Obituaries

WAYNE KAY ‘CORKY’ THORN 1938 – May 30, 2021

Wayne Kay “Corky” Thorn (1938-2021) passed away peacefully May 30, 2021, surrounded by close family.

Corky lived a happy and adventurous life. He was born in Raton, NM and moved to Los Alamos, NM at age 14 before graduating from Los Alamos High School in the class of 1956.

During his time at LAHS, he proudly ran track, pole vaulted, and was the star fullback for the mighty Hilltopper football team. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving as an electrician’s mate aboard destroyers on western Pacific cruises from 1956 to 1960.

He returned to Read More

THOMAS GRASSER Sept. 6, 1924 – June 1, 2021

Thomas Grasser passed away June 1, 2021.

He was born September 6, 1924, in Kenosha, WI. Following graduation, Thomas served in the US Army under Gen. Patton’s Third Army where he experienced the Battle of the Bulge, Massacre at Malmedy, and liberated the holocaust camps of Dachau and Buchenwald. He received the Bronze Star and French Legion of Honor Medal for his exemplary service. His additional military service after WWII included the Navy and National Guard.

After the war, Tom came to New Mexico and married the “love of his life”, Maria Montoya. They Read More

JESSE CLARKE UMBARGER Oct. 1, 1973 – May 24, 2021

Jesse Umbarger passed away May 24, 2021, at his home in Aurora, Colorado. 

Born to C. John and Kathryn Umbarger, the third of four children, Jesse grew up in Los Alamos, New Mexico, where he graduated from Los Alamos High School by the skin of his teeth. Not that he wasn’t smart; he was brilliant. Jesse was creative, inventive, artistic, and mechanical, and fascinated with brewing beer. 

From teenage self-taught chemistry, microbiology, physics, and engineering for his homemade kitchen product (which he learned was legal for him to do in New Mexico), Read More

JAMES DAVID GAUTIER Oct. 9, 1934 – June 1, 2021

James (Jim) Gautier, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away surrounded by his loving family, on June 1, 2021, from complications resulting from a fall.

Jim was born in Stillwater, Oklahoma on October 9, 1934 to Raymond Gautier and Ruth Kennedy Gautier. Jim and his sister Raymonda were raised by their mother who Jim believed instilled in him the values that defined his life.

He was married to Fran Gautier with whom he had son Cort and daughter Jenalyn. Jim married Peggy Vergamini in 1976 and welcomed her two sons Terry and Tony Read More

ELIZABETH ROSINA (SIPOLT) ZIOMEK Nov. 3, 1930 – May 28, 2021

Elizabeth Ziomek was 90 years old and was known as “Betty,” “Liz,” “Mrs. Z,” “Mom/Ma,” “Aunt Betty,” and “Nana”.

She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, caring sister, aunt, and friend to many. Additionally, she was an accomplished athlete and an avid Chicago Sports Fan.

She was preceded in death by her parents Alois and Angela Sipolt, her sister Ann Hawkins, her half-brother Philip Orth, and her husband Walter Ziomek.

She is survived by her younger brother Louis John Sipolt, her son James Ziomek and his spouse, 4 grandchildren, Read More

DONALD A. BURNS May 24, 2021

Dr. Donald A. Burns, age 92, passed away May 24, 2021.  Born and raised in Alexandria Bay, NY, he grew up announcing on the tour boats of his beloved St Lawrence River throughout the Thousand Islands.

Don attended Central College (Pella IA), Syracuse Univ (AB), Univ of Puget Sound (MS), and Purdue Univ (PhD). Dr. Burns has worked at National Cash Register (Dayton, OH), Dover Medical Research Center (Dover, DE), Abbott Laboratories (N Chicago, IL), Technicon Instruments Corporation (Tarrytown, NY), and retired from Los Alamos National Laboratory in 1995.

Dr. Burns Read More

DONALD RICHARD MYERS Jan. 20, 1936 – May 23, 2021

…“Well done good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of your Lord.” Matthew 25:23

Our beloved Papa was welcomed back home into the loving arms of his precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and Abba Father on May 23, 2021.

Donald Richard Myers was born January 20, 1936, in Bellingham, Washington to John Edward and Lillian Lucille (Pearce) Myers, the second of three children. He grew up in Custer, Washington, helping to run the family farm and playing sports in high school.

On New Year’s eve in 1954 while Dad was a senior at Ferndale High School, the Read More

ADAM JOSEPH IVERSON June 17, 1976 – May 31, 2019

With his death he leaves behind: a wife – Amanda Fuller, parents, a brother – Andrew Iverson, a younger sister – Amber Iverson, 5 sisters in law, 2 brothers in law, 7 nieces, 7 nephews, 3 great-nieces, 3 great-nephews, many aunts, and cousins. He also leaves behind many great friends, both professional and personal.

Adam was born three minutes ahead of his identical twin brother in Great Falls, Montana to Mickey Iverson and Jeanne Kiskaleski of Conrad, Montana. On the outskirts of Conrad, Adam grew up on a wheat farm with his family. Read More

KATHY STECK May 10, 1958 – May 24, 2021

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kathy Erven Steck, 63, of Los Alamos, NM.

Kathy was born May 10, 1958 in South Dakota and was welcomed into the arms of our lord peacefully on May 24, 2021 in Los Alamos, NM.

Kathy was a loving mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, sister, daughter, and friend.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Terrance; her parents, Lawrence Erven and Patricia Flaherty Erven; and her siblings Sally, Bobby, and Terry.

She is survived by her son Jered, his wife, Kiersten, and their two children Ethan (10) and Ainsley Read More

MARGARET MURPHY EUTSLER July 3, 1920 – May 21, 2021

“A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.” –Tenneva Jordan

Margaret Murphy Eutsler, devoted mother extraordinaire, died on May 21, 2021 at the age of 100. The cause is believed to have been old age.

Margaret, or Maggie as she was known to her friends, was born on July 3, 1920 in Clayton, New Mexico. The youngest of eight children, she was the only one born in a hospital. She survived all of her siblings (Florence Szabo, Mildred Roberts, Agnes Wick, Marie Murphy, Marcella Read More

BARBARA (BOBBIE) PARTAIN July 28, 1943 – May 22, 2021

Barbara (Bobbie) Partain, 77, of Melbourne, FL passed away peacefully on May 22, 2021.

Bobbie was born on July 28, 1943 to Robert and June Quinn in Chattanooga, TN. After graduating from Chattanooga High School in 1961, she went on to study English literature at the University of Chattanooga, where she was also a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority.

Bobbie was a participant in the Miss Chattanooga pageant and also sang in a few swing bands on the weekends while attending college.

Following graduation in 1965, she moved to Florida and taught English Read More

JASON SUTCLIFFE VALONE May 28, 1985 – Dec. 5, 2020

Jason passed from this world into his next, alone but loved, in his apartment in North East, PA on December 5, 2020. Due to COVID-19, a memorial was delayed.

A Celebration of Life will take place in Los Alamos, June 5 at 2:00 pm. We will meet in the parking lot of the Pajarito Mountain Ski Area at the Camp May entrance.

Jason is survived by his father, Steve Valone (Amy); his mother, Carol Sutcliffe (Clif Meyer); sister, Amanda Valone (James Dean); niece, Ellyana Dean; grandparents, Charles Valone and Eric Sutcliffe; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.  Read More

JAMES ANDREW CROCKER Oct. 7, 1980 – April 25, 2021

Even in such a sad time, there is great joy in sharing my son James with his friends, loving relatives, and new acquaintances.

James was born in Los Alamos and graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1999. A great lover of the outdoors and winter, he was an active biker (and builder), soccer player, and a member of both ice hockey and ski racing teams. He and friends from a block away preferred to be walking to Mountain School rather than taking the bus, and as an adult, he also became active in rock climbing, especially when he was home the same time as friends. Read More

SARA (McCann) SNOWBALL Oct. 22, 1986 – May 20, 2021

Sara (McCann) Snowball passed away unexpectedly from complications due to childbirth on May 20, 2021.

Sara was born in Harrisburg, PA on Oct. 22, 1986. She grew up in Bradenton, FL and married her high school sweetheart, Matthew Snowball after many years of engagement.

Sara attended Lakewood Ranch High School and went on to earn a Master of Education from the University of Florida and was a proud Florida Gator. Sara was a dedicated early childhood educator who always went above and beyond to ensure her students had the best education and support Read More

KATELYN ROSE PARKER Jan. 17, 1988 – May 11, 2021

Katelyn Rose Parker was found deceased in her home in Leicester, NC on Tuesday, May 11, 2021. She was 33 years old. She received much care from dedicated health professionals over the last several years in the Asheville, NC area.

She was born to Paul Ruston and Patricia Eve (Shane) Parker on January 17, 1988 in Hartford, CT. She grew up in W. Granby, CT, Virginia Beach, VA and the Los Alamos, NM area.

Katelyn was a loving sister to Keith Joseph (Abby) Parker, Rachel Rosemary Duffield (Andy) and Grace “Dovina” Elisabeth Parker (Thomas).

Katelyn was a devoted Read More

CHARLES CALEF March 18, 1947 – May 16, 2021

Charles Calef died at home in Los Alamos on May 16, 2021 from cholangiocarcinoma.

Chuck was always in motion. He excelled at rock climbing, cross-country skiing, back packing, swimming, and bicycle riding. A good day for him included as many activities as possible.

Inspired by the beauty of nature, Chuck loved to make beautiful things. He painted watercolor landscapes that expressively captured his view of the world. He built fine wood furniture, baked sourdough bread, and played the piano. Never complacent, he was always curious to learn new things Read More

OLAND DALE THOMPSON Feb. 22, 1943 – May 15, 2021

Oland (Dale) Thompson, 78, of Los Alamos, NM, passed away after a short illness on May 15, 2021 with family by his side.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Oland Lay and Rosie Klechka Thompson, and his sister Barbara Sinclair.

Dale was born in Houston, TX and graduated from Sam Houston High School in Houston in 1961. He graduated from the University of Texas, Austin, with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in nuclear engineering. Years later, he also obtained a master’s degree in business administration from Read More

SAMUEL D. GARDNER July 19, 1933 – May 15, 2021

Samuel D. Gardner, 87, passed away, with family present, on Saturday May 15, 2021 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

He was born on July 19, 1933 in Phoenix, Arizona. He was one of nine children. He spent his childhood in Durant, Oklahoma where his family ran a construction business.

After High School, he enlisted in the Navy and became a jet pilot. He left the Navy, in 1960, to seek a postgraduate degree in Physics from the University of Oklahoma. He was employed by Los Alamos National Laboratory from 1961-1994.

He was an avid photographer, fly fisherman, tennis Read More

FRANK P. WELCH March 15, 1931 – May 1, 2021

Frank P. Welch, 90, of Sun City West, AZ, and Los Alamos, NM, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home May 1, 2021.

He was preceded in death by his infant son Mark Stephen Welch, his parents Archibald and Josephine Welch, his sister Margaret Herold and his brothers John and Michael Welch.

Frank was born in Davenport, Iowa, March 15, 1931, and was one of 8 children. The family business was a successful local gas station and Frank and his brothers all helped out there. Frank attended St. Ambrose College in Davenport and earned a degree in Accounting.

On a drive Read More

LESTER F. LUEHRING Nov. 30, 1932 – May 9, 2021

Lester F. Luehring, 88, passed away onto the Lord in his Rio Rancho home on Sunday, May 9, 2021. Les was born on the family farm near Hanover, Kansas on November 30, 1932. 

A memorial celebration of his fulfilled life will be held on Friday, May 14, 2021 at 3:00 pm at French Funerals – 9300 Golf Course Road NW in Albuquerque.

Les was an excellent student attending a one-room schoolhouse, winning the County spelling bee in eighth grade and graduating high school at the age of 16 years old. After one year at Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS, he taught school (5th Read More

Joanne Jean Mosher Meade Aug. 8, 1930 – Feb. 23, 2016
Robert Eugene Meade May 11, 1930 – April 14, 2021

Joanne Mosher was born in Milton Michigan and grew up on a farm in South Bend, Indiana. She played viola in the South Bend Symphony, graduated from Mishawaka High School, and worked at a clothing boutique.

She realized she wanted more out of life than hanging out with friends, going to dances and having fun on the beach. She obtained her private pilot license at the age of eighteen and received a scholarship to The Art Institute of Chicago. After moving to Chicago to attend the Art Institute, she stayed Read More

ELIZABETH HIGGINS Oct. 2, 1936 – April 8, 2021

Elizabeth Ann Higgins went home to Jesus April 8, 2021, at the age of 84.

Elizabeth was born to Clarence and Grace Hamrick October 2, 1936, in Hilton, Oklahoma. As a child, Elizabeth enjoyed spending time with her pets including her pet squirrel.

Elizabeth met her husband, Jim Higgins in 1953 at Hobbs High School. They got married September 10, 1956, and went on to have three children: Nancy, Claire and Blaine. Elizabeth and Jim attended college at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, NM.

After graduation, the couple moved to Los Alamos, NM where Read More

S. PETER GARY April 21, 2021

Peter Gary died on April 21, 2021 in Santa Fe, NM after a short illness. He was 81.

Peter was born in Cleveland, Ohio. His parents were Stephen Gary and Marie Shiglinsky Gary. His father taught at Memorial High School in Campbell, Ohio, where his parents raised Peter and his brother Dennis. The two boys were best friends. His mother was the star of their Byzantine Church choir and head of the PTA.

Peter and Dennis were both students in their father’s ninth grade Algebra I class, where their father exposed both boys to the logic and challenges of mathematics, leading them to Read More

PETER B. LYONS Feb. 23, 1943 – April 29, 2021

Peter B. Lyons passed away in Golden, Colorado on Friday, April 29, 2021, following a yearlong battle with cancer. Pete’s partner Peggy Lyon-Bull and his sons Daniel, David and Michael were able to join him at his side in his final hours. He leaves behind a legacy of dedication—to his family, to the scientific community and to the nation for a life spent in public service.

Pete was born to Leland and Rita (nee Horblit) Lyons in Hammond Indiana, in 1943. Although born in the midwest, he spent his childhood in Boulder City, Nevada, just outside of Las Vegas, Read More

KENT CARLETON CROASDELL July 11, 1941 – April 20, 2021

Kent Carleton Croasdell passed through the gate to the eternal ballgame on Tuesday, April 20, 2021. We picture him now with a hot dog in one hand, a Pepsi in the other, a scorecard in his pocket, and a smile on his face.

He had been hospitalized following a series of strokes. Despite the current pandemic he was able to have loving family at his bedside at the time of his passing.

Kent was born July 11, 1941 in Pontiac, Michigan to Howard Sutton York, Jr. and Teresa Frances Felice. After his parents divorced, Teresa married Jack Croasdell. The family Read More

ROBERT WILLIFORD III Oct. 10, 1954 – April 27, 2021

Robert Williford III, age 66, passed away April 27, 2021 after a very courageous battle from a lengthy illness.

Even though a failing illness took him away from this world, his loving heart left a beacon of light for all in the community as his loving caring soul is welcomed into the arms of his loving Savior.

Bob, as many knew him by, was born Oct. 10, 1954 in Belhaven, NC to Robert L. Williford II and Mary Jane Bulluck.

Bob is survived by his loving sister Elizabeth (Liz) Oden and partner Jim Peck of Cushing, Maine, brothers, Bill Williford and wife, Eva, Read More

BARBARA LISTON Feb. 28, 1956 – April 22, 2021

Barbara Liston was a beloved matriarch and a bad-ass spitfire. She was kind and thoughtful to others, but also fiercely protective of her family and loved ones. A lioness protecting her cubs is the image that comes to my mind.

Anyone that had the pleasure of knowing Barb knew that her petite frame gracefully concealed a woman full of tremendous strength, vigor, and resilience.

Barbara bartended at local bars in Los Alamos, NM to provide for her two sons, Michael and Nathan. She spent her life working with incredible ethics and integrity to make sure her Read More

EDNA EARLINE MCKEE Oct. 30, 1928 – April 21, 2021 

It is with great sadness, Edna Earline McKee, has passed. 

Born Oct. 30, 1928, Earline was a resident of Cottonwood for many years. She is formerly from Los Alamos, New Mexico, where she worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Edna is preceded in death by husband Vanhoozer, daughter Brenda and son Martin and dear friend Ross Calvin.

She is survived by three children, Stanton (Janice) of Oregon, Letitia of California and Timothy (Diane) of New Mexico; seven grandchildren Kenneth, Sharlean, Alicia, Adams, April, Amy and Denise, four great grandchildren. Read More

BEA WILKINSON Sept. 16, 1918 – April 10, 2021

Bertha (Metz) Wilkinson died on April 10, 2021, in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

She was known as Nai Nai or Mum to her family and Bea to her friends. She lived the past 21 years in Los Alamos near, and then with, her son and daughter-in-law, Rich and Mary Pat Kraemer.

But her journey to Los Alamos was far from ordinary. She was born in Saskatchewan, Canada, on a remote farm so rural her birth certificate lists her birthplace as “Sec.3, Tp23, Rge 24, W2nd.” Her Mother died when Bea was 12, and as the oldest child she became “mother” to her 4 siblings. 

She told tales Read More

JOANNA JAVORSKY Sept. 26, 1939 – April 16, 2021

Joanna Javorsky was born on September 26, 1939 and died from long term poor health on April 16, 2021 at 4:55 p.m. in Los Alamos Medical Center. Her loving husband Charles, their son Peter, and dear friend Loraine were with her.

She is survived by her husband, son and brother-in-law Frank and his wife.

Joanna spent her early years in Gary, Indiana, with her father and mother Larry and Esther Castle. They moved to Spokane, Washington, where Joanna completed junior and senior high school. She was an excellent trumpet player, achieving first chair Read More

ALLEN MARTINEZ Feb. 7, 1945 – April 14, 2021

Allen Martinez, 76, loving Husband, Father, Brother, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Friend, and well-known businessman, passed away on April 14, 2021, in Rio Rancho, NM.

Allen was well-known for his building and remodeling business, Al-Con Building and Remodeling that he owned and operated for 43 years in the Los Alamos area. His son has been operating the business since Allen’s retirement.

Allen, his wife Connie and their three children moved to Los Alamos in 1973. After retiring, Allen and Connie moved to Rio Rancho in 2015.

Allen enjoyed fishing, Read More

PASCUAL P. CHAVEZ Nov. 29, 1923 – May 5, 2020

Our beloved patriarch Pascual P. Chavez of Los Alamos, N.M., was called to Our Lord May 5, 2020 at the age of 96.

Pascual was preceded in death by his wife and best friend of 71 years, Margaret Antia (Geoffrion) Chavez, his parents Adolfo and Susan Chavez of Las Vegas, N.M., mother- and father-in-law, Alfonso and Ellen Geoffrion also of Las Vegas, brothers Mariano and Adolfo ‘Babe’ Chavez, brother-in-law Billy Geoffrion, his infant daughter Mary Ellen Chavez, sons Mitchell, Nicholas, and Mark Chavez, daughter Annette Chavez-Aragon, son-in-law Joe Read More

ALBERT SCHOOLCRAFT April 1, 1927 – March 29, 2021

Albert Schoolcraft was born April 1, 1927 in Albuquerque, NM and passed away March 29, 2021 in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

Albert enlisted in the Navy in 1945 and was honorably discharged in 1952. He worked as a vacuum leak detection specialist at the Los Alamos National Laboratory for 45 years and, after retiring, returned for another 15 years. Albert also taught others, participating in seminars across the country.

Albert took pride in having a manicured lawn and enjoyed planting flowers, trout fishing, reading and watching classic movies. Albert Read More

DELLA LUCILLE HONSINGER Feb. 27, 1915 – April 8, 2021

Della Lucille (Whitley) Honsinger died on April 8, 2021, in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

She was 106 years old, having been born on the family homestead in the Okanogan valley of North Central Washington state on February 27, 1915.

She was known as “Lucille” or “Lucy”, and became the central figure in a large extended family, remarkable for its involvement in community, spread over the Western United States, from Washington to Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico. 

Her descendants included librarians, nurses, attorneys, architects, Read More

MAUREEN O’DEA HOLLANDER April 29, 1953 – April 8, 2021

Maureen “Missy” O’Dea Hollander, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother passed away on Thursday, April 8, 2021 in Rio Rancho, NM due to complications from her heart conditions.

Missy was born April 29, 1953 to Dr. Hugh B. Woodward and wife Aileen in Rochester, NY, subsequently moving to Albuquerque, NM. She graduated from Highland High School in 1971, and obtained her BS in Nursing from the University of New Mexico in 1975.

She married her High School sweetheart on August 12, 1972 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Albuquerque, NM. Read More