Obituaries

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

GARY RAPER Oct. 5, 1949 – Dec. 1, 2015

Gary Raper died Dec. 1, 2015. Gary was born in Los Alamos, the Son of Verdie and Catherine Raper. He is preceded in death by his mother, Catherine.

Diagnosed with epilepsy at 9 years, his disability severely restricted his life. He was cared for at home until he was 36 when he was able to move into a group home managed by the Albuquerque Association for Retarded Citizens. He lived, worked and traveled for the next 20 years due to the wonderful care of this remarkable organization. 

As his health declined he needed more intensive health care. The family Read More

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