Obituaries

BARBARA HONEY Nov. 11, 1933 – Feb. 14, 2016

Barbara Honey, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 14, 2016. Her children and family members were at her side. 

Barbara was born in Manhattan, KS on November 11, 1933. The youngest of three children of Orville and Lovey Hunt, she graduated from Manhattan High School in 1951 and then attended Kansas State University. During her first semester, she met her future husband Francis Honey, whose Engineering academic advisor happened to be Barbara’s father, Professor OD Hunt! Both were advised to take Algebra and the rest is history!

They were Read More

NEIL ZACK April 26, 1947 – Feb. 10, 2016

Neil Zack, 68, passed away February 10, 2016. He was born April 26, 1947 in Canton, Ohio to Joseph and Frances Zack.

Neil is survived by one brother, Philip Zack, his wife Susan, and sister in law, Shirley Zack, along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, mother and one brother, Duane Zack.

Neil had a very productive career after receiving a Ph.D. in chemistry working at INEL In Idaho Falls, ID and LANL in Los Alamos, NM. He moved to Rio Rancho after retiring from LANL in 2002 and was very active in a local Gold Wing motorcycle club Read More

SALLY FEISE Feb. 10, 1939 – Feb. 5, 2016

Sally Feise, age 76, resident of Espanola, NM passed away on Friday, February 5, 2016 after a long illness. She was surrounded by her loving children.

Sally was born February 10, 1939 in Walton, West Virginia to Wallace G. and Elizabeth Evans. Sally was preceded in death by her brother Timothy Evans, Jack Reynolds, Jack Feise, mother M. Elizabeth Evans, and father Wallace G. Evans. 

Sally grew up in Walton, West Virginia and Cincinnati, Ohio where she met and married Jack Reynolds. Sally worked many years as an administrative secretary in Las Cruces Read More

MELVIN LEWIS PRUEITT Oct. 16, 1932 – Jan. 30, 2016

Melvin Lewis Prueitt, 83, died January 30, 2016 with his family at his side in Los Alamos New Mexico. He was born October 16, 1932 in Wickes, Arkansas to Ernest and Bessie Prueitt. He worked as a physicist for 31 years at the Los Alamos National Laboratory where he pioneered the field of computer graphics and worked in theoretical physics. His later years were spent developing clean energy and water technologies.

At an early age he knew he would be a scientist and eventually earned a Master’s Degree at the University of Arizona, followed by a doctorate Read More

MARY MARTHA BLUM May 26, 1924 – Jan. 26, 2016

Mary Martha (Lusk) Blum, affectionately known as “Mott” by her parents and relatives passed away on Tuesday, January 26, 2016, in Los Alamos, NM.

She was born May 26, 1924 to Raymond and Martha Lusk in Columbus Grove, Ohio. At the age of 19, she and her husband Dr. William A. Blum moved to California where he practiced Optometry for 54 years. Dr. Blum sold his practice and returned with Mary to Lima, Ohio in 1999. Her husband preceded her in death as well as her daughter Judy Jeanine Blum-Fernandez and grandson Christopher Thomas Blum. Read More

STEVEN RAY MARSHALL Jan. 11, 2016

Steven Ray Marshall, age 40, a resident of White Rock, NM, passed away on January 11, 2016.

He is survived by his parents Fredie and Rita Marshall, sister Shela Marshall, nieces Cheriece and Aries Margiotta and nephew Vincent Margiotta.

Steven was a graduate of the class of 1993 at Los Alamos High School. He loved to watch his favorite teams, the San Francisco 49er’s and the Boston Red Sox.

There is a Memorial Fund set up at Los Alamos National Bank in the name of The Steven Marshall Memorial Fund. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Memorial Service will Read More

JEAN R. RIEGLE June 22, 1940 – Jan. 18, 2016

Jean R. Riegle, born June 22, 1940 in Dayton, Ohio, passed away Monday, January 18, 2016 at 6 p.m. Preceded by William, whom she married in 1960; parents, Walter & Henrietta Reiniger; and family friend, Kevin Haber. 

Jean attended Miami U. in Oxford where she met Bill. After sending daughters off to school, Jean worked at WSU then Sinclair. Jean kept at her education, earning her BA from UD and Masters from Antioch. 

When Jean retired in 2012, she was working as an advisor at Sinclair. Jean’s caring, funny and sweet personality touched people Read More

FIDENCIA “FEDE” CORDOVA de BARELA Jan. 23, 2016

Fidencia “Fede” Cordova de Barela, 92, a longtime resident of Truchas, passed away on Saturday, January 23, 2016. She was preceded in death by her parents, Isidoro and Leonardita Barela; sister, Hope Lopez; brother, Gilbert Barela; beloved daughters and grandchildren.

Fede had a compassionate, loving and open heart and kept God next to her side in her everyday life. Her love was genuine and she was sure to show that. Fede enjoyed spending quality time with her sister, Susie, as well as each one of her children and their families and friends. Her welcoming Read More

DIANE PETERSEN PETERS Sept. 2, 1942 – Jan. 23, 2016

Diane Peters, 73, left this world on January 23, 2016 to meet her heavenly maker.

Diane Petersen Peters was born in California on September 2, 1942 to Leonidas and Beverly Petersen. She attended the University of California at Berkeley where she earned a degree in Chemistry and met the love of her life. Richard and Diane moved to Los Alamos, NM in the fall of 1972 where Diane quickly became an active volunteer in the community.

Diane had a gift for serving and comforting those who were overlooked or struggling. She led Girl Scout troops from 1972-1994, Read More

BARBARA LOIS GILBERT STORMS March 24, 1927 – Jan. 13, 2016

Barbara Lois Gilbert Storms, age 88, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of January 13^th, 2016 in her apartment at Aspen Ridge in Los Alamos, NM.

She began her lifetime adventure in Inglewood, California, on March 24, 1927, born to Philip and Lois Gilbert. Most of her youth was spent in the Coos Bay, Oregon area where she graduated from North Bend High School just after her 17^th birthday. She then started her college career at Stanford University studying Chemistry, but after the first semester she decided to change her major to journalism Read More

NORMA DALTON ADAMS Feb. 19, 1929 – Jan. 19, 2016

Norma Dalton Adams, 86, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016 at home with family and loved ones.

Born Feb. 19, 1929 in Rockville, Utah to Leonard and Edna Angell Dalton, the fifth child of six. During the depression she learned frugality, practicality and service. At age 12, she was sent alone to Leeds, UTah to help care for her aging Grandma Beckie Angell. Those six years with Gma Beckie were special.

At 17, she moved to Reno, Nev. to help with her expectant oldest sister’s children. In Reno she met the love of her life, Warren Howard Adams. They were married Read More

DAVID LEE CRANE Jan. 18, 2016

David Lee Crane, 52, a resident of Los Alamos, passed away on Monday, January 18, 2016. He was preceded in death by his father, John Franklin Crane; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Ross Gudgel and Mr. and Mrs. Donald Crane; father-in-law, Jesse Felux.

Mr. Crane is survived by his wife, Nadine Crane; daughter, Alison Crane both of Los Alamos; mother, Patricia Crane; sisters, Dianna Crane and Denice Crane Leader; mother-in-law, Patricia Felux all of San Antonio, Texas; as well as, brothers-in-law, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and other loving relatives and friends. Read More

JOSEPH C. KING Dec. 26, 2015

Joseph C. King, 65, recently retired City Manager of Danville, Va., passed away Dec. 26, 2015 from complications stemming from chronic lymphocytic leukemia, with which he was diagnosed in 2010. Typically, CLL is a fairly indolent disease, but Joe was not so lucky, and the cancer took over in the end.

Joe is survived by Kathy, his wife of 42 years, and by four sons and their families: Adam, Cristin, Maya and Emmett of Elgin, Texas; Noah, Rowie and Freyja of Fairfield, Iowa; Jesse and Kara of Bali, Indonesia; and Jacob and Molly of Austin, Texas. His family was together prior Read More

JOHNNY M. MONTOYA July 16, 1956 – Jan. 9, 2016

Johnny M. Montoya, 59, a resident of La Mesilla died peacefully of complications related to ALS, on January 9, 2016 at Casa de Rosa Assisted Living Center in Albuquerque, NM, where he was lovingly cared for. 

He was born to Johnny and Polly Montoya on July 16, 1956, and was preceded in death by his grandparents, Manuel and Ramoncita Montoya of La Mesilla and Apolonio and Justa Rodriguez of Santa Fe, his son Michael Ray Montoya and his grandsons Adrian and Diego. 

Johnny was a courageous faith-filled man who will be remembered and missed Read More

PAULINE MARIE FARMER May 24, 1931 – Jan. 2, 2016

Pauline Marie Farmer, 84, of Las Cruces, passed away on January 2, 2016. The consummate Proverbs 31 woman, Pauline dedicated her life to serving God and family, a woman who feared the Lord and blessed all those in her path.

Pauline’s husband Otis, her best friend and the guiding rudder of her life, pre-deceased her on November 12, 2012. She is survived by 4 children (Sheila Marie (and Joe) Riedel, Jackie Barnett, Randy (and Cindy) Farmer, and Tim (and Bev) Farmer), 8 grandchildren (Marna Riedel, Melissa (and Andrew) Espinosa, Frank (and Kristin) Barnett, Read More

WAYNE WENTWORTH Feb. 20, 1962 – Jan. 1, 2015

Wayne Wentworth, 53, former resident, passed away Friday, January 1, 2016 at his home in Carlsbad, NM.

A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, January 7, 2016, 2:00 PM, at Denton-Wood Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Dennis W. McKinley officiating. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Wayne Wentworth was born February 20, 1962 in Vernon, Connecticut to James Allan and Anita Pearl (Sirois) Wentworth. He graduated from East Hampton High School, East Hampton, CT in 1980. In 1984, Wayne received a Bachelor of Science degree Read More

CALVIN CHARLES MAXWELL Nov. 27, 1928 – Dec. 26, 2015

Calvin Charles Maxwell passed away peacefully on December 26th, 2015, in Gresham, Oregon. He was born to Ellen Francis McKeown Maxwell and Charles Calvin Maxwell in Burlington, Iowa, on November 27, 1928.

Calvin went to work in his early teens to help his mother support the family after his father passed away at a very early age. He graduated from Burlington High School in 1948 and worked at the Iowa Ordinance Plant. 

Calvin married Clarice Louise Freedman on August 29th, 1952. He relocated the family to Santa Read More

FLORENCE KIRSTEIN MERCER Feb. 4, 1922 – Dec. 24, 2015

Florence (Kris) Kirstein Mercer passed away peacefully in Los Alamos, NM, on December 24, 2015 at the age of 93. She had been a resident of Aspen Ridge Lodge Assisted Living in Los Alamos for several years.

Florence, of Black Mountain, NC, was raised on her family’s farm. After completing high school, Florence graduated from Berea College in Berea, KY with a B.A. in Home Economics. Florence married Arthur Derick Mercer Jr., in 1945 in Black Mountain, N.C. The couple later moved to Fort Worth, TX, where Florence completed graduate-level courses Read More

JOHN ERIC MESSIMER Aug. 11, 1963 – Dec. 23, 2015

John Eric Messimer, 52, passed away December 23, 2015 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

John was born in Albuquerque on August 11, 1963. He graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1981. He went on to earn an Associates degree in Graphic Design from Texas State Technical College in Waco, Texas.

Most importantly, John protected the citizens of Albuquerque by serving in the Albuquerque Police Department for over 20 years. John received the department’s highest honor, the Medal of Valor in 1987.

John was a lifelong Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies Read More

R. DEAN TAYLOR – Dec. 25, 2015

Dr. Raymond Dean Taylor died suddenly on December 25, 2015 due to coronary artery disease at the age of 87.

Dean was a loving husband, father and grandfather, dedicated scientist, avid skier and active member of the First United Methodist Church.

Dean was born in 1928 in Okemah, Oklahoma. He received a BS in 1950 from Pittsburg State University and a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry in 1954 from Rice University. He then joined the Low Temperature Physics group at Los Alamos National Laboratory in 1954.

He maintained an active and productive career at LANL for the past 60 years. Read More

JUDY RUNYAN Dec. 21, 2015

Judy Runyan, age 88, former Los Alamos resident, passed away Monday, Dec. 21, 2015 in Albuquerque. 

She is survived by her children, David Bergstein of Albuquerque, Roxanne Cavin (Keith) of New York and Jody Jones (Dan Cather) of White Rock. She is also survived by three grandchildren, three great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren, and leaves many dear friends, especially Tom, Jacque, Airon and Logan Dimas of Albuquerque. 

Judy loved quilting, sewing, needlepoint, reading and all animals. She loved sitting on her patio in the summer with Read More

LILA VALERIE LEVI-COOPER May 7, 1935 – Dec. 21, 2015

Lila Valerie Levi-Cooper shuffled off this mortal coil at 11:45 pm December 21, 2015. She was a resident of Los Alamos, New Mexico since 1979. She was born May 7, 1935 in San Francisco, California. Her body will be cremated at Rivera Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Espanola, New Mexico.

Val, as she was known to family and friends, was an enthusiastic skier, hiker, backpacker, and gardener. She was also an accomplished cook, as evidenced by her extensive collection of cookbooks. She leaves behind a number of scrapbooks with photographs, menus, Read More

RUSSELL IVAN SHINN Dec. 8, 2015

If a person is measured by the lives they touch, Russell Ivan Shinn was a legend. Russ passed away at home, surrounded by family on December 8, 2015.

He was loved, and will be dearly missed, by his wife, Suzie Frazier; brother, Art Shinn and sister-in-law, Renee; nieces, Miranda, Mary and Kayleigh; daughter, Jennifer Shinn and son-in-law Greg Sievers; stepchildren, Amy and Christian Piatt, Mateo and Melania Frazier and grandchildren, Michaela, Makaio, Mattias and Zoe. Suzie’s parents, Bonnie and Gene Frazier, her siblings, countless nieces, Read More

NAOMI MIRIAM BECKER Dec. 16, 2015

Naomi Miriam Becker, 63, of Santa Fe passed away on Wednesday, December 16, 2015.

She is preceded in death by her parents Sidney and Carol Becker. She is survived  by her children Madeleine Cogbill and Andre Cogbill. Naomi Becker was an accomplished hydrologist who spent over three decades at Los Alamos National Laboratory before retiring in 2O14. She earned a B.S. in Geology at the University of lllinois-Chicago, and the M.S. and Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

Her research at Los Alamos Read More

JOHN T. SUTTON Sr. – Dec. 6, 2015

John T. Sutton Sr., 82, a resident of Los Alamos, passed away of natural causes on Sunday, December 6, 2015. 

John was born in Winthrop, Massachusetts where he met and married his sweetheart, Alyce M. Comeau, in September 1956. In the early 1960’s John joined EG&G and later, in 1970, relocated his family to Los Alamos. John worked his entire career as an engineer with EG&G and Bechtel until retiring in the early 2000’s. 

John had many interests, which included flying light airplanes, building model airplanes, and golfing. John even shot a 72 on Read More

DENNIS D. SIMMONDS Dec. 9, 2015

Dennis D. Simmonds, 80, a resident of Los Alamos, passed away on Wednesday, December 9, 2015. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ivan and Effa Simmonds and infant daughter, Suzanne.

Dennis was an expert woodworker and a multi-skilled craftsman. He was a pioneer in the computing era. He enjoyed his church choir, men’s group and breakfast at Violas. He came to Los Alamos in 1957 where he worked a 35 year career. He wrote hydrodynamics codes, designed a Linear Accelerator and implemented network engineering and computer security. He had a lifelong love for learning. Read More

MARY LOUISE SWEENEY KEIGHER March 11, 1924 – Dec. 6, 2015

Mary Louise Sweeney Keigher, 91, a longtime resident of Los Alamos, passed away on Sunday, December 6, 2015.

Mary Lou was born on March 11, 1924, in Mitchell, South Dakota (Home of the Corn Palace). Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband “Jamie” Don Keigher; her parents, Dr. and Mr. J.T. Sweeney; infant son, Kevin in 1954 and son, Brian J. Keigher in 2003.

Mary was a secretary at Union Oil Co. during WWII followed by employment at Los Alamos National Laboratory as a word processor, she and Don retired in 1986.

Mom once said that Read More

SHELLY MILLSAP Dec. 8, 2015

Shelly Millsap, 51, a resident of Española, passed away on Tuesday, December 8, 2015.

Shelly was preceded in death by her aunt, Faye Davis, Emma Baird; grandparents, Lewis and Ollie Millsap, Frank and Adonelia Serrano; cousins, Andrew Casados, Edward Romero; uncle, Lewis Jr. Millsap.

Shelly loved children, she loved gardening, boating, and volunteering at the Española Community Market. Shelly was a loving caregiver, always had a smile for everyone. She was detail oriented and loved interior decorating. Shelly will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Shelly Read More

ETHEL MARY (KEHOE) KACHELMEIER Jan. 7, 1918 – Dec. 6, 2015

Ethel Mary (Kehoe) Kachelmeier, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died peacefully of natural causes in her bed at a care home in Mesa, Arizona on Dec. 6, 2015 at the age of 97.

Ethel was born on January 7, 1918 in Watertown, Wisconsin. She lived in Los Alamos from 1954 to 1990 with her husband, the late Ladislaus (Laddie) Kachelmeier.

Ethel is survived by her first son, David of Los Alamos, his wife Virginia, and grandson Brian of Los Alamos, his wife Andi, and their children Luke, Caitlyn, Madison, and Abby, grandson Alan Read More

DONNA W. LITTLEJOHN Dec. 1, 2015

Donna W. Littlejohn, 85, a longtime resident of Los Alamos, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 1, 2015, at Sombrillo Nursing Home in Los Alamos. 

She was preceded in death by her father, Walter Wilhelmi; mother, Ruby Moorefield; and brother Sonny Wilhelmi, all of Hot Springs, Arkansas. She is survived by her three daughters, Liz Daymon, Lisa Van Leeuwen and husband Brian, and Laura Staton and husband George “Jay”;  granddaughter, Nicole Pasquariello-Padilla and husband Justin, grandsons Blaise Pasquariello, Devon Van Leeuwen Read More