Obituaries

DUWAYNE TODD Dec. 1, 2015

Duwayne Todd, 56, a resident of Rio Rancho, passed away of a lengthy illness on Tuesday, December 1, 2015. Duwayne served in the Navy as a Dental Technician for 5 years. He worked many years in Dental Laboratories and as a Journeyman Metal Smith.

Duwayne is survived by his parents, Billy and Marie Todd of Los Alamos; daughters, Breeanna of Salt Lake City, Utah and Andrea of Napa Valley, California; sisters, Paula Nichols and husband Tim of Dallas, TX, Roberta Reinhardt of Albuquerque; brother, Tim Todd and wife Vicki of Seattle, Washington; nieces, Erica, Larrisa, Jaci; Read More

ODELIA (ODDIE) Garcia Nov. 30, 2015

Odelia (Oddie) Garcia passed away peacefully November 30, 2015 in her home in Los Alamos at the age of 93. She was a very loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother to her family.

She was born in Ocate, NM. When she was five years old, Oddie and her family moved to Rock Springs, Wyoming, where she was raised and graduated from high school. Oddie married Eddie Garcia on October 18, 1946 and in 1948, they moved to Los Alamos, NM.

As a young mother, Oddie taught catechism and she was a Cub Scout Den Mother. Oddie served as funeral/reception organizer at the Read More

SHELIA MARIE BARKS Nov. 5, 1967 – Nov. 1, 2015

Shelia Marie Barks, 47, of Los Alamos, NM passed away Sunday, November 1, 2015 at her home after a valiant battle with pulmonary fibrosis. She was surrounded by her family that loved and cared for her.

She was born November 5, 1967, in Cape Girardeau, MO, daughter of Junior and Laura Craft. She and Steven Barks were married June 2, 1994 in Oahu, Hawaii.

Shelia attended Jackson High School in Jackson, Missouri, graduating in 1986. She graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1990 with a degree in Business Administration.

Shelia moved her Read More

VIRGINIA DILLON LEE Nov. 16, 2015

Virginia Dillon Lee, 82, passed away Monday, November 16, 2015. Her spirit is now with her deceased spouse, James Oliver Lee who died on November 24, 1990. She is survived by: her sister, Dorothy O’Hara, and her five daughters; Rosemary Rezendes and spouse, Dee Keoski, spouse and two children, Virginia Lee Bateman, spouse and four children, Nora Lee and spouse, Megan Lee Ito, resident of Los Alamos, her spouse and two children.

Virginia Lee was born in New York, New York. She resided in Los Alamos since 2008. She lived in several places; born and raised in Bronx, Read More

BERNICE HARDY PORTO April 29, 1919 – Nov. 10, 2015

Bernice Hardey Porto passed away Tuesday, November 10, 2015. Bernice was born in El Campo, Texas April 29, 1919, the eldest child of Rodney and Mary Hardey. 

Bernice was preceded in death by her husband, Tony, and daughter Nancy Porto Hand. Earlier in life, Bernice worked with the Singer Sewing Company in New York and with her husband moved to Shreveport, LA. They moved to Los Alamos in 1956 where she was active in a variety of organizations including the Hospital Auxiliary. She was highly involved in many aspects of her husband’s Deacon ministry Read More

JOHN LEDFORD Oct. 16, 1940 – Oct. 16, 2015

John Ledford, 75, a resident of El Rancho, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, October 16, 2015 with his loving wife, Tammy Thorn/Ledford at his side.

He was preceded in death by his brother, James Ledford and his parents. John was born October 16, 1940 in Fort Morgan, Colo., to Roberta Elizabeth and Paul Ledford. He is survived by his sister, Jean Transmeier (Ross) and many extended family members in Colorado, New Mexico and Texas.

No services will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Los Alamos Visiting Nurse Services and Read More

KEITH EDWARD COENNEN Oct. 10, 2015

On October 10, 2015, the Good Lord took Keith Edward Coennen away from the strife of this life into a much better place. 

Keith had a rare passion for life and loved to travel far and wide – whether to Australia or Europe. Keith touched many people that he met. He had a keen sense of humor and his friends thought of him as a quiet, gentle soul. He found great happiness in the mountains of Colorado where he would snow board, ski, camp and hike.  

He worked very hard to become a well respected Software Design Engineer. Keith is survived by his mother, Read More

CAMPBELL ALLEN MORRIS Oct. 20, 2015

Campbell Allen Morris (Cam), 78, of Richmond, VA passed away Tuesday, October 20, 2015 after a long and heroic battle with cancer. 

Cam was born in Sanderson, Texas and lived in Los Alamos, NM for 25 years before moving to Richmond. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde E. and Viola Allen Scott Morris, his brothers Clyde and Charles, and sisters Marjorie, Mamie and Nancy.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carole, and sons Christopher (Karen) and children Spencer and Ethan of Chili, New Mexico, and Allen (Peggy) and children Rheanna, Lydia and Read More

LOUISA C. STAVERT May 29, 1923 – Oct. 7, 2015

Louisa C. Stavert, 92, passed away peacefully at her home in White Rock, NM on October 7, 2015 while surrounded by her family.

Louisa was born in Ogden, Utah on May 29, 1923 to immigrant parents from Amsterdam, Holland. They later moved to Las Vegas, Nevada (a small town at that time with a population of 2,000) where Louisa spent her early years. She told the family many stories of living in a wood-sided tent and sharing a bed with her two sisters. She went to high school at Las Vegas High where she excelled in sports and was especially proud of her basketball trophies. Read More

JOHN WILLIAM ROBERTS, JR Sept. 15, 1923  – Sept. 29, 2015

John William Roberts, Jr of Damascus, MD passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at the age of 92. 

He was born in Dewy Rose, Georgia, and served in the Army Air Corps in World War II. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a law degree, and worked as an attorney for the Interior Department, the Atomic Energy Commission in Los Alamos, ERDA, the Department of Energy, and Synfuels Corporation.

He is survived by a loving wife Mary Frances Burleson Roberts, 4 children, and 6 grandchildren. Online condolences may be shared Read More

HEIDI MILDRED TAYLOR Oct. 3, 1961 – Oct.18, 2015

Heidi Mildred Taylor, a wonderful wife, mother, sister and friend has passed on Sunday October 18, 2015 after a long and dignified battle with ovarian cancer. 

Heidi was born on October 3, 1961 in Beverly, Massachusetts to Ursula and Charles Dickman. After graduating from Colby College in 1983, she met her soul mate Don Taylor, and relocated to enchanting Los Alamos, New Mexico. 

Don and Heidi have proudly owned and operated Don Taylor’s Photography together since 1984. There, they raised and celebrated life with their two children Read More

MARGARET “MAGGI” MANTHEI Oct. 17, 1927 – Oct. 14, 2015

Margaret “Maggi” Manthei, a long time resident of Los Alamos, New Mexico, passed away on October 14, 2015. She was 87 years old and living near her son, Lee Manthei, in Leesburg, Virginia. She succumbed to complications from Alzheimer’s. 

Maggi is survived by her sister, Shirley Sutherland, and her Son Lee and his family. 

Maggi was born in Des Moines, Iowa, October 17, 1927. She graduated from Drake University and moved to Los Alamos in 1956 where she worked in the Laboratory as a group secretary. 

She was married Read More

BARBARA ANN CANAVAN Dec. 6, 1943 – Oct. 15, 2015

Barbara Ann Canavan passed away of natural causes in Los Alamos, New Mexico where she was a long term resident, on Thursday October 15, 2015. She was 71 years old.

Barbara was an inspirational teacher, a tireless worker, and a born leader. She had the highest moral standards, but always applied them with a loving heart. Barbara lived her life with grace and joy. She warmed every heart she touched.

Barbara Ann Bohn was born on December 6, 1943 in Northbridge MA at Whitinsville Hospital to Col. Frank Leroy Bohn and Mrs. Marian Duggan Bohn. Col. Bohn was a Read More

LOIS DRAPER BRASHEAR Oct. 13, 2015

Lois Draper Brashear passed away October 13, 2015 at the age of 93. She was the daughter of Clarence and Leah Draper. 

Lois married Robert Brashear October 12, 1942. They moved to Los Alamos in 1962. After raising her children she worked for LANL as a buyer. She was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in many capacities there. She was a great cook and loved playing cards with her family.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband Bob, her loving parents and two sisters. She is survived by her five children, Warren Brashear (Melody), Read More

MADELINE ANNE DONOHOE Sept. 3, 1961 – Oct. 10, 2015

Madeline Anne Donohoe, 54, a resident of Los Alamos, passed away suddenly on October 10, 2015.

Anne was born on September 3, 1961 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina to Peter and Lynn Reynolds. While attending North Carolina State University she met her future husband, Robert, and they were married on April 11, 1984. They moved with their young son Sean to Los Alamos in 1988, where Robert took a job at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Their second son Patrick was born shortly thereafter

Anne worked several years at the YMCA before joining LANL in Read More

REV. NORMAN JOSEPH MEAD Oct. 7, 2015

Rev. Norman Joseph Mead, 94, a resident of Los Alamos, passed away after a series of health problems of increasing seriousness on Wednesday, October 7, 2015.

Born 1921 in Rochester, NY, son of William Clyde Mead and Georgina Edwards Mead, he was raised on a small rural farm near Spencerport, NY, with his older brother Clyde D. Mead and the family dog Dixie. His father worked as a journeyman electrician, while his mother was a devout Christian homemaker.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Houghton College, and a Bachelor of Theology from Eastern Baptist Theological Read More

KATHLEEN JOHNSTONE FERGUS Sept. 12, 1936 – Sept. 30, 2015

Kathleen Johnstone Fergus, passed away on September 30, 2015 in Santa Fe, NM.

Beloved by her family, Kathleen was born in Glasgow, Scotland on September 12, 1936 to Thomas and Catherine Brown. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her husband, Alasdair J. B. Fergus.

Kathleen is lovingly remembered by her children, Andrew (Flora) of Kamloops, British Columbia, and Gillian (Andrew) of Los Alamos, New Mexico, and by her five grandchildren, Ryan, Holly, and Jenna Erickson, & Ruaridh, and Coen Stormer Fergus. She is also remembered Read More

DR. JAMES NEIL DOWNING March 21, 1943 – Sept. 27, 2015

James Neil Downing, Jr. passed away on September 27, 2015 in Garden Ridge, Texas.

He was born on March 21, l943 in Bonham, Texas to James Neil Downing, Sr. and Mary Helen Downing. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Morgan-Downing of Garden Ridge, Texas; son Scott Downing; daughter-in-law, Donna Downing; grandchildren, Katie Downing, JD Downing, and Audrey Downing of Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Also, his sister, Patricia Keene; brother-in-law, Joe Keene of San Marcos, California, along with niece, Lisa Read More

TREVOR ORR July 31, 1967 – Aug. 26, 2015

Trevor Orr, Los Alamos resident of roughly twenty years, died on August 26th, 2015. He was 48.

Trevor was born in Houston, TX, on July 31st, 1967. The youngest of three children, he was born to Jimmy and Sally Orr. He grew up primarily in Houston, before moving to New Mexico half way through high school. He graduated from Pecos High in 1985, and briefly studied at NMSU. 

He became an active member of Capital Christian Church in Santa Fe, and went on several missions around the world. His missions included places like Iraq, Albania, and Ecuador. 

In 1992, Read More

JEANNE CARPENTER HOUTZ Sept. 25, 2015

Jeanne Carpenter Houtz, 93, died quietly in her sleep on Friday, September 25, 2015, in Chandler, AZ.

She was married to Harry Edward Houtz, Jr. in 1949. They had been married for 50 years at the time of his death in 1999.

She is survived by her brother, James Carpenter and his wife, Cleo, of Alexandria, MN; four children: Marguerite, and her husband, Barry Cooper, of Tempe, AZ, their children, Christopher, Shawn, and Amy; Bryan, and his wife, Kelli of Gilbert, AZ, their children, Shaun, Jason, Nathan, Thomas, Ryan, Kylli, and Jeremiah; Stephen, of Minneapolis, Read More

DONALD RICHARD POMPEO Sept. 27, 2015

Donald Richard Pompeo, 75, a resident of Los Alamos passed away at the University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora, CO on Sunday, September 27, 2015 following a brief illness.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Fay Pompeo; brother, Harry Pompeo, Jr.; father and mother-in-law, Harold and Lena Mae Barkley.

Don will be remembered as a happy man with an infectious smile and for the generosity of his time in helping others. He loved the game of golf and was an active member of the Northern New Mexico Senior Men’s Golf Association. He also enjoyed fishing, Read More

BERT THOMAS TIANO, SR. Aug. 26, 1916 – Sept. 12, 2015

On September 12, 2015, Bert Tiano passed away peacefully after a vibrant 99-year life. 

Bert was born on August 26, 1916, in Berwind, Colorado. He was the seventh of nine children born to Antonio Tiano and Elisa Della Valle. All through his life he was extremely close to his siblings. He was preceded in death by Joe, Rose, Mary, Tom, John, Beth, and Joyce; his sister, Virginia Flores, lives in California.

Bert moved to Santa Fe as a child, and completed high school there, although he spent much of his spare time at the pool hall where he would hustle Read More

ARTHUR JOSEPH JARAMILLO March 19, 1943 – Sept. 20, 2015

Arthur Joseph Jaramillo, 72, a longtime resident of Pojoaque Valley passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, September 20, 2015.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Drucilla Jaramillo; brother, Joseph Jaramillo, Jr., sister, Drucilla Sandoval. Arthur was born on March 19, 1943 in Los Angeles, California to Joseph and Drucilla Jaramillo. When he was four years old he moved with his family to New Mexico where he grew up in Los Alamos and where he graduated from high School in 1961.

After he graduated he joined the Iron Workers Read More

DAVID D. SMITH Oct. 9, 1957 – Sept. 18, 2015

David D. Smith, 57, of Los Alamos, NM passed away on September 18, 2015 at his home surrounded by the family that he so dearly loved and treasured.  His death was a result of a very hard battle fought against a sudden illness.

David was born in Oil City, PA on October 9, 1957 to Larry D. Smith and Yvonne E. Toy.  With a brief stop in Garland, TX, David’s family finally ended up in Los Alamos in the early 1960’s.  He said one of his earliest memories of Los Alamos was staying in Fuller Lodge and watching a wedding taking place in the great room below. Read More

DON BRANCATO Feb. 24, 1958 – Sept. 16, 2015

Don Brancato of Rio Rancho, NM passed away September 16, 2015.

He was born in Bayshore, NY on February 24, 1958. He graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1976 and from NMSU where is was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

While living in Las Vegas, NV he worked in the restaurant business until he retired and moved to Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Don enjoyed sports, gardening and photography. He was famously known for his outstanding sense of humor.

He is survived by his mother Ellie Leavitt; brothers Bob and Tom; sister Laura; nieces Brenda and Liz; and his nephews Read More

PATRICK “PAT” JOSEPH BURNS Aug. 8, 1952 – Sept. 17, 2015

Patrick “Pat” Joseph Burns, songwriter, musician, historian/editor, teacher, father, grandfather, brother and friend to so many, passed away suddenly on the evening of September 17, 2015, in Santa Fe, NM.

He was born in Albuquerque, NM, on August 8, 1952, to Jessica and Raymond Burns. Pat spent his entire life in the Northern New Mexico area. He loved to soak at Ojo Caliente Natural Hot Springs, take pictures of spectacular sunsets and truly appreciated the beauty that surrounded him. His driving passion, however, was always his music. Read More

PATRICIA (PATTI JO) DAUGHARTY Feb. 1, 1957 – Sept. 4, 2015

Patti Jo Daugharty passed away peacefully on September 4, 2015 following a several year battle with kidney failure and related health issues.

Patti is survived by her husband, John Daugharty, and daughter, Brandi Engeman of Los Alamos; her granddaughter, Romilly; her mother, Jan Anders of Tucson, Arizona; her sister Jonna Adams of Pasco, Washington; her brother Mike Durkin, of Littleton, Colorado; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Patti was born in Richland, Washington and traveled extensively throughout Read More

MARGARET “PEGGY” EHRENKRANZ April 3, 1927 – September 19, 2015

Margaret “Peggy” Ehrenkranz, 88, former Los Alamos resident, passed away peacefully in Arlington, Virginia, on September 19, 2015. A graveside service will be held at Guaje Pines Cemetery in Los Alamos at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, September 26, 2015.

Born on April 3, 1927, in Easton, Pennsylvania, Peggy was a graduate of Wilson College, wife of the late Theodore E. Ehrenkranz, and resident of Los Alamos from 1959-2007.

She is survived by her children, Douglas and his wife Sharon Ehrenkranz and Katherine and her husband Paul Armstrong, Read More

CLARICE COLE AMIES Oct. 7, 1927 – Sept. 17, 2015

Clarice Cole Amies, 88, died on Thursday, September 17, 2015, after a long struggle with multiple health complications and associated chronic pain. Born October 7, 1927 in Rochester, New York, Clarice was preceded in death by her parents, Frances Evelyn Youmans Cole and Mason Cole, and her sisters, Lois Hale, Shirley Truex, and Kathleen Broman. 

Clarice graduated from Monroe High School (Rochester, New York) in 1945, and went on to work at Western Union. She was married to Eugene Smith in 1947 in Rochester, New York, and they had one son, Gregory, Read More

WILLIAM A. HUDSON Sept. 11, 2015

William A. Hudson died peacefully at home on September 11, 2015.

Born New York City in 1925, Hudson joined the US Marine Corps in 1943. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for action on Iwo Jima. After WWII he received BS and MA degrees in health and physical education from New York University.

Hudson came to New Mexico in 1949 and taught in the Los Alamos Public Schools for 33 years as a physical educator, swimming and cross country coach. After he retired from teaching, he had a successful career as a financial consultant with Waddell Read More

KEVIN STEVEN DONAVAN CHAVEZ May 4, 1988 – Sept. 15, 2015

Kevin Steven Donavan Chavez, 27, a resident of El Rancho, passed away on Tuesday, September 15, 2015 after a long and courageous fight after a car accident in April 2012 that left him a quadriplegic and changed his life forever.

Kevin rehabbed intensely at Craig Hospital in Englewood, Colorado for four months. Kevin had many bumps along the road, but continued his fight wanting to do great things. Kevin was born on May 4, 1988 to Felix and Gloria Chavez.

He was preceded in death by grandfathers, E. Nestor Lujan and Max L. Chavez Jr.; aunts, Read More

BARBARA STEBBINS CROLEY Aug. 11, 2015

Barbara Stebbins Croley, 87, died on August 11, 2015. Barbara had lived in Los Alamos since 1957 when her husband Dale C. Croley began working at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory. 

Over the years, in addition to raising three daughters, Barbara was an avid gardener, artist, gourmet cook, and enjoyed taking care of small animals and wild birds. Barbara was active in the Los Alamos Lion’s Club and in the sight conservation programs of Lions International for 50 years, as well as being a substitute teacher, a member of the Los Alamos Geological Society, Read More

DOYLE WAYNE ROTTMAYER March 12, 1927 – Sept. 13, 2015

Doyle Wayne Rottmayer passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family and friends on Sunday, September 13, 2015.

He is survived by his children Kay Margaret of Mora, New Mexico; Dwain and Gay Farley of Los Alamos and Phil and Trish Guinn of Ponca City, Oklahoma, grandchildren Andy Joe Ruiz and Suzanne of El Rancho, NM Joe Benjamin Ruiz and Cynthia of Mesquite, Texas and Melissa and Travis Brown of Los Alamos, and great grandchildren Israel Ruiz, Joseph Ruiz, Maribelle Ruiz and Thalia Ruiz, JD Weiss, Savannah Brown, Emily Brown, Spencer Read More