Obituaries

BETTY OLIPHANT Dec. 4, 1930 – April 6, 2021

Betty Oliphant, 90, passed away on April 6, 2021 in Portland, Oregon after having struggled for many months with the aftereffects of contracting COVID.

She was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Whitney Hall Efferson and Gladys Efferson on December 4, 1930.

The last surviving member of the six Efferson children, Betty is survived by her husband of 70 years, Thomas Oliphant; daughters Cathy Kernodle (and husband Gary Kernodle) of Portland, Oregon and San Antonio, Texas; Carol Salesky of Lubbock, Texas; and Julie Oliphant of Santa Rosa, New Mexico; as Read More

SUSAN M. WOY Aug. 6, 1946 – March 17, 2021

Susan M. Woy, of Albuquerque, born August 6, 1946, passed away on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 after a fight with pneumonia, with loved ones by her side.

She leaves behind her husband Rod, daughters Heather and Alissa, son Jimmy and 7 grandchildren, brothers Gary (Sue) Tubb of Seabrook, TX, John (Pat) Tubb of White Rock, NM, and sister Karen (Garry) Bryant of Edgewood, NM.

She was preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Dorothy Tubb and her son Roy Neil.

She was a graduate of Los Alamos High School and was active in the Order of Rainbow for Girls. She attended Read More

URSULA (USCHI) SANDERS Jan. 11, 1944 – March 28, 2021

Beloved by her family and friends, Ursula Sanders died Sunday March 28, 2021 of complications from her medical conditions.

Ursula is survived by her stepson Stephen Sanders and his wife Fran Sanders, both of Santa Fe, NM.  Ursula’s only other relative is her sister Marian who still lives in Germany.

Ursula was born in Berlin on January 11, 1944 and moved to Santa Fe in 1981. She was married to Benjamin Sanders for twenty years and they were active in the Santa Fe Community.

Ursula, herself, was active in the Women’s Golf Assn, an Opera Guild Member, Read More

MARY MERRILL ST. JOHN ZEMACH Dec. 5, 1930 – Feb. 26, 2021

Mary Merrill St. John Zemach passed away of natural causes at her home on February 26, 2021, a few weeks after her 63rd wedding anniversary, with her husband by her side.

Mary was born on December 5, 1930, in Honolulu, Hawaii, where she studied hula dancing, collected insects (including a cockroach deemed worthy of admission to the Bishop Museum), worked in the pineapple fields during WWII, and didn’t wear shoes until 7th grade, and only then because it was required by the marching band, in which she played flute.

Mary left Hawaii upon graduation Read More

THOMAS MICHAEL PANOWSKI 1944 – 2021

It is with sadness that we announce the death of Thomas Michael Panowski. He died at the age of 76.

He grew up and lived in Los Alamos until he left for college where he graduated from New Mexico State University with majors in journalism and electrical engineering.

He was able to do some very interesting work tracking satellites in Kwajalein Atoll during work/study programs at NMSU in the early 1960’s.

Tom was a great big brother, initiating games such as “chair tag”, and the rope swing around the big tree in our back yard. He was the adventurer in the family – Read More

RONDA JONES Nov. 4, 1959 – March 23, 2021

Ronda Jones, 61, of Los Alamos, passed away on March 23, 2021. Her final days were spent surrounded by family.

Ronda was a free spirit. She loved to play her fiddle and make music with her friends. Attending bluegrass festivals and outdoor camping were some of her favorite things. Known by her friends as “mama bear,” she was always there when one needed help.

Ronda was born on November 4, 1959, in Gary, Indiana, and grew up in Los Alamos where she enjoyed skiing and learned to play the piano. After graduating from LAHS in 1977, she attended the University of New Read More

DAVID C. BUCKLAND (date withheld at request of family)

This world has truly lost a bright light with the recent passing of David Buckland.

David loved life and his passions made him a gifted musician (Blackjack Davey); a truly dedicated, compassionate teacher (Mr. B); an avid, enthusiastic skier (the Purple Haze); a steadfast ally to his friends (Davey); a thoroughly delighted pal with his first ever pup Lexie; and the most loving, supportive, playmate, lover and best friend to his wife TJ who adored him beyond words. 

His optimism, enthusiasm for life and generous nature flowed through his Read More

CARL JOHNSON March 22, 2021

Carl Johnson, Jr., 90, of Los Alamos passed away on March 22,2021.

He was proceeded in death by his wife Dorothy Johnson and his parents Carl Sr. and Ida Johnson.

Carl was born in Dolomite, Alabama. He served in the United States Air Force and later worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

He was full of life and loved to joke with people and enjoyed quail and turkey hunting.

Carl is survived by his granddaughter Crystal Zamir and her husband Khalil.

He was a devout Catholic and was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Los Alamos. Read More

DESIREE RUTH (TAFOYA) ST. ONGE July 22, 1966 – March 18, 2021

Desiree Ruth (Tafoya) St. Onge was born July 22, 1966 and passed away March 18, 2021 at the age of 54.

Services will be held on Saturday April 10, 2021 at 12:00pm at San Juan Bautista Chapel in San Juan Pueblo, 1 Church Cir., San Juan Pueblo, NM 87566.

We will be gathering after church services to share some of our favorite memories, our stories, to laugh, to cry, and remember a wonderful person who will be greatly missed, 26 Private Road 1149, Española, NM 87532 – La Mesilla area. Read More

ROBERTA MARIE CUNNINGHAM STRAIGHT Sept. 7, 1940 – March 22, 2021

Roberta “Bobbye” Straight was born on September 7, 1940 in Amarillo, Texas and came with her family to Oklahoma where she grew up.

She graduated from Bartlesville’s College High School as a National Merit Scholar in 1958, received a Bachelor’s Degree from Kansas University in Lawrence, Kansas in 1962 and a Master’s Degree in English from Arizona University in Tucson, Arizona in 1967.

While attending KU, Bobbye married her husband of 59 years, Dr. James (Jim) William Straight, also from Bartlesville, OK, on August 12, 1961. The Read More

LORI HEIMDAHL GIBSON June 4, 1946 – March 20, 2021

Lori Heimdahl Gibson has begun satisfying her curiosity about the spiritual universe beyond this world.  While here, she was a “full spectrum human being.” Her Viking heritage was evident in her sense of adventure, her strength, and her courage. She was also known as “Walks with Open Heart.” She loved everyone, especially young people.

Born into a railroad family in Havre, MT, she then lived much of her young and early adult years in central Minnesota. She loved athletics and the outdoors. She excelled at high jumping, running, water skiing, racquetball, Read More

KRYSTI MICHELLE HERNANDEZ Jan. 8, 1971 – March 11, 2021

Krysti Michelle Hernandez, a resident of White Rock, passed away at home on March 11, 2021 after a lengthy illness. She was born on January 8, 1971.

Krysti enjoyed the outdoors including water skiing, jet skiing, downhill snow skiing, horseback riding, camping, and fishing. She was a lover of all animals, especially her beloved cat Wally who preceded her in death two weeks before her passing.

Krysti will be remembered for her beautiful smile and soft and loving heart. She received the sacrament of baptism one week prior to her passing. She Read More

ROSCOE FAUSSONE June 25, 1927 – March 2, 2021

Roscoe Faussone, 93, left this world on March 2, 2021.

Roscoe was born on June 25, 1927 to Mary (DeJulio) and Tony Faussone in Montrose, Colorado. After graduating from Montrose High School, Roscoe moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico and worked for Los Alamos National Laboratory in the materials technology department.

After losing his first wife, Anita, Roscoe married his longtime neighbor, Martha Hume, also recently widowed, on January 2, 1981. Martha had four children which became Roscoe’s family when they married. Roscoe retired from the Lab in 1984 Read More

PATRICIA STARKEY March 22, 1929 – March 17, 2020

One year ago on March 17, 2020, Patricia (Pat) L. Starkey died from natural causes. 

Pat was born on March 22, 1929 to Lila and Nile McFarren. As a child she was raised on an orange grove in Anaheim, CA and loved spending time with her grandmother. As a young woman she studied music and sang at the USO and even produced a record. 

In 1946, Pat married LeRoy (Roy) Starkey. They started their life in Balboa, California and in 1965 they moved to Los Alamos. Pat started a small business named Originals by Patricia and she created beautiful trees and floral decorations. Read More

JOANNE M. RUPPRECHT Jan. 21, 1934 – March 11, 2021

Joanne Rupprecht, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on March 11th after losing her battle with Multiple Myeloma. 

Joanne was born in Detroit, Michigan to the late Howard and Kathleen Moore.

She was preceded in death by sisters Carolyn (Erickson) of Albuquerque, twins Mary and Martha Moore of Los Alamos, and Niece Karen Erickson of Santa Fe.

Joanne graduated from Berkley High School in Berkley, Michigan in 1952. She worked as a cashier at a local telephone company for a few years before meeting her late former husband. Read More

MARGARET “PEGGY” LOURAINE SHEMEK

Margaret “Peggy” Louraine Shemek, Nov. 24, 1933, passed away on January 11, 2021 in Albuquerque, NM.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis E. Shemek.

She was an avid Rock hound for the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show for numerous years. She was an active member of the Potawatomi Nation.

She is survived by her daughter Lorre Bice and spouse Joe, NM, her daughter Catherine Shemek, NM, and her son Robert Shemek and wife Dr. Julia Shemek, Tucson, AZ.

A memorial and scattering of her ashes will be scheduled in the future per Peggy’s final wish. Read More

DOROTHY ALICE HOOKER Feb. 11, 1935 – Feb, 27, 2021

Dorothy Alice Hooker, age 86. Loving, supportive mother and wife. Born on February 11, 1935, passed February 27, 2021.

She was known for her upbeat energy, kind soul, generosity, and abundance of unconditional love to all those around her. She enjoyed playing tennis, going to karaoke with her husband and all their friends.

Robert and Dot were married 66 years and shared a life of undying love together.

Dot is survived by her husband, Robert Hooker; son, Joseph Hooker; brother-in-law, Richard Hooker; nieces, Pamela Armstrong and Athena Theodosis, Read More

RICHARD L. WARREN Nov. 4, 1931 – Dec. 12, 2020

Richard Lee (Dick) Warren, resident of Green Valley, Arizona, passed away at his home Dec. 12, 2020, following a battle with COVID-19. Although family was unable to be with him due to the pandemic, Southern Arizona Home Care employees, who had provided loving and competent home care, were with him as he passed.

Richard Warren was the eldest son of Dr. Aubrey W. and Zetha M. (Hendrickson) Warren of Sutherland, Nebraska. After graduating from Sutherland High School, he attended Nebraska Wesleyan University, worked as a signal electrician for the railroad, Read More

STAN PRIMAK March 3, 1951 – Feb. 27, 2021

Stan Primak, of Los Alamos, died February 27, 2021 of Frontotemporal Dementia and COVID-19 complications.

Stan had a life well-lived. He loved and was loved. He discovered his passions and purpose. He shared it with others.

He was born in Summit, NJ, to John and Irene Primak, and grew up in Basking Ridge, NJ, alongside his younger brother, Steve.

In high school he met Joan, and it was there and then that their lives became one. They had their first daughter at 17, married at age 20, packed their bags, and headed west. Fort Collins, CO was home for six years and where Read More

THERESA ELLEN GLASCOCK Oct. 27, 1934 – Feb. 26, 2021

It is with great sadness that the family of Theresa “Terry” Ellen Glascock (Starkey) announces her passing on February 26, 2021 after a brief illness.

Terry was born to Colonel Benjamin and Carrie (Carter) Starkey in Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii on October 27, 1934. Because her father was in the Army Air Corps, the family moved frequently throughout her childhood, finally settling in Albuquerque, NM.

Terry graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1952. She then attended the University of NM where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Read More

MARY DUFOUR July 9, 1931 – Feb. 17, 2021

Mary Dufour passed away on February 17, 2021, in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, at the age of 89.

Mary was born on July 9, 1931 in Houtzdale, Pennsylvania, to George and Margaret Gallo. She attended Moshannon Mirror High School in Madera, Pennsylvania. She married Jules Dufour on September 18, 1947, in Houtzdale, Pennsylvania, and they were married for 63 beautiful years.

Mary and Jules moved to Los Alamos, NM, in 1950 and raised their family. Mary worked at a gift store for 20 years and was a manager for 15 of those years.

Jules and Mary were founding members of Bethlehem Read More

SARA M. CREAMER Oct. 15, 1939 – Feb. 20, 2021

Sara M. Creamer, passed away peacefully in her home in White Rock, NM Saturday Feb. 20, 2021 after a long illness, her loving children surrounding her. She was 81 years old and a resident of White Rock since 1976.

Sara was born Oct. 15, 1939 in Dayton, Ohio. In 1968, she married the love of her life, Laurence (Larry) Creamer, and together they relocated to Los Alamos, NM where they remained and happily raised a loving family.

Sara served in many different positions in her life, she was an Administrative Assistant, a wife, a mother, and most importantly, a dedicated Read More

EMILY MCGAY May 20, 1947 – Feb. 18, 2021

Emily McGay of Los Alamos, New Mexico, passed away the evening of February 18, 2021 following a long illness.

Emily is mourned by all who were privileged to know her. She is adored and missed by her soul mate, husband and partner of thirty years, Roger Waterman, her twin sister, Dorothea, “Dottie” McGay of Virginia and her children, Carrie and Jason Ferguson of Oklahoma City, OK, Maralie Waterman of Albuquerque, Mike and Marti Osborn of Sahuarita, AZ and Rick and Kim Osborn of Boerne, TX.

She was much loved sister and aunt to Kent and Linda Waterman of Colorado Read More

ROYCE M. KJOSA Nov. 14, 1939 – Feb. 16, 2021

Royce M. Kjosa, Lt Col., Ret. USAF of Lubbock, Texas died February 16, 2021 and was born November 14, 1939, in Webster, South Dakota.

He retired from the USAF and was Administrator at Sombrillo Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Los Alamos, NM.

He is survived by; his wife of 55 years, Jackie (Evans) Kjosa, 2 sons; David E Kjosa of El Paso, and Jon A Kjosa & wife, Lissa (Haggard) Kjosa, and 2 grandsons; Katon & Brek all of Lubbock.

He leaves behind many in-laws, nieces, nephews & friends.

Online condolences may be offered at www.resthavenfuneralhome.com Read More

BEVERLY EUGENIA SIGLOCK Jan. 29, 1937 – Feb. 16, 2021

Beverly Eugenia Siglock passed into the Lords hands surrounded by family on Tuesday February 16th of natural age-related causes.

Beverly Eugenia Siglock was born on January 29, 1937 in Sand Springs, Oklahoma to Clark and Virginia Seay. Six days after her birth, her parents were diagnosed with Tuberculosis and were moved to a Tuberculosis sanitarium for 4 years.

During this timeframe Beverly was cared for by family relatives in Pawhuska, OK, the Wells family. Beverly always considered this timeframe as a blessing as her early upbringing Read More

ERIC WILLIAM LYNCH Dec. 13, 1958 – Jan. 27, 2021

Eric Lynch of White Rock died peacefully at Lovelace Heart Hospital in Albuquerque on Jan. 27, 2021, after suffering cardiac arrest.

Born on Dec. 13, 1958 in Bristol, Pa., he lived in Pennsylvania, Florida, Ohio and Michigan before arriving in New Mexico. He excelled in school sports and quickly adapted to hunting, fishing, river rafting, hiking and camping in his new environment.

He graduated from Los Alamos High School, the University of New Mexico, and Pierce College, Washington, where he specialized in Dental Technology.

His career included Read More

BRUCE JOSEPH MEYER Dec. 29, 1952 – Dec. 25, 2020

Bruce Joseph Meyer, 67, died at his home in Sahuarita, Arizona on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2020 from complications related to COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.)

Bruce was born Dec. 29, 1952 in Faulkton, South Dakota to Kenneth and Katherine (Gebhart) Meyer.

Growing up, Bruce was very curious about “how things work” and always kept the household lively, tinkering with bicycles, engines, magnets, optics, taxidermy, and no doubt several “hidden” projects.

He was very active in high school activities: band, chorus, dance band, science Read More

KENT PEGG Feb. 23, 1964 – Feb. 11, 2021

Kent Pegg, of Los Alamos, NM died unexpectedly February 11, 2021, twelve days short of his 57th birthday.

Kent was born in Canton, Ohio to Jerry and Judy Pegg. As a young boy, Kent grew up on his grandparent’s lake house in Canton, Ohio. He loved boating and playing baseball and football. He attended the Canton Country Day School, Central Catholic High School, and he graduated from Kent State University Suma Cum Laude.

Kent was a highly intelligent well-educated man. He had two Engineering degrees and one history degree and an extremely high IQ. He was very versatile Read More

ANTONIO J. LUJAN Oct. 8, 1935 – Feb. 8, 2021

Antonio (Tony) J. Lujan, 85, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 8th, 2021, at his home surrounded by his wife, Rose, daughter Bernadette and son-in-law Rick, granddaughters Elysha and husband Bobby Bustos and Sasha Quintana.

Tony was born in Española, New Mexico on October 8th, 1935 to Sevedeo and Acension Lujan. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sevedeo and Acension, older siblings Martha and Toby who died as children.

Also, preceding him in death, sister Cordelia Long, brothers Noe, Benny, and Felix Lujan. In-laws Paul and Ernestine Read More

MACO STEWART IV 1955 – Jan. 29, 2021

Maco Stewart passed away peacefully from cardiac arrest at his home in Los Alamos, New Mexico, Friday, Jan. 29, 2021. He was 65 years old.

Maco was born in 1955 in Austin, Texas, to Maco Stewart III and Ina Backman Stewart. After his parents’ divorce, his mother lived in New York City, and his father in Texas, giving him a broad experience of his country. He graduated from the Riverdale Country School in the Bronx, and then from Wesleyan University.

Always a seeker, Maco studied meditation and Eastern religion at ashrams in New York, India, and many other places. Read More

EVAN BALLARD Dec. 28, 2020

My warrior husband Evan, age 76, started his next adventure without me as he passed into Eternity Dec. 28, 2020.

He was a resident of Los Alamos for 47 years, but was born and raised in southern Utah. He attended Utah State University where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked at the Hanford Nuclear Facility for five years and obtained his Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering along with his Professional Engineering license before moving to Los Alamos to work at LANL. Evan enjoyed his 32 years of employment at LANL before retiring Read More

DOYLE DENTON SIMES Aug. 6, 1930 – Feb. 4, 2021

Beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather, Doyle Denton Simes, 90, of Los Alamos, New Mexico passed away Feb. 4, 2021.

Doyle was interred at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 2:15 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 11. Funeral arrangements were handled by the Rivera Funeral Home.

Doyle was born in Piqua, Ohio Aug. 6, 1930. After serving in the United States Air Force, he worked in the City Planning Division for the city of Lubbock, Texas where he met Betty Pickett. The two were married Oct. 12, 1957 for 59 years until Betty’s death in 2016.

Doyle worked for Los Alamos Read More

TRACY A. FOWLER March 18, 1969 – Feb. 4, 2021

Our beloved son, brother, father, grandfather, and nephew, Tracy A. Fowler passed away suddenly and unexpectedly Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021 at the age of 51.

Tracy was born March 18, 1969 in Albuquerque, NM. In 1973 he moved to Berkley, CA with his parents and then to Los Alamos, NM in 1975. Feb. 15, 1978 Tracy was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes.

From 1978 to 1985 he spent time at the American Diabetes Association Summer Camp for kids and the last two summers as a counselor.

In his younger years Tracy played little league baseball, was a Cub and Boy Scout, and spent Read More

SHARON E. SMITH March 5, 1950 – Oct. 20, 2020

Sharon E. Smith, 1950-2020, died unexpectedly at home Oct. 20, 2020. 

Sharon was born March 5, 1950, to Hiel K. (Jimmy/Snuffy) Smith and Mildred E. Smith (nee Martens) at Las Vegas, NM, where she lived and attended school. She always considered herself “a Vegas girl” with all the attitude and spunk that connoted.

She was a graduate of Robertson High School and earned a BA degree from New Mexico Highlands University, then went on to the University of Texas at Austin for graduate school in library science. She worked at libraries in Ohio and Texas, and eventually Read More

DAVID MALLIN LEE JR Jan. 23, 2021 

David Mallin Lee Jr, 53, of Placitas, NM died suddenly on January 23, 2021 while visiting his parents in Santa Fe, NM.

David was born the first child to his parents David M Lee and Judith S Lee in Charlottesville, VA. After moving to Los Alamos in 1971, he graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1985 and went on to get his Bachelor of Science degree from University of California at Riverside in 1989 and his Master of Science degree from California State University, Northridge in 1995.

In high school he excelled in sports and skiing, most notably the varsity soccer team. Read More