Obituaries

GLENEDITH PLUMLEY Jan. 8, 1928–April 27, 2014

Glenedith Plumley passed away April 27, 2014 after a long illness. She was born to David and Erma Fluty Jan. 8, 1928 in Cassie, W.Va. She grew up in Fluty Lick, Ky. and married Bert Plumley of Beckley W.Va. Oct. 16, 1953.

They made their home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1960. Through the years, they enjoyed many adventures traveling, camping, fishing and hunting. She had a special fondness for rocks, plants and birds and she could identify almost all of them by sight. She was a self taught seamstress and enjoyed sewing from scratch. She loved spending Read More

SANDRA DIANE LARSON July 19, 1956–April 16, 2014

Sandra Diane Larson, age 57, passed from this life on Wednesday, April 16, 2014. She was born in Los Alamos on July 19, 1956, to Bob & Mary Larson. She was their only child, and lived with them most of her life. 

Her mom died when she was 27 years old, and Sandra and her dad continued to live together and take care of each other for the next 19 years. They lost their home and all their possessions in the Cerro Grande Fire in 2000, and Bob died the following summer.

Sandra had a unique and special outlook upon life. No task was considered menial. Every Read More

FRANCES SUTHERLAND Feb. 23, 1932–April 11, 2014

Frances Sutherland passed away on April 11, 2014. She was born on February 23, 1932 in Brussels, Belgium to Rene Beyersdorf and Mathilde Bloch Beyersdorf. Although they lived in Belgium, they were Swiss citizens. In 1940 they left Belgium and moved to the United States.

Frances graduated from Great Neck High School and Russell Sage College in New York. In 1955, she married Dexter Sutherland. They moved to Los Alamos, NM in 1962.

She went by many alias’s: Frances, Franny, Frannie Belle, Fran, Mom, and Granny. Frances truly never met a stranger and Read More

BOYD ALLEN SHERWOOD Oct. 11, 1933–April 8, 2014

Boyd Allen Sherwood, age 80, went to meet his Lord and Savior while being surrounded by his family on Tuesday, April 8, 2014. Boyd was proceeded in death by his parents, brother, Gerald, and sister in-law, Gayleen.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary Lou; son, Daniel of Long Beach, Calif., daughter, Kim of Los Alamos, NM; son and daughter-in-law, Allen and Sherri of Los Alamos; grandchildren, Danielle and Michelle Frybarger of Los Alamos, brother and sister-in-law, Curtis and Patti of Tuscon, Ariz., and many other family members and friends. Read More

MYRON GORDON SILBERT April 14, 1929–April 5, 2014

Myron Gordon Silbert (Mike) passed away peacefully on April 5, 2014 with his family at his side.

He was born April 14, 1929 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mike earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin before serving in the Army Chemical Corps in Europe. He then earned a Master’s Degree from the University of Chicago and his PhD from the University of Wisconsin.

He married Ruth Morse on December 17, 1955. Ruth and Mike met at a picnic in Los Alamos in 1955 where he was working as a student. After receiving his PhD, Mike and Ruth returned Read More

JOHN BUCHEN June 5, 1924–March 28, 2014

John Buchen, 89, a resident of Los Alamos, passed away at home on Friday, March 28, 2014. John was born in Denver, Colo., on June 5, 1924 to Frank and Rose Guadanola Buchen.

He was preceded in death by his son, Jerry Buchen; granddaughter, Sarah Buchen and sisters, Margaret and Annabelle. Mr. Buchen is survived by Barbara, his loving wife of 67 years; his children, Terry (Jim) Hoffman, Katy (Frank) Fuchs, Tony Buchen, Tina Buchen; daughter-in-law, Lynne Buchen; 5 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

He served in the Navy at Wright Field and taught radar Read More

MYRTLE E. SNOWDEN Dec. 11, 1923–March 18, 2014

Myrtle E. Snowden, 90, formerly of Los Alamos passed away at her daughter’s home in New Braunfels, Texas on March 18, 2014. She was born Dec. 11, 1923 in Scranton, Pa., to George and Bessie Newell, and grew up in Binghamton, NY. She enjoyed gardening, reading and Jazzercise.

Myrtle was a WWII Vet, entering the Navy in 1944. While stationed in San Francisco, Calif., she met and married Luis Pacheco in 1946 and they moved to Santa Fe. They then moved to Los Alamos and had three children, Charles, Elizabeth and Susanne. They divorced in 1954. In 1957 Read More

ALBERT ENGELHARDT March 17, 1935-March 15, 2014

With profound regret the Engelhardt family announces the death of their beloved husband, father and grandfather. 

Albert was born in Toronto, Canada on March 17, 1935 and died on March 15, 2014.

He was a brilliant student at the University of Toronto where he received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1958.  He got a Master of Science in 1959 and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering in 1961 at the University of Illinois. 

From 1961 to 1970, he worked at the Westinghouse Research Lab in Pittsburgh, Pa.; Read More

RUSSELL KNAPP March 13, 2014

Russell Knapp, 55, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, March 13. He is survived by his mother, Jennie, brothers David (Kim) and Gary (Sandy), nieces Vanna and Jenais, nephew David and numerous family members back east. 

A small memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 19, at the chapel at Trinity on the Hill. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association.
  Read More

DAVID JAMES BARSNESS Nov. 10, 1946–March 10, 2014

David James Barsness, 67, of Los Alamos, New Mexico died suddenly Monday March 10, 2014.

He was born to the late Webster and Stella Barsness, Nov. 10, 1946 in Fairbault, MN. David is survived by one son, Eric Barsness, his wife Kelli, and two grandchildren, Kaiya and Keelan. He is also survived by his three brothers, Webster, Richard and Peter Barsness.

A service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March15, 2014 at the Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Los Alamos, NM.

Donations may be made to the Los Alamos Friends of the Shelter. Read More

NAOMI C. GIBSON BOWLER April 16, 1937–March 3, 2014

Naomi C. Gibson Bowler of Los Alamos, NM, left this earth to be with her Lord, on March 3, 2014. Naomi Gibson was born April 16, 1937 in Farmington, NM. She graduated from Santa Fe High school, and worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory for many years.

Naomi Gibson married Albert Bowler and together they raised three children, and later adopted their grandchild. Naomi was a proud grandmother and great-grandmother to nine children.

She participated in many charities, community groups and bible studies. Those who knew Naomi called her friend. Read More

DOROTHY HOARD July 30, 1932–March 3, 2014

Dorothy Jay (Goetz) Hoard died in her home in Los Alamos on Monday, March 3 after a short illness, surrounded by loved ones. Dorothy was born to Jacob and Rosalie (Plunkitt) Goetz on July 30, 1932 in Carmel, California, the nearest community to their home above the Big Sur Coast. She was raised in nearby Salinas, and attended Salinas Union High School and the University of California at Berkeley.

Soon after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry, she married Donald Ellsworth Hoard on July 3, 1954. The couple arrived in Los Alamos in 1963 after Read More

EVERETT LEROY MELTON Sept. 15, 1935–March 3, 2014

Everett Leroy Melton, 78, a resident of Los Alamos, passed away of a lengthy illness peacefully at home with his family at his side Monday, March 3, 2014. 

Everett was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Ruby Melton; grandparents, Elmore and Melia Melton, Roy and Mabel Stone; in-laws, Frank and Marie Cruikshank; nephew, Jim Black; brother-in-laws, Ray Pierce, and Bill Black. 

Everett was born September 15, 1935, and started working with Mountain States Telephone Co. in 1953 and saw four name changes ending with Quest after Read More

BONNIE REIDER Feb. 19, 2014

Bonnie Reider, 71, a resident of Chimayo, passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2014 after a brief illness. She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Alice Reider of Los Alamos and by her beloved pets, Desert and Milagro.

Bonnie was a unique and exciting individual who enlivened the world with her vivacious personality. She loved children, animals and nature in all its forms. In her career as a high school counselor Bonnie influenced the lives of hundreds of students. She generously shared her gifts of spirit honesty and insight with those around her and developed Read More

DONALD T. TRUJILLO March1, 2014

Donald T. Trujillo, 74, of Rio Rancho, N.M. passed away at home Saturday, March 1, 2014 after a long battle with heart disease. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Josephine (Fresquez) Trujillo, of Colorado; brother, O.B. Trujillo, of Colorado; and sister, Frances Garcia, of Kansas.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Pat; sons, Don Jr. (Rhonda), Richard (Ann), Michael (Tammy), Steve (Lisa); daughter, Tracey Alarid (Ralph); 16 grandchildren; one great-grandson; brother, Gene Trujillo, of Colorado; beloved sister-in-law, Margie Hyman (Walt Read More

RACHEL MICHELLE BJORKLUND Aug. 9, 1984–Feb. 19, 2014

Rachel Michelle Bjorklund died in a motor vehicle accident Feb. 19, 2014 in Bloomington, Indiana. Rachel was born Aug. 9, 1984 in Hershey, Penn., the second daughter of Mark and Heidi Bjorklund. 

Her family moved to Carlisle, Pa., where she attended Bethel Nursery School and Grace Baptist Christian School until the 4^th grade. Her family subsequently moved to Los Alamos, NM in 1994. Rachel graduated from Los Alamos High School in 2003. She received an academic letter, a music letter and athletic letters. She had been active in marching Read More

HAROLD D. FERGUSON Jan. 6, 1932–Feb. 18, 2014

Harold D. Ferguson, 82, a 46-year resident of Los Alamos, died at his home Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014. He suffered for several years with Parkinson’s disease. 

A mechanical engineer, Harold worked at the LAMP facility at the Los Alamos National Laboratory from 1967 until his retirement in 1990. From 1973 until 1994, he and his wife, Alta Lou, were half-owners of the Royal Crest Mobile Home Park in Los Alamos. In 1994, the Fergusons purchased and upgraded the Las Tiendias de Corrales Shopping Center in Albuquerque. They sold the shopping center in Read More

VIRGINIA DELORES DURMAJ PRENZNO Feb. 15, 2014

Virginia “Gini” Delores Durmaj Prenzno, 86, of Great Falls, Mont., passed away Feb. 15, 2014 following a brief illness.

Born and raised in Chicago, Ill., it is where she met, fell in love and married Richard Durmaj. Together, they raised a family and in 1966, moved to Los Alamos, NM where she managed a gift shop and worked as a secretary at the Los Alamos National Laboratory.

In the late 70’s, they made the move to Phoenix, Ariz., to be closer to family. Following Richard’s death in 1983, she lived alone in Scottsdale, Ariz., until 1993, when she met and Read More

DOUGLAS W. FRASER Sept. 21, 1941–Feb. 15, 2014

In loving memory. Douglas Warren Fraser, 72, died in his home in the early morning of February 15, 2014, surrounded by loving family members and friends. Doug’s heart was always with the environment and the “critters.” He loved the outdoors, skiing, hiking, sailing, camping, horseback riding, and river running. He guided his own boat through the Grand Canyon four times.

Doug was born in Hackensack, NJ on September 21, 1941 to Frances Van Valkenburg and Robert T. Fraser. He spent his early years on Staten Island, later attending 12 schools in the western Read More

RICHARD EDWARD PRAEL July 25, 1940–Feb. 12, 2014

Richard E. Prael died at his home in Los Alamos Feb. 12, 2014. He was born July 25, 1940 in Astoria, Ore.

Prael is survived by his beloved wife, Phyllis A. Bailey; his daughter, Mary Alice Prael Madaris (Mike) and grandsons, Elijah and Noah Madaris, of Marietta, Ga.; three stepchildren, Alison Bailey (Terri Moore) of Los Alamos, N.M.; Dr. Aileen Bailey (Aaron Koch) of Great Mills, Md.; and Ken Bailey (Gail) of Washington, D.C.; as well as seven step grandchildren:Connor, Jordan and Isabella Bailey, Colin and Audrey Koch and Noor and Rima Bailey. Read More

STEWART A. APGAR III Nov. 28, 1928–Feb. 7, 2014

Stewart A. Apgar III, long time Los Alamos resident, passed away peacefully at home Friday, Feb. 7, 2014, with family members at his side. Stewart was born the only child of the late Stewart Jr. and Thelma Apgar in Raton, New Mexico Nov. 28, 1928. Stewart spent the majority of his childhood growing up in the Glorieta and Pecos, New Mexico areas. His parents later moved to Three Rivers, New Mexico, where Stewart graduated from Tularosa High School in 1947. 

After high school, Stewart moved to Albuquerque, attended UNM, and joined the Air National Read More

FREDRICK PAUL (FRITZ) SCHILLING  Dec. 3, 1928–Jan. 1, 2014

Fritz Schilling was born Dec. 3, 1928 in Missoula, Montana and died Jan. 1, 2014 in Boise Idaho, after a year’s battle with deteriorating health and an auto accident Dec. 29 outside Boise.

He was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Ellen Schilling, sister Jeanene, son Jeffery, and beloved wife of 40 years, Lucille. He is survived by his brother David Schilling and wife Tedi, son Philip Schilling and wife Anna Kuo, son Scott Schilling and wife Lori, daughter Keturah Schilling Shepard and husband David Shepard, grandsons Isaac Read More

RONALD FREDERICK CHRISTIAN Sept. 16, 1948–Jan. 9, 2014

Ronald Frederick Christian, 65, of Rio Rancho, NM, passed away on January 9, 2014 in Albuquerque, NM. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 18, at Albuquerque’s First Baptist Church, 4101 Paseo Del Norte NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114, with Pastor Paul Cunningham of First Baptist Church of Los Alamos, NM, officiating.

Ronald was born in Wadesboro, NC to Frederick and Jean Cowan Christian on September 16, 1948. He married Charlotte Winslow on October 1, 1971 in Sparta, NC. He graduated from Hampton University Read More

RUTH LOUISE BULL DEMUTH May 30, 1931–Dec. 27, 2013

Ruth Louise Bull Demuth died peacefully at home on December 27, 2013 at the age of 82, from Alzheimer’s Disease and its associated complications. She spent the past several years being cared for by Thomas Alfred Sandford, her loving husband of 33 years, and many of her children, grandchildren, friends and caregivers.

Ruth was born in Los Angeles, CA on May 30, 1931 to Verena Elizabeth Miescher Bull and Howard Walworth Bull. She was preceded in death by her mother, father, and brother Richard Fredrick Bull. She is survived by her husband, Tom; daughters Read More

ROBERT ALLEN HARDEKOPF Oct. 14, 1940–Dec. 21, 2013

Robert Allen Hardekopf (Bob) was born October 14, 1940 in St. Louis, MO and died in Los Alamos on December 21, 2013 after a long battle with leukemia and related complications.

His parents Charles Frederick and Hazel Wilma Hardekopf, and an infant daughter Elizabeth Ann Hardekopf preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Priscilla (Grovenstein) Hardekopf of Los Alamos; by his children and their spouses Catherine Lynn Freudenreich (Oliver) of Arlington, MA; David Warren Hardekopf (Lenka) of Prague, Czech Republic; Kenneth Read More

RAY GUERETTE Oct. 25, 1930–Dec. 27, 2013

Raymond F. Guerette, 83, a resident of Winthrop, Maine, and formerly of Los Alamos, New Mexico, passed away on Friday, December 27, 2013.

Ray was born on October 25, 1930 in Winthrop, Maine, the son of Charles and Julia (Currier) Guerette.

Ray graduated from Edward Little High School in Auburn in 1949. He commuted from Winthrop to Auburn daily with his high school football coach. This arrangement was made because his coach realized that Ray had talent and wanted to expose him to Division 1 coaches. The University of New Mexico offered him a football scholarship. Read More