Obituaries

VITO PETER PIZZUTO Sept. 22, 1922 – July 15, 2016

Vito Peter Pizzuto, 93, died July 15, 2016. Vito was born in Rockford, Illinois and was the only child of Sicilian immigrant parents. He worked many jobs while growing up to help support a poor family. His first full time job was as a tool and die maker for the Barber Colman Company. He then married his long time sweetheart, Helen Mitkusevitch, who was the greatest love of his life for over 71 years.

He was then drafted into the Army during WWII, was stationed in Okinawa where he rose to the rank of Second Lieutenant. In 1952, he accepted a job as a tool and die Read More

SHIRLEY L. DAVIES May 22, 1925 – July 22, 2016

Shirley L. Davies, age 91 of Los Alamos died July 22 at Sombrillo Nursing and Rehabilitation Center after a prolonged battle with dementia.

She was born on May 22, 1925 to William and Lucille Fay Davies in DeWitt, New York. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Lucille Davies, Brother, Morris and Nephew, Kevin.

The family relocated to Concord, California where Shirley graduated from Mt. Diablo High School in 1943.

Never satisfied with the traditional, at age 15, Shirley constructed her Soap Box racer, but being a girl she was not allowed Read More

ROBERT (BOBBY) STEEDLE July 23, 2016

Robert (Bobby) Steedle, 50, of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away on July 23, 2016 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Russel and Jean Steedle; and his maternal grandmother, Martha Jean Billings. He is survived by his loving fiancé Marilou Wallace, who took such good care of him during his illness and the 12 years they spent together previous to his diagnosis.

He is also survived by his parents, Jim and Jeannie Steedle; sister and brother-in-law, Jackie and Jason Leeches; nephew, Koby Leeches; Read More

LUCIANO A. TORRES July 21, 2016

Luciano A. Torres, 85, a resident of Española, passed away on Thursday, July 21, 2016.

Luciano is survived by his children, Bart Torres, Julie Torres, Mario Torres and Derek Torres.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society. Private services will be held.

The family of Luciano A. Torres has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. 505.747.7477 – www.devargasfuneral.com. Read More

JUNE E. AGNEW May 11, 1951 – July 19, 2016

June E. Agnew, loving mother to Ernie Agnew, Joe Agnew, Manny Bello, Cara Bello, Katie Hughes and T.J. Agnew. Wife of “Bud” Agnew for 36 years.

Passed away from complications of COPD. Cremated July 21, 2016 and returned home to stay with “Bud.”  Read More

MARIAN ALICE HONSINGER Aug. 13, 1939 – July 15, 2016

Marian Alice (McKeirnan) Honsinger, Age (76), of Los Alamos, New Mexico, passed away peacefully while surrounded by loving family on July 15, 2016 after a short battle with septicemia.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Isabel (Graham) McKeirnan, and her siblings Patricia, Bob, Jean and Mike. Marian was born in Pomeroy, Washington on August 13, 1939 to Lester and Isabel (Graham) McKeirnan. On June 11, 1960 she married Richard Honsinger, a loving relationship that lasted for more than five decades. She graduated from Read More

BENEDICT ‘BEN’ LADABOUR July 20, 2016

Benedict “Ben” Ladabour, 75, a resident of Los Alamos, passed away on Wednesday, July 20, 2016.

He was preceded in death by his beloved Marjorie Meyers; parents, Robert and Rufina Ladabour; aunt Minga and uncle Connie. Ben was a kind and gentle man. He enjoyed fishing and playing baseball. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed making people laugh.

Ben is survived by his children, Doug Metford of Los Alamos, Benji Ladabour (Diane) of Fairfield Maine, Lori Seitz (Jerry) of Los Alamos, Benedict “BJ” Ladabour (Laura) of Puyallup WA, Angela Ladabour of Albuquerque; Read More

MARSHA LYNN WENZEL Sept. 30, 1953 – July 13, 2016

Marsha Lynn Wenzel, age 62 and long-time resident of Los Alamos, NM, died Wednesday the 13th at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Santa Fe.

Marsha was born and raised in Rocky Ford, Otero County, Colorado, September 30th, 1953 to David and Kathleen Rinehart Sinding. Marsha married her husband Walter Jay Wenzel in 1973 and then raised 4 children together in Los Alamos, NM. Marsha was a loving and attentive daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother. Her passions in life included not only her family but music such as Read More

BETTY JOANNE SIMES June 10, 1934 – July 9, 2016

Beloved Wife, Mother and Grandmother, Betty Joanne Simes, 82, of Los Alamos, New Mexico passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 9, 2016.

Betty will be interred at the Santa Fe National Cemetery on July 14, 2006 at 9:45 a.m. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Rivera Funeral Home.

Betty was born in Brownfield, Texas on June 10, 1934. She finished business school and worked for the city of Lubbock, TX. where she met her husband Doyle. Betty and Doyle were married on October 12, 1957 in Los Alamos and were married 59 years.

Betty worked Read More

FRANCIS HARVEY HARLOW Jan. 22, 1928 – July 1, 2016

Francis Harvey Harlow died Friday morning, July 1, 2016 in Los Alamos, New Mexico at age 88.

He was born to Francis Harvey Harlow and Florence Louis Melvin Harlow on January 22, 1928 in Seattle, Washington. After his mother died when he was twelve, he and his younger brother, Bruce, moved to Bremerton, Washington to live with an aunt, Bessie Harlow Burks, until he graduated from Bremerton High School in 1945.

After serving in the U.S. Army between 1945-1950 with an Honorable Read More

MARGARET RUTH BUSICK July 27, 1927 – May 12, 2016

Margaret Ruth Busick was called home to be with the Lord on May 12th, 2016, in Alamogordo, N.M.

Ruth was born July 27, 1927, to Hilda F. and James A. Hodges in Baltimore, Md. On Sept. 11th, 1948, she married the love of her life John (Jack) Busick and celebrated 67 years of marriage.

Ruth was blessed with two children, Diane Ruth Campbell (Kalei) who reside in Newport Beach, Calif., and David Lawrence Busick (Estela) who live in Alamogordo. Along with her husband Jack, she is survived by her beloved grandchildren, Kathryn Irene Busick and Joeseph Sterling Read More

ROBERT “BOB” THOMAS DUFF Col. USAF (ret.) June 17, 1922 – July 5, 2016

Our wonderful father and grandfather peacefully passed away on July 5, 2016, at the age of 94 in his home in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

He was born on June 17, 1922, to James and Helen Duff of St. Louis, Missouri. Bob grew up in St. Louis where, at the age of 20, he met a nice, young woman whom he asked out dancing on a riverboat stationed on the Mississippi River. From this day sprung an inspiring love story as the two married on April 15, 1944, and remained together happily ever after until Jackie’s passing in 2012. Bob was also sadly preceded Read More

DONNA MAE TUBBS June 26, 2016

Few of you were privileged to meet my mother. Mom lived in our community, with me, for only four short months. With Mom’s consent, my brother, sister, and I brought her to White Rock from Pennsylvania, where my siblings live and Mom lived her entire life. Our mutual goal was for Mom to have the best quality of life for as long as possible.

Over the thirty-six years I have lived here, Mom visited many times. We shared great adventures during her visits, throughout New Mexico, into Colorado, and as far west as the Grand Canyon. Mom admired the mission and work of Best Friends Read More

JOSEPH ‘BUDDY’ KOSTY July 2, 2016

Joseph “Buddy” Kosty 83, died peacefully after a long decline with dementia related illness in Roanoke, VA. on July 2, 2016.

Joe is remembered by many as an outgoing, caring man, full of life, always ready with a quick joke or light banter to those who encountered him. A native of Rahway, NJ, Joe joined the Air Force in 1951 after High School, and served during the Korean Conflict as an Aircraft Technician in the 55th Wing of the Strategic Air Command.

While stationed at Forbes AFB in Topeka, KS in 1955, Joe met and married the former Maryann West who at the time was a Nursing Read More

DR. JERRY FOROPOULOS JR. July 3, 2016

Dr. Jerry Foropoulos Jr., age 61, a resident of Los Alamos, New Mexico, passed away on Sunday, July 3, 2016.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry Sr. and Esther Foropoulos; sister, Janet Puhr; father in law, Frank Manzanares; as well as other loving relatives.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife Joyce Foropoulos of Los Alamos; children, April Maestas and husband Justin of Alcalde and Justin Salazar and partner, Ashley  Archuleta of Chamita; grandson, Dionicio Maestas of Alcalde; loving pet love bird, Tito; sisters, Laura Foropoulos, Read More

BRENT A. BURTSCHELL June 23, 1946 – June 18, 2016

Brent A. Burtschell, age 69 a resident of White Rock, NM passed away June 18, 2016 due to a motorcycle accident. He was born June 23, 1946 in Crescent City, CA to Margaret and Bruce Burtschell.

Brent is preceded in death by his father Bruce Burtschell, mother Margaret Burtschell, wife Manuelita Burtschell and sister Blythe Unican.

He is survived by his partner of 30 years, Ginger Grant of Los Alamos, NM and her two sons and six grandchildren, Jimmy & Melissa Grant and their children, Abigail, Aubrey, Alexander and Andrew; Joey & Naomi Grant Read More

ROSEMARY WHALEN June 22, 2016

Rosemary Whalen, a long time resident of Los Alamos passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on June 22, 2016. 

Rosemary was a precious daughter, beloved wife, treasured mother and dear friend. She is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Paul P. Whalen, her children: Sheryl (George) Lorraine (Chuck) Kathleen, Paul (Andrea) Michael (Kathleen) and Bill (Heidi) as well as 12 grandchildren and 4 great grand children.  

The family is deeply grateful to everyone who helped care for Rosemary during her long battle with Alzheimer’s.

A Read More

THEODORE (TED) S. LOPEZ Nov. 9, 1949 – June 15, 2016

Theodore (Ted) S. Lopez, loving husband, amazing father, caring son and brother, devoted co-worker, and dedicated friend passed away in the early morning of June 15th, in his home, surrounded by his family.

Ted was born on November 9th, 1949, in Santa Fe, New Mexico to Frank S. and Jessie M. Lopez. He was preceded in death by his father – Frank S. Lopez, as well as; father-in-law – Ambrosio F. Ortiz;/ mother-in-laws – Ernestine S. Ortiz and Frances L. Ortiz; niece/goddaughter – Karen Ortiz; and aunt – Sr. Vianney Read More

LINDA HARRIS Jan. 24, 1946 – June 12, 2016

Linda Harris, 70, beloved mother and wife, passed away peacefully from this life to the next on June 12, 2016 after a long courageous struggle with esophageal and lung cancer.

Linda was born January 24, 1946 in St. Louis, MO. At the age of 4, Linda’s family moved to Albuquerque, NM where she attended grade school through high school. She married Eddie Harris and they moved to Los Alamos where they lived until her passing.

Over the years, Linda made many friends working at her second home, the Sports Bag, which she thoroughly enjoyed for nearly 20 years. Read More

ANTHONY MICHAEL BROPHY June 26, 1958 – May 29, 2016

Anthony Michael Brophy, 57, a resident of Los Alamos, passed away on May 29, 2016 after a long courageous struggle with cancer.

Anthony was born June 26, 1958 in Los Alamos, N.M. to James A. Brophy and Kathleen P. Brophy of Los Alamos.  He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew, Randal N. Rupert.

Growing up in Los Alamos, Anthony became a graduate of Los Alamos High School class of 1977. He started his working career as a licensed journeyman plumber under the employ of Elmo C. de Baca in Los Alamos, N.M.  Then he served in the Armed Forces Read More

KATHY DIANE STEWART June 5, 2016

Kathy Diane Stewart, of White Rock NM, went home to be with her Lord on Sunday, June 5th 2016.

Diane, as she preferred, was a loving wife and mother, and a true gift from God that touched the hearts and lives of so many.

Diane is survived by her husband of 18 years Bob Stewart, her son John Reynolds, mother Doris Kelley, and many relatives and special friends.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents Eugene and Iris Patterson and her daughter Kristen Reynolds.

Diane was a member of White Rock United Methodist Church, and belonged to several quilting and knitting groups. Read More

BRIAN STEPHEN DESCHAMP June 7, 1959 – May 16, 2016

Brian Stephen Deschamp passed away shortly after 9:00 P.M. on Monday, May 16, 2016.

He was born on June 7, 1959 in the Bay Area of northern California. Brian lived the life. He was a passionate mountaineer, rock climber, and loved backpacking and summiting the beautiful mountains of New Mexico. In 2001, alongside his youngest son Jesse, he summited the tallest peak in Colorado, Mt. Elbert and it was one of his happiest moments.

He was also an avid NASCAR fan who never missed a Sunday race. He loved to cook, and his favorite meal was homemade spaghetti, Read More

JOYCE MARION PYBURN  March 6, 1933 – May 25, 2016

Joyce Marion Pyburn of Los Alamos, New Mexico died in her home surrounded by her family and good friends, Tracy O’Grady and Joann Carlson on May 25, 2016. She was 83 years old.

Joyce is survived by her children Elaine Deschamp, Janet Cowan, and Tom Pyburn of Los Alamos; three grandchildren, Joshua Cowan, Daniel Deschamp, Jesse Deschamp (wife Cynthia) of Los Alamos; and four great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her daughter Marion Pyburn, her brother Richard Olson of Lake Miltona, MN, and her parents Osborn Olson and Marion Olson Read More

VIRGINIA (GINNY) LORRAINE RAND May 30, 1931 – May 30, 2016

Virginia (Ginny) Lorraine Rand died peacefully on her 85th birthday May 30, 2016. She was born in Spokane, Washington on May 30, 1931 to Ernest and Frieda Althouse, immigrants from Switzerland. 

Ginny graduated from Holy Names College in 1952 with an education degree. She married John Rand in 1953 and had 6 children before moving to Los Alamos in 1966.

Ginny raised her 5 boys and 1 girl as she worked as a substitute teacher for more than 20 years in the Los Alamos Public School system. As her children graduated from high school she pursued Read More

INA COULTER May 22, 2016

After 92 years of adventure, Ina Coulter has been released from her earthly body and is rejoicing to be at home with her Lord.

Ina was born the daughter of Dr. Watson and Jane Campbell. She grew up in the small town of Halstead, Kansas where her father practiced as a physician in the famous Hertzler Clinic and Hospital. She left home at age 18 to attend Nurses Training at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska during WWII as a part of the US Cadet Nurse Corps. Following the war she moved to Denver where she earned a degree in Hospital Administration from Colorado University. Read More

JOANNE E. GARCIA May 21, 2016

JoAnne E. Garcia, age 72, a resident of Los Alamos, passed away on Saturday, May 21, 2016.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Margaret Androwski; twin brother, Eugene Androwski; brother, Michael Androwski and sister, Betty Klemick. Mrs. Garcia is survived by her husband, Jose F. Garcia; children, Michael D. Garcia, Alicia Garcia and Amanda Garcia; brothers and sisters; Patricia Eheman, Donald Androwski (Gloria), Phyllis Kirk and Fred Koeing; as well as numerous other relatives and friends.

Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 3, 2016 at Read More