Category Archives: Obituary

BEVERLY (COMPTON) WALLACK – CLASS OF 1954

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Beverly Jean Milbrath Wallack, 81, went to be with her savior on February 17, 2018, after a short bout with cancer.

Beverly was born on March 7, 1936 in Santa Paula, California, to Rita and Jasper Compton. With siblings Clova and Jim not far behind, they lived most of their school years in Trona, California. She was a cheerleader for Trona High, and well-liked by all her classmates. Up until 2017, she continued to attend the Trona High School reunions and kept in touch with classmates. After high school she married Adrian Milbrath and in 1957 had twin boys, and a year later, a girl. The family moved to Ridgecrest and lived in Wherry Housing, where she made more life long friends, and early on took in ironing to help with finances. They soon opened Balsam Coin Cleaners, a dry cleaning business on Balsam Street, a street which was the hub of the town in the day. Beverly had many talents, one being a seamstress, and she made many matching outfits for the kids (whom everyone then thought were triplets). During the time in Wherry, they bought property on Downs street, and spent many weekends planting and watering trees, and eventually building their dream home, which they were able to move into in 1971. Adrian had his pilot’s license, and together they would fly various friends to Mexico for vacations. They attended many evening functions, and she would always make something new to wear. Usually, it included some kind of feathered accessory. She was indeed the fashionista. She worked at Mesquite High School as the secretary for Pat Davis, who was the principal. She loved her job, the people she worked with, as well as the students, and made more lifelong friends. She then attended Lancaster Beauty School and came back to Ridgecrest to open The Face Place. It was a career that she had a passion for, she loved her clients and her clients loved her. After she and Adrian divorced, she gave up The Face Place, married Mike Wallack, and moved to San Bernardino. Mike and Beverly made many a trip flying to various air shows in his plane. After Mike retired from the San Bernardino Sherriff’s department, they moved to Silver Lakes and made it their forever home. They had a house built on one of the fingers, and a party barge. On 4th of July you could find them on the water watching the fireworks with friends and family. Every morning she would walk 3 miles around the lake, and in the summer you could find her at the pool doing laps, and water aerobics. She joined the Arts & Crafts Guild and was the expert for all the sewing, knitting, and crocheting needs. At the annual luncheon, everyone would anxiously wait to find out what Beverly had made to wear this year. After Mike passed, she bought a motor home and was a member of the Elk’s and Silver Lakes RV clubs. She traveled all over the country with her sister, friends, and the clubs enjoying life at its fullest. All anyone had to say was “Beverly we are…..” and her answer was “count me in”.

Everywhere Beverly went, she was involved in many activities, making new friends, and never letting the grass grow under her busy feet. She played racquetball and swam on her lunch hours while working at Mesquite, she learned to line dance, and would take every opportunity to participate wherever she was. She was a member of the Arts & Craft Guild in Silver Lakes, the American Sewing Guild, the Red Hat Scarlets, Knitting and Crocheting Club, The Republican Women’s Association, and she was a Shepherd’s Helper at Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Church. Beverly was a vivacious woman who loved Jesus, her family and friends, and life. She was a great mom and grandmother, a good and giving friend to many, and in turn, loved by many and will be dearly missed.

Beverly is survived by her children, Robert Milbrath (Jeana) of Havasu City, AZ, Richard Milbrath, and April Castleberry (Tim), both of Ridgecrest, CA; Sister, Clova Dyer of San Bernardino; Stepchildren Linda Ferguson and David Wallack, both of San Bernardino, CA; grandchildren Bryan, Cody, Vanessa, Gregory, Lucas, Michael and Travis; and great-grandchildren Kaylee, Jacob, Madison, Jaxson, Cheyanne, Joseph, Jude, Gianna, and Daniel. Her parents, her brother Jim, and husband Mike preceded her in death.

A funeral mass will be held at Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Church at 17900 Jonathan St. in Adelanto on March 8th at 11:00, with a reception to follow. A charitable contribution may be made to the American Cancer Society.http://www.taftmidwaydriller.com/news/20180303/beverly-jean-milbrath-wallack 

ELIZABETH M. “BETH” (ROBINSON) SMITH – CLASS OF 1945

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Elizabeth M. “Beth” Smith December 25, 1927 – February 20, 2018 Solana Beach

Elizabeth Mary Smith passed away on February 20th, 2018. Beth was born on Dec. 25, 1927, to Jeoffrey Lycurgus Robinson and Eileen Stella Loman in Santa Monica, California and raised in the desert town of Trona. As loved and revered by her family as any person could be, it was said she was a “matriarch with a heart”. This was displayed daily by her actions, supporting Catholic charities, taking in the poor and disadvantaged, being a mother to many beyond her cherished children. Beth will be met in heaven by her dearest husband the Honorable Donald Smith, son Geoffrey, granddaughter Megan, and brothers Mark, Malcolm, Michael, and Bruce. She is survived and beloved by her children Matthew (Pam), Peter (Rita), Suzanne (Bill), Sara (Steve), John (Beatriz), daughter-in-law Christine, sister Eileen and brother Bill, as well as her eleven grandchildren and one great granddaughter. She attended Flintridge High School and later in life went back to San Diego State University and received a bachelor degree in Spanish. In life, Beth loved her family, her Church, and the Democratic Party. She was an avid traveler who took trips to every corner of the globe to meet new people, expand her worldview, and learn about our common experiences. During summers and holidays, she hosted her family for weeks at a time, playing with grandchildren and extend family who lovingly called her “Ba” and talking the latest news of the Church, U.S. politics, and global events. In quiet times, she loved a glass of chardonnay with an ice cube and a good book or film. She will be remembered for her beauty, humor, and grace.She was loved so much by her family and will be missed more than words can express. The family ask flowers be sent to the El Cajon Mortuary or donations be made in her name to NAMI San Diego. Viewing will be held at the El Cajon Mortuary on Friday, March 2nd, from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. followed by a Rosary. Services will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery Chapel at 11:30 A.M. on Saturday, March 3rd with reception to follow.

Published in The San Diego Union Tribune on Feb. 27, 2018

SYLVIA (CHAVARRIA) DELGADILLO: CLASS OF 1953

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Age 83, of Palmdale passed away on January 13, 2018. She was born in Trona, Calif. on January 3, 1935. She was married to Juan Delgadillo for 55 years. Sylvia is survived by two children, Melissa Williams and Rosemary Columna (Ernesto); five grandchildren, Kamryn, Grant, Addyson, Pierce and Isabella. 3 brothers and a sister also survive her. Her husband Juan, daughter Nadeen and son-in-law Glen Williams precede her in death. She will be truly missed by her family and friends. A viewing will be held at Our Lady’s Chapel next to Saint Junipero Serra Parish, Quartz Hill, at 9:00 am, Wednesday, January 24, 2018. A mass will be held following viewing at 10:00 am.
Interment will follow mass at Good Shepard Cemetery, Lancaster, CA  

Published in The Antelope Valley Press on Jan. 21, 2018

Cathy Goodman – Class of 1956

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(Catherine Goodman/Brooks) passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2018.

On January 14, 2018 Catherine went home to be with the lord. She was born in Coalinga, CA on September 16, 1937 to Walter and Bonnie Goodman. Walter was an oilfield worker and Bonnie had taught school but was a stay at home mom taking care of Catherine and two older sisters Bonnie M. and Avery D. Later a fourth child, Dorothy M., come into the family. Her father was said to have commented that “4 queens beats 3 aces anytime.” All of her childhood family are deceased.

Soon her father was placed in charge of a company oil field, near Maricopa, Ca and the moved to a company home on the lease. Later tragedy struck the family when her father died suddenly. Faced with the task of supporting herself and 4 girls, her mother needed to return to school to complete the courses need to re-instate her teaching credentials. During this time the 4 girls were placed in the David and Margaret school for girls in La Vern, CA

Upon getting her teaching credentials updated her mother moved them to a home she purchased on King St. in Bakersfield, Ca. When the older girls reached the dating age her mother felt more comfortable taking teaching jobs in smaller communities where she believed she could better watch her girls. She moved to Frazier Park, Ca and taught school there for several years. After the two older girls had married the mother took a teaching position in Trona, CA , and moved there with the two remaining girls.

Catherine and sister Dorothy both attended Trona High school. Catherine married a local boy and had three children. Dorothy and Valerie Brooks still reside in Trona, while her son Brian Brooks resides with his family in Forsyth, Georgia.

In 1976 Catherine had divorced and moved to Las Vegas, where she earned a real estate license. While attending a real estate conference she met a young man and re-married. By 1981 the marriage and fallen apart and Catherine moved to Upland, Ca where she worked at various sales jobs. Eventually she returned to her real estate profession and sold new homes for the J.M. Peters company located in Southern California.

Eventually, she met and Married Stan Andersen who resided in Washington State.

Catherine could not get the desert out if her soul and she and Stan bought a home in Trona and lived part time on the desert and part time in Washington State.

They sold their home in Trona and moved to Ridgecrest where they were residing when she passed away.

She is survived by her husband Stanly Andersen, her daughters Dorothy and Valerie Brooks of Trona and her son Brian Brooks of Forsyth Georgia. She has 9 Grand children, 14 great grand children and 3 great, great grand children.

On Feb. 10th at about noon family and friends will meet to celebrate Catherine’s life. Directions are: From intersection of Drummond street and Norma drive North on Norma about 2 blocks, turn right at big Rodeway Inn sign, Then go to Heritage club house at end of street.

http://www.taftmidwaydriller.com/news/20180130/catherine-goodman-andersen 

Wilda Gail Baker (1943 -2017)

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Wilda Gail Baker born June 17th 1943 in Red mountain California returned to her heavenly father December 2nd 2017. “Gail” loved the gospel and loved serving others in her community. She was always quick with a smile or an encouraging word. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She loved music, and gardening but most of all she loved her family. She is proceeded in death by her parents Marrion Rolins and Wilda Rolins, Her daughter Dinah Defelix, and her loving husband James Baker. She is survived by her son James Baker and 4 grandchildren.

Services with be held and Holland and Lyons Mortuary Chapel, 216 S Norma St., Monday December 11th at 10 am. Graveside services will follow at Rand Cemetery in Johannesburg, California.

http://www.ridgecrestca.com/news/20171208/wilda-gail-baker

Dennis D. Sizemore – Class of 1961

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Dennis Duane Sizemore of Ridgecrest died Nov. 30, 2015, from injuries sustained in an accident. He was 71.

Dennis was born to Verna Kathleen Cagle and John Edward Sizemore on Jan. 29, 1944, in Joplin, Mo. He was raised in Galena, Kan., eventually settling in Trona, where he graduated from high school.

Dennis worked as a welder, pipe-fitter, millwright, and supervisor at Kerr-McGee. He later worked at IWV Water District and retired from the city of Ridgecrest in 2000 as manager of the wastewater treatment plant.

Dennis’ life-long passion for horses was manifested in his superior horse training, horseshoeing and team roping abilities. He was a volunteer member of the Tulare County Mounted Search and Rescue Team. His latest adventures were with Harley motorcycles and a Goldwing trike, on which he and Karen cruised to Montana.

Dennis is survived by his wife Karen; children Darryn Sizemore, Tiffaney Frodin, Cathleen and Chris Beausang, John and Stacey Connolly, David Connolly and Russ and Hope Fielder; grandchildren Kodi Frodin, Katy and Gavin Fielder, Shawn Connolly and Josh and Ben Grindheim.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 12, at the All Faith Chapel, China Lake. In lieu of flowers, donations to Wounded Warrior Project in Dennis’ name would be appreciated (support.woundedwarriorproject.org).

Arrangements were by Holland & Lyons Mortuary.

— Submitted by the family of Dennis Sizemore

Ricardo “Ric” Rasines 1927-2017 THS Faculty member from 1954 to 1988

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CARLSBAD, Calif. – Ricardo “Ric” Rasines, age 90, died peacefully in his sleep on October 5, 2017, after a valiant battle with cancer. Ricardo was comforted in his passing with his family by his side.

Ricardo was born June 27, 1927, in Barre, Vermont the son of Antonio Rasines and Baselisa Peral.

Ric thrived while growing up in Barre, where he attended Spaulding High School and met his best friend, Bob Abbiati, and soul mate Annie Lasorsa. Ric, while an fine student, excelled at playing football. Nicknamed “the bulldozer”, Ric, a running back, was consistently handed the football after which he would bulldoze his way down the field for another touchdown. Ric led the Spaulding team to a state championship and in the process earned an athletic scholarship to the University of Vermont. To this day his accomplishments on the football field are legendary.

In 1950, after graduating from college with a teaching credential Ric entered the Navy. Shortly after discharge he married his still then girlfriend, Annie Lasorsa. In 1952, Anne gave birth to their only child, Douglas. Eight months later, Ric and Annie packed their belongings into their new Oldsmobile and moved across the country from Vermont to Trona, California where Ric had accepted a teaching position at Trona High School.

Ric and Annie found Trona to be a wonderful place to raise a family and greatly enjoyed the company of so many lifelong friends. While living in Trona, Ric and Annie often spent weekends and summer vacations at various beach locations along the southern California coast, where they loved being able to enjoy the sunshine without the desert heat.

Ric worked for 34 years at the Trona Unified High School District first as a teacher, coach, then later as a boy’s counselor, principal and school administrator. In 1988 Ric and Annie retired and moved to Solana Beach, Calif. They much enjoyed the “laid-back” beach community lifestyle and time spent walking while taking in the scenic ocean views and socializing with the members of the “New Englanders” club.

Ric, a loving father, continued to enjoy fitness activities and always relished a good joke. Kindhearted, he always put the concerns of others above his own. Although relatively small in stature, Ric cast a large shadow of influence upon those who came to know him and enjoy his company over the years.

Ric is survived by his son, Douglas; daughter in-law, Deborah; grandson, Nicholas and his wife Rachel; sisters, Dolly, Rachel and Lisa; numerous loving relatives; and many dear friends.

At Ric’s long-held request, he will be cremated and have his ashes scattered at sea.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in Ric’s name to the American Cancer Society.

Ric was  one of those people from which I learned little gems of wisdom that have stuck with me all of my life.  – David

 

Donald Dansby – Class of 1956

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A message from George Sherman about Donald Dansby (THS 1956):

I’m very saddened to announce that Donnie passed away on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 in his home in Elk Grove, CA. His step-brother Danny Knight (THS 1967) called me yesterday to let me know. (Danny’s father married Don’s mother.) Donnie died as a result of renal failure after having to undergo daily dialysis for several years. Before he passed, he requested that there would be no memorial service.

Donnie was in our class in Trona from at least first grade through senior year, graduating in 1956. He excelled in both academics and athletics (primarily in football and baseball). He was admired and respected by members of the class, who frequently elected him Class President or Vice President for various school years. He made it into the California Scholarship Federation (CSF) in both his Freshman and Senior years and was one of six students in our class to be awarded the Elks Award for Leadership at the end of our Senior year. Donnie loved his Trona heritage and came to all of our reunions including the 50th Anniversary of our Class Graduation in 2006.

Jim Haughton – Class of 1944/1947

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I just got word of the passing of James Haughton. He was born September 20, 1925 in Alabama. His wife was Marydith (Tyler) Haughton ( 1926-2009), Class of 1944 who was well known among Trona residents as a historian of the Searles Valley area.

Jim would have graduated in 1944, however, he joined the Navy after Pearl Harbor was attacked and the US entered WWII. He was one of 20 Trona High students who entered the military in 1944.

After the war Jim returned to Trona and graduated in 1947.

Jim was born in Maxine, Alabama, September 20, 1925 to Gayle and Charlcie Haughton.  He was the third oldest of four children.  He passed away Sunday, September 3, 2017 surrounded by family at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, Washington.  He lived in Trona, California from the age of 6.   He attended the Trona schools, joined the Navy at 17, then married his childhood sweetheart Marydith Tyler.  Jim and Marydith raised their family and lived in the same home in Trona since 1947 – nearly 70 years.  They were married for 62 years before her death in 2009.

He was predeceased in life by his wife Marydith, sons Jim and Artie, brother Gayle and sister Marjorie.  He is survived by his brother Paul, of Troutman, NC, sister-in-law, Wanda, daughter, Margaret and son, Tom of Washington, daughters-in law Sheila and Jan and son-in law Matthew as well as 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Jim apprenticed as a Carpenter with AP&CC in Trona.  He then started his own business building homes in Searles Valley.  He retired after 35 years then joined his two sons in business by operating the Trona Hardware store.  He loved the outdoors.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved to camp.  He had a strong family influence, not only personally but within the community.  His hobbies were centered around camping, hunting and fishing with family and lifelong friends.  He really enjoyed trap shooting and that passion was shared by his children and their children.

A graveside service will be held at the Trona Cemetery, Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 11:00 a.m.  There will be a reception following at the family home.  http://www.taftmidwaydriller.com/news/20170923/james-wesley-haughton-september-20-1925—september-3-2017

MARY LINEBACK: CLASS OF 1949

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Mary Harmon

December 23, 1930

August 6, 2017

Our mother Mary Harmon passed peacefully in her sleep on August 6th from complications of Alzheimer’s. Mary was so full of life and living right to a few weeks before her death. Born in Oklahoma City in 1930, she was that generation that loved the blessings given by a good life. Raised on the Mojave Desert, she loved the mountains and lived many years in northern California, Lexington Kentucky and for the last 30 years in Reno, NV. She was a great beauty. She played the piano and organ all her life, for church, for musical reviews, little theater, for friends and for parties (and she had a Lot of parties!). She met the love of her life Doug Harmon in 1971 while playing at an Organ Bar in Berkeley California. Married 45 years, Mary and Doug loved traveling and took many trips all over the world and loved cruises. Our mother never met a stranger and could talk to anyone, anywhere, anytime about anything they were interested in. She and Doug were very involved in Hot August Nights as volunteers since 1987. She was so kind (with a fiery side!) and supported many causes over the years including CAAW, Nevada Humane Society, Easter Seals, Nevada Women’s Organization, Breast CancerAwareness, UC Davis Eye Center and various Veterans Groups. She is survived by her Daughter Sharon Rodarte of Reno, Son John Blanche of Sacramento and the dearest children to her – her Grandchildren: Grandsons Aaron Ware, Eric Morgenroth, James Blanche; Granddaughter Victoria Blanche; Great-Grandchildren Ethan, Gabby, Ben, Lukas, Savannah, Jackie, and Skye. As more than one of her many friends said, she was a “force”. When she walked into a room, she had the attention of all. She will be so missed by her friends and family and we will never forget you Mama.

Published in Reno Gazette-Journal on Sept. 17, 2017Read Less

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/mary-harmon-obituary?pid=186671141&view=guestbook