Category Archives: Obituary

Patsy Lorraine Sizemore 1926-2013

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Patsy Lorraine Sizemore, 86, of Columbus, Kansas and formerly a long time resident of Trona died peacefully in her sleep on February 17, 2013.  Having moved to Trona in 1947, Patsy was an active member of the Trona Business and Professional Women’s Club and the VFW Women’s Auxiliary.

She was a teller for Security Pacific National Bank, which had its office on Main Street in Trona.  She later worked as a postal carrier when the Trona Post Office started home mail delivery service.  She wrote poetry, song lyrics, and a column called A Woman’s Point of View for the Trona Argonaut and, later, for the Baxter Springs News.

She is preceded in death by her parents; one son, James H. Sizemore; and one grandson, Jeffery A. Sizemore.

She is survived by four sons Jerry H. Sizemore, Thomas A. Sizemore, Michael R. Sizemore, and A. Lee Sizemore; one daughter Cholla Sizemore; 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Read more: http://www.ridgecrestca.com/article/20130410/NEWS/130419963#ixzz2lgQqgpXB

Reprinted here at the request of Cholla Sizemore.

Paul Arthur Bengtson – Class of 1969

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Paul Bengtson

Paul Bengtson

April 11, 1951 – April 13, 2012  Paul Arthur Bengtson, beloved father, brother, grandpa, uncle and friend, passed from this life on April 13, 2012, in Edmond, Oklahoma, at the age of 61. He was born in Trona, CA April 11, 1951, and was a graduate of Bakersfield HS in 1969. He came to OKC in 1970 and was a member of Ambucks, NRA, and Eagle Scouts. He was very dedicated to his life work and passion of auto mechanics, so much so that almost everyone who knew him took their car to him. He owned Sharpe Automotive for 40 years and was an instructor at Norman Technical College. He was commonly known around town as Tall Paul. He made each of his family and friends feel as though they were his favorite. He is survived by Donene Bengtson, his wife of 34 years; his daughter, Melinda Chada and her husband Evan; his son, Paul Ryan Bengtson; his granddaughters, Gracelyn Rylee and Markey Genice Bengtson; his grandson, Colton Coy Bengtson; his two brothers, Eric (Kathy) Bengtson and Allen (Susie) Bengtson; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Franklin Niles and Naomi Inez Bengtson. Memorial Services will be held 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, 2012, at Vondel Smith Mortuary North Colonial Chapel.

Published in The Oklahoman on Apr. 15, 2012

Anne Rasines – Former Trona Resident

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Anne Rasines, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of November 1, 2013. Anne was the wife of Ricardo (Ric) Rasines who lived in Trona from the early 1950’s through the late 1980’s .

Ric was an 8th grade teacher at Trona High Schools for a number of years and then served for many years as the Boys Counselor at the school. Ric’s son, Doug, says that his father is doing well but that the news about his mother was more somber. He said, “Dad, Debbie and I were able to be at her side which was comforting to us all. As difficult as it is, mom is in a better place, We will honor mom’s long-held wishes to be cremated and have her ashes scattered at sea. We plan to have a ‘celebration of life’ memorial sometime after the holidays.”

The above is from George Sherman about an email Durwood Sigrest forwarded to him . The email was from Doug Rasines. Doug is the son of Anne and Ricardo (Ric) Rasines.

CARLSBAD, Calif. – Annie Carmen “Anne” Rasines, age 86, died peacefully Nov. 1, 2013, after a valiant struggle with cancer. Anne was comforted in her passing with her family by her side.
Anne was born Oct. 10, 1927, in Barre, Vt., the daughter of Sabino Lasorsa and Aurellia Marchesi.
Anne thrived while growing up in Barre, where she met her best friend, Evie Abbiati, and her soulmate, Ricardo “Ric” Rasines.
After graduating from Spaulding High School, Anne worked at the Barre Granite Savings Bank for several years, developing her business administration skills.
In 1950, Anne married Ricardo Rasines. In 1952, Anne gave birth to their only child, Douglas. Eight months later, Anne and Ric packed up their belongings and moved across the country from Vermont to Trona, Calif., where Ric had accepted a teaching position at Trona High School.
Anne and Ric 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, Anne and Ric often spent vacations at various beach locations along the southern California coast, where Anne loved being able to enjoy the sunshine without the desert heat.
Anne worked for 32 years at the local chemical manufacturing plant, first as an executive secretary and ending her career as the director of human resources.
In 1988, Anne and Ric retired and moved to Solana Beach, Calif. Anne much enjoyed the “laid-back” beach community lifestyle and time spent taking in the scenic ocean views.
Anne, a loving wife and mother, enjoyed music and laughter. Kindhearted, she always put the concerns of others above her own. Although small in stature, Anne touched the lives of those who knew her.
Anne was preceded in death by her older brother, Reno Lasorsa. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Ricardo; son, Douglas; daughter in-law, Deborah; grandson, Nicholas; numerous loving relatives; her “second family,” Nancy and Ken Norton; and many dear friends.
At Anne’s long-held request, she will be cremated and have her ashes scattered at sea.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in Anne’s name to the  American Cancer Society or the 
Alzheimer’s Association .                                                  
Published in Times Argus on Nov. 14, 2013

 

Thurman Clifton Peterson – Class of 1961

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Thurman Peterson

Thurman Clifton Peterson was born March 2, 1943. He left us on March 28, 2010. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Viki Carol Peterson and three daughters, June, Pam and Becky; three son-in-laws, Phil, Dave and Anthony; seven grandchildren, Kayla, Ashley, Kassie, Eric, Drew, Brandon, and Jordan; and two great-grandchildren. Chuck and Kaydn. Pete was a beloved man. He was friend and father to all his nieces and nephews. He may have left us in his body  but his memory will with us through his friends and family.

Published in the Modesto Bee 

This is more old news that is new to me so I am passing it along. I didn’t know Thurmnan that well. I remember him as being even shyer than I was. That may be just an impression that I got or a result of how we interacted with each other. He, I and Ken Hall spent a week together at a LDS orchard helping with the peach and pear harvest whe we were about 16. The orchard was in Littlerock near Palmdale. The other thing I remember about Thurman was how good he was at high hurdles. Coach Long kept wanting me to run them. I tried but I could never overcome my fear landing on one the wrong way.

Gerald Smith “Jerry” Eyre – Class of 1950

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Gerald Smith “Jerry” Eyre died Oct. 15, 2012. He was 81.

Jerry was born July 15, 1931 in Lovell, Big Horn, Wyo. to Orton Berdette and Helen Lovevoize Smith Eyre. The Eyre family moved to Randsburg in 1935. Jerry was one of seven children. His father was employed at the famous Yellow Aster Gold Mine in Randsburg as a hard rock miner.

A strike closed the mine in 1940/1941, so the Eyre family moved to Ridgecrest and lived for a short time in one of the Joe Fox properties situated near what is now the IWV Water District office.

Jerry’s father found employment at the American Potash and Chemical Company in Trona, now called Searles Valley Minerals.

The family moved to Trona in 1942, where Jerry attended the Trona School System until he graduated from high school.

Jerry married Mary Ann Beach of Ridgecrest.
The marriage was blessed with three sons Jerry, Vince and Brad.

Read more: http://www.ridgecrestca.com/article/20121107/OBITUARIES/121109803#ixzz2V7AwUo36

Phyllis (Dilbeck) Lang — Class of 1948

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Phyllis Jean (Dilbeck) Lang 12/06/1930 – 02/28/2005

Mom,

Dad has turned over the responsibility for our annual recognition to the family, and I (Lori), being the oldest by nine minutes, have been given the honor this year. Mom, There’s not a day goes by that I don’t remember a moment we’ve shared, even if it was me being rebellious. Last week, I stopped to get Dad and I lunch; Long John Silvers was my choice. All I could remember was all the Long John Silvers’ lunches we shared, not to mention the late night bologna and tomato sandwiches we enjoyed together. Mom, the memories are endless and so is the love I feel for you each & every day.

Love,

Lori and Family.

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sandiegouniontribune/obituary.aspx?n=phyllis-jean-lang-dilbeck&pid=124703211

Fred Keith Reeves – Class of 1958

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Longtime Trona resident Fred Keith Reeves died Monday, June 17 at his home in Trona. He was 61.

Visitation will be held from 5 pm to 8 pm on Thursday at Holland & Lyons in Trona. Funeral services will be held at 9 am on Friday, June 21, at Church of Christ in Ridgecrest. Fred Smith will officiate. Interment will be at Searles Valley Cemetery in Trona. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in his name to the Trona Senior Citizens or the Trona Historical Society.

Mr. Reeves was born Oct. 26, 1940 in Tomahawk, Ark. and had been a resident of Trona since 1941. He retired in 1991 from employment as a transportation specialist with Trona Railway Company.

His family says this about him: “Fred passed away after an illness with cancer. He lived a happy and productive life in Trona as a railway superintendent and after retirement became president of Searles Valley Cemetery in Trona.

“He enjoyed sports, camping, traveling and fishing. He was an active member of the Church of Christ. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle and grandfather.”

Mr. Reeves is survived by his wife Carol L. Reeves of Trona, daughter and son-in-law Kelly and Randy Ray of Ridgecrest; daughter Terry Pounds of Ridgecrest; daughter and son-in-law Mona and Darris Castleberry of Inyokern; grandchildren Crystal Pounds, Charlotte Pounds, Brooks Talley, Terrel Castleberry and Carrena Castleberry; mother Mary Reeves of Trona; sister Charlotte Biggs of Bremerton, Wash. sister Mary (Janie) McCord of Ridgecrest; brother Mike Reeves of Ridgecrest; brothers Rodger Reeves and Terry Reeves both of Las Vegas, Nev., and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Leon Reeves, sons Ricky Stockdale and Brian Reeves and sister Linda Carr.

Holland & Lyons Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.

Daily Independent newspaper Ridgecrest Ca Kern County
June 18, 2002

FRED KEITH REEVES

Barbara (Corrion) Sherman – Class of 1957

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Former Trona resident Barbara Corrion Sherman died in her sleep of a cerebral hemorrhage on Sunday July 29 in her Santa Barbara home. She was 62. A Mass of Burial will be held at St. Madeleine Catholic Church in Trona at 9 am on August 4, followed by the burial at the Searles Valley Cemetery.

Barbara was born on December 28, 1938, in Detroit, Michigan, the first child of Maurice and Phillis Dill Corrion. The family moved to Trona in 1947 to join Phyllis’ parents Frederick and Amy Dill. Barbara attended the Trona Unified School from second grade until she graduated in 1957. She graduated from San Jose State College in 1961 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education.

Barbara married Trona resident George Sherman in San Jose in 1959; they raised five children and were divorced in Santa Barbara in 1987. The family relocated several times, living for a few years in Savannah, Ga, Culver City, Ca, Rochester, N.Y., Lexington, Mass., and Ridgefield, Conn. They settled in Santa Barbara in 1983 where Barbara lived the rest of her life. After graduating from San Jose State College, she taught in elementary schools for eight years until she retired to become a full-time homemaker in 1969.

She worked in the healthcare field for several years in Santa Barbara and most recently has been working at Magellan’s Travel Supplies.

Barbara is survived by her life partner Stephen Keating, brother Gregory Corrion, sister Jennifer Corrion Smith, ex-husband George Sherman, daughter Rebecca Sherman Harmon, daughter Laura Sherman Wilkinson, son Wayne Sherman Middleton, daughter Alison Sherman, and five grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests remembrances in her honor be sent to the Searles Valley Cemetery Association, 13772 Elm St., Trona, CA 93593-2336, or the Trona Senior Center Club, 13187 Market Street, Trona CA 93592.

Daily Independent Newspaper Ridgecrest CA Kern County
August 2, 2001

BARBARA CORRION SHERMAN