Obituaries

MYRA W. HOEN Dec. 4, 1935 – July 7, 2020

Myra W. Hoen, formerly of Los Alamos, died Tuesday, July 7at Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, Virginia, at the age of 84.

Born Dec. 4, 1935, Myra was the only child of Edwin Groff Waterhouse and Hazel Mateal (Cox) Waterhouse in Seattle, Washington.

Despite living through the hardships of World War II, her childhood included music, ice skating and horseback riding lessons. She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa Honorary Society at University of Washington where she earned a B.S. in Mathematics.

While attending graduate school at North Carolina Read More

PATRICIA E. GODWIN Jan. 10, 1939 – July 7, 2020

Patricia E. Godwin, formerly of Los Alamos, New Mexico died July 7, 2020 at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, Colorado. 

She was born January 10, 1939 in Louisville, Kentucky to Dr. Ralph Zwickel and Mae (Stanfield) Zwickel.

She grew up in Newburgh, Indiana and then graduated from Depauw University with a BS in nursing. She began her married life in Champagne-Urbana, Illinois where she worked in Carle Clinic and then as a public health nurse.

Her son, Alan, was born there in 1963. She then embraced German culture in Pinneberg, Germany for several Read More

HAZEL DEVRIES Dec. 17, 1941 – June 4, 2020

Hazel DeVries, aka Hazel Wykstra and “Mrs. D”, resident of White Rock, New Mexico, entered into Jesus’s loving arms in heaven on June 4th, 2020 at the age of 78.

She was born to Ethel May Brewer and Charles Kucera at Fitzsimons Army Hospital in Denver, Colorado on December 17, 1941, ten days after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Hazel married Fred DeVries on October 8, 1960 in Denver, CO, and she was saved by God’s mercy and grace when she accepted Jesus as her Savior and Lord in McCook, Nebraska in 1975.

Hazel’s biological parents precede her in death, as does her foster Read More

WILLIAM D. NORRIS, SR.
July 1, 1934 – June 22, 2020

In a long career in law enforcement and civil service, William D. Norris, Sr., was known to always do what was right, champion the underdog, and for asking: “How about those Cowboys?” a reference to his favorite football team.

Bill died suddenly at his Santa Fe home Monday, June 22, 2020. He had spent the previous day, Father’s Day, enjoying his favorite food, laughing and celebrating his family. He was always a man with a smile and a joke. He was 85.

Bill was the fourth of six children born to Adna Chaffee “Steve” Norris and Lydia Margarete Edgerton Norris Read More

BERNARD KALEIHUA TOLENTINO Feb. 2, 1962 – June 12, 2020

Bernard Kaleihua Tolentino of El Rancho, NM, died on Friday, June 12, 2020.

He was born on February 2, 1962, on Maui, Hawaii. Bernard leaves behind a son and a daughter.

Although Bernard suffered from heart and kidney problems the past three years, he continued to run his business, Bernard Cleans, providing caregiving, landscaping, and housekeeping services.

Bernard’s work ethic followed that given in Colossians 3:23-24: Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance Read More

DEMETRIO ‘TITO’ MONTOYA Feb. 17, 1948 – June 8, 2020

On Monday, June 8, 2020, Demetrio “Tito” Montoya passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones at the age of 72.

Born in Santa Fe, NM., raised in Espanola, NM, and was a longtime resident of Albuquerque, NM.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Antonio and Aurora Montoya.

Tito is survived by his wife, Barbara Montoya of Albuquerque, NM; children, Kendra Van Tiem (Husband Chris) of Rio Rancho, NM, Kelby Laabs of Denver, CO., and his beloved puppies, Victoria and Albert.

He is also survived by Eileen Alarid (sister) and family of Read More

KURT EFRAIM NIELSEN April 29, 1937 – May 12, 2020

Kurt was born the son of immigrants from Denmark and Sweden, Ejnar and Karin Nielsen, on April 29, 1937.

Kurt, and his brother Ken, grew up on a farm in Long Island, New York. Kurt would get up at 5 AM every day, a lifelong habit, to help with the crops and animals. 

Kurt’s father died at the age of 44, when Kurt was just 16, and the family farm was sold.

Kurt earned a scholarship and went to the New York State Teachers College (now State University of New York) in Albany. Kurt graduated with a BS in Physics in 1959, and an MS in Physics in 1960. While in Albany, Kurt Read More

PAMELA SUTTON Sept. 21, 1957 – June 11, 2020

Pamela Sutton, 62, beloved Mother, was called to her eternal resting place on June 11, 2020. She entered this world on September 21, 1957 in St. Louis, MO, born to Gerhardt and Marie Frieling.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, her parents, and her brother Geary. She is survived by her two sons, Jacob and Chester, brother Mike, and sister Beverly.

Pamela was married to John Sutton on May 24th, 1980 in St. Louis, MO. Pamela and John met while attending the University of Missouri. Pamela remained an avid supporter of the University and regularly Read More

CHRISTIAN EDWARD LAYMAN Aug. 24, 1988 – June 8, 2020

Christian Edward Layman, age 31, passed away June 8th, 2020 surrounded by his parents and family.

Christian was born August 24th, 1988 in Spokane, Washington to parents Bruce and Catherine Layman. He graduated in 2007 from Mead High School and took many classes at Spokane Falls Community College.

Christian served at the LDS Bishop’s Storehouse of Spokane, organizing food donations to give to those in need. During his summers Christian lived in Los Alamos, New Mexico where he loved to serve at Casa Mesita, a local charity thrift store. 

Christian Read More

MILES THOMAS ‘TOM’ PIGOTT March 23, 1923 – June 6, 2020

Miles Thomas “Tom” Pigott, 97, of Los Alamos went to be with his Lord on June 6, 2020, at home surrounded by his family.

He was born March 23, 1923 to Albert and Alma Pigott in Springfield Ohio. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1941.

After high school he attended Miami University of Oxford Ohio for two years. He volunteered for the army in 1943 and served in France during World War II. 

After the war he married Virginia Elizabeth “Ginny” Hall, also from Springfield, Ohio. Tom and Ginny were married for 74 years. He returned to college, Read More

ANITA ROSE SCHAMAUN Dec. 7, 1940 – June 9, 2020

After a lengthy battle with various debilitating illnesses, Anita Schamaun of Los Alamos, passed peacefully into her loving Father’s arms on June 9, 2020.

Anita was born on December 7, 1940 in Livingston, Montana and moved to Los Alamos in 1967 with her husband, Roger Schamaun.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years; two daughters, Coene and Tammy (husband Rick); two of her seven siblings, various nieces and nephews; and her cat, Sadie.

Her family will hold a small family graveside service this Friday. When quarantine restrictions are lessened, Read More

STEPHEN (STEVE) WAYNE JUSTUS  Oct. 11, 1946 – June 5, 2020

Stephen (Steve) Wayne Justus, 73, of Branson, Missouri passed away peacefully in the arms of Jesus in the comfort of his own home, surrounded by his family on June 5, 2020.

Stephen was born October 11, 1946 in Barnsdall, Oklahoma. He is survived by his wife Diane of 20 years, son David Justus, daughter Jessica Justus, sister Victoria Guentz, brother Rodney Justus (Bonnie), and eight loving grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Maxine, and younger brother David. Stephen was Read More

VERNON NORMAN KERR March 11, 1928 – May 28, 2020

Vernon Norman Kerr, 92, passed away May 28, 2020 at Aspen Ridge Lodge in Los Alamos, NM.

He was born on March 11, 1928 in Gallup, NM to Norman Alexander Kerr and Katherine Elizabeth (nee Watkins) Kerr.

After graduating from Gallup High School, Vernon attended Highlands University in Las Vegas, NM, earning a BA in biology and chemistry. He started working on his Master’s degree, but was drafted into the Army during the Korea War where he served as a Medical Laboratory Technician in the 28th General Hospital Unit. After being discharged, he returned to Read More

BILLIE BISHOP SHULL Oct. 13, 1943 – May 29, 2020

Billie Bishop Shull passed away on May 29, 2020 in Sun City, Arizona, due to complications of pulmonary fibrosis. She fought so hard and never gave up.

Billie was born in Cortez, Colorado, on October 13, 1943, to Robert and Pearl Aulston Bishop. She was raised in Arriola and graduated from Montezuma County High School.

She was married to Jerry Neely and she was very proud of their children, Greg Neely and his wife Melody Neely of Ft. Collins, CO and Laura Neely Stanbro of Greenville, SC. She loved living on their farm outside of Cortez, hunting, fishing, Read More

DOROTEA MONTOYA Oct. 29, 1933 – May 24, 2020

Dorotea (Dottie) Montoya, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, passed over on May 24, 2020 in her home.

Her courage to face the futility of continuing in a body that she had exhausted, and her strength to overcome her greatest fear of not breathing, allowed her to meet the angels on her terms and her time. Surrounded by her family, she discarded all support and set about taking her last breath. After eleven hours, as the sun rose, her spirit left her body.

Her passing, like her life, was a celebration of deep wisdom and healing Read More

DAVID LAWRENCE HILL Jan. 17, 1954 – May 23, 2020

David Lawrence Hill, age 66, of Española, NM, passed away May 23, 2020.

David was born in Bangor, ME on January 17, 1954 to George and Donna Hill. The Hill family moved to Los Alamos in 1962, where David graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1971.

David worked as a machinist at several Northern New Mexico companies before joining Los Alamos National Laboratory.

David enjoyed the outdoors, camping, tinkering on motorcycles and his cats.

David is preceded in death by his parents, George and Donna Hill, and his sister, Kathryn Matzke.

He is survived Read More

DAVID DANFORTH Aug. 23, 1972 – May 16, 2020

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of David Danforth, at age 48, on May 16, 2020.

David was born on August 23, 1972 in Brunswick, Maine to Richard (Dick) and Elizabeth (Betty) Danforth.

David moved to Los Alamos, NM with his family in 1977 and graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1991. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Eastern New Mexico University in 1997.

He married Meridith McLarty in 1997, and they moved to Mesquite, TX that same year.

He worked as a photojournalist for several years, then found his first job in 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 on 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 Read More

ALICIA MARIE HICKS July 21, 1986 – May 15, 2020

On Friday, May 15, 2020, Alicia Marie Hicks of Santa Fe, loving daughter, sister and granddaughter, passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness at age 33.  

Alicia was born on July 21, 1986 in Los Alamos, New Mexico to Thomas and Lori Hicks. She graduated from Pojoaque High School, obtained a bachelor’s degree in accounting from UNM and went on to earn an MBA from NMSU.

Alicia started her career in Student Programs at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, where she was currently working as a senior accountant.

Despite her young age, Alicia exhibited Read More

BARBARA ANNE BACON Dec. 6, 1935 – May 16, 2020

Barbara Anne (Moore) Bacon, 84, of Elk Mills, Maryland, passed away May 16, 2020, of COVID-19 complications.

Barbara was born to the late Herbert William Moore and Catherine May (Drake) Moore in Elmira, NY, Dec. 6, 1935.

She was a 1948 graduate of Carr’s Corners School and a 1952 graduate of Elmira Free Academy. She received her Master’s Degree in Mathematics in 1957 from SUNY-Albany (then called the NY State College for Teachers – Albany), and moved to Los Alamos, NM, in 1958 to join Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory (now Los Alamos National Laboratory) Read More

THEODORE ALLAN FRITZ June 25, 1939 – May 15, 2020

Theodore Allan Fritz of Santa Fe, NM and Newton, MA, Professor Emeritus of Boston University, passed away peacefully at home from an extended illness May 15, 2020.

He was born in Kingsport, Tennessee June 25, 1939 to Bernice (Powers) and Theodore C. Fritz.

He graduated from Virginia Tech with a B.S. degree in Physics and went on to earn both a Master’s Degree and PhD in Space Physics at the University of Iowa. His professional career started with a post-doctoral fellowship at the National Research Council of Canada and NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, Read More

ALOMA MARIE NAIVAR April 27, 1942 – May 10, 2020

Aloma Marie Naivar, after a 25 year battle with cancer, died Mother’s Day, May 10, 2020.

She was born prematurely April 27, 1942. She always said being a three-pound premie got her plenty of attention that way. She came home from Taylor, Texas hospital where she was born to the family farm in Coupland, Texas in a shoebox and slept in a dresser drawer until better sleeping arrangements could be made.

Aloma is an uncommon name. Her mother’s name was Anne and she didn’t want her daughter to have a common name like hers. While watching the 1941 romantic adventure Read More

TIMOTHY JOHNSON April 28, 2020

Timothy Johnson, taken too soon from all those who loved him, passed away at the age of 65 shortly after learning that he had developed metastatic lung cancer.

Timothy was born the son of Charles and Fannie Johnson in Atlanta, GA. The second of six children, Tim was always the leader. The other children in the neighborhood followed as he led them in games such as jumping over fences or competing in races. Tim was a child whose personality and drive made people want to help him to succeed. Any opportunity that was offered to him, he took to heart and strove to excel.

Following Read More

ARTHUR L. LAVY Nov. 12, 1938 – May 10, 2020

Arthur L. Lavy, 81, passed away Sunday, May 10, 2020 at his Santa Fe home following his courageous battle with cancer.

He was born November 12, 1938 in Concordia, Kansas, the son of Opal and Lawrence Lavy. He and Sharon Blake were married on March 18, 1961 in Eureka, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Opal and Lawrence Lavy; two brothers, Carl and Larry Lavy; and his sister, Elda Wolf.

Arthur served with the U.S. Army during the late 50’s and later worked for Los Alamos County from June 20, 1966 retiring as the electrical superintendent on December Read More

LAVERNE J. HARBERT June 17, 1925 – April 27, 2020

Laverne J. Harbert, beloved mother, grandma or G-ma, and great-grandma, passed away peacefully at her home with her daughter by her side on April 27, 2020. I’m sure Dad welcomed her home.

Laverne was born on June 17, 1925. She was preceded in death by her parents Irma and Rocky Capps and George Wittich. She was also preceded in death by her high-school sweetheart and loving husband of 64 1/2 years, Tom Harbert in November 2009.

She is survived by her 3 children: Jim, Bob (Vicky) and Sue Harbert. She also leaves behind 4 grandchildren: Kari (Rob), Read More

JUAN (JOJO) JOSE AMADEO MAESTAS May 24, 1922 – Feb. 16, 2020

Juan (JoJo) Jose Amadeo Maestas passed away February 16, 2020 at the age of 97 years old, 3 months short of his 98th birthday.

Jojo was born May 24, 1922 to Navor Maestas and Maria Juana Gallegos in Coyote and grew up in Ohkay Owingeh.

Juan was preceded in death by his parents, Navor Maestas and Maria Juana Gallegos; infant daughter, Victoria; 3 brothers; 2 sisters, Celina and Trinidad.

Juan is survived by his sons, Patrick Maestas Wrigley (Theresa) of Palmdale, CA and Jose Maestas of Denver, CO; grandchildren, Bradley Wrigley (Sydney); Read More

BOBBY JOE PHILLIPS

March 26, 1929 – April 19, 2020

Bobby Joe passed away peacefully of natural causes Sunday, April 19, 2020, with his family by his side. 

Bobby Joe was born three days after the great flood of the Emory River in Oakdale, Tennessee, to the late Artas Phillips.

He was raised in Oakdale, Tennessee by his loving grandmother, Mary Belle Phillips. 

Bobby Joe was preceded in death by his wife Lodean (Shankle) Phillips, his half-brothers Walter and John Headden, and his son Bobby Butler. 

He is survived by his half-brother L. G. Headden (Mildred) of Wartburg, TN; sister-in-law Sarah Kee Read More

CLARINDA LEEP April 23, 2020

Clarinda Leep, 92, passed away on April 23, 2020, finally getting relief from pain after a long struggle with spinal stenosis.

She was born in McMinnville, Oregon and spent her childhood on the north Oregon coast. While living in Pacific City in 1942, a newcomer from Idaho came to town. She was smitten with his adventurous spirit, often going along on his many hikes and explorations. Clarinda married that boy, Richard Leep, in 1946 and they began sixty years of life together.

In 1947, after the birth of their son, they moved to Bozeman where Dick attended Montana State Read More

EILEEN M. (KEARNEY) HORTON Feb. 11, 1930 – April 23, 2020

On April 23, 2020, Eileen M. (Kearney) Horton passed away in Kirkland, Washington.

Eileen Kearney was born in Portland, Oregon, on February 11, 1930. (Ironically, she shared the same birthday with her grandson, Tim Horton). 

Her parents were Maurice (Joe) and Helen Kearney. She had one older brother, Robert (Bob) Kearney and one older sister, Kathleen (Kay) Higgins.

In 1933 her family move to Port Orchard, Washington so her father could go to work at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.

Eileen attended her early school years in Port Orchard and, Read More

DAVID W. BECK July 29, 1941 – April 16, 2020

David Beck of Santa Fe, New Mexico, passed away after a lengthy illness on April 16, 2020, at the age of 78.

Dave was born on July 29, 1941, to Maida and Joseph Beck in Walla Walla, WA. He grew up in Richland, WA where he graduated from Columbia High School. In 1961 he joined the Navy and served on the USS Yorktown.

Upon completion of his naval service he began his career in electronics technology, which spanned more than 50 years. After working for several years in the aerospace industry in southern California, Dave moved to Boulder, CO where he joined Ball Aerospace. Read More

THOMAS JAMES (T.J.) COOPER Nov. 8, 1923 – April 11, 2020

Loving husband and father Thomas James (T.J.) Cooper passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2020 and went to be with his Lord for Easter Sunday. 

T.J. was born on November 8, 1923 in Memphis, TN to the late Thomas James Cooper Sr. and Viola Cooper.  He is survived by his loving wife Maxine, and two daughters Nancy Holt, and husband Jim of Las Vegas, NV and Carolyn Cooper of Albuquerque, NM. He has one grandson Joshua Thomas Simpson, and wife Amanda of Ft. Worth, TX and three step grandchildren and their families living in Utah, New Mexico, Read More

BEVERLY SUE AUSMUS RAMSEY Oct. 26, 1947 – April 3, 2020

On April 3, 2020, Beverly Sue Ausmus Ramsey, Ph.D. passed away peacefully at her home in Woodsboro, Maryland.

Beverly Sue Ausmus was born in Fort Worth, Texas on October 26, 1947 to Charles and Helen (Davis) Ausmus. Her father was a Baptist minister who moved the family to Knoxville, Tennessee where Beverly was raised to adulthood.

She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Robert Wilbur Ramsey, Jr., her love, companion, and collaborator. She is also survived by his five children, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Over Read More

GLENNA GOODACRE Aug. 28, 1939 – April 13, 2020

Sculptor Glenna Goodacre died peacefully at her home in Santa Fe on Monday evening after a series of illnesses.

A Santa Fe resident since 1983, Goodacre had an international reputation but is most well-known for the Vietnam Women’s Memorial installed in Washington, DC on the National Mall in 1993 and for the Sacagawea U.S. Dollar first minted in 2000. Her largest piece is the massive Irish Memorial cast in 2002 for Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia.

Glenna Maxey was born on August 28, 1939 in Lubbock, Texas, and knew from an early age that she wanted to be Read More

CAROL A. THORN Aug. 31, 1934 – April 10, 2020

Carol A. Thorn, 85, beloved Mother, was called to her eternal resting place on April 10, 2020. She entered this world on August 31, 1934, in Dayton, OH, born to Harold and Edna Panter.

She is preceded in death by her Husband Cecil W. Thorn, Daughter Tammy Thorn Ledford, Son Cecil W. Thorn, Jr. (Billy), her Parents Harold and Edna Panter, and Brothers Kenny Panter and Bobby Panter.

She is survived by her son Donald Thorn, (Molly), and grandchildren Melissa Thorn, Michelle Thorn Dean, Victoria Rivas, Donald/Alex Thorn, and Cully Reid.

The Panter Family moved Read More

JACOB MANUEL ESPINOZA July 25, 1949 – March 30, 2020

Jacob Manuel Espinoza (Jake) of Houston, TX (formerly of Los Alamos) passed away on March 30, 2020 after a long illness.

Jake was preceded in death by his father Jacob Espinoza, mother, Bernadette Gonzales, stepfather Jack Gonzales and brother Kenneth Gonzales.

He is survived by his loving son, Jacob (Brice) Espinoza, daughter-in-law Natalie, and his beloved grand babies, Jacob and Gentry Mae Espinoza. He is also survived by his siblings; Judy A. Montoya of Surprise, AZ, Clifford L. Gonzales of White Rock, NM and Barbara M. Gonzales of Los Read More