Category Archives: Obituary

James Hammond — Class of 1953

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James Danford Hammond III was born May 6, 1934, in Los Angeles to James and Bernice Hammond. He grew up in Trona, California, spending the war years in Los Angeles. He was a star athlete in high school, coming from a small school, he played every single sport there was and excelled in them all.

He won a football scholarship to UCLA, however never got to play as the doctor wouldn’t clear him due to back problems. He graduated with a degree in civil engineering. Jim spent 2 years in the Army, and out of 5,000 applicants, tried out for and won a spot on the Army All-Star baseball team and traveled around the country during his service.

Some of his proudest accomplishments included setting a record for underwater swimming when he was in high school, selling the steel for Disneyland back in the 1950s, drilling the footings for the London Bridge in Lake Havasu City, learning to fly and owning five airplanes and owning many more yachts and sailboats. Jim was a lifelong boater and exerciser; most people will remember him walking his beautiful Whippet Ladybug around the Island for many years.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Vonda Lee and Lonnie. He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years Kathryn and his daughter Darrin (Riley), two grandchildren Hadley and Will, his little best friend Precious. We all miss him very much. Services will be planned at a later date.

Thoughts and condolences can be sent to Jim’s family at www.mohavememorial.com. Arrangements were placed in the care of Mohave Memorial Lake Havasu Mortuary and Crematory.

Published in Today’s News Herald from Dec. 5 to Dec. 6, 2019

John Hammon

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John Hammon passed away May 30, 2019, with his wife by his side. He was 66 years old. Born June 8, 1952, in Flint, Michigan to Marion and Nelson “Toy” Hammon, the third of six children, his family moved to Ridgecrest when he was 4 years old. John graduated from Burroughs High School in 1970 and went to work in Trona, California at the mineral mining West End Plant for nearly 45 years. He was actively involved in the community, serving as president of the local California Gymkhana Association District 23 for about 25 years. Every year you could find him and Susan at the NFR and PBR Finals cheering on their favorite cowboys and cowgirls. He and Susan also attended Mule Days in Bishop every year, reserving their place for the following event before leaving the current one. This led him to his latest passion, the One Spade Youth Packers. He allowed the kids to use his mule during the Mule Days events and would always find an opportunity to get together and buy them a meal.

John is preceded in death by his father, mother, and sisters Dorothy Hammon Sandoval and Margaret Hammon Porter. He is survived by his wonderful wife of 33 years, Susan, children Shawna (Ben) Ford, Micah Hammon, and Mark (Jennifer) Hammon, and his grandchildren Hannah, Elisabeth, Joel, Noah, Alyssa, and Karen. He is also survived by his siblings Linda Hammon (Hank) Eberhart, Aaron Hammon, and Barbara Hammon Brown, as well as many nieces and nephews, cousins, and a multitude of friends.

John was a very generous person with the biggest heart. Whether he knew you for a short time or for many years he was there when you called. He was a trusted and loyal friend, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and cousin and will be missed greatly by all who knew him. There will be a celebration of life in his honor on his birthday, June 8 at 4:00 pm, at their home in Inyokern. Contact Susan or Mark Hammon for more details or directions if needed. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the One Spade Youth Packers Organization in John’s name (c/o Reid Hopkins, 9765 Sierra Way, Kernville CA 93238).

https://www.taftmidwaydriller.com/article/20190605/NEWS/190609915

Carol Elizabeth (Akam) Sorensen — Class of 1953

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Mrs. Carol Elizabeth Sorensen, 79, of Ridgecrest passed away on Feb. 24, 2015 at Palmdale Regional Hospital after a battle with cancer. She was a resident of Kern County since 1979.

A memorial service took place on Saturday, March 7, at 1 p.m. at Desert Christian Center, 100 E. Bataan Ave., Ridgecrest, with a celebration of life potluck following at the American Legion. She was cremated.

She was born on Aug. 27, 1935, in Minneapolis, Minn. She was a retired waitress and bartender, and was also part of the American Legion Auxiliary and an Inyokern Senior Citizen Board member and weekly servant. She loved yard-saling, camping, fishing, gardening, Bingo, spending time with family and friends and chatting on the phone with loved ones, whom she called daily.

She is survived by her husband Keith Sorensen, of Ridgecrest; children Sharon Vinson-Flores of Ridgecrest, Martha Kennedy and husband Kory of Ulm, Mont., Linda Spears of Bakersfield, Nancy DeGano of Ridgecrest, David and wife Lori Sorensen of Ridgecrest and Linda and Jony Sorensen of Ridgecrest; siblings Teresa Arkenburg of Rialto, Calif., David Akam of Seattle, Mary “Lulu” Mayfield of Yucaipa, Margaret “Mippy” Rameriz of Rockford, Ill., Diana Gonzales of Calimesa, Calif., and Donald Akam of Ridgecrest; 21 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by son Charles Pounds, parents Frank Fremal Akam and Elizabeth Bernice Akam, and brother Frank Akam.

— Submitted by the family of Carol Elizabeth Sorensen

http://www.news-ridgecrest.com/news/story.pl?id=0000003595

Judith Ann “Judy” (Bueltmann) Johnson — Class of 1956

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Judith Ann “Judy” Johnson (nee Bueltmann) died on April 24, 2019 in Vancouver, WA, at the age of 81 after a valiant fight with Alzheimer’s disease.

Judy was born on November 1, 1938 in St. Louis, MO to Ed and Mary Lou Bueltmann. The family moved to Trona, Ca in 1947. Judy graduated from Trona High School in 1956 and attended Chaffey College in San Bernardino. She met Logan Johnson in Trona and they were soon married in Reno, NV in 1957. The couple made their home in Trona where Judy worked in the central offices at the Trona High School. They had three children in Trona before relocating to Vancouver, WA.

Judy is survived by her husband of 62 years, Logan Johnson; two sons, Howard Johnson (Kathleen) and Jeff Johnson (Tammy) of Vancouver; daughter Jill Greiner (Steve) of Portland; brother Ed Bueltmann (Phyllis) of Lake Isabella, CA; and sisters Linda Kaletka (Jim) and Laurie Holte (Bruce) of Tucson, AZ; and two granddaughters.

A memorial to celebrate Judy’s life was held in Vancouver, WA on May 12th at the home of Howard and Kathleen Johnson.

— Linda Bueltmann.

Wallace Dean Martin 1941-2019

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We now have dates for services to be held for Wallace:

Wednesday, May 8th at 1:00; Alongsiders Church, 2830 NE Flanders St, Portland, OR 97232 Saturday, May 18th at 11:00; Christian Fellowship, 83435 Trona Rd, Trona, CA 93562

One thing that has always stood out to me about Wallace was his kind gentle smile. After reading about his life I can see that it wasn’t just on the surface. It was a reflection of who he was inside and a reflection of how he chose to live his life. I know he will be missed by his family and all those who knew him. I offer my warmest thoughts and best wishes to all his family especially Walter who I know misses him deeply. I urge you to click on the text below and follow the link to his full obituary.

Wallace Dean Martin, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 3, at 1:30 p.m.He died of an unknown neurological disease that came on rapidly.Throughout the months of his illness, Wallace retained his charm, positive demeanor and sense of humor, providing joy and encouragement to his family, friends, and care givers.He passed peacefully surrounded by his wife of 56 years, Betty, and his two daughters, Patricia and Judi. He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Sheridan and Ayla; sons-in-law Ian Marshall and David Argast; older brother Larry Martin, younger brother James Martin and his twin, Walter Gene Martin.Wallace also leaves behind a multitude of cherished friends and loved ones. […]

 

Hazel B. Vette 1937 – 2019

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Hazel B. Vette, 81, recently of Theodosia, MO passed away on April 10, 2019 at Gainesville Healthcare Center, Gainesville, MO. She was born June 29, 1937 at McCune Brooks Hospital in Carthage, MO to Loren and Mildred (Harrington) Hood.

Hazel grew up in the country around Alba, MO where she attended school. In high school she met Vernon Vette Sr. Vernon and Hazel married on May 28, 1955 and soon after they moved to Trona, CA where they raised their five children. Hazel stayed at home caring for her children until 1970 when she started working at Ridgecrest Hospital as a nurse’s aid, then went on to be a physical therapist assistant until she retired in 1992. Vernon and Hazel moved to Theodosia, MO in 1994 where they resided approximately eight years. They moved out of Ozark County but still resided in Missouri. In 2014 they moved back to Theodosia where she lived out the rest of her life.

Hazel loved the Lord and reading her bible, she also loved baking, camping, crocheting and working on puzzles. She especially loved to play cards or games with friends, children and grandchildren. She had a good sense of humor and was a little feisty at times.

She was preceded in death by her parents Loren Hood and Mildred Hood; one sister Roberta Mix; and one brother Donald Hood. She is survived by her husband Vernon Vette Sr. residing at Gainesville Healthcare Center; her five children Deborah Grantham and husband Mike of Weaubleau, MO, Vernon Vette Jr. of Grain Valley, MO, Elizabeth Perreira of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Victoria Cook and husband Ben of Theodosia, MO, Allan Vette of Lawrence, KS; fifteen grandchildren; twenty-nine great grandchildren; and ten great-great grandchildren.

Memorial services for Hazel will be held June 23, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. at the Hill Top Church in Thornfield, MO. Hazel will have a plaque on the memorial wall at the Lutie Cemetery in Theodosia, MO. Cremation services are under the care and direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.

SERVICES
Memorial ServiceSunday, June 23, 2019
3:00 PM

Hill Top Church
Hwy D
Thornfield, MO

Get Directions on Google Maps

Charles “Chuck” Hardison — Class of 1953

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Chuck Hardison died in the fall of 2015

Charles Edward Hardison was born on January 3, 1935, in Kern County, California to William and Matilda Hardison. He was proceeded in death by his parents; two brothers, Walter “Butch” and Larry and by two sisters, Mildred and Bobby. He is survived by one brother, Jerry, the twin brother of Larry.

Patsy (Still) Watson — Class of 1957

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From Teresa Still on Facebook:

Patsy (Still) Watson has gone from this earth to join her parents (JC & Cleo Still) in Heaven on 17 April 2019. She was a 1957 Trona graduate. She is survived by her husband (Leon Watson), her 2 sons (Ron & Don Watson), grandchildren, great grandchildren, Aunt Elene Still Chandler, Uncle Russell Still and cousins.

Pat Still from 1954 Trona Telescope

http://www.hollandlyons.com/obituary/patsy-watson?lud=208ADDA0BCD2CD10388EE5A0E1D8AC35&fbclid=IwAR2FF0gawHzBfZs_DxjHD8RbUP_pOrrUIjEMmoD7AYz6TtMAZpviRPUtmJ4

Marie (Dillon) Cobbs — Class of 1953

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From Nikki Beall Hood on Facebook

I’m sure most if you knew my mom Marie Beall / Mrs Beall that was Secretary to the Principal for years or as Marie Dillon when she graduated from THS in 1953. I am sad to say she has passed away. I thought some of you might want to know. Below is her Obituary:

Obituary

Marie Cobbs, 84 passed away April 4, 2019 in her sleep at Ridgecrest Retirement Center in Waco, Texas. The Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 2:00 PM at Oakcrest Funeral Home located at 4520 Bosque Blvd., Waco, TX 76710

Marie was born to James and Louise Dillon on March 12, 1935 in New Jersey. Marie graduated from Trona High School in 1953.

She is survived by two children, Nikki Hood and husband Jeff Hood and of Quinlan, TX and Bruce Beall and wife, Missy Beall of Waco. She is also survived by grandchildren, Jeremy Beall, Jodi Beall, Kenna Hood, Meagan De La Pena and husband German De La Pena and Halee Beall along with four great-grandchildren. Marie was preceded in death by her parents and her son Mike Beall.

Marie worked in the school system as a Secretary/Assistant for 45+ years at Trona ISD In Trona, CA and McLennan Community College in Waco, TX where she then retired from MCC after 20 plus years. Marie was also highly involved in being a volunteer for MDA for years and was also voted Volunteer of the Year. Marie never met a stranger. She was very proud of her family and swore she was going to live until she was 92, well she didn’t quite make it, but she lived one heck of a life.

https://oakcrestwaco.com/book-of-memories/3792242/Cobbs-Marie/index.php?fbclid=IwAR1ZQ7HZ2fumNs5eLb449OxOULOJFDxMXQFtsYQZ4eJ5D6pMAo2oaeZKdxA