Category Archives: Obituary

Kathleen Hurlocker

Kathleen Hurlocker – Class of 1953

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 – Class of 1951

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 – Former Trona Resident

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 (Smith) Radabaugh

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

Patsy Lorraine Sizemore 1926-2013

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

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

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

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

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

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