Obituaries

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