Obituaries

CLARA STANEK GONZALES Feb. 4, 1938 – July 1, 2023

Clara Stanek Gonzales, longtime resident of Santa Fe and Los Alamos, passed away July 1, 2023, from breast cancer.

She was born Feb. 4, 1938, the first daughter of Joseph B. Stanek and Angeline Laurence in Bolivar, MO, on a farm located in the southwestern farm belt of Missouri. The doctor who helped Clara come into the world was paid for her home delivery with 10 hens.

Being the eldest of five children, she learned early that farm life entails a great deal of work, and she lived the many changes in farming that took place in the early to mid 1900s; she recalled Read More

SUE ELLEN KELLY June 3, 1944 – July 8, 2023

Canon Rev. Colin P. Kelly III is devastated to announce the passing of his beloved wife and best friend, Sue Ellen, on July 8, 2023, from lung cancer. Sue Ellen passed peacefully onto glory at home, surrounded in love by Father Kelly and son Todd Irving of Albuquerque. Sue Ellen was preceded in death by her son Scott Irving in 2013.

Born June 3, 1944, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Marie and Fremont “Hutch” Hutchens, Sue Ellen graduated from Arizona State University in languages. She and Colin met at a service at which Colin was preaching at West Point Academy, Read More

LENELY CHRISTOPHER SALAZAR May 12, 1984 – June 28, 2023

It is with torn hearts that we announce the passing of Lenley Christopher Salazar (Nick Salazar), who departed us June 28, 2023. Nick’s absence has left a profound void in our lives, but his memory will be cherished forever by all who had the privilege of knowing him. 

Nick was born May 12, 1984, in Idaho Falls, Idaho to Claudia Cedar and John Salazar. In 1989, Claudia married Lance Lackas, who became Nick’s father from that point forward, raising him with endless love and care until the day he passed away. Nick’s vibrant spirit, strong Read More

DOROTHY MARIE ELLIOTT Dec 4, 1936 – June 26, 2023

Dorothy Marie Elliott, age 86, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on June 26, 2023.

Dorothy is survived by Jimmy, her loving husband of almost 70 years. Their children Susan Russell, Keith (Alyce) Elliott, Jennifer and James Elliott, cherished grandchildren Jerrod (Emily) Elliott-Rowlison, Dawna (Ben) Macdonell, Dana Elliott, and Ashley (Travis) Gilbert, beloved Great-grandchildren Madeline, Logan, and Josie Elliott-Rowlison and Carson and Ayden Macdonell, and many loved Nieces and Nephews that were very special Read More

JOHN KALMAN IKAFALVI DIENES Sept. 21, 1928 – July 5, 2022

It was one year ago that my dad died from congestive heart failure. He went quickly, with minimal suffering.

Dad was born in Boston, Massachusetts as a first generation American, with a French mother and a Transylvanian father. They divorced when he was a young boy, and he was raised by a single mom in the 1930’s; it was not easy for anyone. He went to multiple boarding schools and universities and eventually graduated with a PhD from Caltech in 1961. He loved Caltech and remarked that they were the first people who saw him and his potential.

He Read More

HELGA ERNA MAXWELL Sept. 14, 1939 – June 27, 2023

Helga Erna Maxwell (Nee Scharlach), 83, died Wednesday, June 28, 2023, in Tacoma, WA, after suffering several debilitating strokes. Helga lived in West Seattle, WA, for the past 10 years, and before that resided in La Cañada, CA, for over 40 years.

Helga was born in Vienna, Austria, to Franz and Erna Scharlach. She had an older brother. Helga legally immigrated to America, with her mother, in her teens, proudly becoming a citizen. She graduated from the University of Southern California (USC) with a degree in accounting and worked as an accountant Read More

GARY M. HASTY – July 4, 1942 – Jan. 13, 2023

Gary Martell Hasty, Los Alamos High School Class of 1961, died of cancer January 13, 2023, in the San Luis Valley of Colorado.

He worked for the National Park Service for over 30 years. He began his career as a fire control aid at Bandelier National Monument, then worked as a ranger at Great Sand Dunes National Monument, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument, Rocky Mountain National Park, Arches National Park, Glacier Bay National Park, Shenandoah National Park, and Canyon de Chelly National Park. He became superintendent of Natural Bridges National Read More

LARRY RAY JOSEPH ROMERO June 25, 2023

Sunday, June 25, 2023, retired Los Alamos Firefighter, Larry Ray Joseph Romero, 54, of Albuquerque, NM, passed away peacefully at home with his beloved wife, children and parents by his side after a 2 ½ year battle with cancer.

Larry and the love of his life, Melissa married in June of 1991 and resided in Los Alamos and White Rock for more than 20 years. They had two amazing children, Christopher and Miranda.

In 1990, Larry began his journey of serving others with a career in the Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD). This enabled him to pursue his dream of helping others Read More

TYLER AHRENS June 26, 2023

Tyler Ahrens, beloved son, grandson, brother, boyfriend, and friend, passed away on June 26, 2023. He was born in New Mexico and was raised in Los Alamos, NM where he attended Los Alamos Public Schools and, recently, the University of New Mexico. His family and friends are deeply saddened by his passing.

Tyler was an artist at heart and appreciated art in many forms: fine art, graphic novels, anime, games, playing card design, architecture, and interior design. He sketched and drew pictures on the cards he gave to family members; his favorite holiday was Valentine’s Read More

HELEN MARIE LUETH BENSON, Aug. 16, 1920 – Nov. 26, 2022

Helen Marie Lueth Benson was grateful for her life and generous with her talents, quick to see the good in everybody, slow to criticize and one who always saw beauty everywhere. 

All that women are—all their talents, expertise, skills, time—Helen contributed to others and what she didn’t give away, she kept as adventures in her inner world. She brought much of that feminine creativity and talent to those she met.

Helen grew up in a large, extended family in Champaign, Illinois, daughter of Waldemar Lueth, a German immigrant father and Eleanor, Read More

PEGGY ALICE WILLIAMS Feb. 12, 1947 – June 6, 2023

Peggy Alice Williams was called to Heaven June 6, 2023 at the age of 76.

A New Mexican native; born Feb. 12, 1947 in Taos to Paul and Louise Iko. She had two brothers, William and Robert, and one sister, Laurie.

As a child she flourished in the Taos beauty and arts. She excelled in school and in her twenties took employment with the United Nations as a medical records administrator. This opportunity afforded her not only the ability to help people and further her education, but also to live a life of adventure; visiting
many beautiful places across all seven Read More

GEMMA MORRISON ‘JIB’ BENNETT May 30, 2023

Gemma Morrison “Jib” Bennett, born Gemma Mazelle Morrison, passed away in her home on May 30, 2023.

Jib was born in Manhattan to Jualice (Bennett Simmons) and Alfred Morrison but sometime later moved back to her mother’s home state of Georgia where she was raised, specifically in Hazlehurst with a short but memorable time on St. Simons Island.

Over the years, Jib wore many professional hats, including secretary, train dispatcher, house mother, oil field technician, writer/editor, landlord, and patent attorney.

However, what she truly sought and Read More

PATRICIA A. PIEROTTI June 6, 2023

Patricia Ann (Giles) Pierotti, age 76, passed away on June 6, 2023. Patricia, the daughter of Robert and Gloria Giles, was born in Chicago, Illinois. Patricia’s father accepted a job with the National Park Service; therefore, Patricia lived in many different western national parks throughout her early life before settling in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Patricia was educated in Catholic elementary schools and high school at Loretto Academy. One of her fondest memories from high school was being chosen to sing at the Loretto Chapel at Christmas Mass, while standing Read More

NICHOLAS ADAM CAPELLI March 3, 1996 – June 13, 2023

Nicholas Adam Capelli, passed away June 13, 2023 at his residence in Los Alamos, NM. Nicholas, born March 3, 1996, was only 27 years old. His family is deeply saddened by his death.

Nicholas was a beautiful and precious person inside and out. Nicholas had a heart of gold and was a remarkable young man that made impressions on even the most unlikely of people. His witty sense of humor and irresistibleness, along with his empathy and compassion charmed everyone in his life from his closest family members to strangers he just met. His willingness to help Read More

SALLY ANN NIX Oct. 5, 1935 – March 9, 2023

Sally Ann Nix passed away peacefully in her sleep in Campbell, California on March 9, 2023, at the age of 87. Sally was born in Davenport, Iowa on October 5, 1935, and was the only child of her parents, George and Ruth Wood.

Sally graduated from Carleton College in Minnesota and was a middle school teacher in San Diego, California before obtaining her master’s degree in education from the University of California, Berkeley. There she met her husband, James Rayford “Ray” Nix whom she married on August 19th, 1961. After living in Denmark for a year and traveling Read More

GAILEN HART HOOPER July 25, 1932 – Nov. 20, 2022

Gailen Hart Hooper received his angel wings on November 20, 2022 when the Lord called him from Las Cruces, NM to his forever home surrounded by family and friends at his bedside.

Gailen was born July 25, 1932, to Foster Hollar “Pete” Hooper and Mary Jeff (Hart) Hooper in Lovington, NM. His growing up years were spent in Lovington, NM; Monument, NM; Visa, CA; Long Beach, CA and Victorville, CA. He attended Poly High School in Long Beach, CA and graduated from Lovington High School in 1950. Gailen attended college at Eastern NM University in Portales, NM. Read More

RICHARD DONALD ‘DICK’ FOSTER  July 20, 1933 – June 8, 2023

Richard Donald “Dick” Foster of White Rock, New Mexico, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on June 8, 2023.

He was born July 20, 1933 in Weedville, Pennsylvania, the son of Joseph Foster and Clara Wolf Foster. He and Marilyn Cover were married on August 5, 1961, in Saint Sebastian Church in Akron, Ohio. They shared a beautiful 61-year marriage.

In addition to Marilyn, he is survived by three daughters: Mary (Greg) Valentine of Williamsville, New York; Dorothy (Mark) Silvanic of Monument, Colorado; Catherine (Bill) Brockman Read More

BETTY JANE ELLESTAD March 26, 1927 – June 8, 2022

Betty Jane Ellestad was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin. She and Charles Harper were married there March 27, 1947, and started a life neither had ever anticipated. 

Betty had two uncles who worked in Los Alamos and they encouraged Betty and Charlie to move to Los Alamos, New Mexico. Their possessions fit into a car and they drove to Los Alamos, Betty crying all the way as she loved family and was leaving her family in Madison.

What fun stories she always told about living in the married couples dorm in Los Alamos when they moved there!!! The couples Read More

HANSJÖRG ‘JORG’ JANSEN June 6, 2023

It is with a great sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the unexpected and sudden passing of our beloved husband, best friend and 62 year companion Hansjörg “Jorg” Jansen who left us on Wednesday June 6, 2023.

Jörg grew up and was educated as an electrical engineer in Germany. Brigit, his wife, grew up and was educated as a chemist in Switzerland. They both came to the US in 1960 and 1959 respectively, for one year, out of curiosity. Their common life started in 1961, when they got married in Rockport, Mass.

They lived in Magnolia, near Gloucester, and worked Read More

JERRY LYNN HOFER Feb. 13, 1952 – June 6, 2023

Jerry passed suddenly on June 6th after a short illness from neuroendocrine carcinoma.  He was only ill for three weeks and passed at Christus St. Vincent Hospital in Santa Fe with his family tenderly caring for him and sharing memories until the very end.

Jerry was born to Harris (“Blackie”) and Marilyn (Stroup) Hofer on February 13, 1952. He was born in Pierre, South Dakota and raised in Fort Pierre, South Dakota. He graduated from the Fort Pierre Schools in 1970 where he participated in basketball and track. He was very proud of the relay team that he was Read More

NATALIE HOLTGREWE June 21, 1939 – Feb. 28, 2023

Natalie Holtgrewe passed away peacefully Feb. 28 with her husband and two children at her bedside.

Born in Hollis, Oklahoma June 21, 1939, daughter of Francis and Tyce Younger, Natalie was one of 5 children. 

She is survived by her husband and life-long partner of 57 years, Victor, their son, Vance Holtgrewe and daughter, Shauna Jones, grandchildren, Cadee Lynn Holtgrewe, Jared Tyler Holtgrewe, Dehle Paige Jones and Tressa Lynn Jones, her brother Bart Younger, sister-in-law Sandra Younger, daughter-in-law, Taresa Holtgrewe, son-in-law, Read More

WALLACE TED HUNTER June 6, 2023

Wallace Ted Hunter, 80, of Chattanooga, passed away, Tuesday, June 6, 2023.

He served in the U.S. Navy for 5 years. Ted worked at Los Alamos and Oak Ridge National labs as a mechanical (magnet) engineer, until his retirement in 2011. He enjoyed woodworking of all kinds.

He was predeceased by his parents, Robert Hunter & Juanita Bentley and brother, Ken Myers; stepson, Nicolaus Lisowski.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon Hunter; daughter, Amy (Jay) Flores; sons, William (Collette) Hunter, Ashley Hunter; stepson, Peter (Jenny) Lisowski; six grandchildren; Read More

Most Reverend Michael Jarboe Sheehan July 9, 1939 – June 3, 2023

From The Archdiocese Of Santa Fe:

ALBUQUERQUE – It is with sadness and profound faith in the Risen Christ, Most Reverend John C. Wester, Archbishop of Santa Fe, announced that Most Reverend Michael Jarboe Sheehan, Archbishop Emeritus of Santa Fe, passed away June 3, 2023.

Archbishop Emeritus Sheehan, a beloved spiritual leader, was born on July 9, 1939, and dedicated his life to the service of God and his community, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those around him. He was ordained on July 12, 1964, in Rome, Italy by Auxiliary Read More

VERNA AMY TRUJILLO Sept. 2, 1964 – June 2, 2023

Friday, June 2, 2023, Verna Amy Trujillo passed away after her long battle with diabetes surrounded by family members who had been caring for her.

Verna was born and raised in the Española Valley where, for the last twenty years, she made a home with the love of her life and fiancée, Manny Martinez. She was the Accessibility Resource Coordinator at Northern New Mexico College where she worked supporting student services for nearly two decades.

Verna earned her Bachelor of Science and master’s degree in psychology from the College of Santa Fe, spending Read More

MARK BOOKHOUT June 30, 1953 – May 27, 2023

Saturday, May 27, 2023, Mark Bookhout passed away at home in Los Alamos, surrounded by those who loved him best.

Mark was born June 30,1953 to Robert and Wanda (Barry) Bookhout in Oneonta, New York, the first of four boys. He grew up in Sidney, NY, graduated from college at SUNY Geneseo, and got his Certificate in Physical Therapy from the Mayo School of Physical Therapy in Rochester Minnesota in 1977.

In 1981 Mark began his studies in Orthopedic Manual Therapy at the Institute of Graduate Health Sciences in Atlanta, GA, a move which changed his life in many Read More

VIRGINIA MAE KLEBESADEL June 11, 1938 – June 1, 2023

Virginia Mae Klebesadel (née Erckfritz), age 84, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away on June 1, 2023.

Born in Alden Township near Harvard, Illinois on June 11, 1938, Virginia lived on a farm and was educated in a one-room schoolhouse until she moved to Sharon, Wisconsin in 1950. After graduating from Sharon High School in 1956, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Wisconsin State College-Whitewater.

Married in 1959 to Ray Klebesadel of Shawano, Wisconsin, they moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico in 1960. They raised their family in El Valle Read More

ADAM ANTHONY SMITH March 23, 1986 – May 18, 2023

Adam went to our Lord on May 18, 2023, at his mother’s home in Los Pacheco, NM. Adam loved his family dearly. He will be reunited with his father, Albert Smith; Godfather, Phillip Herrera; very dear cousin, Priscilla Herrera (who was like a sister to him); maternal grandmother whom he loved dearly, Bernardita (Bernie) Herrera; paternal grandmother, Eva Quintana of Las Vegas, NM; aunts and uncles Sally and Robert Armijo, Samuel and Anthony Herrera, and Florence Herrera; Great grandparents, Estefanita and Antonino B. Guillen and Teofila Urzua and Read More

THOMAS ANTHONY LOPEZ May 18, 2023

Thomas Anthony Lopez, 75, of White Rock, New Mexico sadly passed away early on the morning of May 18, 2023, after a lengthy fight with cancer. He passed peacefully in his sleep at home with his wife, Marie Lopez, son Martin Lopez and daughter Carla Cantu.

Tom served his country through his work as an Electronics Technician at Los Alamos National Laboratory for over 40 years and through his collaborations with other laboratories throughout the country. Tom spent a year in France with his family while he worked on an International project at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland. Read More

 JAMES D. HIGGINS Aug. 7, 1935 – May 25, 2023

James D. Higgins, (Jim) also known to many as “Coach” is once again dancing with the love of his life, Elizabeth, on the beautiful streets of Heaven. 

He is rejoicing and wrapping his arms around his beautiful daughter Claire. Coach left this life for his eternal life in the early morning hours of May 25, 2023, with his family by his side.  

Coach was born August 7, 1935, in Dallas Texas to Winnie Higgins.  As a youngster, he lived in many different cities, finally settling in Hobbs, NM where he graduated from Hobbs High School and met his soul mate. 

After his Read More

MILES WEAVER Sept. 30, 2005 – May 20, 2023

It is with profound heartache that we share the unexpected passing of our son, Miles Weaver, on Saturday May 20, 2023.

Miles Andrew Weaver was born on Friday, September 30, 2005 in Los Alamos, New Mexico. He grew up in White Rock, NM loving everything from the kite festivals to July 4th festivities. He went to elementary school at Pinon, then to Los Alamos Middle School and finally was a junior at Los Alamos High School.

Miles was a joyous kid, funny and friendly. As a young child, he loved bubbles, playing soccer, and looked up to his big brother, Leeson. He enjoyed Read More

JAMES (JIM) HOWARD ROBERTS May 29, 1939 – May 20, 2023

James (Jim) Howard Roberts was born May 29, 1939 in Adrian, Michigan and passed away May 20, 2023 of Dementia and complications of COVID at Aspen Ridge Memory Care Unit, with his wife Karin by his side.

Jim spent his early years in Monrovia, California and graduated from Monrovia High School in 1957. He then enlisted in the Army and became a paratrooper. Upon his discharge from the Army, Jim entered Frank Wiggins Trade School and became a machinist.  

Always loving adventure and travel, Jim made a cross-country bicycle ride from Monrovia to New Read More

Dr. CLAYTON WILBUR WATSON Feb. 24, 1933 – May 3, 2023

Dr. Clayton Wilbur Watson, who lived in Pagosa Springs, Colorado for more than twenty-two years, died Wednesday morning, May 3rd at Pine Ridge Extended Care Center at the age of 90. His wife, Ruth Watson, was at his side.

He is also survived by his daughter, Charlotte Williams (Pagosa Springs, CO), his son, Clayton A. Watson and his wife, Cindy (Aledo, TX), and his son, Scot Watson and his wife, Brandy (Jemez Springs, NM), as well as six grandsons and seven greatgrandchildren.

Clayton was born February 24, 1933, in the Ozarks of Missouri in a one Read More

Obituary: JUDY COY Oct. 24, 1940 – Feb. 27, 2023

Judy (Judith Ann) Coy, age 82, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri passed away Monday, February 27, 2023.

Judy was a resident of the Los Alamos area for 18 years, when her husband, Dale, worked for Los Alamos National Laboratory during three separate tenures.

During those years, Judy made many friends.  She was active in lots of things. Bowling, Bridge, League of Women Voters, Newcomers, etc. For some early years, she was a referee in basketball and baseball. She was an amateur radio licensee (KB5EVP), member of the LAARC, and helped with search & Rescue. Read More

RACHEL SANCHEZ Aug. 11, 1921 – May 13, 2023

With great sorrow and bittersweet gratitude, we announce the passing of our kind, brave, loving, caring and generous mother, grandmother, great grandmother, auntie, and friend, Rachel Sanchez.

Rachel lived a full and complete life. Upon passing at the age of 101 she had experienced the love of God and family. The youngest child of Nemecio and Maclovia Lucero, she was born on August 11, 1921, and went to her eternal home on May 13, 2023. She spent her childhood in Chamisal, New Mexico. She married Luis G. Sanchez in 1942. Together they raised seven beautiful Read More

DALE ARNINK 1938 – 2021

Dale Arnink was a respected and appreciated member of the Los Alamos community for nearly half a century. His presence and influence have been felt by many since his passing. Please join us for a celebration of his life Saturday, June 3, 2023 at the Unitarian Church of Los Alamos. The service starts at 11 a.m. and will be followed by a reception lunch.  

Dale was born in 1938, the middle child, and grew up in Clymer, a tiny farming  town of 350 in western New York state. Dale showed an unusual interest in  philosophy and religion as an adolescent that never left him. An excellent Read More