Rita Martinez Apel

Rita Apel of Los Alamos, New Mexico, whose generous, loving warmth reached countless hearts, passed unexpectedly on May 6, 2026, at the age of 96.

Rita was born July 12, 1929, in Chimayo, NM to Enemecio O. and Benita Martinez the same year her father completed the family chapel, Capillita de Santa Rita. When she lost her mother at a young age, Rita and her siblings were raised by their oldest sister, Tillie. They grew up on their farm surrounded by the beautiful northern New Mexico countryside and forged a bond that lasted a lifetime.

Rita spent her high school summers working at Bruns General Hospital cafeteria in Santa Fe and at Zia Company in Los Alamos working as a cashier and waitress at the now historic Fuller Lodge. After graduating from Santa Cruz High School in 1947, she lived and worked as a hostess at the Lodge. She met visitors from around the world, including top scientists from the Manhattan Project. In 1948 she was chosen to be the Snow Queen at the Army-Navy Club's Snow Ball.

In 1951, Rita attended Chillicothe Business College in Missouri. Returning home in 1952, she accepted a position at Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory where she worked her way from general stenographer to group secretary in D Division and served as secretary for the atomic test series at the Nevada test site.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Rita was invited to serve as librarian-secretary-interpreter for the American delegation at the 1955 International Conference on the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy in Geneva, Switzerland. She worked in the US Technical Library at the Palais des Nations and later remembered the adventure, which included New York, Paris, Italy, and Spain, as “the trip of a lifetime.” She served as interpreter again at the first Inter-American Symposium on the Peaceful Application of Nuclear Energy at Brookhaven National Laboratory, Long Island, New York.

In September of 1956, while folk dancing in Los Alamos, she met the love of her life, Charlie Apel, who fell in love with her at first sight and proposed multiple times. Finally, in March of 1957, he bought her a ring and, as he’d say with a wink, “She wouldn’t give it back.” They married in 1958 and remained happily married for over 64 years. They had five children: Andrew, Bernadette, David, Peter, and Valerie. Devoted to her kids, she attended countless band concerts, sporting events, and family outings, and made many enchilada casseroles, loaves of homemade sourdough bread, and cherry and rhubarb pies – all done with love, laughter, and a tender heart.

Rita’s famous “just hi and bye” visits were how she kept up with her many relatives. The Apels would arrive as a family of seven, everyone piling out of the van exchanging hugs, then immediately piling back into the van to visit the next relative. Weekdays, she made phone calls reminding everyone, “you are loved.” Even as her kids grew and moved away, she continued the calls, reminding them, “Do you know how much you’re loved? Too, too, too, too much.”

A longtime member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, she worked in the parish library for many years. She also served as a poll worker. Rita was patriotic and faithfully flew the flag on national holidays.

She had a knack for spotting newcomers to Los Alamos and would go out of her way to welcome them. On walks, she would make eye contact with passersby and say, “It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?” or would dote on a young couple’s baby in the park. She noticed every detail in a person’s clothing, shoes, hair, or jewelry and would share just the right uplifting thought for each person. She loved flowers in every form, and even when sending greeting cards, she was known to include real, tiny flowers taped to the inside with a personal note. Whoever she interacted with felt seen and valued.

In her later years Rita kept her wonderful energy and enjoyed visits with her children who took turns staying with her so she could stay in her own home. She enjoyed sharing meals, short car rides, singing, exercising on her stationary bike, and several walks a day, especially around Ashley Pond. Blessed to the end with her quick wit and sense of fun, Rita brought smiles and laughter to many conversations, which often turned into songs. Whatever the topic, she was ready with a related song verse; and if someone else started singing, she would find a harmony in seconds. Throughout her life, Rita held a special bond with Santa Rita, patron saint of the impossible. She wore her pendant daily, and when consoling a loved one with troubles, she’d offer, “I’m praying to Santa Rita for you.”

Beneath her grace and tenderness was a steady presence with remarkable underlying strength and confidence. Rita knew exactly who she was and never wavered.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Enemecio O. and Benita Martinez; husband, Charles “Charlie” Apel; brother, Leo Martinez; and sisters, Tillie Gonzales, Elena Naranjo, Josie Martinez, Mickie Medina, and Lydia Stone. She is survived by her five children, Andrew (Mary), Bernadette (Vern) Starkey, David (Loretta), Peter (Angelica), and Valerie (Randy) LaRose; grandchildren, Michaela, Michael, Mike, Jake, Jordan, Christopher, Aleena, Rowan, and Daphne; great-granddaughter, Alayla; sister, Zoraida Martinez; brother, Anthony Martinez, and many extended family members.

Thank you to Rita’s physical therapist and caregivers for the care and companionship you gave her in recent years, and to our dear friends, family, and neighbors for your continued love, prayers, and support.

A memorial service for Rita will be announced at a later date.