Obituaries

MARY ANN REIMUS April 16, 1959 – Feb. 19, 2015

Mary Ann (Humphrey) Reimus passed away suddenly on Feb. 19, 2015 at the UNM hospital in Albuquerque with her family at her side. 

She was born April 16, 1959 in St. Louis, MO to Dr. George Humphrey and Rheta (Lucas) Humphrey. She lived most of her life in New Mexico, including the last 26 years in Los Alamos. 

She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Paul Reimus of Los Alamos, son Nathan Reimus of Liverpool, NY, son Stephen Reimus of San Diego, CA, daughter Michelle Bennett (Thomas) of Goose Creek, SC, and grandson John Paul Bennett of Goose Creek, Read More

EDWIN D. “BUCK” BUCKINGHAM June 16, 1918 – Feb. 17, 2015

Edwin D. “Buck” Buckingham was from Shiloh, TN, born at home in Possum Hollow on Sunday, June 16, 1918. He lived most of his life in Colorado, and died in Los Alamos on February 17, 2015, after a short illness. He was four months shy of his 97th birthday.

Two years earlier he moved into assisted living in Los Alamos, to be near his only child, Judy Buckingham, and her husband, Bob Williams. This was a courageous move – he had been the same house for over 60 years!

Buck’s childhood experiences in Tennessee involved tobacco fields, hunting Read More

M. (MCBURNEY) DEAN KELLER Jan. 7, 1932 – Feb. 15, 2015

On February 15th, 2015, M. Dean Keller left this Earth to be with his Mom and Dad, brother and sister-in-law, and his two sons (David and Douglas) in that dimension where his Father God and Christ Jesus live.

Having been born in the 1930s and seen the turn of the century, the many changes in life on this Earth, it is good now he can really experience life in the presence of God. Dean served his country in the Air Force as a combat crew member during the Korean War. After this adventure, he earned a Masters Degree in Civil Engineering and lived and worked Read More

KATHLEEN WORTMANN OSCHWALD Feb. 13, 2015

A memorial service is pending for Kathleen Wortmann Oschwald.

Oschwald, 68, died Feb. 13, 2015 at her home in Los Alamos following an extended illness. Read More

ALPHONSE POPOLATO Aug. 18, 1920 – Jan. 28, 2015

Alphonse Popolato, 94, of Rio Rancho, NM entered his eternal home in Heaven on Wednesday, January 28, 2015.

Al (Pop) was born in Flushing, Queens, NY on August 18, 1920. He earned his Bachelor of Science degrees from St. Francis College ‘42 (Chemistry) and Virginia Polytechnic Institute ’44 (Chemical Engineering). He served in the US Army and was a true American hero who played an integral part in the Manhattan Project, which contributed to the successful conclusion of WWII. He enjoyed a distinguished career working in as a Chemical Engineer Read More

MICHAEL R. LUJAN Sr. Feb. 8, 2015

Michael R. Lujan Sr., 64, a resident of Nambe Pueblo, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2015 following a brief illness and a broken heart.

Mr. Lujan was preceded in death by his loving wife of 45 years, Judith M. Lujan; parents, Senovio R. Lujan Jr. and Gloria G. Kniffin-Lujan; in-laws, Celedon R. and Rose V. Lujan; brother-in-law, Joe A. Lujan, Richard Rettig. Michael was a Combat Marine and Vietnam Veteran who served his country proudly and with honor. He also worked and retired from the Los Alamos Fire Department after 23 years of service.

He was an avid sports fan Read More

ROBERT D. HAMBLET Feb. 6, 2015

Robert D. Hamblet, 81, a resident of White Rock, suddenly passed away on Friday, February 6, 2015. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Frances Hamblet. 

Robert was a loving son and brother. His main passion was a participant for the Shrine Club, Lions Club, NRA, Air Force Veterans Society. When Robert wasn’t extremely busy with all the meetings for the various clubs he had to attend, he enjoyed the outdoors on his 4-wheeler. Robert also loved hunting and fishing. He will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Robert is Read More

ROBERT OSCAR RILEY Nov. 23, 1938 – Feb. 3, 2015

Robert Oscar Riley, 76, of Hernandez, passed away without pain on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 in White Rock, following a short illness.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Lola Riley; in-laws, Ruth and Harold Nedrow.  Robert was born November 23, 1938, the second child of Clarence Oscar and Lola Belle Rawls Riley in Monticello, Arkansas. He was raised in simpler times, with a deep and abiding love of family, and a special connection with the outdoors and animals, spending countless hours hunting and fishing with family and friends. Read More

MABEL CLARA NELSON YOUNG Jan. 29, 1916 – Jan. 29, 2015

Mabel Clara Nelson Young, born January 29, 1916 in Lander, Wyoming and passed away at home in La Madera, NM on her 99th birthday, January 29, 2015, surrounded by her family.

Mabel spent most of her childhood in the Bay Area of California. She started playing piano with a dance band in high school, and continued to make a living this way into her twenties. In 1938 she married Irvin Henneker. Two years later their only child, Carol was born. Carol was the light of her life. Sadly, she was widowed when Carol was just six. They left their home in St Louis, Read More

GEORGE LORIO Nov. 13, 1936 – Jan. 24, 2015

George Lorio D.D.S., a longtime resident of Los Alamos, passed away peacefully at El Castillo on Saturday, January 24, 2015 surrounded by the prayers of beloved friends and family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ignacio Paul and Clara Lorio. 

George was born November 13, 1936 in David, Panama. He will be lovingly missed by his wife of 47 years, Kathy: his children, Krista (Mike) of Minneapolis, MN, Michael (Mikal) of Wilsonville, OR, Kevin (Joletta) of Hood River, OR and Christopher of Norfolk, VA.; his beloved sisters Clarita Collins, Read More

MARK WOLFSBERG Jan. 31, 2015

On January 31, the sun came out in upstate New York after a cold snowstorm; the sky was blue, the air was crisp, and Mark Wolfsberg passed away peacefully in his sleep in his home in Delmar. His entire family was home along with his mother, mother in law, and brother. He was a week short of his 53rd birthday.

During his four-year battle with cancer, Mark was an inspiration with his honest and straightforward understanding of his condition, always putting a positive face on the situation, never wallowing in self pity, and leading a full life until very recently. He was a good Read More

REBECCA ELIZABETH RICHERSON-FARRIS March 25, 1964 – Jan. 26, 2015

Rebecca Elizabeth Richerson-Farris, 50, a resident of Los Alamos, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2015. She was preceded in death by brother, Jeffery, whom she adored.

Rebecca was born on March 25, 1964 to Howard and Carmen Richerson, she is the youngest of four children. She devoted her life to rescuing wolves and owned several throughout the years. She loved and cared for all animals and gave a home to any animal in need of one. Rebecca was always available to assist anyone, day or night. She successfully owned and operated her Read More

JEANETTE EDESKUTY Jan. 26, 2015

Jeanette Edeskuty, 89, a resident of Los Alamos since 1950, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2015. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Edeskuty, Sr.; parents, Alfred and Adelia Bergren and brother, Donald Bergren. Jeanette loved to travel and went all over the world with her beloved husband, Fred. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She was a passionate home maker and excellent cook. She was an active member of the church and enjoyed skiing all the way into her 70’s. She also enjoyed music and loved going to the opera. Read More

THOMAS JOSEPH HUMPHREY Aug. 8, 1944 – Jan. 25, 2015

Thomas Joseph Humphrey died January 25, 2015 at the Ogeechee Area Hospice Inpatient Facility in Statesboro, Ga. after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.

He was born Aug. 8, 1944 to the late Walter Burton Humphrey and Margaret Ellis Humphrey. Before moving to Statesboro in 1997, he lived most of his life in Los Alamos, N.M. where he worked for Los Alamos National Laboratory and in Fairbanks, Alaska where he retired as data processing manager for Golden Valley Electric Association.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Craig Read More

EARL A. MEYER Aug. 12, 1924 – Dec. 31, 2014

Earl A. Meyer, 90, passed away in his bed in the early morning of December 31st, 2014 in his home in Los Alamos, New Mexico. He is greatly missed.

We will remember this quietly impressive, deeply honorable and kind man. He was happiest being with his wife and family, solving scientific problems, fishing on nearby lakes, and listening to big band music, especially with the Farish family, close friends. His children will remember how he patiently encouraged us on our schoolwork, athletics, and how, remarkably, in his late forties, even joined us in Tae Kwon Read More

WILLIAM “BILL” CHARLES ROBBINS Dec. 1, 1923 – Jan. 23, 2015

William “Bill” Charles Robbins died January 23, 2015. He was born December 1, 1923.

Bill loyally served his Country, lovingly served his family and faithfully served his God. He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Jean Robbins. He is survived by three children; Cathy Stallings; Wes Robbins; Ellen West.

Memorial service to be held at Christian Church, Los Alamos, NM at 1:00pm Thursday January 29, 2015. Read More

JOHN EVANS HILL Feb. 21, 1945 – Jan. 12, 2015

John Evans Hill, 69, resident of Santa Fe, New Mexico passed away on Monday, January 12, 2015 at Christus St. Vincent Hospital in Santa Fe, NM after suffering from heart failure. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Marian J. Whitley and the father who raised him, Edward F. Whitley, as well as his biological father, John T. Hill, a decorated deceased World War II veteran who was killed in the war before John was born. He was survived by his wife of 46 years, Luella A. Hill; daughter, Stephanie A. Hill; brother, Richard F. Whitley; granddaughter, Danielle Read More

LAURA ELIZABETH MARQUARDT ROACH June 7, 1920 – Jan. 1, 2015

Former Los Alamos resident, Laura Elizabeth Marquardt Roach was born June 7, 1920 in Two Rivers, Wis., and completed her baptismal journey on January 1, 2015 at Memorial Medical Center, Las Cruces, NM at age 94.

The fourth of seven children, her parents, Gusta Krueger Marquardt and Leonard Marquardt, left their native country of Germany in the early 1900s to find a better life in America. German was spoken at home, and Laura learned English as a “second” language when she started school. Outdoor sports were her favorite childhood pastime. Read More

VIRGINIA LEE MARR Sept. 8, 1918 – Jan. 17, 2015

Virginia passed away peacefully on January 17, 2015 at the age of 96 while surrounded by her loving family. She lived a long and fulfilling life.

Born on a dry farm in South Eastern Wyoming on September 8, 1918. She graduated from Guernsey High School in Wyoming in 1936. She moved to work in Long Beach, California for Lockheed Aircraft Company.

She married the love of her life Robert in Las Vegas, Nevada in March 1942. In February 1957 Robert and Virginia moved to Los Alamos and lived in the Chapel apartments. Robert took a job with the Los Alamos National Read More

JENNIFER (PRIMAK) WEISS April 23, 1972 – Jan. 8, 2015

Jennifer (Primak) Weiss, a devoted mother of two and resident of Boulder, Colo., passed away on January 8th, 2015, at the age of 42. Jenny is survived by her parents, Stan and Joan Primak, sisters Chelsea Primak and Marybeth Germinario, and her husband, Scott and beloved children Tanner Dylan and Samantha Bari Weiss.

Jenny was born in Ft. Collins, Colo., on April 23, 1972. Having spent time pursuing her degree at the University of New Mexico and University of New Hampshire, Jenny graduated from Keene State University with a Bachelor’s Read More

DOLORES “DOLLY” EVERETT Jan. 7, 2015

Dolores “Dolly” Everett, widow of C.J. Everett, was a resident of Los Alamos since 1947. She was well-known for her many volunteer efforts in the town throughout her life. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, headed the Candy Striper program at LAMC, was instrumental in establishing Casa Mesita, as well as Sombrillo Nursing Home. In her later years she collected lunch money at the Senior Center.

A transplant from Wisconsin, Dolly grew to love the Southwest, and Los Alamos became her true home. Here, when she wasn’t doing volunteer work, she Read More

ROBERTA DELORES MACINNES Dec. 20, 2014

Roberta Delores MacInnes, age 64, a resident of Los Alamos since 1997, passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2014 at the St. Vincent’s Regional Medical Center from a brief illness. She was surrounded in death by her loving family.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Geneva Hinkson; her brother, Robert Hinkson, Jr. and her sister, Bobbie Hinkson. Roberta is survived by her beloved husband of 17 years, Mark A. MacInnes, three adopted children, Marie, Renee, and Louis MacInnes, many of their biological relatives (Vialpando) from the Española Read More

VIRGINIA “GINGER” RICHINS Jan. 6, 2015

Virginia “Ginger” Richins, 84, a resident of Duncan Arizona, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2015.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Ward Richins; son, Frank Edwards; brother, Rowan Willis; parents, Frank and Frances Willis. Ginger loved horse related activities and was active in the Cowbells club for most of her life. She enjoyed her kids and grandchildren in their many activities. Ginger was known for loving a good game of cards. Those who knew her became friends quickly and loved her sense of humor and kindness. Read More

HOWARD F. GUTHRIE Aug. 17, 1959 – Nov. 14, 2014

Howard F. Guthrie, age 55, of Albuquerque, NM, flew straight up to heaven on November 14, 2014, following a tragic plane crash in the San Juan National Forest, near Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

Howard was born August 17, 1959, in Santa Fe, NM. He graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1978 and later served in the U.S. Navy. He lived a life full of adventure and never bypassed an opportunity to make a memory, making many life-long friends along the way. After exploring the country, he settled his family in Albuquerque and built his business as an auto mechanic. Read More

DONALD J. LISKA Nov. 3, 1929 – Dec. 26, 2014

Don Liska, 85, died at home after a brief illness with Alice, his wife of 59 years, by his side.

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Don received his Bachelor and Master Degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin. It was there that he met Alice. Don and Alice were avid members of the UofW Hoofers, an outdoor enthusiast club where they discovered their love of climbing and the outdoors. Don was drafted into the US Army immediately upon his graduation and served for 2 years.

Don began his career as an Engineer in Culver City, CA at Read More

MARTHA JEAN FERRELL Sept. 2, 1935 – Dec. 29, 2014

Martha Jean Ferrell, 79, died Monday, December 29, 2014 at the Four Season’s Specialty Care Unit at Aspen Ridge Retirement Community in Los Alamos, NM. After a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, Jean died peacefully in her sleep.

She is survived by her son, William and wife Barbara Ferrell of Los Alamos; one sister, JoAnna Richardson of Boulder, Colorado; and one brother Harold and wife Esther of Hays, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert B. Ferrell, her parents Lucille and John Perrett, and brother-in-law Steve Richardson. Read More

JOYCE KATHRYN LANDRY BLANCO Dec. 19, 2014

Joyce Kathryn Landry Blanco passed away December 19, 2014. 

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, December 29, 2 o’clock at the White Rock Baptist Church.

Joyce is preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Charles Blanco; parents Tony and Marie Landry; and brothers Harvey and Allen Landry. She is survived by her sister, Irene Collins; daughter Linda and husband Roger Huchton; son Clark and wife Judy; son Tom and wife Colleen; grandchildren Kristin and husband John Hofferberth; Marie Huchton; and James Blanco; and great-grandchildren Read More

PATRICK ALAN MINOR July 23, 1953 – Nov. 5, 2014

Patrick Alan Minor died November 5th, 2014 at Gentiva  Hospice in Albuquerque, NM. Pat, a Christian, was loved and adored by his family and friends and will be sorely missed.

Pat was born July 23, 1953, at Keesler AFB, near Biloxi, Mississippi, to Robb and Shirlee McDonald Minor. His pre-school years were spent in D’Iberville, Mississippi, and Manhattan, Kansas. In D’Iberville, he enjoyed chasing cows and hiding under the house which was built on concrete blocks – much to his Mother’s consternation. In Manhattan, Read More

ELMO CDE BACA Dec. 20, 2014

Longtime Los Alamos resident, Elmo Cde Baca passed away on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, in his home. He was 88 years old.

He was born and raised in Las Vegas, New Mexico, graduating with a degree in Biology from Highlands University. He served in the US Navy during WWII as a medical corpsman.

Elmo began his life on the “hill” as a Zia company painter. Throughout his life he has owned a variety of successful Los Alamos businesses and has developed commercial property throughout the downtown area. He worked his whole life to try to make the county codes more development friendly. Read More

JIMMIE ALLEN BROTHERS Nov. 30, 2014

Jimmie Allen Brothers, 62, a resident of Bandelier National Monument in Los Alamos, passed away peacefully at home following a brief illness on Sunday, November 30, 2014.

He was preceded in death by his parents, LeeRoy and Mary Dorothy Skelton-Brothers and sisters, Mary Schroder and Debbie Brothers.

When he was in the military, he worked on the Pershing Missle and radar repair and control. Jimmie also had 32 years in the National Park Service. Jimmie marred Monica in Great Bend, KS on February 9, 1976. He enjoyed spending time with his grandson, Austin.

Mr. Read More

TERESA BACA SMITH Dec. 4, 2014

Teresa Baca Smith (nee Salazar), longtime resident of Los Alamos, previously of Santa Fe, passed away on December 4, 2014. 

She is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Smith; parents, Odila and Joaquin Salazar; brothers Jack, Robert, Tom and Rudy Salazar; and sisters Lydia Silveria and Ofelia Apodaca.

She is survived by her son, Mark Baca of Platteville, Wisconsin; daughters Diana Baca of Denver, Colorado and Paula Baca of Ashland, Oregon; granddaughter Arianna Brooks of Ashland, Oregon; sister Clara (Joe) Briones of Santa Fe; brother Dennis (Julia) Read More

BRET E. KNAPP Aug. 21, 1958 – Nov. 18, 2014

Bret Knapp, 56, a dedicated family man with a dry wit and wry welcoming smile, died recently after a short but valiant battle with cancer. Knapp is survived by his wife, Sheryl, and two sons, Cameron and Trevor. He is also survived by two brothers and a sister.

Born and raised in Livermore, CA he was the son of Dr. Myron William Knapp and Dorris Riggs Knapp. Myron was the first test director at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory conducting nuclear tests in the atolls of the South Pacific, as well as the Nevada Test Site. Dorris was passionate Read More