Obituaries

THOMAS P. MCLAUGHLIN May 10, 1943 – Nov. 13, 2024

Thomas McLaughlin, 81, passed away peacefully in his home in the arms of his son, Patrick, on Wednesday November 13, 2024, after a battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).

We love and miss you Dad/Grandpa, you are forever in our hearts. “Grandpa was the best” said one grandchild and another added “He always supported us and was at every activity we had, even when he was very ill.” Tom was a devoted brother, father, grandfather, husband, and child of God. He is now reunited with his wife, Karen, in Jesus’s loving arms.

Tom was born on Nantucket Island, Read More

SHIRLEY PAPIN March 3, 1935 – Nov. 11, 2024

Shirley was born in Blaine, Washington to George and Lillian Brandt amid the great depression. They relocated to Bellingham shortly after. Her parents had come from very humble circumstances and through hard work managed to achieve a middle-class life. Her father George “Turk” was a fisherman and the first boat he built was the “Shirley B” when she was a toddler. Bigger and better boats would follow but this was the foundation of what would become a solid and successful career. Last seen, the Shirley B was still afloat 70 years later.

A strong work ethic Read More

FREDERICK WILLIAM KRAMER May 28, 1932 – Nov. 12, 2024

Frederick William Kramer, 92, resident of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family Nov. 12, 2024.

Fred was known throughout his life for his kindness; generosity; and devoted service to his family, church, community, and country.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, May 28, 1932, Fred grew up in Chicago before moving to Seattle, Washington, and then to Denver, Colorado, for high school. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Colorado at Boulder. He then moved to Los Alamos, Read More

FREDERICK H. KELLEY Aug. 15, 1932 – Nov. 9, 2024

Frederick H. Kelley, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2024, at the age of 92 in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

Born on August 15, 1932, in Washington, Pennsylvania, Frederick lived a life full of passion, dedication, and love that touched the hearts of many. Frederick was the cherished son of James and Rachael Kelley.

He was preceded in death by his siblings James, Florence, Betty, Donald, Alice, and Edward, who he often reminisced about with fondness. His legacy is carried forward by his loving wife Read More

CAROLE SUE (JOHNSON) LEHMANN Nov. 2, 1939 – Nov. 1, 2024

Carole Sue (Johnson) Lehmann went to heaven on Friday, November 1, 2024, just one day shy of her 85th birthday.

Carole was born November 2, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois, to Gordon “Buddy” and Myrtle Johnson. Carole was the oldest of 5 children. She graduated from Downers Grove High School in 1957.

Carole met James Lehmann (Downers Grove High School, Class of 1955) on a church youth group hayride, and they were married in 1959. Carole & Jim welcomed their only child, Deborah (Debbie), in 1960.

In 1969, Jim was transferred from Argonne National Read More

BRENT EVANS BOYACK June 10, 1940 − Nov. 9, 2024

Brent Evans Boyack, beloved husband, father, brother, and grandfather, passed away after a short, serious illness Nov. 9, 2024, at home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Brent was born June 10, 1940, in Provo, Utah to Harold Joshua and Dona Fay Evans Boyack.

Brent spent his childhood and growing up years in Provo where, as a teenager, he worked as a janitor for the Provo City Schools learning to work hard. He graduated from Provo High School where he met the love of his life, Marcia Wiser. Brent and Marcia were married June 9, 1961 in the Salt Lake City Temple of Read More

PATRICIA ANN LANIER KIRK Sept. 5, 1933 – Nov. 6, 2024 

Sunrise: September 5, 1933; Sunset: November 6, 2024. Patricia Ann Lanier was born in Decatur, Alabama to Charner and Pearl Lanier. Born with a heart for adventure and a keen intelligence, she grew up in Savannah, Tennessee with her dear sister, Bettye.  

In 1953, Pat married Lt. William L. Kirk (USAF), and they lived in many different cities before settling in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Pat had a variety of careers, and owned several businesses, including Kachina Preschool and Aspen Realty. Never one to sit and rest, Pat also led multiple philanthropies, Read More

DEA JEAN (PETTY) RENFRO June 11, 1950 – Oct. 30, 2024

Dea was born in Wichita, Kansas in 1950. She graduated from Los Alamos High School, attended UNM, and became a dental hygienist. She married Larry Renfro in 1970. In 1972, they welcomed their only son, Steve.

Dea is survived by Steve, her 2 grandchildren, Genevieve and Jackson, and their mother, Jennifer. She is also survived by two sisters, Lee Ann Waterman (husband Ted), Sue Harper (husband Ron), sister-in-law Shelli Petty (Mullins), and her wonderful mother-in-law Mary Renfro, together with many nephews, nieces and cousins.

Dea’s parents Read More

PHYLLIS ABBIE KIRKPATRICK July 8, 1938 – Oct. 18, 2024

Phyllis was born July 8, 1938 to George Nelson and Irma (Cousins) Furbeck, in Mexico City, Mexico. Phyllis’s fond memories of growing up in Mexico City include Sunday dinners after church with her family, friends at the American School, and earthquakes during which the city seemed to rock on the lake. She loved the sight of the mountains all around the city.

During 2nd grade, at the height of WWII, Phyllis and her older sister, Irma Ann, went with their mother to live with their grandmother in New Orleans, LA, while her father served as a US Army Read More

PEGGY ANN BOWEN September 2024

Peggy Ann Bowen, 77, a trailblazing attorney, social justice advocate, and cherished friend passed away in September.

Born in Paris, Arkansas and raised in Carlsbad, New Mexico, she graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1965 and received a full scholarship to Washington University in St. Louis. Peggy earned her Juris Doctorate from the UNM School of Law in 1973.

She had the distinction of being among the first 100 women attorneys admitted to the New Mexico Bar. 

Also a member of the Texas bar, early in her career, Peggy was in private practice in both Texas and Alamogordo, Read More

BRYAN EDWARD HOUTZ Nov. 24, 1954 – Nov. 7, 2024

Bryan was born in Los Alamos, New Mexico, son of Jeanne Carpenter Houtz and Harry Edward Houtz, Jr. He was the second of four children and he grew up hunting, fishing, and roaming the canyons and mountains of northern New Mexico. He was an active member of Boy Scout  Explorer Post 20.  He graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1973 and attended the Denver Automotive and Diesel College.

After graduating, Bryan enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1974. He served on board the USS Coral Sea during the Iranian hostage crisis, and earned the Navy Read More

CHRISTOPHER BRUELL Dec. 11, 1942 – Nov. 6, 2024

Christopher Bruell, born December 11, 1942, died peacefully at home on November 6, 2024 after a long illness.

Chris was a professor of political philosophy at Boston College for 41 years. He retired to Los Alamos from Boston in 2011.

Chris is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Marjorie, son Harry (Jenny), daughter Katie, and grandsons Leo Bruell (Rachel), Peter Watson, and Andrew West. Read More

GRACE ELAINE (FELIX) ALEI March 21, 1930 – Oct. 20, 2024

On October 20, 2024, Grace Elaine (Felix) Alei died peacefully in her sleep after a rich life dedicated to others.

Born in Cleveland March 21, 1930, Elaine was a bright and curious child, leaving home after high school to attend Texas Tech where she received her degree in mathematics. She accepted a job at the newly public Los Alamos National Laboratory and worked as a programmer on some of the world’s first computers.

She enjoyed her free time hiking, playing tennis and folk dancing where she met her future husband, chemist Mohammed Alei.  Read More

MARILYN SUE (COVER) FOSTER May 11, 1935 – Oct. 13, 2024

Marilyn Sue (Cover) Foster passed away unexpectedly October 13, 2024, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

She was born May 11, 1935, in Akron, Ohio to Berwyn and Hilda Cover. She married Richard Foster August 5, 1961, in Saint Sebastian Church in Akron, Ohio. They shared a beautiful 61 year marriage until his passing in 2023.

Marilyn graduated from the Elms High School, and the University of Akron and owned and operated the Cover School of Dance in Akron. She also graduated from the University of New Mexico and worked as a technical writer at the Los Alamos Read More

By ROBERT L. HENGSTENBERG Dec. 8, 1948 – Oct. 18, 2024 

Robert L. Hengstenberg (Bob) passed away Oct. 18, 2024, at the age of 75 from complications of Parkinson’s disease. Born Dec. 8, 1948, to Leo F. and Dolores E. Hengstenberg in Santa Fe, Bob was the eldest of three children.

He is survived by his wife Carol; his sisters Irene Holland and Carol McSmith (Bill); daughter Abigail Hengstenberg, son Robert W. Hengstenberg; grandchildren Harper Gamble, Mia Jaramillo (Juan) and Layla Tapia; in-laws Ann Zeltmann, Tom Zeltmann (Kay), and Jill Rice (Scott); and many nieces and nephews and their families. Read More

THOMAS CECIL ROBINSON Nov. 28, 1938 – Oct. 23, 2024

Thomas Cecil Robinson passed away peacefully at home with his wife at his bedside on October 23, 2024, after a brief illness. Tom was born in Bryan’s Mill, Texas on November 28,1938. The family relocated to Santa Fe, NM and Tom graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1957. After high school, Tom served his county in the US Navy aboard the USS Boxer.

Following his time in the Navy, Tom began his employment with Los Alamos National Laboratory working at the Omega West Reactor and the Van de Graff facility. Tom was an RCT at TA15 at the time of his retirement. Read More

RUBY KNIGHT Nov. 10, 1940 – Oct. 21, 2024

Ruby Knight, 83, of Los Alamos, NM, surrounded by her family, passed away on October 21, 2024, in her home. She was born on November 10, 1940, in Chimayo, New Mexico, from Andrita Martinez.

Ruby was an outstanding wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who loved all her family dearly. She enjoyed spending her time shopping, gambling at the casino and making memories with her family. Ruby had a special gift with children and spent many years babysitting out of her home. Her home was “home” to all whom she cared for.

Ruby is a testament to how strong a Read More

PETTY LUCCO July 7, 1930 – Aug. 25, 2024

A bright star has left our orbit. On August 25, 2024 in the early morning dark, Petty Lucco, a past resident of Los Alamos, left this world to join her ancestors. At a remarkable age of 94 years old, she passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.

Born, July 7, 1930 in Buenos Aires, Argentina she was given the name Teresita Nelly Raynuad by her parents Pedro Raynaud and Diznarda Lidubina Itcea. She was the eldest sibling of 3—her sister Mabel is called “Tia Chicha” and her brother Pedro Osvaldo often called “Poli.”

Teresita went by many names. Most knew her as Petty Read More

TOBIAS JOSE RICARDO TRUJILLO April 2, 1947 – Oct. 12, 2024

Toby Trujillo, 77, a resident of Rio Chiquito, New Mexico, concluded his life’s journey on October 12, 2024.

Toby was preceded in death by his parents: Estevan and Clarita Trujillo; his sisters Marie Vigil and Felice Salazar and his beloved grandson Kenny Trujillo.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Elsie Trujillo, his daughter Clarita (Michael) Trujillo and his son Julio (Melissa) Trujillo; grandchildren, Tristan (Jaclyn) Trujillo, Faith Trujillo, Ayesha Martinez, Matthew, David and Madelyn Owen; five great grandchildren, Read More

JANET C. (LARIVEE) HULL Sept. 11, 2024

Janet C. (Larivee) Hull, 83, of Los Alamos, NM, and Centerville, MA, passed away on September 11, 2024. Jan was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years, Don, and her parents, Clarence and Margaret Larivee.

Born in Shrewsbury, MA, Jan moved to Cape Cod during her adolescence and graduated from Barnstable High School in the class of 1958. Her professional journey began as a Paralegal on the Cape, transitioning to a role in the legal department at Argonne National Laboratory in Downers Grove, Illinois, before moving to Ames, Iowa.

Jan and Don lived Read More

JOHN WILLIAM HUFF Jan. 25, 1968 – Sept. 30, 2024

John William Huff, 56, of Jemez Springs, passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness on September 30, 2024, while working in Eastern Texas. John, or Johnny as many knew him, was born on January 25, 1968, in El Paso, Texas.

Sometime during his high school years at Los Alamos High School, Johnny briefly met Tania Edgett, yet their paths didn’t cross again until later. After graduating high school in 1986, Johnny met Tania again and then married her in October 1996 at Camp May. Johnny and Tania began building their home themselves in the Jemez with Read More

CHARLES THOMAS KLINGNER 1943 – 2024

Charles Thomas (Tom) Klingner was passionate about fireworks and national parks, bikes and cars, electric cars, family and friends, sailing and skiing, rockets and computers. He could be heard shouting “whoop!” as he skied powder runs. He encouraged others on the slope to “befriend the moguls”, instilling enthusiasm for challenges. He was kind and welcoming.

He played a key role in building and running supercomputers while working at Los Alamos National Laboratory for 31 years. Owned the first Apple computer. He was the  grandfather who owned an iPhone Read More

JOHN R. ASBRIDGE Aug. 26, 1928 – Sept. 28, 2024

John Robert “Jack” Asbridge, 96, of Castle Pines, Colorado passed away peacefully on September 28, 2024.

Born on August 26, 1928, in Lakeside, Montana, Jack was the beloved son of the late Vern and Emma Asbridge.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Marilyn, their five children, Debbie, Karen, Mary, Gary, and Joe, seven grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.

After graduating from high school in Kalispell, Montana, in 1946, Jack joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and served for three years, attaining the rank of Sergeant.

After his tour of duty, Read More

EUGENE JAMES PETERSON Nov. 18, 1949 – Sept. 4, 2024

Eugene James Peterson passed away peacefully Sept. 4, 2024, at the age of 74. Born Nov. 18, 1949, to Eugene D. and Marguerite A. Peterson in Evergreen Park, IL, Gene was the eldest of four children—Rick, Marybeth, and Don rounded out the Peterson family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Rick and his wife Gail McFarlane.

He is survived by his sister Marybeth Brugger, brother Don Peterson (Terri), daughter Larisa Gillis, and grandchildren Secilli Keeler and Alan Keeler, who brought him immense pride and joy.

Gene graduated with Read More

SAMMY M. LOPEZ 1955 – Oct. 6, 2024

Sammy Lopez, a long-time New Mexican media leader, passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, Oct. 6.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Kathy Lou Lopez; his cherished daughter, Melinda Lopez; his devoted brother, Victor Lopez; his caring sister, Bertha Benavidez; and his loving grandchildren, Javaris Smith, Jazmine Lopez and Jeremiah Lopez.

Sammy is preceded in death by his parents, Victor D. and Antonia Gurule Lopez; his son, Anthony Lopez; and his brother, Chris Lopez.

A native of Jarales and a 1973 Belen High School graduate, Sammy spent Read More

HARRY EARL FELTHAUSER May 30, 1927 – Sept. 19, 2024

Harry Earl Felthauser was born to Frederick William and Hazel Stephens Felthauser on May 30, 1927, in Norfolk, Nebraska. When Harry was three, his mother became severely ill and was unable to take care of the younger children. Frederick took Harry to live with his aunt and uncle (Esta Stephens and Charles Guy Taylor) in Edgar, Nebraska. They became his parents and his cousins, Lorraine and Eula, became his sisters in reality if not on paper. In trying to survive the depression, the family moved to Arkansas, back to Nebraska, and then to Twin Read More

Dr. SCOT D. JOHNSON June 15, 1968 – Oct. 2, 2024

Dr. Scot Douglas Johnson passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, as a result of a cycling accident in Los Alamos, New Mexico, on Sunday, September 29. He was 56 years old.

Scot was born on June 15, 1968, in Versailles, France, to Paul Douglas Johnson and Maria Victoria Johnson. The second of three sons, he and his brothers, Conrad and Christian, grew up in Los Alamos, NM.

Scot was a beloved fixture of the Los Alamos Little Theatre, an avid cyclist, and a karaoke aficionado. He enjoyed In-N-Out Burger, boba, hunting for the perfect cappuccino, Read More

RUTH HELEN BALLOU PRATT Oct. 31, 1926 – Sept. 29, 2024

Ruth Helen Ballou Pratt went to meet her eternal Father on September 29, 2024, In Los Alamos, New Mexico, where she had been living with her sister, Mary Courtright, for the past four years.

Ruth was born in Furnas County, Nebraska, near the town of Wilsonville, on All Saints’ Day in 1926. She was the third of five children, and the first daughter of John Loy Ballou  and Helen Aletha Colling Ballou. She attended school in the Wilsonville Independent School District throughout her primary and secondary education years, graduating from Wilsonville Read More

Obituary for LUCY MARYANN SANCHEZ JARAMILLO June 12, 1943 – Sept. 28, 2024

Lucy Maryann Jaramillo (née Maryann Lucy Sanchez) of El Rito, New Mexico passed away at home on September 28, 2024, after a months-long fight with an incurable form of cancer.

Heaven surely has gained an angel. Lucy praised God her entire life, and through good times and hard times, her faith remained rock solid. She regularly attended services and even played drums for several years at worship services. Lucy read the Bible daily and filled handwritten books with favorite verses, often quoting them to friends, family, Read More

LEE ROY JONES March 10, 1966 – Sept. 3, 2024

Lee Roy Jones rode his bike with abandon to the eternal mountains and trails above on Sept. 3, 2024, after a courageous battle with a rare autoimmune disease. Lee was 58 years old.

Lee was born in the Philippines to a Navy serviceman and a native Filipina. His small family moved to the United States when he was just a toddler, and Lee grew up in Los Alamos, NM, where he graduated high school in 1984.

Lee’s childhood was full of adventures and joy in the canyons and mountains of northern New Mexico. From a young age, Lee’s feet were seldom separate from his bike pedals. Read More

BARBARA ROSE UHER June 28, 1935 – Sept. 3, 2024

Barbara Rose Uher, 89, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home on September 3, 2024, following a lengthy illness.

Barbara was born in the Bronx, New York, to Rose and Robly Lehecka. She married the love of her life, Joseph (Joe) L. Uher on April 7, 1956, in Bohemia, New York. 

Barbara worked at Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York. Together with their four children, Barbara and Joe moved to Los Alamos in October 1969. She worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory until her retirement. Barbara and Joe lived in Florida, Texas, and finally Read More

Dr. John Heren Wolcott Sept. 1, 2024

Dr. John Heren Wolcott, 85, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his children, on Sunday, September 1, 2024, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

John was born in Washington, DC to Leon Oliver (Lee) and Margaret McCullough Wolcott. John and his older sister Gail had only a few short years with their mother before she succumbed to cancer when he was less than two years old. Lee remarried in 1941 to Marion Post Wolcott, and within a few years John was big brother to two half-siblings, Michael and Linda.

Growing up on a farm in Virginia, John learned the value of hard work, independence, Read More

Dr. Charles F. McMillan Oct. 25, 1954 – Sept. 6, 2024

Dr. Charles F. McMillan passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 6, 2024, as a result of a vehicle accident in Los Alamos, New Mexico. He was 69 years old.

Charlie was born on October 25, 1954, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, to Robert Charles McMillan and Betty Jo (Boynton) McMillan. The eldest of four children, he and his sisters Sally, Susie, and Cindy grew up in the Washington, D.C., area where his father was a physicist and his mother taught junior high math.

One of Charlie’s earliest memories was standing outside with his father watching Read More

MARGOT LOUISE LYMAN Dec. 30, 2021 – Sept. 12, 2024

Margot Louise Lyman was born in a hurry on December 30, 2021, as if she knew she had no time to spare. She died from medulloblastoma on September 12, 2024, peaceful and surrounded by her family at home.

Margot was a delectable mix of consternation and whimsy, giggles and demands. She delighted in mischief, and especially in being caught – proudly exclaiming “Me!” when asked who, exactly, had been up to no good. She was unable to hold a grudge, her easy smile betraying the furrowed brow that followed typical toddler conflicts. She had dimples Read More

Raymond Peter Wagner May 24, 1934 – Sept 7, 2024

Raymond Peter Wagner, 90, of Peoria, Arizona, passed away Sept. 7, 2024 after a short battle with infection.

Raymond was born on May 24, 1934 to Peter and Gertrude Wagner in Chicago. After graduating from DePaul Academy, he went on to study  Chemistry at Loyola of Chicago and further study at Carnegie Melon University for his Doctorate.

Raymond met the love of his life Mary while attending a friend’s wedding and they lived happily together in places such as Chicago, IL; Oklahoma City, OK; Los Alamos, NM and Merritt Island, FL until her death in 2003. Read More