MEYERS, WILBERT HENRY (WALT) Age 92 passed away December 13, 2013. Walt was born on July 20, 1921 in McPherson, Kansas to John and Amelia Meyer. Walt met his wife, Mary Louise Hoefer when they were juniors in high school in Salina, Kansas. Their first date was a movie, and they were together for over 70 years. Walt and Mary were married December 4, 1942 in Washington D.C., where Walt was stationed in the Army. They raised six children, had ten grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Upon testing, Walt was sent by the Army to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he majored in chemical engineering. He joined the Army's Manhattan District in Los Alamos in 1944 and contributed his technical talents in the development, loading and assembly of the nuclear weapons used at the Trinity site and on Nagasaki, Japan. In a letter dated October 1, 1945, J. Robert Oppenheimer, Director for The Manhattan Project, wrote these words to Walt: "You are to be especially commended for the excellence of your work and for the qualities of leadership which you have shown throughout your work with the project during the last eighteen months. In the days when we were skeptical about the likelihood of success of the first atomic bomb trial, you helped develop methods of recovery and chemical separation, which were intended to save the invaluable active material should the bomb fail. It took strength of character to work hard and cheerfully as you did when asked to work on the methods to be used in case of failure rather than on the methods with which to achieve success. In the last two months before Trinity, you worked on problems associated with explosives. Military security prevents our describing the details of that work, except to say that your individual contribution was significant in achieving the success of our program at Trinity and Nagasaki. You more than anyone else helped to organize the production of this one component of the bomb." Walt was also involved in the invention of the exploding bridge-wire detonator. He established quality, surveillance, and training programs for military crews to handle, inspect and install detonators and weapons. He was involved in the development of the "slapper" version of the exploding bridge-wire detonator. In his position as associate group leader for advanced development in the detonator systems group at Los Alamos National Laboratory, he emphasized application of technology toward conventional military weapons. As a member of the pyrotechnics and explosive applications section steering committee, and in his work with the American Defense Preparedness Association, he was instrumental in encouraging information exchanges between the British nuclear laboratory, Lawrence Livermore, Sandia, China Lake, the Naval Lab in Washington D.C., and Eglin Air Force Base. He hosted several technical meetings, and arranged a number of papers from the nuclear community in efforts to share national laboratory technology to foster advances of the U.S. Military forces field explosive devices. Walt was also sent to Operation Greenhouse at the Eniwetok Atoll where he witnessed several nuclear tests. Walt rode in a plane designated as a 'sample plane' (after each test, fighter planes equipped with filters would fly through the debris cloud to collect samples which were sent back to Los Alamos as soon as possible). Walt worked for the Los Alamos National Laboratory for over 40 years, officially retiring in 1988, but unofficially involved in a consulting capacity for fifteen years following. Walt said that he "was blessed to have a job he liked until the day he retired, and that his work in Los Alamos had him on cutting edge of technology, trying to do what had not been done before." Walt had a love of gardening, and his children and grandchildren have fond memories of eating right out of the garden. An avid camper and lover of nature, Walt organized regular ventures to Vallecito Lake in the San Juan Range of Colorado. Through the years he was an active member of the United Church in Los Alamos, White Rock Presbyterian, Bryce Ave. Presbyterian in White Rock, Forest Gate Presbyterian in Colorado Springs, CO, and Providence Presbyterian in Albuquerque. He served as an Elder in the Presbyterian churches. When asked what advice about life he would like to leave his family members, he said, "Realize your need for God's work in your life. He will help you if you ask. He does not always answer the way we would like and accepting that is an important factor - - accept it when it comes out that way." Walt was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Louise Meyers; his son, Richard Mark Meyers; his grandson, Ryan Steward; and his second wife, Virginia Logan, to whom he was married in 2009. Walt is survived by his daughter, Lynn Perkins and her husband, Jim of Topeka, KS; son, Dr. James H. Meyers of Louisville, KY; son, Robert Meyers and his wife, Carol of Albuquerque; daughter, Carole Steward and her husband Tom of Los Alamos; daughter, Jan Proett and her husband, Steve of Golden, CO; grandson, Scott Meyers and his wife Kate, of Albuquerque; granddaughter, Cathy Morgan and her husband Bruce of Dallas-Fort Worth, TX; grandson, Fred Hartman and his wife, Emily of Prague, Czech Republic; grandson, David Meyers and his wife, Nicole of Davenport, IA; grandson, J.T. Meyers and his wife, Lindsay of Louisville, NC; granddaughter, Erin Carmer and her husband, Ryan of Albuquerque; grandson, Andrew Steward of Denver, CO; granddaughter, Kristin Olson and her husband, Chris of Clovis; grandson, Daniel Steward of Vancouver, B.C.; twelve great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service honoring the life of Walt Meyers will be held at 11:00 am, December 28, 2013 at Bryce Avenue Presbyterian Church, (White Rock), 333 Bryce Avenue, Los Alamos, NM 87544. There will be a light lunch reception at the church following the service. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Los Alamos Historical Society at historicalsociety@
losalamoshistory.com, PO Box 43, Los Alamos, NM 87544. To view information or leave a condolence please visit
www.danielsfuneral.com Daniels Family Funeral Services 4310 Sara Road SE Rio Rancho, NM 87124 505-892-9920
RAMIREZ, VIRGINIA G. age 83, devoted mother, grandmother, great and great-great grandmother, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2013 with her loving family at her side. She retired after 47 years of federal service. Virginia will always be known for her love of life, family and shopping. Virginia enjoyed reading her Kindle and crossword puzzles to keep her mind busy. "She lived until she died". Virginia is survived by her seven children Linda, Michael, Karen, David, Denise, Debbie and Richard; her many, many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great- grandchildren; and her beloved extended family. We will miss our beloved Matriarch, her love, strength, and wisdom will forever remain in our hearts. Viewing at Riverside Funeral Home, 225 San Mateo NE Saturday, Dec 21 at 3:00 pm. Memorial Services at St. John's Episcopal Church, 318 Silver Ave, Monday, December 23rd at 11:00 a.m. "Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality."
PEAY, MERLIN DEEON, D.D.S. Dr. Merlin D. Peay died at the age of 87 on Dec. 7, 2013. He was born in Magna, Utah on March 16, 1926 and was preceded in death by his parents Jessie Merlin Peay and Ruth Lambert Peay. Severe pain limited his activity and he died from a pulmonary embolism. He is survived by his wife Darla Brister Peay, children Kimberly A. Peay of Washington, D.C., Kent D. Peay and wife Chris of Bristol, Tn., Wyona C. Peay of Albuquerque, Aaron D. Peay of Albuquerque, daughter-in-law Nicole Peay, adopted son Dennis B. Fredenburg and wife Paulita A. Fredenburg of Rio Rancho, brother Dr. Richard W. Peay and wife Edith of Paradise Valley, Az., brother-in-law James H. Brister and eight grandchildren, Benjamin, Victoria, Matthew, Jonathan, Elainna, Natalie, Corey, and Josh. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews and two brothers of Albuquerque. He graduated from Clifton High school in Clifton, Arizona and at the age of 17 joined the United States Navy and served aboard the U.S.S. Hancock on the flight deck from 1944 through 1945 in some of the worst battles in the South China Sea and South Pacific of which he seldom spoke of and only in a generic manner. He did show us recently a small piece of a Kamikaze that hit the flight deck of the ship. He graduated from the University of Arizona in Pharmacy and worked in the copper mines of Phelps Dodge in Morenci, Az. He graduated from University of Missouri Kansas City School of Dentistry first in his class with top honors. He practiced general Dentistry in Morenci, Az. and Safford, Az. for ten years and charged $5.00 for a filling and $2.00 for an extraction. Price conscious patients chose the $2.00 option. He graduated from Baylor College of Orthodontics in Dallas, Texas in 1966 and practiced in Albuquerque, NM, Gallup, NM and Grants NM. He was a licensed pilot and combined his love of flying with his passion for Orthodontics. He flew his plane from Albuquerque to Gallup for 26 years earning him the nicknames "Doc Peay" and "The Flying Orthodontist." Dr. Peay literally put "smiles" on thousands of patients' faces. He also served on the Cleft Palate team treating patients with severe palate deformities. He had a passion for airplanes and owned many during his lifetime. He built a helicopter but Darla refused to let him fly it. He retired at the age of 71 and spent time restoring his beloved Mooney Mite airplane from top to bottom. He was a lifelong member of the Quiet Birdmen, a fraternity of pilots enjoying years of shared stories, jokes and camaraderie. He was an avid collector of Model-A's, owning nearly every model at one point or another. He was unpretentious and had a quick wit and dry sense of humor, always willing to lend a hand. He grew up during the depression and had a penchant for saving, fixing and tinkering with all things mechanical. He touched countless lives with his kindness and was admired and respected by his family, many friends, former employees, patients and business associates. Surrounded by his loved ones, he died as he lived: garnering respect along the journey, with dignity, grace and without complaint. Funeral Blues by W.H. Auden Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone, Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone, Silence the pianos and with muffled drum Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come. Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead Scribbling on the sky the message 'He is Dead'. Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves, Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves. He was my North, my South, my East and West, My working week and my Sunday rest, My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song; I thought that love would last forever: I was wrong. The stars are not wanted now; put out every one, Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun, Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood; For nothing now can ever come to any good. As the old pilot saying goes, Doc Peay has "Gone West" In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 15, 2014 at 2:00 PM at FRENCH - Wyoming; for information please contact Wyona at 917-8901. Please visit our online guest book for Merlin at 
MILLER, HENRIETTA &Quot;PAT&Quot; Age 99, a Albuquerque resident since the 1950's passed away Tuesday, December 17, 2013. She was born in Sonoma, CA on March 9, 1914, to Maryan and Valeria Rutka. Pat enjoyed motor home traveling with Good Sam Club, sewing, cross-word puzzles, folk dancing with her husband, baking, decorating, and gardening. Her favorite holiday was Christmas. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Frank Miller. Henrietta is survived by daughter, Marilyn Caldwell of Albuquerque, NM; two cousins, Helen Wiley and Bill Evans. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2013, 10:30 am, at Daniels Family Funeral Services Carlisle Chapel with interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers donations may be given in Henrietta's honor to PACA (People's Anti-Cruelty Association) P.O. Box 21280, Albuquerque, NM 87154-1280. To view information or leave a condolence please visit 
LUJAN, TEODORO (TEDDY) age 87, born July 15, 1926 to Benito Lujan and Lola Romero-Lujan was raised and resided in Armijo, New Mexico, passed away on December 16, 2013. Mr Lujan was preceded in death by his daughter Charlotte Maestas and son Daniel Lujan. He is survived by his wife of sixty-eight years, Dora Saiz-Lujan; daughter Christine Pino and husband Louie; son Steve Lujan; daughter Carolyn Smith and husband Anthony; daughter Mary Lujan-Ortiz and husband Victor; son-in-law Larry Maestas; grandchildren Mark, Edward, Gregory, Chris, Marie, Greg, Michelle, Christa, Steve, Jr., Mario, Monica, Elisa, Ramona and Rudy; twenty-five great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; brother Gilbert Lujan and wife Diane; brother Ben Lujan; and the Benito Saiz Family. Mr. Lujan was a Veteran of the U.S. Army serving during World War ll and was retired from the U. S. Postal Service as a Letter Carrier. He was decorated with the American Chapter Campaign Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Ribbon with one star, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Purple Heart. The family would like to thank Dr. Marcus Higi and Dr. Harold Sunderman from Presbyterian Medical Group and also the Veterans Administration. Teodoro's life celebration will begin on Sunday, December 22, 2013, with a visitation at 6:30 p.m., followed by a Rosary at 7 p.m. at St. Anne's Catholic Church. Mass of the Resurrection will be held Monday, December 23, 2013 at 9 a.m. at St. Anne's, followed by a graveside service at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Please visit 
KNIGHT, CHRIS After a truly inspirational and valiant stand against cancer, Chris Knight passed away on Nov. 20, 2013 peacefully in her home surrounded by family at age 63. Chris' mom and dad were looking to set roots in California in the 1940s and on their journey had car trouble in Albuquerque. They loved Albuquerque so much they made it their home. Chris and all of her siblings were born here and what a great family that started! She, as well as all three of her siblings and her two daughters graduated from Valley High School even sharing some of the same teachers. Chris was an amazing, supportive wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Everyone would agree she was the life of the party. She always enjoyed social gatherings with friends and family. Everyone joked she could smell a party across town! Surprisingly, most of the family lives fairly near and saw "Aunt" Chris frequently she was their favorite. Chris is survived by her husband, Lew; daughter Martha, son-in-law Mike and granddaughter, Claire Marie; daughter Crissy and finance Carl; brother Harry Crosby; brother Bill Crosby; sister Barbara Perry and husband, Miles; four nieces; two nephews; 20 great-nieces and nephews; and one great-great-nephew. Chris was passionate about helping terminal children pursue their wishes. We are asking any donations be made to the New Mexico chapter of Make-a-Wish Foundation. You can donate at https://newmexico.wish.org/ways-to-help/giving/donate.
KELLEY-DUGGAN, HELEN Age 81, went home to the Lord on 12/17/13. She is survived by Don Duggan (her husband); her son, Bill Richardson (Angela); daughter, Claylynn Talbot (Loyd); sisters Ruth Thieme, Judy Gion; her brother, Mike Byrnes; granddaughter Martilynn; grandsons Clint & Travis; great-granddaughters Randilynn & Beau; & her great-grandsons Cory & Garrett. Private service will take place.
IRVING, MILDRED S. Mildred S. Irving, age 94 went to be with her Heavenly Father December 19, 2013 in Colorado Springs, CO. Mildred was born March 26, 1919 in Haddonfield, NJ to Joseph and Edith Sheppard. Funeral services for Mildred will take place, Saturday, December 28, 2013, at Faith Bible Church, 9600 Central SE (at Moon), Albuquerque, NM at 2:00 p.m. She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 60 years, Rev. William (Bill) M. Irving. She and Bill served as missionaries to the Navajos beginning in 1947 until they retired from the ministry in 1999.Mildred is survived by her children and their spouses, Daniel and Deborah Irving , Falcon, CO; David and Barbara Irving, Mentmore, NM; Miriam and Andrew Murphy, West Chester, PA; Martha and Michael Thomas, Albuquerque, NM; and Mark and Paula Irving, Montrose, CO. Mildred is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren; her sister, Irene Sharp, Cape May Courthouse, NJ; and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Broken Arrow Bible Ranch, PO Box 337, Vanderwagen, NM 87326 or to the Gideon's International for Bibles. Please visit our online guest book for Mildred at 
GERDING, BOB Age 75, a resident of Albuquerque, died on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 after a battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Harriet Loken Gerding; his sons, Patrick R. Gerding and wife Stephanie of Seattle, WA, Michael W. Gerding of Denver, CO; brother, Richard L. Gerding and wife Eileen of Farmington, NM; his stepsister, Millie McMahon and husband John of Albuquerque; son-in-law, Flint Morris; granddaughters, Madeline Gerding, Melanie Morris; grandson JT Morris and wife Kristi; great-granddaughter, Laurel Morris; nieces and nephews, Chris and David Gerding, Bett Clark, Mollie and Jack McMahon and Deena, Dan, Doug and Don Bryce; many other family and friends. Mr. Gerding was preceded in death by his parents Louis and Claribel Gerding, his step mother Millie Gerding, his daughter Laura Gerding Morris and his sister Clarilou Bryce. He was a graduate of Highland High School and the University of New Mexico, where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He was elected to the Anderson School of Management Hall of Fame. Bob was a member of the Episcopal Church and owner and operator of Bob Gerding's Ourdoor Adventures. His proudest achievement was as the creator of the Bob Gerding's Outdoor Adventures Hunting and Fishing Show, which ran for 15 years. He was also the author of two books on fly fishing and fly tying. Bob was actively involved in several charitable fly fishing events, was the voice of fly fishing on radio and TV and was the host of TV's Wild New Mexico. He loved the New Mexico outdoors especially the Jemez Mountains. He also thoroughly enjoyed college basketball. March Madness was his favorite time of year. The family would like to express a special thanks to Chris Gerding, Bett Clark, Presbyterian Hospice and Home Instead for their wonderful care. A memorial service will be Monday, December 23, 2013, 11:00 am at FRENCH - Lomas. Private interment will take place. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Reel Recovery, c/o Bob Gerding Memorial, 160 Brookside Road, Needham, Massachusetts, 02492. Please visit our online guest book for Bob at 
DURAN, ERNEST Age 71, originally from Miami, NM, lived in Raton, NM since 2007 and prior in Albuquerque for 40 years where he raised his family. He passed away on Monday, December 16, 2013 after a short battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Luella Duran; three children, Ernestina "Tina" Sisneros and husband, Christopher and grandsons, Matthew and JacobPaul, Ronald Duran and wife, Diana and grandkids, Devon and Cory, Tracy Duran and wife, Crystal and grandkids, Kaylyana, Albany, Ethan, Hunter and Max; many siblings and relatives survive Ernest both near and far. A viewing will be held at French Westside on Monday December 23, 2013 at 9:00 a.m., and Prayer Vigil following at 10:00 a.m., with celebrant Deacon Mark Bussemeier. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE. Should friends' desire, in lieu of flowers, please donate to Christus St. Vincent Cancer Hospital, 455 St. Michael's Dr. Santa Fe, NM 87505. Please visit our online guest book for Ernest at 
DUARTE-TALAVERA, EZEQUIEL &Quot;ZEKE&Quot; ISAIAH Zeke, age 2, a resident of Los Lunas, left us to be with God on Wednesday, December 18, 2013. He lived his short life with strength as he fought the physical challenges of heart disease, always feisty and vivacious. Zeke had such a thirst for life and didn't want to waste much time with sleep or rest. Teasing his big sister, Mia, was one of his greatest joys, even though he always denied doing anything and even blamed her for everything. On the other hand, he was his sister "Tatana's" shadow, trying to mimic everything she did. He is survived by his loving mother, Anna Talavera; step-father, Oscar Bencomo; brothers and sisters, Deanna "Tatana", Rogelio, Fatima, Luis, Adnan and Mia; grandparents, Mom and Papi; and aunts, Elia, Alejandra, Carmen and Rebecca. Zeke was preceded in death by his father, Ezequiel Duarte. A celebration of Zeke's life will be held on Monday, December 23, 2013, 11:00 am at St. Anne Catholic Church, 1400 Arenal Rd SW, with burial to follow at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery 924 Menaul Blvd NE. Please visit our online guest book for Ezequiel "Zeke" at 
DEITSCHEL, JOHN THOMAS ("Tom/JT/Chief") passed away peacefully and surrounded by family in his Albuquerque home on December 16, 2013 at the age of 87. Tom grew up working in the family grocery store in Fort Wayne, Indiana during the depression. He served in the Navy during World War II. After the war, Tom came home to Indiana and met the woman who would be his best friend and the love of his life for 58 years, Janet Allen. Tom and Jan raised two daughters, Katie and PJ. Tom was a wonderful father and a great role model-encouraging his girls to follow their hearts with compassion and generosity to all (including non-humans!). In time Tom became grandfather to two girls, Rachel and Anica, who have been quite smitten with him since the day they each were born. Tom and Janet fell in love with New Mexico during their many trips to visit the kids and moved to Albuquerque in 1999. During his career as a lawyer Tom worked at Lincoln Life in Fort Wayne, Great Southern Life in Houston and Southwestern Life in Dallas. Throughout his life, Tom never knew a stranger. People were instantly captivated by his gentlemanly charm and he took great joy in keeping in touch with old friends and family. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew "A.J." and Alice Deitschel; his sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Clint Fielder; his darling wife, Janet Allen Deitschel; and his great- granddaughter, Brooklyn Skye Weum. He is survived by his "beloveds" - his daughters, Katie Deitschel Martinez and PJ Deitschel; his son-in-law, Andrew Martinez; his granddaughters, Rachel Willoughby and Anica Martinez, and much extended family. While Tom's family takes great comfort in his peaceful passing and quiet rest, they are truly heartbroken at the loss of such an unforgettable character who they had hoped to keep forever. The family asks, and what Tom would have wanted most of all- is that you please celebrate his life by raising a glass in his honor and a toast to his memory. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Animal Humane of NM, 615 Virginia SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108, 505-255-5523 or at: 
