Obituaries

CALVIN EUGENE KLATT March 17, 2025 – Aug. 15,1931

Calvin Eugene Klatt passed onto glory on Monday March 17, 2025. He was born in Syracuse, Kansas on August 15,1931. His family fled the worst Midwest dustbowl when he was three years old moving to Torrance County where they bought land to farm. They lived and worked in the Estancia Valley and Calvin graduated from Estancia high school in 1950. Then he joined the Navy and fought in the Korean war. In 1952 he married Oneta Norris, they lived in Santa Fe until moving to Los Alamos in 1955.

Calvin and Oneta had four children in Los Alamos before moving to East Read More

JACKIE MACFARLANE May 22, 1943 – Nov. 25, 2024

Jackie MacFarlane passed away peacefully at the age of 81 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, after a long battle with the motor neuron disease ALS. She is survived by her husband Bob, their three children John (Colleen), Tom (Anne), and Bill (Juniper), and five grandchildren, Chiara, Wilson, Amara, Tarn, and Claire.

She was born Janet Brooke Wilson on May 22, 1943 in Claremont, California, but her family and friends have always known her as “Jackie”. During her career as a math teacher, her students knew her as “Mrs. MacFarlane”, and later in life, her Read More

LEE ARLEN BUILTA Oct. 4, 1935 – March 23, 2025

It is with immense sadness that the family of Lee A. Builta announces his passing on March 23, 2025. Lee left this world peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones.

Lee, once named a Los Alamos Living Treasure, was a beloved figure in the Los Alamos and White Rock communities. He was renowned for his exquisite rose gardens. For many years, he dedicated his time to maintaining the gardens at Fuller Lodge, the LDS Church in White Rock, the Los Alamos Memorial Rose Garden, and the Los Alamos Demonstration Garden, among others. His late mother and first Read More

KARYN MARIE (HENCIER) HARRINGTON Sept. 6, 1951 – March 19, 2025

Karyn Marie (Hencier) Harrington, passed away March 19, 2025, at the age of 73 in Issaquah, Washington, after a valiant battle with Parkinson’s disease. Karyn’s legacy is one of strength, intelligence, and humor.

Born Sept. 6, 1951, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Vince and Jay Hencier, Karyn’s early years were filled with the love and laughter of a close-knit family including her sister, Jody and her brother, Rick. She achieved academic success early on, having earned an award for never missing a day of high Read More

BARBARA  ELLEN MILDER Jan. 15, 1946 – Dec. 14, 2024

Barbara  Ellen Milder (Harrison), 78, passed away unexpectedly on December 14, 2024, just a month shy of her 79th birthday. A lifelong resident of Los Alamos, Barbara was born on January 15, 1946, to Edwin and Polly Harrison (Gonzales) in the original World War II hospital adjacent to the Los Alamos Ranch School-era Ashley Pond. She was Edwin and Polly’s youngest child and only daughter. She graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1964.

Barb briefly moved to Albuquerque to study cosmetology. She received her cosmetology license in 1971 and then Read More

ROBERT EDWARD TAFOYA SR. Nov. 18, 1951 – March 6, 2025

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” –Matthew 11:28

In Loving Memory of Robert Edward Tafoya Sr., a resident of La Villita, NM, whom was called Bobby, by his mother, father, sisters, brother, and some of his friends.

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Robert Edward Tafoya Sr., who departed this life on the evening of March 6, 2025, at the age of 73, surrounded by his loving family and friends, Robert peacefully reached for the hand of God and followed Him home. Read More

SUSAN KINZER-ELLINGTON 1938 – 2025

Susan Kinzer-Ellington passed away in her Santa Fe home in February of 2025. She was 86. All of those who worked with her, befriended her, and took care of her during her final years say that she was the kindest, sweetest and most generous person they have ever met.

Susan graduated from Lawton High School in Lawton, Oklahoma in 1956.  She was a member of the National Forensic League, National Honor Society, National Thespian Society, Junior Play Production Staff, All School Production Staff, Who’s Who Among High School Students, and Future Homemakers of America. Read More

EUGENE F. DARLING Nov. 1, 1941 – Feb. 22, 2025

Eugene “Gene” F. Darling, 83, of Columbia Falls, MT passed away February 22, 2025. He was born November 1, 1941, in Columbia Falls, MT to the late Clare “Bud” Darling and Grace Darling (Green).

Gene was born and raised in Montana. Professionally, he was a police officer, volunteer firefighter, and ambulance server. He achieved the rank of Captain as a volunteer firefighter and was the Emergency Manager for Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Gene was always involved in the town and community. During his free time, he enjoyed fishing and camping. Family Read More

JOAN ELAINE MUDD July 13, 1933 – March 4, 2025

Joan Elaine Mudd ended her journey on this earth on a Tuesday morning with her son by her side at her residence in The Forum assisted living in Tucson, AZ. She was 91 years young.

Joan was born to Hugo and Nan Hoepfner in Peoria, IL. She married her high school sweetheart William (Bill) Mudd Oct. 3, 1953. The couple settled out West in New Mexico where Bill was employed at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Joan was a homemaker and volunteer while their two children were young, but once they entered high school, she pursued a career at the Lab.

Joan and Bill remained Read More

RICHARD HOAK March 25, 1956 – Jan. 8, 2025

Richard Hoak, born March 25, 1956, in Los Alamos, New Mexico, passed away Jan. 8, 2025. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, son, grandfather, uncle, and friend whose presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Richard proudly served his country in the United States Navy and later became a dedicated officer with the New Mexico State Police. His career was tragically cut short due to a severe motorcycle accident that left him mentally and physically impaired. Despite the challenges he faced, Richard’s resilience shone through. Read More

PAT J. UNKEFER May 23, 1947 – Feb. 3, 2025

Pat J. Unkefer died unexpectedly on Feb. 3, 2025. She had been snorkeling with her husband, Cliff, in Maui, Hawaii, when they were overcome by heavy seas.

Pat was born on May 23, 1947, in Groesbeck, Texas, to Pierce and Martha Wisdom. She grew up on the family farm where she gained an early appreciation for agriculture and the natural world. She graduated from Sam Houston State University with both a BS and MS in Chemistry. She continued her education at Texas A&M University where she earned a PhD in Biochemistry in 1978.

Pat next served as a Post-Doctoral Read More

JANET MARIE HARRIS Jan. 24, 1942 – Feb. 25, 2025

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Janet Marie Harris, 83, of Los Alamos, NM Feb. 25, 2025 at Beehive Assisted Living.

Janet was born Jan. 24, 1942 to the late John and Magdalen Germain (Krause) in Bay City, Michigan. She graduated from St. James High School (All Saints) in 1960 and worked as an office professional at Industrial Brownhoist, The Dow Chemical Company, and Delta College. She provided nanny services for the Bays’ family in Saginaw, Michigan as well as her Grandson Jack.

Janet was a frequent visitor at the Los Alamos Read More

JOHN ZINN Feb.28, 1928 – Feb. 17, 2025

John Zinn (lovingly called “Geezer”) was born February 28, 1928, in Brooklyn, NY and died at his beloved El Castillo Life Plan Community in Santa Fe on February 17, 2025, 11 days before turning 97. He was happy and active until the end, dancing at a Valentine’s Day party three days prior to his death. He passed away peacefully several hours after falling in his room.

John grew up in Manhasset, NY and graduated from Cornell University in 1949. While serving in the Army during the Korean War, he was among those observing Operation Desert Rock in Nevada in 1951, the Read More

MARTHANNE QUINLAN COLE REINHARD April 18, 1928 – Feb. 26, 2025

Marthanne was a beautiful soul. As a wonderful mom, wife, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, cousin, and friend to many she packed a lot of love and laughs into her 96+ years with us. She had the gift of hospitality, loved to entertain, and her homes were always places for family and friends to gather over food, drink, games, and skulduggery. She loved her kids fiercely and also her kid’s friends … she was a second mom to many.

Marthanne was born in Hopkins Hospital in Glenwood Springs, Colorado on April 18, 1928. Her parents were Read More

MARY R. ROMERO Feb. 25, 2025

The family of Mary R. Romero of La Villita, NM is saddened to announce her passing on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at the age of 76 years due to a lengthy illness. Mary was a caregiver and retired with Santa Maria El Mirador, also working for the Española Public Schools for many years.

Mary loved attending church and fellowshipping with her church family, spending time with friends and family, camping, yard sales and thrift store hopping (with her ride or die sister, Edna), traveling, watching Gunsmoke (Matt & Kittie) and Bonanza (The Cartwrights). She loved her pets Read More

JOANNE MURPHEY PROGESS Feb. 11, 1939 – Feb. 14, 2025

Joanne Progess, 86, passed away peacefully at home with her loved ones around her comforting her, holding her and praying with her.

Mom was born in Corpus Christi and spent most of her life there raising her children and family with her husband of 37 years, Glenn Progess. Dad worked as a mechanical engineer in the oil field. With Dad’s work we all had the opportunity to travel overseas in the mid 80s which was a memorable experience for all. Like Mom, Dad had a tender heart and through trials and love, together they figured it out along the way.

Mom took Read More

STEVE CONLEY March 31, 1953 – Feb. 12, 2025

Steve Conley, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away Feb. 12, 2025, at the age of 71. Born March 31, 1953, in Rock Rapids, Iowa, Steve moved with his family to Los Alamos, New Mexico when he was a young child. He was a proud graduate of Los Alamos High School, class of 1971. Steve married his best friend, Lynn, in 1999, and together they shared many adventures, creating a lifetime of memories.

Steve’s life was one of adventure, passion, and devotion to his family. An avid skier, he spent countless winter weekends at Pajarito Ski Hill, Read More

EMMA ‘BEVERLY’ KATCHER July 7, 1923 – Feb. 10, 2025

Emma passed away on February 10, 2025, peacefully at home with family. She was born on July 7, 1923, in Mora, NM. She was the 2nd oldest of 5 children, 4 girls and 1 boy.

Emma’s life started out during some tough times. Her family had lost both of her grandpas within a week due to the Spanish Flu pandemic and losing her father when she was only 7 years old. Her mother had to go find work in Santa Fe, NM to support her children and had to leave Emma and her siblings in the care of her grandma who also lived in Mora. While living with their grandma they attended school, Read More

JAMES ARTHUR HAUGEN March 9, 1942 – Feb. 1, 2025

James Haugen died Feb. 1, 2025, in Denver, CO after battling a long illness.

Jim was born March 9, 1942, in Alpena, SD to Arthur Haugen and Leona (Srstka) Haugen and grew up on farm homesteaded by his Norwegian grandfather Sivert Olsen Haugen.

He began his education in a one-room schoolhouse and graduated as the 1960 valedictorian of Wessington Springs, SD High School. He then attended the US Naval Academy where he was awarded the Foreign Wars Prize for Excellence in Mathematics upon graduation in 1964. While in the Navy, he completed his MSCE from the Read More

JERRY ALLEN VILLAREAL Feb. 28, 1946 – Feb. 11, 2025

Jerry Allen Villareal, beloved husband, uncle, educator, and legendary basketball coach, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born on February 28, 1946, in Alcalde, New Mexico, Jerry made his home in Ojo Caliente, where his passion for community, teaching, and sports left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

On September 12, 1971, Jerry married the love of his life, Noline E. Villareal, sharing a beautiful partnership filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Read More

MARY KATHERINE DESGEORGES Nov. 25, 1930 – Feb. 7, 2025

Mary Katherine DesGeorges left this world Feb. 7, 2025, leaving behind a circle of family members who deeply feel the weight of her loss, and can attest to the impact of a life centered around family. She had a strong desire that her family stay bonded together with each generation.

She is survived by her loving husband, Joseph A. DesGeorges Jr. They were married for 68 years! Katherine was fiercely devoted to her family, including her 3 children and their spouses, 5 granddaughters, and two great-grandsons. She was faced with many challenges Read More

DAVID BROWN Feb. 2, 1938 – Feb. 10, 2025

David Brown was born to Gladys and David Brown on February 2, 1938, in Austin, Texas. Seven years later, Dave found his forever home in the picturesque mountains of Los Alamos, New Mexico. Growing up, Dave enjoyed riding in the rodeo and boxing, beating the Air Force Champion on his way to becoming the State and Golden Glove Champion.

Professionally, Dave was a union plumber pipe fitter by trade and later became a project manager. He had a hand in many of the buildings and homes that exist in Los Alamos today; a physical manifestation of how ingrained he was in the Read More

BARBARA LEE TEAGUE SEEGER
April 13, 1936 – Jan. 24, 2025

Longtime Los Alamos resident Barbara Lee Teague Seeger died peacefully in her home Jan. 24, 2025. She was 88 years old.

Barbara was born to Milton Teague and Ethel Warfield Teague of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, April 13, 1936. She loved animals, especially her horse Ginger. She attended Arkadelphia High School, where she was valedictorian and a member of the National Honor Society. She graduated in 1954. She then studied romance languages at Rice University, in Houston, Texas, where she graduated in 1958.

While in college, she went on Read More

WILLIAM ROBERTSON Jan. 28, 2025

William Robertson, beloved husband, father, friend, and passionate soul passed away Jan. 28, 2025, at the age of 62. His warmth, huge smile, humor, and unwavering love for the things that brought him joy will forever be remembered by those who knew him.

He graduated from Case Western Reserve University in 1988 with a degree in physics and went on to earn his master’s degree in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His career spanned decades of innovation and excellence, beginning at Kimberly-Clark, followed by KLA Corporation, and culminating Read More

BARBARA JEAN WILSON 1935 – Jan. 18, 2025

Barbara Jean Wilson, born 1935 on the Navajo Reservation near Gallup, NM, passed on January 18, 2025. 

Barbara’s parents brought her from Santa Fe to Los Alamos in March of 1943, where her father, George Hillhouse, was in charge of the meat department of the Manhattan Project Army Commissary. Her mother, Dorothy Hillhouse, became one of the early teachers at Central School.

Barbara graduated from the Los Alamos Public School system in 1952. She earned a B.S. in Elementary Education in 1956 and an M.A. in Elementary Psychology in 1957, both from Colorado Read More

ROBERT SLATER JOHNSTONE April 15, 1936 – Jan. 20, 2025

Robert Slater Johnstone, age 88, passed away peacefully in a board and care home in Menlo Park, California, Jan. 20, 2025, from dementia and complications of a brief illness. Born in Plainfield, New Jersey, on April 15, 1936, to Donald and Jane McClure Johnstone, Robert settled in Palo Alto, California, in 1973. He is survived by his wife and partner of 45 years, Kristina Smith, and sons from a previous marriage to Sandra Martin, Michael and Alexander. Robert is also survived by siblings William, Donna, Barbara, Marjorie, and Richard. Read More

ANN ELIZABETH DALEY Aug. 6, 1946 – Jan. 28, 2025

Ann Elizabeth Daley passed away the morning of January 28 in Huntsville, AL. She was 78. She was kind, funny, smart and blessed all of those around her with her smile and laugh. She loved her friends and family, babies, nature, quilting, music, coffee, chocolate, wine, babies again and sitting on her back patio reading.

She was born in Malden, MA, earned her BA in English from Calvin Coolidge College in 1968 and married Robert Daley in Malden on April 4, 1970. They had 5 children, Elizabeth, Jennifer, Robert Jr., Kathryn and Victoria. In 1994 they Read More

MARILYN MILBURN ASBRIDGE Sept. 26, 1932 – Jan. 20, 2025

Marilyn Milburn Asbridge, 92, of Castle Pines, Colorado passed away Jan. 20, 2025.

Born Sept. 26, 1932, in Great Falls, Montana, Marilyn was the daughter of George and Dorothy Milburn. She is survived by her five children, Debbie, Karen, Mary, Gary, and Joe, seven grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.

Marilyn grew up on a remote ranch in Montana. Her formative years were full of ranch chores, raising animals as a member of Future Farmers of America, and becoming a proficient horsewoman.

In 1950, after graduating from Fergus High Read More

DAVID M. JONES ‘SPIKE’ Jan. 26, 2025

David M. Jones “Spike”, 78, a resident of Los Alamos New Mexico, passed away on January 26, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Spike graduated from Los Alamos High School and attended New Mexico State University (NMSU), where he was a member of the Aggie bowling team. He was also in the first graduating class to hold their graduation ceremony in the NMSU Pan American Center. Shortly after graduating from college, he reported for duty with the United States Army, initially serving with the 82nd Airborne and later becoming an Army Ranger, serving Read More

DON JACKSON 1932 – Jan. 27, 2025

Don Jackson passed away Friday, Jan. 27 at the age of 92. He was a loving father, friend, and husband. Don was a kind and gentle man who never met a stranger and always gave others the benefit of the doubt. He had a remarkable ability to see the bright side of everything and shared his positivity with those around him.

Don came from very humble beginnings. At one point, his family rented a single room in someone’s house. Don’s determination and hard work led him to become the first college graduate in his family, attending Colorado State University on a swimming Read More

MONICA ‘YVETTE’ ATKINSON Jan. 26, 2025

Monica “Yvette” Atkinson, age 60, a resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away Jan. 26, 2025. She was a member of Los Alamos High School Class of 1982.

Yvette is survived by her children, Nina Pacheco and partner Johnny Shouppe, Serena Guerrero and wife Denisse, Angelica Pulido, Isaiah Arnink; grandchildren, Jasmine, Jaide, Taliya, Kahlo, Kortez, Destiney, Mars, Neptune and Padme’; siblings, Denise Smith and husband, Mark and Ken Atkinson and wife, Debbie; several nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Services for Yvette are pending.  Read More

MIRIAM ‘SINGIE’ CLYDE IRVINE WILLIAMS

Miriam “Singie” Clyde Irvine Williams, passed away Jan. 10, 2025, in White Rock, New Mexico, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law. She was 90 years old.

The youngest of three daughters of U.S. Army Colonel William Harris Irvine and Miriam Perkins Irvine, Singie spent much of her childhood in Pacific Grove, California. She graduated from Pacific Grove High School and pursued higher education at the University of California at Berkeley and the University of Washington, earning an associate degree.

In 1954, Singie met and married Douglas Avery Williams Read More

LORETTA GARCIA LEAL Aug. 25, 1957 – Jan. 17, 2025

Loretta Garcia Leal died peacefully at home with her devoted husband by her side Friday, Jan. 17, 2025.

Loretta was born Aug. 25, 1957 to Manuel and Marie Garcia in Española, New Mexico (NM). Loretta was the fifth of six children. As the child of business owners, she learned the value of hard work at a young age.

She was a member of the last graduating class of the Española High School Hornets, where she was class president. After graduation, Loretta attended New Mexico State University, where she studied computer science.

Upon completing her bachelor’s Read More

PAULETTE “PAULA” MAE BEITZ
Aug. 12, 1945 – Jan. 19, 2025

Paulette “Paula” Mae Beitz, 79, of Espanola, NM, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her children, husband and two best friends, Jan. 19, 2025.

Paula was born Aug. 12, 1945, in Paris, OH. At the age of 12, her parents moved to Las Vegas, NM. She was preceded in death by her father, William Plank, and her mother, Rachel Kaiser.

A lifelong learner, Paula graduated from cosmetology school in her early twenties. However, she only worked in the field for a brief period. She spent the majority of the first part of her working Read More

EVELYN ‘EV’ PEARL GRIGGS March 19, 1940 – Jan. 21, 2025

Evelyn “Ev” Pearl Griggs, age 84, formerly of Los Alamos, NM, died at Valley Terrace in Wilder, VT Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025.

Ev was born March 19, 1940, in Detroit, MI and moved with her family to Las Vegas, NV, when she was seven. She graduated from the University of Colorado-Boulder with her bachelor’s degree in journalism. She returned to Las Vegas to work at the National Laboratory where she met James Edwin Griggs on the employee bus to the test site. They were married Feb. 18, 1965, in Las Vegas and shortly after moved to Los Alamos, NM, where they Read More