Category Archives: Obituary

Layman Gattis — Class of 1962

Layman Pierce Gattis of Poteau, Oklahoma, died Monday, February 26, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was born on January 9, 1944, in Lavaca, Arkansas, to the late Guy Gattis and Velma (Benham) Gattis. He was 80 years old.

Layman was a retired instrumentation electrician for AES Panama and was of the Baptist faith. He enjoyed quail hunting and riding dirt bikes. He loved his family very much and will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 2nd at Brotherton Funeral Home Chapel in Charleston, with the Rev. Rockey Boggs officiating. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Charleston, under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home and Flower Shop in Charleston.

He is survived by his wife Sharon (Sisco) Gattis; three daughters, Lisa Gattis of Fort Smith, Loria Davis and husband Rob of Lake Havasu, Arizona; and Jenny Dixon of Poteau; three sons, David Gattis of Booneville, Christopher Smith and wife Melodie of Coalinga, California, and Michael Smith and wife Talia, of Henderson, Nevada; two brothers, Jim Gattis and wife Jenny Lou of Charleston and Phillip Gattis of Inyokem, California; (14) grandchildren; (7) great-grandchildren; and one nephew, Curtis Boutte and wife Brandy of Ridgecrest, California.

Pallbearers are James Gattis, Chris Smith, Michael Smith, Harley Gattis, Christopher Smith, Cody Smith, Ryan Smith, and Curtis Boutte. Honorary Pallbearers are David Gattis, Jim Gattis, Phillip Gattis and Mike Burnette.

The family will visit with friends from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday prior to the service.

To place an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.

Larry Dean Harvey — Class of 1977

Larry Dean Harvey, known to most as “Harv”, passed away January 23rd, 2024 in Lancaster, CA. He was 64yrs, 10mo and 2 days. He was born on March 21st, 1959 in Bishop, CA to Gale Dokken Harvey and Zelda Adele Harrah and joined his big sister Debbie. His baby brother Bill arrived 8yrs later. Harv lived his entire life in the Argus Heights Neighborhood of Trona, CA. He attended Trona Schools and graduated from Trona High School in 1977. On March 25th, 1978 he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Pennie Duffell. Harv worked in the Trona/Ridgecrest area for various communications companies and was often referred to as the “phone guy”. He loved spending time with all his family, traveling to South Carolina to see his son Neil, Neils wife Angie, his grandkids Aundrea, Fred, Gracie, Jack and his Great Grandson, Freddy. Harv was a jokester and loved telling jokes and good stories. Friday’s in the Harvey house was the traditional BBQ night and he could be found barbecuing a good burger. On weekends he would always be tinkering in the garage.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Pennie, his son Neil and his wife Angie of Greer, SC, daughter Sara of Trona, grandchildren Aundrea, Fred, Gracie, & Jack all of Greer, SC. Great grandson Freddy also of Greer, SC, brother Bill Harvey of Trona, numerous In laws that he considered sisters and brothers, numerous nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gale, who passed away on April 25, 1995, and Zelda, who passed away October 9, 2016. Sister Debbie Harvey Kleitman who passed away November 30th, 2023.

Bill Brink

Dr. Marshall William “Bill” Brink — Class of 1949

Dr. Marshall William “Bill” Brink entered into the presence of the Lord on May 23, 2023, after 15 months of loving in-home care. He passed peacefully from his ranch in Whitmore to his Heavenly Home, surrounded by family. Bill was born on May 9, 1931, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. After serving in the Army and graduating from vet school, Bill opened the Brink Veterinary Clinic in Palo Cedro, California in 1969. He taught Sunday School at Grace Baptist Church for over fifty years. Bill leaves a legacy of humble, faithful service to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Known as “Papa” to many, Dr. Bill will be greatly missed by his wife of 69 years, his two children, eight grandchildren, and eighteen great-grandchildren. His memorial service will be Saturday, June 17 at 1:00 p.m. at Grace Baptist Church in Redding, California.

https://www.redding.com/obituaries/rrs022261

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/255931135/marshall-william-brink

Bill’s sister, Eleanor (Brink) Hallstrom (1929-1995), was a member of the class of 1947. Their family lived on Aster St. Their father was a maintenance foreman.

Claudia Lynne (Morrison) Farquhar — Class of 1966

Claudia Lynne Morrison went home to her Lord and Savior on December 31st, 2023. She was born to Marshal & June Farquhar on February 15th, 1948. She was born and raised in Trona, CA & graduated from Trona High School in 1966. She met her husband Terry Morrison in 1967 & they married in 1968.

 She is survived by her husband, Terry, four kids: James, Donnie (Lisa), Tina (James), & Tera (Cory). Eight grandkids: Meagan, Rick (Sabrina), Mackenzie (Eric), Brooke (Alex), Chelsie, James, Jacob & Andrew. And nine great-grandchildren: Harper, Noah, Gabby, Emma, Asher, Saturn, Rome, Hazel and Norah.

Claudia was loved by all who met her and she truly made everyone feel special. She lived a beautiful life with the love of her life, dedicated her life to her family and made everyone she met feel deeply cared for. She loved nothing more than spending time with her husband, kids, grandkids and great grandkids.

She was a faithful servant of God and found so much joy in sharing His love with others. Many people looked to her for her wisdom, found comfort in her presence and enjoyed her amazing humor. Life will not be the same for those whose lives were touched by her grace and her comforting love.

“Your brighter than the brightest star, your sunshine happiness that’s what you are”. The sunshine she gave to us all will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held at Calvary Chapel on January 13th at 12pm with a reception to follow. For those not able to attend the service will also be live streamed online at calvarychapelridgecrest.com

https://www.ridgecrestca.com/obituaries/claudia-lynne-morrison/article_066d448e-aa74-11ee-b317-9b7ba4adfde8.html

Claudia’s brother, Don Farquhar, class of 1962 passed away in 2010.

Debra Gale (Harvey) Kleitman — Class of 1972

Debra Gale Harvey Kleitman

March 29, 1954 – November 30, 2023

Merced, California – Born March 29, 1954 – Died November 30, 2023 Preceded in death by parents Gale and Zelda Harvey. Debbie is survived by husband Richard Kleitman, daughter Elisa Kleitman, son Adam Kleitman and brothers Larry and Bill Harvey. She was raised in Trona California and attended Trona Elementary and High School where she was very active in many clubs, the leader of the color guard and a Past Honored Queen of Job’s Daughters. She continued her education at Chaffey College, San Francisco State (BA), Fresno State (MA Special Education) and UC Davis (Reading Specialist certificate). Debbie taught for Merced County Office of Education at Schelby School and the infant care program and Merced City Schools as a Resource Specialist at Ada Givens and Don Stowell Elementary Schools. An avid quilter, fudge maker, puzzle solver and tea drinker, Debbie loved traveling and sharing stories with friends and family.

In Lieu of flowers the family requests a donation be made to the California Masonic Foundation ‘Raising a Reader program’.

Graveside services will be at the Searles Valley Cemetery (Trona, CA) December 11th at 11am. A Celebration of Life will be held at the family home on January 14th 

Anne Brill — Class of 1958

JAMES SAMUEL (SAM) STEWART

August 10, 1937 – April 4, 2022

CAROLYN ANN (ANNE) STEWART

June 11, 1940 – April 21, 2022

Anne was born to Harvey and Wilma Brill in Boonesville, Mississippi

Sam and Anne were married for 61 years and both passed away in Bakersfield, California.

Sam was a disc jockey at KUDU and KBIS radio station for many years, then owned and operated Abbey Carpet in Bakersfield for more than 40 years. Anne worked at Three-Way Chevrolet then at Tenneco West as an executive secretary before she and Sam opened Abbey Carpet.

They were preceded in death by their son James S. Grunigen and Anne’s brother Don Brill, and are survived by their daughter Julie Brabham of Aberdeen, Washington and their son Samuel Scott Stewart of Bakersfield, granddaughters, Kerry Fitzgerald of Pilot Rock, Oregon and Eva Stewart, of Bakersfield, as well as Sams sister Barbara Stocks and Annes brother Chuck Brill.

There will be a joint memorial service on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 11am at Basham Funeral Care at 3312 Niles St, Bakersfield. All are welcome. Dodgers attire encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bakersfield SPCA.

www.bakersfield.com/obits

Published by Bakersfield Californian on May 8, 2022.

Louis Erwin

Louis Erwin — Class of 1958

Louis “Lou” Keith Erwin, age 84, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 16, 2023 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was a wonderful father, son, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and will be greatly missed. Louis is preceded in death by his parents; Harry Yeager Erwin and Margaret Virginia Stevens. He is survived by his sons; Davis P. Erwin and Myles K. Erwin (Amy), his brothers; Leonard Erwin [Class of 1958] (Lorrie), and Wayne Erwin [Class of 1962] (Glenda), his grandchildren; Christian Erwin (Haley), Caitlyn Erwin, Nadia Morrow, Matthew Erwin, and Noah Erwin, as well as his great-grandchild; Oakley. He is also survived by many extended friends and family to cherish and honor his memory.

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/louis-erwin-obituary?id=53366763

 

 

 

Mia Carter 1970

Mia Honora (Carter) Smiley — Class of 1970

We were sorry to hear about Mia’s passing.  She is remembered fondly by her classmates. Condolences to her family.

Mia Honora Smiley, formerly Mia Carter, age 70, of Modesto, California passed away on Wednesday, April 19, 2023.

Mia grew up in Trona, Ca and Patterson, Ca. She married the love of her life Scott in February of 1983 and they celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2023. Mia worked for Proctor & Gamble for 19 years before retiring in 2000. She loved to spend time with her family and friends, but her grandchildren were truly the apple of her eye. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Mia is survived by her spouse, Scott E. Smiley; her daughter Sara Coulson; her son Cavan Berends; and her son Lonny Berends; her grandchild Logan Berends Berends and her grandchild Abby Berends Berends.

A visitation for Mia will be held Monday, May 8, 2023 from 10:00 am at Lakewood Funeral Home in the Heritage Chapel, 900 Santa Fe Ave, Hughson, CA 95326. Following the visitation will be a graveside service at Lakewood Memorial Park in the St. Jude Garden, 900 Santa Fe Ave, Hughson, CA 95326.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to the American Diabetes Association.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LakewoodHughson.com for the Smiley family.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/hughson-ca/mia-smiley-11259113