Diane Reece passed away on Febuary 25, 2025 at the age of 82. She was a playground monitor, librarian extraordinaire and mentor/confidant/hug provider to hundreds and hundreds of students at Janesville Elementary School, great-grandma, grandma, sister, daughter, cousin, aunt, wife (of more than 60 years) to Mr. Milton Vernon Reece and simply mom to myself and my siblings Debbie Reece Pullen, Melanie Reece McAdam, and James Reece.

Anyone who knew her couldn’t help but be infected with her calm, loving, caring demeanor and passion for family. The legacy she and my dad built through starting a family of 4 children beginning in the 1960s and carried forward to today with families of their own – from the oldest daughter to the youngest great-grandchild all are great citizens in the world BECAUSE she was such a great citizen herself.

And if you really knew her, you’d know she’s already watching the latest episodes of “The Young and the Restless” on a heavenly DVR. She watched nearly every episode beginning in 1973 (40+ years!!!) – rarely forgetting to set the VHS video recorder (way back in the day) and tune the TV to the right channel – all of us kids knew not to change the channel after it was set before we left for school…or else! And even if an 80 year old isn’t great with electronics, she always figured out how to set the DVR. If you don’t do anything else today, listen one last time in her honor to the Y&R theme song.

On February 16th, 2025, Monte James Quinton passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his loving family. He was 61 years old. Monte was a father to three children and Grandfather to three additional grandchildren. He cherished every moment with them and deeply loved them.

Monte was born May 12th, 1963, in Ridgecrest, CA to Melvin and Mary Quinton. He was raised in Trona, CA alongside his siblings Rhonda and Janet. Monte married his wife Diana October 9th, 1993, in Lake Tahoe, NV to which Monte and Diana shared 31 adventurous years together.

Monte began his career as an X-Ray Technician in 1983 and finished his career in 2024 as a Medical Dosimetrist for AIS Cancer Center. Along his career progression, he advanced his education through secondary education establishments and relevant work experience. Monte carried a passion for his work as a Medical Dosimetrist for the past 25 years. His colleagues greatly appreciated his presence through his adventurous personality and a continuous source of humor. Outside of work, Monte loved to try something new and was always willing to share new experiences with his close family. Monte is viewed by his family as a model to what a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Son is to be.

Monte is survived by his Wife Diana Quinton; his sons David (Jessica) Cox, Derek Quinton, and Jason Quinton; his Mother Mary Quinton; his sister Rhonda (Wayne) McKinney; his Grandchildren Wyatt Cox, Savannah Cox, and Scarlett Cox; and many Nieces/Nephews.

Monte is preceded in death by his Father Melvin Quinton; his Sister Janet Vassar; his Niece Kami Vassar; his Grandparents J.C. & Cleo Still, Arzeta Tucker, and Jim Quinton; his Uncles Bert Quinton and Dennis Orr; his Aunt Judy Quinton; his aunt & Uncle Pat & Leon Watson.

Monte’s family would like to thank all staff and doctors at AIS Cancer Center & Bakersfield Community Hospice for treating Monte and his family with the utmost love, care, and support.

Monte’s services will be held at Greenlawn SW, 2739 Panama Ln, Bakersfield CA 93313. A viewing will be held Sunday March 2nd, 2025, from 4pm – 8pm and a graveside service will be held March 3rd, 2025, at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to AIS Cancer Center.

https://www.greenlawnmortuaryandcemetery.com/memorials/monte-quinton/5554821/index.php

Phil passed away Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at age 79 from complications after a fall at home.

Philip Leon Hara was born November 17, 1945 in San Bernardino, CA, the third child of George and Ina (Thompson) Hara. In 1949 George moved the family to Trona where Phil grew up and was educated in Trona Schools a part of the class of 1963.

Phil enlisted in the US Navy and during his time in Corpus Christi, Texas he met and married his wife Sylvia. He was then sent to serve aboard the USS Ticonderoga in the midst of the Vietnam War. After discharge he returned to San Bernardino, California to work for the Santa Fe railroad as a diesel engine mechanic. Together, he and Sylvia raised 2 daughters before moving to Apple Valley. Phil had a life long love for all things pertaining to mechanics and engines. He built a 32 Ford Roadster with a v6 blower and restored a Cushman motorcycle. He rode the motorcycle once in the Trona Homecoming Parade replete with leather helmet and googles.

Phil loved Desert History and Lore but most of all he loved coming home to Trona every October for Trona’s Homecoming visiting with as many old alumni friends he could find. Phil leaves behind his wife, 2 daughters, a son-in-law, 3 granddaughters, and many good friends.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/apple-valley-ca/philip-hara-12160938

Andy Ford (Class of 1962, valedictorian) died 29 December 2024 from dementia at the age of 80. More than a scholastic star, Andy was a half-back on the Trona Tornado football team and ran track on the Ruth Mine tailings-covered track (really a fast surface!). He received a BS in electrical engineering from UC Davis, then went on for an MS in mathematics at Harvard, finishing with a Ph.D. in Systems Dynamics Engineering at Dartmouth. Worked at Los Alamos National Lab in New Mexico for 10 years, then became a Professor, first at USC and then Washington State Univ. Andy loved teaching, mentoring several graduate students and writing a well received (and in current use) textbook “Modeling the Environment”.

He married his high school sweetheart, Amy Stone, and was a loving, dedicated family man for over 50 years. They have 2 daughters with 5 grandchildren, who live in Grand Junction, Colorado, close to Andy and Amy. Andy loved fly fishing and spent many hours hiking along brisk flowing rivers in California, Washington, and Colorado.

https://www.lmtribune.com/obituaries/frederick-andrew-andy-ford-18481703