Obituaries

STEPHEN ANDREW DUNN Jan. 14, 2022

Stephen Andrew Dunn, fondly known as “Stevie Ray” was born in Los Alamos, New Mexico to Theodore and Eleanor Dunn in 1956. He was the youngest of three children, joining sister Shirley and brother David.

In the Summer of 1978, with a love for the Denver Broncos, Steve put down his own roots and started a family in Denver Colorado where his son Ted was born. The family later moved to Ogden, Utah to be close to family and were then blessed with daughter Alicia.

In 1986, Steve married Peggy and welcomed her three children into his life and heart as if they were his own. The two Read More

ROBERT J. ORTIZ Oct. 9, 1939 – Jan. 13, 2022

It is with great sadness that the family of Robert J. Ortiz announce his passing at the age of 82 on January 13, 2022, surrounded by family.

Robert was born October 9, 1939, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He served in the National Guard, and he married Josie Sedillo 63 years ago on November 29, 1958. They moved to Los Alamos in 1967 when Robert started working for Los Alamos County. He retired in 1992 as a Supervisor for Los Alamos County Roads and Streets Department.

Robert was a devoted Catholic and a long-time parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, he was Read More

MARJORIE ANN BEINKE Nov. 11, 2021 – JAMES LEE BEINKE Nov. 20, 2021

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”

Marjorie Ann Beinke (Shook), 86, and James Lee Beinke, 86, were joined together in holy matrimony June 4, 1955, and entered eternal life within 9 days of each other in November 2021 in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

Marj passed away Nov. 11, 2021; Jim followed Nov. 20, 2021. Both succumbed to illness resulting from infection with the COVID virus.

Marj and Jim’s lifelong commitment to each other began in college when Jim met Marj in the dining room of the campus. Their marriage brought Read More

HUGH WHITNEY CHURCH Jan. 4, 2022

Hugh Whitney Church, 89, of Albuquerque, passed away January 4, 2022.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Fermor and Peggy Pond Church and his brothers Ted and Allen Church.

He is survived by his wife Kathleen Church whom he adored and was married to for 66 years, his children Julia Church Hoffman, ex-spouse Jeff Hoffman, Eric Church and wife Andrea Ensign, and Leigh Church.

Hugh was born in Santa Fe and was raised in Los Alamos and Taos. He graduated from Taos High School in 1950 and earned advanced degrees at UNM and UCLA. Hugh settled into a long career at Sandia Read More

REXANNE BARRERA June 27, 1954 – Jan. 2, 2022

Rexanne Barrera 67, passed away at home surrounded by her family on January 2, 2022. She was born on June 27, 1954

in Los Alamos, New Mexico to William and Mary Hampton. Rexanne graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1972, and then went on to attend Mesa College in Grand Junction, Colorado. After graduating from Mesa College she lived for a short time in Maine and then returned to New Mexico and lived in Albuquerque to be close to her family.

In 1976 she met Raymond Barrera, and they were married shortly thereafter. Ray introduced Rexanne to Karate and she  Read More

THOMAS (TOM) WILLIAM NELSON April 22, 1959 – Jan. 18, 2021

It is with sadness and budding peace, that our family shares the passing of Thomas (Tom) William Nelson.

In the early morning of January 18, 2021, the Jemez Mountains lost a friend. Thomas (Tom) William Nelson, born on April 22, 1959, loved those mountains. Tom grew up in Los Alamos and graduated from Los Alamos High School in the class of 1977. He attended New Mexico State University.

After college, Tom was called back to Los Alamos and the healing of the Jemez Mountains, where he and his first wife, Annette, decided to get married and build Read More

SECUNDINO ‘SEC’ SANDOVAL Jan. 8, 2022

Well known artist and Los Alamos icon Secundino “Sec” Sandoval passed away January 8, 2022 after a short but courageous battle from complications due to COVID-19. He was 88 years old.

He was a man that you can’t describe in just a couple of words. In his tributes and those who knew him described him as: a gentle soul, caring, kind, funny, talented, one of a kind, nicest man I ever met, generous, patient, storyteller, teacher, quiet, always had a smile and a hug for you, mentor, coach, spiritual, sweetest man I ever met, humble and loving. From his son Mark, “he was Read More

JOSEPH LAWRENCE MENZEL Dec. 15, 1923 – Jan. 7, 2022

Joseph Lawrence Menzel passed away at the age of 98, on Friday, January 7, 2022, in his Los Alamos home surrounded by his family.

Joe was born on December 15, 1923, in Dubuque Iowa to Louise Mary Clemens and Joseph F. Menzel, Jr. He enlisted in the Navy in 1944 and fought in World War II serving as a Quartermaster aboard the USS Weeden in the Asiatic-Pacific and the Philippine Liberation. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

He was recruited into the newly formed Protective Force in 1947, as security at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, transferred Read More

DON A. YORK March 21, 1936  – Dec. 5, 2021

Don A. York died peacefully in Rio Rancho, New Mexico Dec. 5, 2021 at the age of 85.

Don is survived by his son Marcus A. York of Albuquerque, NM, his sister-in-law Ginny York of Hannibal, Missouri, his niece Susan Wilson of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, his niece Teresa Corso of Erie, Pennsylvania, his niece Kellee York of Hannibal, MO and by his nephew David Gregory of Hannibal, MO.

Don is preceded in death by his wife Helen L. York of Rio Rancho, NM, his father Ray A. York of Hannibal, MO, his mother Violet M. York of Hannibal, MO, his brother Ray A. York Jr. of Hannibal, Read More

JOHN LOYAL STOKES July 4, 1941 – Dec. 29, 2021

John Loyal Stokes was born in Ogden, Utah on the 4th of July, 1941 to Loyal Child Stokes and Gladys Victoria Stone. The youngest of 5 children and only son, John took on the role of “man of the house” at a very young age after his parents divorced when he was 2 and his father passed away 5 years later.

John graduated from Ben Lomond High School in 1959. He worked very hard to support his family, while also putting himself through college and paying for his church mission to London, England from 1961-1963. In 1966, he received a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from Read More

ROBERT FERRELL WELLS April 5, 1938 – Dec. 29, 2021

Robert Ferrell Wells, 83, passed away unexpectedly on December 29, 2021, at his home in Los Alamos, NM, following a short illness.

Born in Bend, Oregon, on April 5, 1938, Robert moved with his family to Anchorage in 1940. During WWII, American soldiers camped out on the family’s homestead on the Kenai Peninsula, and Robert recalled spotting Japanese submarines off the coast and GIs sharing chocolate with him and his younger sister from their K-rations. A self-taught artist, Robert spent countless hours filling sketchbooks with drawings capturing Read More

JAMES P. JORGENSEN Nov. 11, 1939 – Dec. 24, 2021

James P. Jorgensen, age 82, Green Bay, traveled to his final destination Dec. 24, 2021.

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1939, Jim was born to Wallace and Albertha Jorgensen, Green Bay, Wisconsin, the middle child in a blue-collar family of three children, with sister Kathleen and brother Earl.

He attended St. Francis Xavier Cathedral grade school, Premontre High School, and St. Norbert College, before beginning a career in the United States Army.

He married his college sweetheart, Michal Ann Basten, and they had three children: Read More

RANDY PUTT DEAN March 15, 1963 – Dec. 26, 2021

Randy Dean Putt passed away on December 26, 2021 at his home in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Randy was a kind, honest, and exceptionally loyal husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He enjoyed the finer things in life and was quick to share it with his family and friends. He never met a stranger. And if you had the pleasure of knowing Randy, he would always greet you with a gentle smile and a powerful hug.

Randy was born in Roseburg, Oregon on March 15, 1963 to Bobby and Marjorie Putt. He grew up in northern New Mexico with his loving parents, his older brother, Read More

CONSTANCE L’ECUYER NEWELL Feb. 24, 1931– Dec. 29, 2021

Constance L’Ecuyer Newell, 90, of Los Alamos, NM passed away December 29, 2021, peacefully, with family by her side.

She was born to the late Fabian and Hazel L’Ecuyer on February 24, 1931, in Athol, MA. She married the love of her life, Robert H. Newell on April 19, 1952 in Athol and together they had six children.

They lived in California and Massachusetts before settling in Los Alamos, NM in 1964. Once her children were in school, Connie went back to work for Dr. Ann Wadstrom and volunteered at the hospital gift shop.

Connie is survived by her Read More

DONALD DALE DUKE Nov. 23, 1952 – Dec. 15, 2021

Donald Dale Duke passed away with family at his side on Dec. 15, 2021, at age 69 after fighting a long illness.

Duke, as he was lovingly known to friends and family, was born in Tucson, AZ, Nov. 23, 1952. He graduated from the University of Arizona and spent his career troubleshooting and fixing broken things – from copiers to cars to computers – but his first priority was his family. He met his wife, Teresa, at the Bum Steer in 1978 and they spent the next four decades adventuring around the southwest and living life on their own terms.

Duke spent his final years Read More

WILLIAM ‘BILL’ CLARK Feb. 5, 1947 – Dec. 26, 2021

Mr. William “Bill” Clark, 74, of Corrales, NM, died peacefully with his wife and daughters by his side on Sunday, December 26, 2021, at Lovelace Westside Hospital in Albuquerque, NM.

He was born on February 5, 1947, in Meadville, PA, to Beth Clark and the late Robert Clark. He grew up to love the outdoors, motorcycles, and travel. Bill could fix anything and when he couldn’t find what he needed, he just built it himself instead. In his 20s, he let adventure and bike friendly blue-skies lead him to the southwest, where he eventually dedicated 41 years Read More

CAROL ANN JOHNSON

Carol Ann Johnson, 82, a Gig Harbor resident, died December 27, 2021.

Carol (a.k.a. Nana) was like no other, selfless, nurturing, and a shining light of God’s love for all of us.  She touched many lives as a retired pediatric nurse, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She will be greatly missed.

Family members include her husband, Jim; son Kevin and his wife June of Seattle, WA; son Timothy and his wife Marcie of Los Alamos, NM; daughter Kerry and her husband Scott of Gig Harbor, WA; grandchildren Christopher, Michael, Jack, Hannah, Emily, Cole, Read More

Sister Lizabeth Rutherford Dec. 13, 1946 – Dec. 17, 2021

On Friday, December 17, 2021, Sister Lizabeth Rutherford surrendered herself totally to her Maker.

Elizabeth Ann was born in Flint, Michigan on December 13, 1946, to Perry and Rita (Tacekens) Rutherford. She was the fifth child in a family of seven brothers, Tom, Pat, Joe, Don, Bob, Ken, and Victor. In 1950, the family moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico where Perry worked at the Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Liz was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Tom, Joe, and Ken. She is survived by four brothers, Don (Liz) of Grand Rapids, Read More

DAVID DEE CLINTON May 31, 1939 – Dec. 7, 2021

David was born in Denver, Colo., on May 3, 1939. In the early 1950s he moved to Los Alamos, NM, with his parents, Donald F. and Billie E. Clinton.

After high school and having attended Menlo Park College in California, he traveled by rail, bicycle and on skis throughout Europe, where he met his future, wife, Corry, in the Netherlands.

It took another three years before they would marry and live in Albuquerque, NM, to attend UNM. The draft caught up with him. After teaching several years at Keesler AFB, he worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory until his retirement Read More

WILLIAM JACK WORLTON June 5, 1927 – Dec. 20, 2021

William Jack Worlton, age 94, of Salt Lake City, Utah passed away on Monday, December 20, 2021. He was born June 5, 1927.

“Jack” worked as the head of C Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory for many years.

A funeral service for Jack will be held Thursday, December 30, 2021, at 1:00 PM at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 S Highland Drive, Millcreek, Utah 84106.

Following the funeral service will be an interment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 Highland Dr, Millcreek, Utah 84106.

Jack is in the care of Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary. Fond memories Read More

NICHOLAS JOSEPH NAGY III July 11, 1947 – Dec. 17, 2021

Nicholas Joseph Nagy III, 74, beloved husband and father, was called to his eternal resting place to join his wife, Ann on Friday, December 17, 2021.

He entered this world on July 11, 1947, in Toledo, OH, born to Nicholas and Cecilia B. Nagy.

He is survived by his son, Christopher Nagy, his wife, Liz and their four daughters, Katherine, Jane, Rachel, and Anna; daughter, Elizabeth “Beth Anne” Parker and her husband, Brad.

Nick was an employee at the Los Alamos National Laboratory for nearly 44 years, and upon his retirement he chose to serve as a volunteer Read More

LUCINDA REBECCA STALLINGS Oct. 3, 1932 – Dec. 15, 2021

Lucinda “Lucy” Rebecca Stallings, born October 3, 1932, passed away on December 15, 2021, at the age of 89.

She was born in Bingham Canyon, Utah and raised in Santa Fe, NM.

In 1950, she met and married the “Love of Her Life”, James E. Stallings. They would call Los Alamos “Home” for the next 71 years. They celebrated their 71st Wedding Anniversary together in their home on September 12th.

She is survived by her loving husband, James and their four children; Sandra Anderson of Sharon, Connecticut; Loretta Jo Finley (Darryl) of Albuquerque; Randy Read More

RICHARD “BOYD” CUMMINGS April 20, 1934 – Dec. 9, 2021

Richard “Boyd” Cummings, 87, died Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021, in Albuquerque, NM.

A Celebration of Boyd’s Life will take place 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 18 at Fuller Lodge in Los Alamos, NM. Friends of Boyd and his family are welcome. 

Boyd was born April 20, 1934, in Heber, Utah, to Boyd Strong and Marjorie Agnes Cummings. His family on both sides were part of the original pioneering families that settled and built many of the thriving small towns that dot the picturesque Heber Valley in the heart of the Wasatch Mountains. The towns of Heber and Midway always Read More

FRANCES ANN TAYLOR Feb. 24, 1938 – July 3, 2021

Frances Ann Taylor (née Lamb) a longtime resident of Los Alamos, rejoined her husband, James, at the age of 83, peacefully July 3, 2021, at home in the company of her loving family. 

She will be interred beside her beloved husband, James Taylor, in Brownwood, TX.

She was born in Brownwood, TX Feb. 24, 1938 to educators Edward and Lois Lamb (née Taylor). She was the oldest of three children. Her younger siblings were Lois Marlene Schneider (Melvin), and Edward Lamb Jr. (Marilyn), both of whom predeceased Frances.

She graduated from Brownwood High School Read More

ROSEMARY LOTTIE MATUSZAK Nov. 14, 2021

Rosemary Lottie Matuszak, 80, passed away on Sunday, November 14, 2021 in Albuquerque, NM from complications resulting from Alzheimer’s dementia.

Rosemary was born Rosemarie Gabridge in Detroit, MI, but had her name legally changed to Rosemary before age 20. She met her sweetheart, Michael Leonard Matuszak, at age 14, and they dated until they wed on Sept. 1, 1962.

Rosemary and Michael lived in several different cities including Detroit, MI, Newark, OH, White Rock, NM, Bluff City, TN, and St. Louis, MO, but ended up back in NM which Rosemary had Read More

KATHLEEN LIANA BOWLES May 17, 1988 – Nov. 22, 2021

Kathleen (Katie) Liana Bowles passed away at the age of 33. Katie was an only child and is survived by her father Thomas and mother Jeanne Bowles.

Katie was born and raised in Los Alamos and lived in Rio Rancho at the time of her death. Family was very important to Katie and when she was 12, we went to a family reunion in Maryland at which she said, “You mean I am related to all 92 people here?” We answered yes, and Katie stayed in close touch with many of her cousins who we would regularly visit in California, Maryland, and Florida.

Katie loved to travel and accompanied Read More

GEORGE HARRIS ANDERSON on Sept. 20, 1934 – Dec. 4, 2021

George Harris Anderson passed away peacefully at The Ridge Assisted Living on December 4, 2021, in Park City, Utah.

George was born on September 20, 1934, in Albert Lea, Minnesota to George Harris Anderson and Bella Wold Anderson. His early years were in Lake Mills and Pringhar, Iowa. His father was superintendent of public utilities, and his mother was a pharmacist.

In 7th grade he moved to Hartley, Iowa. He graduated from high school in 1952 having played alto clarinet in marching band, acting in many plays, singing in the chorus, glee club Read More

MELVIN COLEMAN CHANEY Nov. 23, 1924 – Dec. 2, 2021

Melvin Coleman Chaney was born in a quiet Chicago suburb where boys in knickers ran free, climbed trees, played baseball under no supervision, formed secret clubs in attics, and swam in summer pools and lakes. 

In winter he learned a strong smooth ice skate that carried into his late age.  His parents’ house was full of music. Mel could identify symphonies and operas after hearing a few measures – sometimes a few notes.

Despite the scarcities of the Great Depression, his parents found a way to buy him a camera, which was his most prized possession. Read More

He was born in Española, New Mexico on December 26, 1931 to Sevedeo and Ascension Lujan.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Noe, Tony, Benny, Felix, Toby W. Lujan and his sisters, Martha Lujan and Cordelia Long.

Goofy is survived by his wife Jackie, daughter Vicky (John), stepsons Greg and Travis Horn, brother Toby J. Lujan, sisters-in-law Patty and Rose Lujan. Also many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Sevedeo (Goofy) served his Read More

HELEN ELIZABETH SHERMAN FINNEY March 14, 1935 – Oct. 31, 2021

Helen Elizabeth Sherman Finney died in the early morning hours of Sunday October 31, 2021. She died from pancreatic cancer.

Helen was born March 14, 1935 in Hartsdale, NY to Owena and Roger Sherman. She was the third of four children and the only girl. Hers was a difficult breech birth, requiring assistance from the volunteer fire department. The lifesaving efforts left her with the crooked smile that her husband would find so charming. Additionally, the story made The New York Times and Helen believed that surviving those critical Read More

MICHAEL D. WILLIAMS Nov. 29, 2021

Michael D. Williams suddenly passed away on November 29, 2021, in Los Alamos, New Mexico. He was 82. Mike’s rare qualities in rare combination triumphed over the monumental challenges to which he was dedicated – protecting the environment — beginning way back, before clean air was considered necessary, let alone possible. Ever improving the air, Mike was an effective ally of all creatures that see or breathe.

He engineered original contributions in the field of computer simulations of visual effects of smoke plumes and won two Distinguished Performance Read More

ALVAH E. MILLER March 17, 1935 – Dec. 1, 2021

Alvah E. Miller, born March 17, 1935, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021.

Alvah was born in South Dakota and was a long time New Mexico resident. Alvah was a loving and dedicated husband and father. 

He enlisted in the United States Air Force after high school – serving 23 years. Then was employed by NRAO-VLA and retired from Los Alamos National Laboratories in Los Alamos, NM.

Alvah is survived by his children, Alicia, Andrew and wife, Sharon, and Annette; grandchildren, Ashley and husband, Justin, and Shayla Miller. Alvah is also survived by his Read More

BIRCHARD LEE KORTEGAARD Jan. 6, 1930 – Dec. 5, 2021

Bert passed away after a long struggle with pulmonary fibrosis and complications.

“He was born with a gift of laughter and a sense that the world was mad.” – Scaramouche Read More

ARNOLD FREDUSS WALTER July 23, 1931 – Nov. 19, 2021

Arnold Freduss Walter, a longtime resident of Los Alamos, passed Friday Nov. 19, 2021 with family members at his side.

He was preceded in death by his parents Nellie and Esmond Walter, and by his sister Evelyn Shoop.

Arnold was born July 23, 1931 in Lead, South Dakota. He graduated from Black Hills State Teachers College and Dunwoody College. Arnold worked as an Architect and as a Draftsman, and he retired from AMOCO / British Petroleum in Denver, CO.

After college, Arnold served in the United States Armed Forces, Army, in the 1950s and was Honorably Read More

THOMAS A. BROWN Jan. 24, 1932 – Nov. 30, 2021

Thomas (Tom) A. Brown, age 89, died after a long, wonderful life Nov. 30, at home surrounded by loved ones. He was born Jan. 24, 1932 in New London, Wisconsin, the son of Fred A. and Marion E. (Pierce) Brown.

Tom served with the U.S. Navy in Korea during the Korean War. After the war, Tom became a beloved teacher and coach in Los Alamos. He enriched the lives of all he touched.

At the time of his passing, Tom was retired and living in Santa Fe, with his wife of 43 years, Gloria V. Brown. His love for her was beautiful and endless.  A love that all hope to find and Read More