Beth Morris was born in Mountain Park, Oklahoma, on September 28, 1939, and passed away in Bakersfield, California, on August 23, 2015. She graduated from Trona High School in 1957. She is survived by her brother, Benny McCullar – See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/bakersfield/obituary.aspx?n=laveta-morris-beth&pid=177194077&#sthash.stEfQ2KQ.dpuf
Douglas William Stewart, 75, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2015 with his family beside him.
He was born August 24, 1939 in Los Angeles, CA and grew up in a small Mojave Desert town called Trona. Doug played baseball with his friends despite the 100+ degree heat and ate salt tablets like candy. After graduating from THS in 1957, he went to San Francisco State University to study English.
From 1963-1965 he served in the Army, mostly at Fort Monroe, Virginia, where he was a clerk. He was also a crack shot and was on the target shooting team.
After moving to Nevada he worked at various jobs, including as a Keno writer and a craps dealer at Harrah’s Club, while also attending the University of Nevada, Reno. There he met and, in 1969, married Caroline Bowdish. He received his B.A. in English in 1974, and moved to Pasco with Caroline. Doug earned a teaching credential from Walla Walla College, but only taught part-time. He became a Letter Carrier in 1977 and remained with the Postal Service until his retirement in 2002. Doug and Caroline had two sons, Colin, born in 1978, and Cameron, in 1982. Although they divorced in 1986, both of them remained involved in bringing up their sons.
From an early age Doug loved the out-of-doors, motorcycle riding, and fishing. He was a lifetime member of both the Sierra Club and the NRA. He collected books and read so widely that he seemed to know about everything.
Doug is survived by his sons, Colin Stewart of Kirkland, WA and Cameron Stewart of Pasco, and his former wife, Caroline Bowdish (Stewart) of Pasco.
A celebration of Doug’s life will be held on June 6 at 3:00 p.m. at the Richland Community Center. Contributions in his honor can be made to the Sierra Club Foundation (SierraClubFoundation.org) or to the Nature Conservancy (WashingtonNature.org).
Published in Tri-City Herald on May 22, 2015
Ronald Douglas Dill died Saturday, April 18 at Ridgecrest Healthcare Center. He was 72.
Ronald was born Sept. 16, 1942, in Pontiac Mich. He joined the U.S. Army in 1961 after graduating from Trona High School and served in the Army for eight years. In 1976 he and his wife, Angela, moved to Trona, where he worked as a heavy equipment operator for International Minerals and Chemical from 1978 to 2004 when he retired.
Word of Roberta Otto’s death came to me by way of Linda Cunningham who saw Suzanne Walker’s message about it on Facebook.
Roberta’s Celebration of Life service will be Saturday, December 6th at 11:00am at The United Methodist Church of Vista located at 490 South Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081. A reception at the church will follow.
It is being requested in lieu of flowers to please make a donation on behalf of Roberta L. Buckley to:
Arthritis Foundation – Greater San Diego Office
8555 Aero Drive, Suite 200
San Diego, CA 92123
Jolene Ankers
November 14, 1938 – September 20, 2014
Jolene Ankers passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on Saturday, September 20th, 2014.
Born in Trona, California on November 14th, 1938, Jolene was the first born child to Neal and Coila Swearingen, and later a sister, Susan. Jolene attended the University of Nevada from 1956 through 1962, getting married and having two daughters during this time. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education. She was a teacher in Washoe County for 28 years. During retirement, Jolene enjoyed traveling the country.
Jolene is survived by her husband, Richard Ankers, her daughters, Karyn and Krystin, her grandchildren, Jessyca, Kelcie, Kyle and Kenna, her great-grandchildren, Avery and Greyson, and her dogs, Yogi and Manley.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 11th, 2014, at The Coney Island Bar and Grill at 2:00pm. – See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/rgj/obituary.aspx?pid=172578431#sthash.zEfotJig.dpuf
Howard Vassar, 77, of Polson, Montana and formerly of Trona, California, passed away June 6, 2014 at his home after a long battle with cancer.
Howard was born on September 24, 1936 in Amarillo, Texas to William and Willie Vassar. He grew up in southern California between Trona and Bishop. He worked for his dad sacking salt and driving trucks until he was drafted into the Army serving in the 101st Airborne, Screaming Eagles.
On September 11th, 1961, he married Deanna Marie Garner, settling in Trona building a family and a successful equipment contracting business until he retired 1982 and they moved to Polson, Montana.
Howard helped build and sponsor little league football in Trona, as well as sponsoring the high school football team. He was one of the founders of the first motorcycle clubs in southern California-The Sidewinders.
Howard enjoyed many outdoor activities; such as, motorcycling, dune buggies, water skiing, horseback riding, rodeos, roping, hunting and fishing. His one true passion that he developed over his life time was the love of trap shooting. He won the prestigious Butte Rod & Gun Club Medal in 1999 and attended the ATA World Championship in Vandalia, Ohio with his team mates in 2003. In his career he shot 84, 125 single targets, 93, 800 handicap targets and 65, 250 doubles targets for a grand total of 243, 275 registered targets since 1988.
He is preceded in death by his father William Charles Vassar, mother Willie Lee Vassar, step-father Clifford C. Jones; sisters Margie Conrad and Juanita Vassar and his brothers Edward and Bobby Vassar.
He is survived by his wife Deanna Vassar; children Renee Morgan (Larry Morgan), Radean Vassar (Ryan Boden), Howard ‘Howdy’ Vassar (Debbie Sargent-Vassar) and Tina Vassar-Buser (Mike Buser); seven grandchildren Chad Morgan, Jill (Morgan) Marlow, Aaron Morgan, Christopher Vassar, Caitlyn Vassar, Amber Caraway and Rainee Vassar; eight great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Howard is also survived by his brother John Vassar and numerous nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.
A celebration of his life will be held Friday, June 13th at 11:00 am at Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery. – See more at: http://www.groganfuneralhome.com/obituary/William-Howard-Vassar/Polson-MT/1389301#sthash.oMOw5QxW.dpuf
Kathleen Hurlocker Roche, 77, of Redding CA, passed away the morning of March 5th, 2014. Kathleen was born in Bemidji, Minn. on March 19th, 1936, to Harold and Isabel Hurlocker.
Kathleen graduated from High School in Trona, CA in 1953 and went on to receive her degree in English from UC Berkeley in 1957.
She was married to Patrick J. Roche on September 7th, 1957.
Kathleen was the first woman in her family to receive a college degree. Learning and education were an ongoing passion in her life. She continued to lead in education through multiple terms on the Redding Elementary School board including a term as President. She was active with the AAUW including serving two terms as President and in 1987 received the AAUW Woman of Achievement award.
She was also active with the Shasta County Women’s Refuge and served as President of the Board. Kathleen enjoyed helping people through her paralegal business. She loved working on her roses and helping Patrick in the garden as well as going to local museums, art fairs, community concerts and picnics with the “Brandy Creek Gang”.
She was survived by her husband of 57 years, Patrick J. Roche; Her children, Heather Roche-Waldo and husband Raymond; Kelly Roche; Michael Roche; Kevin Roche and husband Andrew Trembley; Grandchild Alexander Waldo; Sisters, Alicia Philpot and husband Charles; Holly Farrah-Elliott and husband Frank; Brother Patrick Hurlocker and wife Valeria as well as her many nieces and nephews and lifelong friends.
Mass and reception will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, March 11th, 2014 at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 2040 Walnut Ave., Redding, CA. 96001.
In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Kathy can be made to AAUW Local Scholarships.
Please send your donation to P. O. Box 4593, Redding, CA 96099-4593, or to “One Safe Place” (formerly Shasta Women’s Refuge) at 2280 Benton Place, 96001. – See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/redding/obituary.aspx?n=kathleen-roche-hurlocker&pid=170040569#sthash.Ah3uucdU.dpuf
Published in Redding Record Searchlight from Mar. 7 to Mar. 11, 2014
Marian (Steger) Micallef passed away in her residence on January 9, 2014. Marian is survived by her four children, Debbie Neumann, Kevin Micallef, Mark Micallef and Sharon Eaton. She also had five beautiful grandchildren and one great grandson. Marian was preceded in death by her husband Jack, who passed in 2007. Together they enjoyed 50 years of marriage, retirement, traveling and most of all golfing. She was a loving wife and mother. She will be missed. For service information please go to: www.murrietavalleyfuneralhome.com
Published in Press-Enterprise on Jan. 14, 2014
Marian was the homecoming queen in her senior year. Looking at her senior picture I can see why.
Freda E. Walker, 97, passed December 27th peacefully at home just 3 days short of her 98th birthday.
Freda’s life began in Dillon, MT. She was raised in Glendale, CA, where she met Jack Walker, through her high school friend and future sister-in-law. Freda and Jack were married in 1936 and moved to Trona, CA.
In Trona, Freda was involved in Girl Scouts and raising 3 daughters. She also opened their home in the 40’s to 2 China Lake girls so they could attend high school before Ridgecrest had a high school. In 1954, she ventured out into the business world and established and owned The Gift Box, a gift store, for over 20 years. Many remember the jewelry, cards, yardage as well as many gift items. She provided a great gift oasis for Trona.
Freda and Jack passed on their ability to form life long friends to her children. Her girls were raised with integrity and an incredible work ethic, the willingness to help others, open our homes and hearts, and and the opportunity of independence through education. What wonderful gifts.
After 47+ years in Trona, Freda and Jack retired in Tehachapi, CA. There, they were involved in Lions Club and other community efforts, such as home nursing and hospice in Bear Valley. They traveled the country and world, many times visiting old friends.
After Jack’s death, Freda lived with her daughter, Elizabeth Bernau, in Thousand Oaks, CA, San Antonio, TX, and finally Phoenix, AZ. She has been surrounded by family constantly, three daughters, 12 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren–what a legacy.
Patricia Ann Radabaugh, 45, of Reedy, WV, died Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013.
She was born in Trona, Calif., the daughter of Kathleen Smith and the late James Smith.
Surviving in addition to her mother are two sons, Dustin Radabaugh and Patrick Radabaugh; one daughter, Andrea Hill; one brother, James E. Smith; two sisters, Tammy Gross and Karen Smith; and several nieces and nephews.
Services were held at Stump Funeral Home, Arnoldsburg, with Rev. Carroll McCauley officiating. Burial was in Cottrell Cemetery, Frozen Run.
Posted at: http://www.calhounchronicle.com/pages/current%20pages/Obituaries.htm