Category Archives: Death Notice

Mike Mills

Michael Ray Mills — Class of 1970

We received word that Mike Mills passed away 0n July 11, 2023.

Michael Mills (1951-2023) and his brother John Mills, class of 1968, lived in Westend.  Mike’s father, JD Mills (1916-2002), worked in the West End plant. Mike’s mother, Peggy (1924-2020), was a secretary for the school district from 1962 to 1983. Mike lived in Bakersfield, CA at the time of his death and was suffering from Parkinson’s disease.

Malvern Stevens

Malvern Stevens — Class of 1953

Malvern is the son of Malvern Robert Stevens Sr and his wife Mildred. He was born in Los Angles, and he was raised in Westend where his father was a Shift Forman for the West End Chemical Company.  Malvern graduated with the Trona High School class of 1953. During his high school years Malvern served as president of the THS chapter of the California Scholarship Federation, he was a member of the Marching Band and the Dance Band, and the Varsity Club. He lettered in Football, Basketball, Baseball and Track.

After graduating Malvern attended the University of Southern California and Brigham Young University where he was a Cadet in the Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corp. After finishing his education Malvern served in the US Air Force.

In 1971 Malvern returned to Trona as a teacher for a brief time but the special education program he was hired for was eliminated due to changes in state laws.

According to his daughter, Malvern frequently expressed his love for Trona. Malvern passed away on May 28, 2023, while living in Joplin, Missouri.

His services will be held July 7, 2023, at 11:00 at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona

Malvern had two younger brothers, Glenn, and Carl.
Glenn Stevens was in the class of 1953.  He passed away in 2015. http://obits.arizonagravestones.org/view.php?id=78409
Larry-Wiemers

Larry Wiemers (1939-2023) — Class of 1958

On May 9, 2023 Larry Wiemers went home to be with the Lord. He was a proud member of the class of 1958.  While Larry attended Trona High School only for his senior year, he often said it was his best and most memorable year of high school.  He participated in athletics and student government, but his fondest memories were hanging out and creating friendships with the other “KIDS”.  He reconnected with some of these friends when Durwood Sigrest initiated the class of ’58 reunion in 2021.  Larry truly enjoyed reading and referencing the Class of 2021 memoir book [developed by Carl Hall] and all of the phone calls that followed this joyous event.

Memorial Service
July 1, 2023 1:00 p.m.
1st United Methodist Church
275 N. Halcyon Road, Arroyo Grande, CA

Larry’s father was the Trona Unified School District superintendent for a few years.

Carol-Jo-Abraham

Carol Jo (Abraham) Carty – Class of 1959

Carol and her husband died in a house fire on 30 Jul 2022 in San Bernardino. Carol had an older sister, Margaret Ann (Abraham) Weimer who was in the class of 1956. Her husband, Darrel Weimer, passed on in 2010. She also has a younger brother, Joe, who was in the class of 1961.
The Abraham family came to Trona in the early 50’s. Carol’s father died in 1965 and her mother died in 2010.
You may have to wait through a commercial to watch the videos.

San Bernardino: Elderly couple killed in house fire after trying to save pets, family says – ABC7 Los Angeles

Elderly couple killed in San Bernardino County house fire (foxla.com)

Ann Eyre

Ann Irene (Eyre) Morris — Class of 1955

My Aunt Ann went to heaven on the 13th of April. Her maiden name is Ann Irene Eyre. She was born November 20, 1937 and was in the class of 1955. She and her husband Randall Morris lived and raised their three children in Ridgecrest. Her parents, husband. and six siblings all preceded her going home. She is survived by her three children, nine grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.

Kevin Niemeyer

Patricia Stevens

Patricia (Stevens) Banks — Class of 1953

Patricia (Stevens) Banks passed away on April 19, 2023, after suffering a stroke on the previous Saturday.

The funeral will be on Monday, April 24, 2023 in Spanish Fork, Utah.

Patricia Louise Banks (Pat), passed away on April 19, 2023, surrounded by many of her children and grandchildren. Pat was born in Trona, California on the 22nd of January in 1936 to Hershel and Zelia Stevens. She was the eldest of four, and is survived by her three younger brothers, Joel, David, and Douglas. As a child, Patty loved to read and learn. Fostered by her mother she developed an interest in family history at the early age of ten. She also learned to sew, cook, and play the piano as a young girl. These skills and interests were enjoyed by her and appreciated by her family and friends throughout her life.
In school, Pat was known for never speaking in class. Those who knew her can attest to the fact that she was not talkative. Luckily, while attending BYU, Pat met her sweetheart, Ray Hagan Banks, and he talked enough for the both of them. A match made in heaven, they were married in the Manti LDS temple on June 2, 1955.
As a child, Patty always loved babies and always wanted to have many children. Her wishes came true and she is survived by children Jay (Jean) Banks, Orange, CA; Ken (Tina) Banks, St. George, UT; Bryce (Clare) Banks, St George, UT; Kathryn (Larry) Wolod, Houston, TX; Brynna (Scott) Cadman, Etiwanda, CA; Duane (Kirsten) Banks, Kaysville, UT; Karen (Shane) Gillett, Houston, TX; Glenn (Debby) Banks, Albuquerque, NM; Mike (JoLynn) Banks, Gold Bar, WA; 24 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
Pat and Ray settled and raised their children in Fontana, California. Pat was a consummate homemaker, and her children and grandchildren fondly remember how hard she worked to give them a loving home. Her interest in sewing served her well as she homemade much of her children’s clothing. Her delicious meals, pies, and monster cookies will also always be remembered!
Although she was raised in a small town, Pat had a love of travel. Every summer Pat and Ray took their children camping all over the United States, and once their family was raised they began to travel all over the world! A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, faith was an essential part of her life and she truly loved the Lord and His gospel. Together with Ray, she served LDS missions in Russia, Thailand, and closer to home in Springville, Utah. Pat’s childhood passion for family history rubbed off onto Ray, and they spent many years traveling the world to learn more about their ancestors. Pat was doing family history until the very end, and we know her legacy will live on. She led a long, faith-filled and interesting life and those who knew her will continue to learn from her example. Patricia will be greatly missed.
Funeral services will be held on April 24, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint, 1552 East 750 South, Spanish Fork, Utah. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the church. Interment will be at the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.

Published by Walker Funeral Home – Spanish Fork on Apr. 22, 2023.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/patricia-banks-obituary?id=51702398

 

Austin Smith Class of 1948

Dr. Austin Smith–Class of 1948

Austin Smith was born on SEP 19, 1929, in Minersville, Beaver, Utah and he passed away on AUG 8, 2022, in Fremont, Alameda, California. His parents were Othello and Addie Smith. Othello Sr. worked in Village Maintenance as a painter until AP&CC sold all the houses and laid off all the Village Maintenance workers. After that Othello became an insurance agent.

Austin Smith was the second of four Smith brothers who attended Trona High School. Austin was in the class of 1948. After high school Austin attended UCLA and then medical school to become a surgeon.

Austin’s oldest brother was Othello Smith (1927-2000) who was in the class of 1946. Othello joined the Marine Corp, so he did not graduate with his class.

Othello Smith Jr.
Othello H Smith Jr.

After being in the Marines Othello returned to Trona Othello married Viola Heseman (1927-2001) who was a member of the class of 1945. Viola taught elementary school in Trona for a few years in the 1950’s. Othello and Viola remained in Trona until their deaths. Their children also went to Trona High School.

Pauldin Smith and Norma Hall Smith
Pauldin and Norma Smith

Pauldin Leroy Smith (1931-1996) was in the class of 1949. Pauldin married Norma Hall (1931-1987) Norma was also in the class of 1949.

Pauldin Smith
Pauldin Smith
Norma Hall
Norma (Hall) Smith
Chadwick Smith 1951 Telescope
Chad Smith

Austin’s youngest brother was Chadwick E. Smith 1934-2018). Chad was in the class of 1951. You can read Chad’s obituary at: 

https://www.premierfuneral.com/obituaries/Chadwick-Smith/#!/Obituary