Obituaries

ROGER CHADWICK GARTZ Dec. 16, 1940 – Feb 5, 2026 

Dr. Roger Chadwick Gartz was a man of deep faith, tireless service, and good humor, who spent his life alongside his wife Connie helping others through faithful church service, missionary work, and dental humanitarian efforts in his community and around the world. He died at age 85 from lymphoma.

Roger was born on December 16, 1940, in Rochester, New York, to Edward and Edna Gartz. He was the second of seven children and enjoyed a childhood shaped by sports and steady work with his parents in the family doughnut shop and laying hardwood floors.  Edward Read More

RENE MARIE BALAGNA May 22, 1953 – Dec. 1, 2025

Rene Marie Balagna passed away quietly at her place of residence in Rio Rancho, NM on December 1, 2025. She was born in Los Alamos on May 22, 1953, to John & Jean Balagna. She was preceded in death by her parents and older sister, Lisa. 

Rene attended all her years in school, grades K thru 12’th, in Los Alamos. She moved with her family to the new home John & Jean built in Pajarito Acres. She graduated in 1976 from the University of New Mexico with a major in History. She held a job in call service in Albuquerque for a number of years. She spent Read More

CHERYL ANNE ROTH Feb. 8, 1947 – Jan. 10, 2026

Cheryl Anne Roth passed away peacefully at home after an extended illness Jan. 10, 2026.

Born to Charlie and Alene Cooper at the base dispensary, Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, she enjoyed seeing the United States and the world as the daughter of a career Navy man.

The highlight of being in her Navy family was living in Italy and traveling throughout Europe during family vacations. After her father’s retirement from the service, the family settled in St. Simon’s Island, Georgia. She attended high school at Glynn Academy in nearby Read More

YASMIN ACOSTA-SEGUNDO July 5, 1995 – Jan. 22, 2026

Yasmin Acosta-Segundo, a beacon of warmth and kindness, left this world far too soon on January 22, 2026. Born on July 5, 1995, in Puebla, Mexico, she captivated the hearts of many during her all-too-brief life. Yasmin graced the lives of many with her warm, inviting spirit and the undeniable beauty that radiated from her kind heart. Known for her approachable smile and a personality that made all who encountered her feel at ease, Yasmin was more than just a remarkable woman; she was a beautiful example of light in her community.

An accomplished Read More

DR. LOGAN KEITH KUIPER Sept. 12, 1940 – Jan. 20, 2026

Dr. Logan Keith Kuiper, 85, passed away in Los Alamos, New Mexico, on January 20, 2026. Born on September 12, 1940, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, to Andrew and Bess Kuiper, Logan’s journey took him from a small family farm to the forefront of physics and mathematics.

Logan grew up outside Pella, Iowa, attending the one-room Liberty Corner grade school before graduating from Pella High School. His passion for learning led him to the University of Iowa for an undergraduate degree in Mathematics. He furthered his studies at Cal Tech, earning an MS in Applied Read More

ROYCE DEAN TAYLOR Feb. 10, 1941 – Jan. 20, 2026

Colonel Royce Dean Taylor was born Feb. 10, 1941, in Boles, Arkansas. He passed away at age 84, Jan. 20, 2026, just 20 days shy of his 85th birthday in Los Alamos, NM.

He is survived by his wife, Holly Kenney, his children Jennifer Waller (Jay), Amy Klabunde (Kevin), Royce Taylor (Sonja), grandchildren Haley Waller, Olivia Wallace (Ian), Sydney Bloomenstein (Zach), Alexi Tscherner (Nico), Trevor Klabunde, Isaac Taylor, and Lily Taylor, and great-granddaughter Etta Wallace. He was preceded in death by his parents, Monroe and Rosie Taylor, Read More

AMY XIAO BING WEI Jan. 18, 2026

Fondly known as Amy, Xiao Bing Wei of Los Alamos, NM, and originally of Nanning, China, passed away Jan. 18, 2026 at home in Los Alamos after a brief illness at the age of 57.

She leaves behind her husband, Giacomo Brussino; son, James Brussino; mom, Yan Lan and sisters Xiaoyu Wei and Xiaotang Wei, amongst many other beloved family members and friends “with love and peace”. 

Where there is life, there will be death. An early end is not necessarily a life cut short.

Amy will be inurned in China. No services are planned at this time.

Please visit www.riverafamilyfuneralhome.com Read More

STEPHEN A. CIDDIO Sept. 25, 1950 – Jan. 16, 2026

Stephen A. Ciddio, a dedicated son, brother, and friend, passed away on January 16, 2026, at the age of 75. Born on September 25, 1950, Stephen lived a life characterized by his reserved nature, calm demeanor, and an unexpected sense of humor that brought joy to those around him.

Stephen proudly served his country as a Retired Navy Chief, displaying a commitment to duty that underscored his character. His military service instilled values of discipline and integrity, which he carried with him throughout his life.

In addition to his military career, Read More

JEFFERSON “SKIP” LEON PRESTRIDGE JR. Nov. 1, 1943 – Jan. 13, 2026

Jefferson “Skip” Leon Prestridge Jr., 82, passed away Jan. 13, 2026, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, with family by his side.

Born Nov. 1, 1943, in Brewer, Maine, he was the eldest son of Effie Mae (McGray) and Jefferson Leon Prestridge Sr. In 1961, he earned his high school diploma from RHAM High School in Hebron, Connecticut.

Jefferson went by the nickname “Skipper” or “Skip” by friends and family. Aptly named and following in his father’s footsteps, Jefferson served honorably in the Read More

ANDY R. WILSON 1928 – Dec. 26, 2025

Andy R. Wilson, 97, passed away on Dec. 26, 2025, leaving behind a legacy defined by his devotion to his family, his country, and his lifelong passion for creation.

Raised by a single mother in El Paso, Texas, Andy learned the value of resilience early on. Upon turning 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving with the occupation forces in Japan. Shortly after returning home and completing his service, he met Edyth Liles, who graciously agreed to marry him in 1948. Their marriage began a journey of partnership and family that ended only with her death in 2021.

In January Read More