Obituaries

MATILDA ‘EVELYN’ VOOS Oct. 13, 1941 – March 26, 2024

Beloved wife to Raymond Voos, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at her home in Rio Rancho, NM. She was 82 years old.

Born Monday, October 13, 1941, in Mora, NM, Evelyn was the cherished daughter of Amadeo and Amanda Sanchez. She grew up in Los Alamos, NM, with her two brothers; Amo and Eddie, where she developed a love for the outdoors as well as for her arts and crafts. She was an avid wood carver, stained glass artist and a talented painter.

After completing her Business Administration education Read More

JONATHAN PORTER March 25, 1938 – March 26, 2024

Jonathan Porter, Professor Emeritus of Chinese History and Asian Studies at the University of New Mexico, died peacefully at home on March 26, 2024 in Chupadero, a rural community in Santa Fe, after surviving more than two decades with metastatic prostate cancer. He was 86.

Jonathan was born on March 25, 1938 in Boston to Eliot Furness Porter, a photographer, and Aline Kilham, a painter. In July 1946, the family drove out west to move to Tesuque, New Mexico. Eliot would later write, “When we crossed the border into New Mexico, we stopped by the roadside Read More

DONALD E. GERHEART June 28, 1942 – March 21, 2024

Donald E. Gerheart, loving husband and father of two, passed away Thursday, March 21,  2024 at age 81.

Don was born on June 28, 1942, to Stephen and Margaret S. Gerheart in Palmerton, PA. Don earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1964 and Master’s Degree in 1969, in Music Education both from the University of Wyoming in Laramie.

On June 6, 1964, he married Jane Seltenrich and together they raised two children, Ann Marie and Charles Stephen in their home in White Rock where Don resided for 57 years.

Don spent 27 years in the Los Alamos Public Schools, after Read More

JEANNE LORRAINE COTTER Dec. 31, 1928 – March 7, 2024

Jeanne Cotter died peacefully at the age of 95 at El Castillo in Santa Fe, NM, with her daughters by her side.

Jeanne was elegant, gracious and a loyal friend to many. She loved a party, had a quick wit and  cared for others. She dearly loved her family and sharing adventures with them. She loved the outdoors and traveling to see the people and mountains of the world.

Jeanne was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Ted Cotter, and her partner after she was widowed, Richard Colgate.

She is survived by her children Lise Muzny (Chris) and Sheila Read More

DENNIS ALFRED MONAGHAN Sept. 15, 1936 − March 22, 2024

Dennis Alfred Monaghan, born in Spokane, WA on September 15, 1936, passed away peacefully in Albuquerque NM on Friday March 22, 2024. Dennis passed just 17 days after his wife of 65 years, ‘Kie’ Monaghan, passed away on March 5, 2024. They were with each other until the very end, as they had lived most of their lives.

Dennis was preceded in death by his mother and father, Alfred & Ann Monaghan, his wife, Carol Ann Swears, and his two sons, Kevin and Todd Monaghan.

Dennis is survived by his two daughters, Kristy & Teri Monaghan, his sister Read More

JIM BARTON FINLEY June 16, 1928 – April 5, 2024

Jim Barton Finley passed away on April 5, 2024. He was born to Wilma and Leo Finley on June 16, 1928, in Miami, Oklahoma.

He was a sweet and loving man who adored his family deeply. In 1951, he married Rose (Rosie) Marie Shelton in Norman, Oklahoma, and together they shared a life of memories, adventure and love. Jim was a graduate of the University of Oklahoma as a mechanical engineer and worked for 36 years for Los Alamos National Laboratory. He was a dedicated father to Gail, Jim and Linda, instilling in them the values of laughter and adventure.

In addition Read More

SHARON LYNNE (MADISON) PAYNE Aug. 5, 1941 – April 2, 2024

Sharon Lynne Payne died at her home in Los Alamos, NM, on April 2, 2024, at the age of 82. 

Sharon was born on August 5, 1941, in Red Wing, MN to David and Geraldine Madison.  She graduated from Central High School, Red Wing, MN.

Sharon met her husband Edwin Payne in high school. They were married in Red Wing, MN on December 12, 1964.

Sharon worked as a medical transcriptionist for 15 years. She was an excellent cook and  enjoyed looking after her home and yard. She also sang in a Madrigal group in Red Wing, MN and enjoyed being active in Safford, Read More

DONALD EUGENE VANCE  April 3, 2024

Donald Eugene Vance, age 84, passed away April 3, 2024 at his home in Santa Fe, NM.

He is survived by his wife Barbara, to whom he was married for 56 years, his son Matthew Vance and wife Lisa Schatz-Vance, grandson Rowan Vance, his daughter Tracy Archuleta, and granddaughter Alexandra Archuleta.

Donald was born in Mt. Vernon, IL to Anna Marie and Walter Vance. He was the only son with 3 sisters: Sandra, Patsy, and Audrey. He attended school in Raton, NM and graduated from NM State University. He served in the United States Air Force as a Captain. After he retired from Read More

IDA SERNA PACHECO Sept. 7, 1927 – APRIL 4, 2024

It is with immense sorrow and broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved matriarch, Ida Serna Pacheco. Ida departed peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones on April 4th at the age of ninety-six. Her life was a radiant tapestry, intricately woven with threads of tradition, faith, wisdom, strength, and boundless love. Her infectious humor and playful nature brought laughter and joy to all who knew her.

Ida was born on September 7, 1927, in El Guache, New Mexico to the late Adan Serna and Onofre Salazar Serna. She was predeceased by her Read More

PHILIP WILLIAM LEONARD March 19, 1979 – Feb. 27, 2024

Dr. Philip William Leonard, “Phil” to his friends, was born to Carole Franda and John Leonard in McLean, Virginia. After graduating from McLean High School, Phil attended the University of Chicago, where he pursued his bachelor’s degree and took graduate chemistry classes concurrently, and researching chemical synthesis in the Wulff and Eaton laboratories. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with both his bachelor’s and master’s in chemistry in 2001.

His graduate studies continued at University of California – Berkeley, where he was Read More

MARIE M. MARTINEZ Feb. 10, 1945 – March 26, 2024

Marie M. Martinez, 79, of Chimayo, NM, passed away peacefully in her home on March 26, 2024.

Marie was proceeded in death by her parents, Delfinio and Clorinda Fernandez; son Douglas Martinez; grandson Julian Martinez; brothers Wilber Martinez; Eluid Martinez; and mother-in-law Refugio Martinez.

She is survived by her husband of 61years, Jose F. Martinez; children Gary and Glenn (Phyllis); grandchildren Ashley (Alejandro), Stephan (Kelly), Nicole, Celeste (Brandon), Michelle, Janelle (Terry), 13 great-grandchildren and sister Donna Read More

MARGARET GAIL LITTLE June 14, 1938 – March 25, 2024

Margaret Gail Little was born on June 14, 1938, to Zetha and Aubrey Warren, the 4th of 6 children. She was raised in the small town of Sutherland, Nebraska, where she and her sisters sang as a trio. She graduated from high school in Wray, Colorado, and then headed to Colorado State University at the age of 17. She met Jim Little, the love of her life, as a freshman; and they were married within a year. Early on, they both worked at Martin Marietta in Denver, where she was often seen carrying messages to scientists working in a Titan Missile silo, while wearing Read More

DEBORAH ELIZABETH BUTLER Feb. 19, 1952 – March 24, 2024

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Deb Butler, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. After several years of struggling with Alzheimer’s disease, Deb passed peacefully on March 24, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories. Just before her passing, she was surrounded by loved ones singing her favorite songs.

Deb was born in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1952. She received her bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University. Eventually Deb settled in Los Alamos, New Mexico, Read More

BEULA ‘BO’ WEST March 16, 2024

Beula “Bo” West, a resident of Los Alamos, passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2024. At age 96, Bo died peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her loved ones.

Bo was born in Del Rio, Texas in 1927. She was preceded in her death by her parents, Frank and Fannie, and her husband of 58 years, Clarence “Woody” West.

She is survived by her daughter Nancy (George) and granddaughters Caroline and Johanna (Aaron).

In 1947, Bo moved to Los Alamos from Albuquerque, where she grew up. Bo began working at the Los Alamos National Laboratory where she met Woody. They were avid birdwatchers, Read More

PATRICIA LOUISE (GLANTZ) MARTIN Dec. 9, 1941 – March 17, 2024

Cherished in our community for teaching art to thousands of students over 35 years, Patty Martin, a beloved wife and mother of four children, peacefully passed away at home in White Rock, NM surrounded by her family on Sunday, March 17, 2024 at age 82.

Patty was born on December 9, 1941 in Norman, Oklahoma, the first of four children to Colonel Melvin N. and Louise F. Glantz. She spent her childhood on a large family farm outside of Plainview, Texas riding horses and participating in farm duties – developing a profound love of animals and Read More

Frances Richey May 23,1929 – Dec. 2, 2023

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, the caboose baby of the family, raised at her father’s knee, Frances had a lovely life that came to an end at 94 years of age. She passed as she lived – au natural.

Married three times before she finally married the love of her life, Harris Mayer, who finally bested her by passing first in September, she is survived by her only daughter – Frances “Francie” Deters, two stepchildren – Margo and David, niece – Connie and nephew – Tom.

A woman of many careers and interests, her laughter could be heard above the din of any gathering she attended. Read More

VICTOR MANUEL MEDINA March 15, 2024

Victor Manuel Medina, 79, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2024, in El Paso, Texas.

He leaves behind a loving family, including his wife Patricia; children Victor Jose, Patricia Yvette, and Tomas Ricardo; his siblings Fausto, Ricardo (Elena), Rene (Vivian), Guillermo (Margaret), Velia and Ana; as well as his dear grandson Theodore.

Among other things, Victor was deeply devoted to his family and a proud Vietnam Veteran. Victor was an active member of many service organizations, including the Rotary Club of El Paso.

Victor is preceded in death by his loving Read More

LOUISE S. TAYLOR July 13, 1923 – March 13, 2024

It is with profound sadness that the family of Louise S. Taylor announces her peaceful passing on Tuesday, March 13, 2024, at her home in Los Alamos, NM.

Louise was born and grew up in Stratford, Oklahoma. She attended University of Oklahoma. During World War II she worked in Seattle as a riveter on airplanes and liked to refer to herself as a former “Rosie the Riveter”.

She married John Fowler Taylor in Seattle, WA, on September 15, 1942. John and Louise moved to Los Alamos, NM in 1953. Louise retired from Los Alamos National Laboratory as a technical writer Read More

EDITH ELEANOR (BECKY) GUERRERO Oct. 20, 1923 – March 13, 2024

Becky Guerrero passed away peacefully on March 13, 2024, in Littleton, Colorado. She was born to Sam and Thora Back on October 20, 1923, in Limon, Colorado.

After growing up in Santa Fe, N.M., Becky married John (Jack) Guerrero Sr. Throughout their lives together, they called Santa Fe, N.M., Abilene, TX., Mineola, NY., (where Jack was stationed with the Army). Los Alamos, Jemez Springs, and Albuquerque, N.M. home. She spent her last years in Littleton, Colorado.

Becky’s love of God and of her family was witnessed by all who knew her. Read More

CAROL ANN SWEARS MONAGHAN Dec. 3, 1938 – March 5, 2024

Carol Ann Swears Monaghan, a beacon of love and kindness, passed away on March 5, 2024, at the age of 85 in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. She entered this world on December 3, 1938, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and her life was a journey of love, family and friends, and constant adventure.

‘Kie’ and Denny spent nearly 20 years in Los Alamos, after moving from Seattle, raising their family. Both were strong supporters of the Los Alamos Community, including the golf and ski associations. Kie worked for the Los Alamos National Bank after her children left Read More

JOSEPH PAUL MUTSCHLECNER July 6, 1930 – March 16, 2024

Joseph Paul Mutschlecner passed peacefully at his home under the care of Hospice with family by his side in Los Alamos, Saturday, March 16.

He is survived by his wife Alice, and his children David, Timothy (Sarah), and Celia, (Mark), as well as grandchildren: Audrey, (Zachary), Megan, (Parker), Elliott, Mathew, (Caitlin), Anna, (Andrew), Kevin, (Sonny), Robyne, (Chris), and nine great-grandchildren.

Paul was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the son of Henry and Aurelia Mutschlecner, and had one sibling, Audrey. His father, who worked at Read More

H. GRADY HUGHES III Dec. 18, 1945 – Oct. 9, 2023

Henry Grady Hughes III passed away at home on October 9, 2023, following a long struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. Grady was born December 18, 1945, in Waco, Texas to Alice Vernor Hughes and Col. Henry Grady Hughes, Jr.

He spent his early years in Waco where his mother worked as a circuit court reporter. His mother traveled with the court to small towns in Texas, leaving Grady in the care of his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Harvey D. Vernor. Grady’s family moved to Houston in 1955 where his mother found work that did not involve traveling.

As a young child Grady Read More

ALVERTON ALFRED ELLIOTT July 13, 1942 – Nov. 29, 2023

Alverton (Al) Alfred Elliott, Jr. passed away at the young age of 81 on November 29, 2023 in Georgetown, Texas of old age (81) and stubbornness.

Al was born to Isabelle and Alverton Elliott, July 13, 1942, in Waterbury, VT. He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Kendall and Winslow.

Al married Sherron Fisher in 1964 in Morgantown, WV and she preceded him in death in 2010. He is survived by his two brothers, Ruel of Hurricane, WV and Earle of Berlin, VT. He is also survived by his sons, Nichalos and wife Carol in Arizona and Matthew Read More

LARS HOWARD WECKSUNG July 20, 1970 – Feb. 22, 2024

Lars Howard Wecksung of Phoenix, Arizona passed away on February 22, 2024, at the young age of 53, surrounded by his family, after a lifelong battle with kidney disease.

Lars was born on July 20, 1970, the youngest of three children to George W. Wecksung and Mona Meyers Wecksung in Los Alamos, New Mexico. After Lars graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1988, he went on to study Business at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. In 1994 he moved to Phoenix to attend auto-mechanic school, where he eventually settled and called Phoenix home.

Lars Read More

MARY JANET MCCURDY March 11, 2024

Mary Janet McCurdy passed away on March 11, 2024, at her home in White Rock.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband Donald and son, Michael. She is survived by her children Timothy (Annette), Don (Cathy), Steve (Trula), Patrick (Michelle) and David; and grandchildren Matthew, Kevin (Sara), Jeffrey (Bri), Kurtis, Nicholas, Daniel, Kathryn (Nicholas) and great- grandchild Miles.

At Mary’s request, please consider contributing to the Carrie Tingley Foundation. Services will be held privately for the family.

If you wish to leave messages, stories about Read More

JOHN THOMAS MONTAGUE Feb. 15, 2024

John Thomas Montague died at home in Portland, Oregon, on Thursday, February 15, 2024, after an abrupt illness diagnosed as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. He was 74 years old.

John is survived by his wife, Linda Hutchins; son, Eric Montague; siblings, Jane, Paul, and Ruth Montague; and niblings, Ashlee Montague, Eli Skeggs, and Cel Skeggs.

Born to Leo and Opal Montague in Seattle, Washington, John grew up in the Seattle area on Mercer and Vashon Islands. He graduated from Vashon Island High School in 1967 and received a BS in Electrical Engineering from Stanford Read More

MIKKEL BORLAUG JOHNSON Jan. 2, 1943 – March 7, 2024

Mikkel Borlaug Johnson died peacefully in his home in Los Alamos, NM on March 7, 2024, at the age of 81.

Mikkel was born on January 2, 1943, in Waynesboro, VA and was the first child of Anne and Wallace Johnson. He graduated from Washington-Lee High School in Arlington, VA, received his bachelor’s degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute, and his master’s degree and PhD from Carnegie Mellon University. He married Lynne McFadden of Blacksburg, VA in 1966. They had two daughters, Kara and Krista Johnson. Mikkel was predeceased in death by his parents Read More

JOHN K. SULLIVAN SR. April 11, 1938 – Feb. 24, 2024

On February 24, 2024, God called John K. Sullivan Sr. (“Jack”) home to be with him. This was just four short months to the day after his beloved bride, Jonelle. Jack is finally standing hand in hand with Jonelle, in the presence and surrounded by the glory of God for eternity. This is something that he spent a lifetime wanting to experience in its fullness.

Jack was born on April 11, 1938, in Pittsburg, PA, to Austin and Elizabeth Sullivan. He was the second of three children and loved both sides of his family. From the age of nine, Jack was called to the ministry Read More

DAVID VERNON FOX April 8, 1938 – March 11, 2024

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father David Vernon Fox after a short illness. Dad was our leader in playful silliness and good-humored fun. Joyous and endearing. Oolombamba!

Dave is survived by his wife of 59 years, Anne Gilbert Fox; his children Andrew Fox (Melissa) of Los Alamos, NM; Suzanne Wilson (Steve) of Santa Fe, NM; John Fox (Meghan), of Durango, CO; and his grandchildren Elizabeth Wilson, Nolan Fox, Ryan Guenther, Cottrell G. Fox, Christopher Wilson, Ethan Fox, and Bentley Furda; his brother Cottrell Read More

JOHN THOMAS MOLLEUR May 18, 1996 – March 9, 2024

John Thomas Molleur was born in Los Alamos, New Mexico, on May 18, 1996. He became ill and passed away suddenly on Saturday, March 9, 2024, in Bernalillo, New Mexico.

He was a kind and gentle soul. His love of people, animals and nature was an example for all of us.  His recent accomplishments toward a beautiful future should be an example for us all.

He is survived by his son, Eli Carl Molleur; his mother, Joan W. Rendell (nee Wadlinger); his father, John D. Molleur; his stepfather Dale Rendell; his sisters, Heather and Sarah Molleur; his stepsister, Read More

THOMAS ALAN KELLEY Dec. 5, 1942 – March 1, 2024

Thomas Alan Kelley passed away on March 1, 2024, peacefully in his sleep.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marlene, and his son, George, as well as his sister Patricia Cravey (nephew James and niece Jenice) and his niece, Michele.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Teresa, and his brother Jim.

Tom was born on December 5, 1942, in Flint, MI and moved to Los Alamos as a young boy. He graduated from Los Alamos High School as valedictorian and started his early college years at Rice University, studying mathematics before entering the Read More

JESSE DANIEL CURRIE Jan. 13, 1997 – Feb. 25, 2024

Jesse Daniel Currie, 27, passed away on February 25, 2024, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

He was born on January 13, 1997, in Los Alamos, New Mexico to Scott and Kari Currie. Jesse was loved dearly as an older brother to Jordan and younger brother to Ryan, Brittany, Tyler, and Karissa Currie.

His loss will be felt by his survived grandparents Jim and Nerita Collier, 11 nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends.

Jesse grew up in the Jemez Mountains and spent time in the Canyons of Los Alamos. He loved animals and spent much of his childhood learning Read More

ENRIQUE SOLIS Feb. 6, 1965 – March 4, 2024

Enrique Solis, owner of Janos Construction, was born Feb. 6, 1965 and passed away March 4, 2024.

His services are from 1-5 p.m., Tuesday March 12 in Española, New Mexico at Riveras Funeral Home. Read More

JAMES S. BINGHAM March 3, 2024

We mourn the loss of our beloved James S. Bingham, 39, who departed this life on Sunday, March 3, 2024, in Albuquerque, NM, from complications related to a seizure disorder. We find solace knowing he is now at peace and celebrate how his spirit lives on through those whose lives were transformed because of his generosity as an organ donor.

James, a native of Los Alamos, found joy in both his family and his daily motorcycle rides to work, even during the winter months. His love for video games was secondary only to the pride he took in his children.

He is survived by his wife Read More