, 2017. He was born in Enid, Oklahoma on October 22, 1944 to Jesse Henry and Jessie Lee (LaRue) Meloy. He graduated from Hobbs High School in Hobbs, New Mexico, and completed his degree in Business Administration from Western University, Silver City, New Mexico.

Bill was awarded a Purple Heart serving in the US Army as a medic during the Vietnam War. He was a certified pipefitter working for 30 years for the maintenance contractors for the Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Bill was an Read More

DAVID BRUCE HOLTKAMP April 16, 1954 – June 16, 2017

David Bruce Holtkamp departed this life on June 16, 2017 in Aurora, Colorado surrounded by his wife, Irma, their children, David Michael (Michele) and Kathryn Alicia “Katy” (Michael) and his dear friend and colleague Jeremy Payton. He was born on April 16, 1954 in Beaumont, Texas to William Edward and Betty Joyce (Hundley) Holtkamp, Jr.

David and Irma came to Los Alamos, NM in January of 1979 and have lived there for all but one year since then. They celebrated their 40^th wedding anniversary on May 28.

David is preceded in death by his parents and Read More

JOHN N. HORNE Feb. 15, 1963 – June 15, 2017

Los Alamos County Undersheriff John N. Horne, 54, died June 15, 2017 at his home in Los Alamos.

He leaves behind his loving father, John L. Horne; sister Deborah Barnes and her husband, James; nephew James Horne and family; aunts Susan Rerchert and Sharon Baljie; cousins Dianna Witle, Joann Tapert, Sharon Cooper, Jennifer Shiakallis, Susie Merlo and Christine Anderson, as well as countless friends, colleagues, law enforcement personnel throughout New Mexico and church brothers and sisters.

John was preceded in death by his grandparents, Joseph and Read More

BONNY L INGWERSON March 1, 1932 – June 15, 2017

Bonny L Ingwerson, 85 of Gering, Nebraska passed away Thursday, June 15, 2017 at Regional West Medical Center.

Her memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at 10:00 am at Central Church of Christ with Pastor Lyle Hinebauch officiating. Cremation was held and there will be no visitation. Memorials may be given to the Central Church of Christ for the use in the Mission Programs. Tributes of sympathy may be left at www.geringchapel.com. Gering Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Bonny was born a twin on March 1, 1932 in Gering, Read More

HARRY RHEINER WILLIAM EGDORF March 24, 1919 – June 7, 2017

Harry Rheiner William Egdorf, 98, a resident of Los Alamos, passed away on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at the Sombrillo Nursing facility in Los Alamos.

Harry was born on March 24, 1919 in Chicago, Illinois. He had an early love for Chemistry beginning with Laboratory work in the Cook County Hospital Blood Bank in Chicago. During World War II Harry served in the US Army as a surgical technician. After the war, he married Jean Wilson, also of Chicago and raised a family moving to Colorado in 1955 and Nebraska in 1956.

Upon retirement from his career Read More

PHYLISS DUBE PETERSEN April 20, 1922 – June 3, 2017

Phyllis Dube Petersen peacefully passed away at the age of 95 on June 3, 2017. Phyllis was born on April 20, 1922 in Storden, Minnesota to Hazel and Howard Parker. She was the youngest of nine children. She attended District 24 School in Cottonwood County, and graduated from Windom High School in 1940. She moved to Los Alamos in 1964 and worked at the Medical Center, then at Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory for 22 years.

Phyllis married Arthur Dube in 1965 and lived with him until his death in 1994. She then married Peter M. Petersen in 1994, and lived Read More

JOEL MANN WILLIAMS JR. June 3, 2017

Joel Mann Williams Jr. (“Pete” to his family), age 77, died Saturday, June 3, 2017. He passed away peacefully, in his home, surrounded by his entire immediate family.

Joel is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Mary Carol; his daughter Reine; son Michael; two grandchildren, Steven and Morgan; and many family members back home in Virginia. Joel also leaves behind countless close friends, colleagues, and the close-knit members of the local tennis community.

Joel was born in Suffolk, Virginia, to Joel Williams Sr. and Mildred Williams. After graduating Read More

PATRICIA (TRISHA) ANN HICKS LIVINGSTON Dec. 22, 1948 – June 2, 2017

Patricia (Trisha) Ann (Hicks) Livingston, 68, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2017 after a brief illness. She was born in Las Vegas, NM on December 22, 1948 to Johnnie and Gloria (Roberts) Hicks. She moved to Los Alamos, NM in 1951 and remained there until 1979 when she moved to Midland, TX.

Trisha was preceded in death by her parents, Johnnie and Gloria Hicks, and sister-in-law Lynda Hicks. She is survived by her brothers Lawrence Hicks (Jeanne), Robert Hicks, and Thomas Hicks (Lori); nieces and nephews Andrea Hicks Collins Read More

ROBERT M. ABERNATHEY Nov. 7, 1924 – May 31, 2017

Robert M. Abernathey, 92, of White Rock, passed away Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at home. Born November 7, 1924, in Gaylord, Kansas, he was the son of the late Perry and Ollie Abernathey.

Bob grew up on a Kansas farm. He went to school in a one room school house from first through eighth grade before attending high school in Cedar, Kansas. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy the week after Pearl Harbor, and it was during his service time that he developed a lifelong love of flying planes. Bob put himself through school at Fort Hays Kansas State College using Read More

GEORGE ALLAN MATTYS Dec. 12, 1955 – May 23, 2017

George Allan Mattys, 61, native and resident of Los Alamos, New Mexico, passed from this life in his sleep on Tuesday, May 23, 2017.  During his careers in New Mexico, George worked for Los Alamos National Labs, TRK, and Plateau Property Management.  He also worked as a cabinetmaker and carpenter for a time in Colorado.

George loved the outdoors and the mountains, and the beauty, simplicity, and serenity of nature, and spent much time exploring, camping, and photographing its detail and wonder.

He was funny and sometimes irreverent, Read More

NONA BONDURANT BOWMAN Nov. 21, 1932 – May 18, 2017

Nona Bondurant Bowman passed away peacefully and quickly on May 18, 2017, with her family by her side. After a fall in the lobby of the Mary Deal theater on May 17, she apparently suffered a severe concussion and never regained consciousness. Her passing ended a two-year period of serious intermittent illnesses. Nona is survived by her husband, Charles Daniel Bowman; her son, David Carlton Bowman of Farmington, NM; and her daughter, Brenda Herbert with her husband Patrick Herbert of Raleigh, NC, and their children, Lindsey and Parker.

Nona was Read More

JUAN B. BAUTISTA GONZALES Nov. 29, 1932 – May 13, 2017

Juan B. Gonzales, 84, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, was called to his eternal resting place on May 13, 2017.

He entered this world on November 29, 1932 in Santa Fe, NM, born to David and Nasarena Gonzales. He was the second youngest of his five siblings.

Juan served in the US Navy from 1955 to 1959 during the Korean Conflict, two years of which were aboard the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier. He met and later married Clara Stanek, of Bolivar, MO., who was serving in the Army while both were stationed in Colorado Read More

BARBARA L. JONES Feb. 22, 1927 – May 13, 2017

Barbara was born in Denver, CO. After graduating from South HS in 1945, she worked for the Colorado Medical Society. She married her high school sweetheart, Thomas I. Jones in 1947. The newlyweds moved to Golden while Tom finished college.

In 1951, they moved to Los Alamos where Tom had accepted a position at LASL. Barb worked as a secretary for about 5 years, before she and Tom started their family. During her time raising their two girls, Barb enjoyed helping with school activities, Girl Scouts, and coaching her girls softball team for about 10 years. Read More