Obituaries

CHRISTOPHER HASTINGS SMITH June 11, 1969 – Jan. 20, 2025

Christopher Hastings Smith, born June 11, 1969, in West Lafayette, Indiana, passed away at home in Los Alamos, New Mexico Jan. 20, 2025. He was a devoted husband, father and community member whose life was marked by dedication and love.

Chris dedicated his career to working as a Computer Systems Professional for ICE-CS-M365 at Los Alamos National Laboratory, where he worked for 25 years. He was known for his dependability, expertise, and commitment to excellence. His colleagues admired his work ethic and dedication to every project Read More

ELLEN BOUCK KUHN Feb. 25, 1931 – Jan. 19, 2025

Ellen Bouck Kuhn was born Ellen Christine Bouck in Albany, New York Feb. 25, 1931.

She grew up in Schoharie, New York, and had one sibling eleven years her senior. Her brother Elliott Fraser Bouck was a pilot in WWII, and lived to be 99 years old. When she was 17, she went to Purdue University and met her husband of 64 years, Edward Fredrick Kuhn, Jr.

After graduating from Purdue, they lived in Plainfield, New Jersey, where Ellen taught preschool until she was expecting her third child in three years. Ellen became a homemaker, taking care of her three Read More

MARGARET GILSTRAP BLEWETT Sept. 7, 1932 – Jan. 9, 2025

Margaret Gilstrap Blewett passed away peacefully at the age of 92 Jan. 9 in her Albuquerque home surrounded by family.

Margaret was born Sept. 7, 1932, to Frederic and Adaline Gilstrap in Denver Colorado. The family moved to Albuquerque in 1934 where they resided for many years in “El Adobe de los Arboles” on the northeast corner of Rio Grande Blvd. and Indian School Road.

Margaret graduated from Albuquerque High School in1950 and went to Vassar College where she graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education in 1954. Her love for Read More

CAROLE MARIE (FAUST) HALLADAY Jan. 4, 2025

Carole Marie (Faust) Halladay passed away suddenly on January 4, 2025, at UNM Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She was 77 years old. Carole was born and raised in Pennsylvania, spending her early years in Coatesville, PA, where she graduated from Scott High School in 1965. During high school, she participated in the glee club and softball and was well-liked by many of her classmates.

After high school, Carole briefly studied at Drexel University in Philadelphia before marrying Brian Halladay in 1971. After the birth of their son, John, the family Read More

PATRICIA C. DOMBROWSKI Nov. 5, 1932 – Dec. 16, 2024

Patricia Catherine was born to Anthony and Susan Rimkunas on November 5, 1932, at home in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Pat died in Los Alamos, New Mexico, on December 16, 2024, at the age of 92.

She was the second of four siblings. She grew up in a large extended family where 28 aunts and uncles and over 40 cousins were within walking distance of each other. The big bands of the 1940s stopped at Bridgeport on their way in and out of NYC, and she danced to them all.

Pat married her high school sweetheart Ed Dombrowski after his service with the Marine Corps. They Read More

CELIA CAROLINA ULIBARRI March 24, 1934 – Jan. 9, 2025

Celia Carolina Ulibarri, beloved mother of ten, was born March 24, 1934.

Jan. 9, 2025, while resting peacefully in her residence and surrounded by her children, God called Celia to her eternal home.

Born and raised in Youngsville, NM, Celia was the youngest of eight siblings. After completing the 8th grade, she moved to Los Alamos to live with her sister and brother-in-law, where she was able to attend Los Alamos High School, graduating in June 1951.

Celia earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of New Mexico in 1955. That Read More

EZEQUIELA “QUEQUI” SIERRA Dec. 31, 2024

Ezequiela “Quequi” Sierra, 86, of White Rock, NM, formerly of Jacksonville, FL, passed away peacefully Dec. 31, 2024. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, she was preceded in death by her parents, Candida Rosa Rosario and Carlos Encarnacion, and her beloved husband of 52 years, Pedro A. Sierra. She was the eldest of six siblings.

Quequi was a devoted military wife and a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She had a passion for cooking and sewing, and her greatest joy came from spending time with family and friends. Her unwavering Read More

LINDA KATHLEEN LUNSFORD (LYNCH) June 16, 1948 – Dec. 30, 2024

Linda Kathleen Lunsford (Lynch), 76, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2024. Taken too soon as she had so many things still planned with her family and friends. The world unexpectedly lost one of the most beautiful, kindest and loving souls to ever grace this world.

Linda was born on June 16, 1948, in Washington, D.C. to parents Walter and Mary Lynch (Theis) as a second child to an older brother, Steve and younger step-sister, Katie. As a child she was energetic and loved her dog, Queenie. Spending time with her favorite Swedish Aunt, Read More

DAVID GONZALES March 2, 1959 – Dec. 16, 2024

David Gonzales, resident of Chamita, NM, was born on March 2, 1959 in Colorado. He was embraced by the Lord and entered eternal peace on December 16, 2024.

In loving memory of David who was a beloved father, brother, son and friend.

He is preceded in death by his sons, Ivan Richard Gonzales and David Lalo Gonzales: parents, George Gonzales and Mary Baca.

Mr. Gonzales is survived by his children DaVida, Sheila, Virginia, Martine, Sabrina and Elijah Gonzales, Marcos Wixon and Mary and Michelle Gutierrez; grandchildren Beckham, Autumn, Jordan, Kylie, Read More

MARIE A. TODD Feb. 26, 1929 – Jan. 6, 2025

It’s with heavy hearts that the family of Marie (Maria) A. Todd announce her passing. She left this world peacefully late Monday evening, January 6 in her home in White Rock, N.M. She was 95 years old. The first of eight children, Marie was born on February 26, 1929, to Pablo and Alice Saiz in Estancia, NM. 

She spent her early years in Estancia before moving to Albuquerque where she attended business school. There she would work multiple jobs at the same time including working for the Alvarado Hotel. During this period in her life, she met her future husband Billy. Read More

JANICE YOUNG PARKER Feb. 2, 1933 – Jan. 2, 2025

Janice Young Parker died quietly and peacefully at her home in Springville, Utah on January 2, 2025 with her husband and a daughter at her side. Having been born in Richfield, Utah of godly parents (Leland Archibald Young and his wife Grace Sophia Olson) on February 2, 1933 she was 91 and 11/12 years old.

She grew up in a close family, the fourth of six children. Life, however, was not without problems. She was born without a soft palate which gave difficulties in both breathing and speaking. There were years of struggle, of treatment, of lessons and finally Read More

SHARON LEA WEIR HURDLE Oct. 4, 1946 – Dec. 23, 2024

Sharon Lea Weir Hurdle, age 78, Tupelo, MS, went home to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Dec. 23, 2024. She died at home following a battle with stage 4 colon cancer that had spread throughout her body.

Sharon was born Oct. 4, 1946 in Denver, Colorado, to Donald and Helen Weir then spent her formative years in Wichita Falls, TX where her father was in the Air Force at Sheppard AFB. She was the oldest of four.

After graduating from Hirschi High School in 1964, she was married in 1965 and had two daughters, Kimberly and Sheri, then eventually moved to Los Read More

THOMAS NICHOLSON ELDER July 13, 1936 – Dec. 13, 2024

Thomas Nicholson Elder died at 88 years old on December 13, 2024, in Taos, NM. Tom was born in Louisville, Kentucky to Guy and Gay (Toombs) Elder, on July 13, 1936. He was the first of four boys.

The family moved to Los Alamos in 1945 when Guy Elder was hired by the Zia Company to run the steam plant for Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). Tom grew up exploring the canyons and mountains with his many friends in the community. At Los Alamos High School he participated in track, swimming and football.

He graduated in 1955 and joined the U.S. Army. There Read More

TRAVIS EDWIN SJOSTROM Jan. 1, 1979 – Jan. 2, 2025

Our beloved Travis passed away on January 2, 2025. He was born in Ogden, Utah. He graduated from University of Utah with a BS in mathematics and a PHD in theoretical physics 2008. He did what he loved and enjoyed a rich career in physics.

He happily married in 2017 to Miriam Wingate. He had a beautiful son in 2018. He loved to travel and has visited many countries.

He is survived by Miriam wife, Edwin son, Gaylyne and Scott Shaw mother and father, brothers Kelly, Jared, Shay, Jason, Cody.

Private family services will be held in Los Alamos, NM and Logan, UT. Read More

CAROL H. ESTES Dec. 31, 2024

Carol H. Estes completed her life journey after a lengthy illness on December 31, 2024 with her beloved husband, Guy P. Estes, and her comfort cat Charolotte at her side.

Carol, the second of four children, was born in Pittsburgh, PA to Edward John and Eleanor Marie Herron. Her sisters and brother included Kathleen, Diane and Thomas. Family was extremely important to Carol, and she treasured them all.

In addition to Guy, she is survived by Kathleen Patalon and her family Willliam III, Robin, Joey, and Kathy Ann Barwick, of Maryland; Carol Ann Ruffing  and daughters Read More

WILLIAM BRADLEY MARTIN Dec. 7, 2024

William Bradley Martin passed away on December 7, 2024, just a month shy of his 82nd birthday.

Brad was born in Latrobe, Pennsylvania but grew up in Los Alamos. Upon graduation from Los Alamos High School (LAHS), Brad proudly joined the Navy and was always grateful for the opportunity to serve his country.

After graduating from UNM, he spent the remainder of his life in Santa Fe, commuting to LANL until his retirement.

Brad was an active and adventurous man who enjoyed hunting, fishing, mountain climbing, kayaking and river rafting. He spent much of his later Read More

RONALD WAYNE WILKINS Aug. 29, 1943 – Oct. 12, 2024

On Saturday, October 12, 2024, Ronald Wayne Wilkins died at home in Los Alamos, NM. He was 81 years old.

Ron was born on August 29, 1943 during World War II. He and his mother Mary Frances lived with his grandparents in Roscoe, Texas while his father Wiley served overseas. Later, the family settled in McCamey, Texas, where Ron graduated from high school in 1961.

Although he had always planned to attend college in Texas, Ron unexpectedly received an offer to attend Harvard University, which he accepted with his father’s encouragement. There he studied Read More

PATSY ANN (GREENHILL) SNOW

Patsy Ann (Greenhill) Snow of the Bethel community in Hill County, Texas, passed away Sunday, December 22, 2024, in Hillsboro. A memorial service will take place at 2:00 PM, Friday, January 3, 2025, at Marshall and Marshall Funeral Directors in Hillsboro.

Patsy, a direct descendent of an original Hill County family (Allison), was born July 8, 1939, in Hillsboro, Texas, to Thomas and Alline (Allison) Greenhill. She spent her childhood in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, where she enjoyed her teenage years at McAllen High School, but often spoke fondly of spending summers Read More

MICHAEL ALLEN SEGURA Dec. 30, 1958 – Dec. 13, 2024

It is with deep sadness to announce the passing of our beloved brother Michael Allen Segura age 65 on December 13, 2024, after suffering complications from a delicate surgery.

Michael was born in Los Alamos, NM on December 30, 1958, to Thelma and Neno Segura.

He graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1977 and continued his education at New Mexico State University where he received a bachelor of science degree in Political Science. He furthered his education at Central New Mexico Community College receiving an associate degree in Accounting. Read More

MARIA ELENA THEYE July 21, 1952 – Dec. 22, 2024

Maria Elena Theye went home to enjoy being in the presence of the Lord on Sunday, December 22, 2024.

Maria is survived by her husband Lonnie; children: Nathan, Jonathan, Andrea; daughters-in-law: Becky, Lindsey; grandchildren: Simon, Cody, Austin, Lanna, Justin; four grand-dogs. She loved her family, friends, and her Heavenly Father.

Maria was born in Raton, New Mexico on July 21, 1952. She enjoyed living most of her life in New Mexico.

Maria was a friend of God, having accepted Jesus as her savior at the age of ten years old. Her true passion was helping Read More

JOHN SAMUEL AGNEW March 12, 1949 – Nov. 13, 2024

John Samuel Agnew, born to Beverly Jackson and Harold Agnew in Chicago, Illinois, on March 12, 1949, was a man of many accomplishments. He grew up in Los Alamos, New Mexico, and Paris, France. After an accelerated graduation from Stanford, John pursued his passion for cooking at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. His academic journey continued with an MD degree from the University of New Mexico and a residency in Family Practice at UCD.

John’s professional contributions were significant, as he was instrumental in establishing the Family Practice Dept Read More

LEROY R. MIERA Dec. 11, 2024

LeRoy R. Miera, 81, of Taos, New Mexico passed away peacefully on December 11, 2024, in Albuquerque, NM. He will always be remembered for the generosity and kindness that he showed to all. LeRoy was the consummate family man and the world’s best provider.

LeRoy was born in Oakland, California in 1943. He grew up between the family ranch in Taos where his deep family roots are, and Los Alamos, New Mexico where his father was a letter carrier. LeRoy was an excellent athlete and was a star basketball player for the Los Alamos Hilltoppers, and at 5 ’11’’ was dubbed Read More

JENNIE KNAPP June 26, 1932 – Dec. 16, 2024

Our beloved Jennie Knapp reached for the hand of God and followed him home Dec. 16, 2024.

Born June 26, 1932, Jennie lived her last five years in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, enjoying beautiful views of the San Juan mountain range and Lake Pagosa. Until the end, she was an avid bridge player, participating three days a week through games organized by the senior center.

Jennie was of Italian heritage and would lapse into that language without warning. At times, when her “Italian” did come out, you knew you were in trouble! Her favorite command, ‘Mangia’, was our Read More

STEVEN LEE HOUSEHOLDER April 29, 1953 – Dec. 10, 2024

Steven Lee Householder passed away Dec. 10, 2024. He was born April 29, 1953 in Olney, Illinois to Daniel and Ann Householder, who have both preceded him in death.

Mr. Householder is an accomplished lawyer, graduating from Butler University in 1975 and then again from Harvard University in 1978, and dedicated his career to representing International Paper Company.

Steven is survived by his daughter, Caitlin Householder and her child Aizen Martir.

The staff of The Legacy of Santa Fe are greatly appreciated for their kind care of Mr. Householder. Read More

LUELLA WILLIAMS May 1, 1935

A lifetime of love, laughter, and legendary kindness came to a close on December 15, 2024, when Luella (Lu) Williams bid her final affectionate farewell.

Born at the family home in Gravelton, Missouri on May 1, 1935, to the late Rev. Theodore C. Predoehl and Dorothea M. Predoehl (Blesse), Lu was a double blessing to the world, arriving alongside her twin sister, Lois. Growing up in the Missouri Ozarks during the Great Depression, Lu spent her first 11 years living what can only be described as a “rustic” lifestyle—without electricity, indoor plumbing, or the internet. Read More

BERTHA V RODRIGUEZ June 19,1939 – Dec 11, 2024

Bertha V Rodriguez was born in the village of Cundiyó, NM, to Noberto and Elena Vigil on June 19,1939.  She was the youngest of her siblings Adelina Vigil, Ruby Vigil, Ruby Johnson, Pita Lujan, and Joe Vigil.

Bertha attended Cundiyó Elementary and Pojoaque Elementary. She graduated from Loretto Academy. She began college at the young age of 16. She attended UNM and NMSU and obtained a Master of Arts in Foreign Languages in 1973.

She taught Spanish for the Pojoaque School district for 25 years. She founded the Spanish club, El Círculo Español. She wanted Read More

GERALD T. GARVEY Jan. 21, 1935 – Nov. 14, 2024

Gerald T. Garvey, a very well-known nuclear physicist, passed away on November 14 at the age of 89 from a rare heart disease. Gerry leaves behind his beloved wife of 65 years Doris, their three wonderful children: Deirdre, Gerald, and Victoria, 7 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. Gerry died knowing he had experienced a happy and successful life.

Both of Gerry’s parents, Anne Williams (Garvey) and Jack Garvey immigrated from the Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry, Ireland to the US in the early 1900s. Gerry and his parents moved to Hartford, CT. Read More

JOHN PAUL STANFORD Aug. 15, 1939 – Sept. 3, 2024

John was born in Palestine, Texas, to Paul Stanford and Mary Helen (McLeod) Stanford on August 15, 1939. After attending Lamar High School in Houston, Texas, he received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of  Houston and his Masters of City Planning from Georgia Tech in 1971.

He worked in Savannah, Georgia, where he created a historic presentation guide for development proposals for the downtown historic district. He was a Senior Planner in Denver, Colorado, from 1971-73 and moved from there to Aspen, Colorado, where he directed Read More

CHARLOTTE FAY MILLER Aug. 23, 1928 – Nov. 11, 24

There aren’t enough words to truly capture the remarkable life of Charlotte Fay Miller who passed away peacefully at her home on November 11, 2024 with her son and daughter by her side. Born on August 23, 1928, in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Michael Kunza and Mary Ann Slivon, Charlotte’s life was one full of love, adventure, and deep connection.

As a young woman, Charlotte was the stronghold sister to her brother Kenny Kunza and sisters Dian Burrell and Mary Ann Martos from the beginning, especially during the challenging times while they lived in a small Read More

KENNETH G. FELLERS Aug. 15, 1940 – Dec. 9, 2024

Kenneth G. Fellers, born August 15, 1940, in Taos, NM, passed away on December 9, 2024, at the age of 84—or, as he jokingly celebrated, the “34th anniversary of his 50th birthday”. The second of four children of Ida Z. Peabody, Ken entered this world in his family home and often recalled the story of turning blue as a baby, almost missing his first birthday.

From an early age, he was known for his precocious spirit; his mother would recount tales of him attempting to take apart furniture even while being spanked. This spirited nature exemplified Ken’s life Read More

JOHN H. WARREN May 14, 1932 – Nov. 16, 2024

John H. Warren, age 92, died on November 16, 2024, at the Neighborhood Life Plan Community in Rio Rancho, NM.

John was born on May 14, 1932, in McLeansboro, Illinois to Inman C. and Mildred E. (Hamilton) Warren. He had one sister, Martha D. Cinotto, who died in 1967.

John married Wilma Mae Nuebel on August 9, 1959. She preceded him in death in 1980.

John is survived by four children from this marriage; daughter Dianna L. Hutchison (Craig) of Carlsbad, NM and sons Russell N. Warren (Pamela) of West Richland, WA, Roger J. Warren (Vickie) of Rockaway Beach, OR, and Read More

ROBIN MARTIN NICHOLAS Nov. 7, 1951 – Aug. 15, 2024

Our beloved friend, brother, and uncle, Robin “Rob” Martin Nicholas, of Santa Fe New Mexico, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly of natural causes August 15th, 2024 in bed at his home of 30 years, at the age of 72. He was alone and all indications are that it was peaceful.

Please visit https://tinyurl.com/Rob-Nicholas-Memorial for memorial information and to share your memories of Robin.

Born November 7, 1951, in Elgin, Illinois, to Sam and Lucille Nicholas, both deceased. He is survived by his brother, David (Lynn) Nicholas; niece, Alicia Read More

LaVerne Chapman  Jan. 27, 1928 – Nov. 21, 2024

On Thursday, November 21, 2024,  LaVerne Chapman went to her Heavenly home. She passed away at her home in Los Alamos at the age of 96.

LaVerne was born in Campbell, MO on January 27, 1928, to J.M. Benson and Stella Bolin Benson. Her mother passed away less than a year after her birth. Later, her father had heart problems. When she was 13, he moved the family to Michigan so they could be closer to family. That is where she met Ray Chapman. They were married on January 13, 1945. Their three children were born in Oklahoma. They moved to Los Alamos, NM in 1956. LaVerne Read More

GREGORY ALAN DUERRE (GREG) May 7, 1955 – Nov. 16, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce Greg’s passing after a courageous battle with cancer on November 16, 2024, in Edgewood, New Mexico. Greg was born in Fargo, ND to Ken and Ruth Duerre. He spent his formative years in Los Alamos, NM and Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, where he graduated from high school.

Greg had a passion for working on cars, which led him to pursue a career as a master diesel mechanic after attending Denver Automotive. While residing in Los Alamos he met and married Linda Baran with whom he had two sons, Dustin and Daniel. Though they Read More

RAY POLLOCK Nov. 20, 2024

Ray Pollock, late of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at his new home in Broomfield, Colorado on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 20 years, Neva, and leaves behind sons Clif Pollock (Melissa) of Broomfield, Colorado, and Craig Pollock (Sharon) of Los Alamitos, California. He was also the proud grandfather of three grandsons, three granddaughters and two step-grandsons and great-grandfather to six.

Ray Pollock was born in 1931 near Oakland, California. He held degrees in physics from the University of Colorado Read More