Category Archives: In Memory

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

 

Jimmy Ewing

Jimmy Ewing – Class of 1953

Jim Ewing, class of 1953, passed away in March of 2012. In looking for information about Jim’s death I learned that in 1940 Jim’s grandfather, James Ewing, was the fire chief in Trona and that Jim’s father, Arthur, died in Trona in 1951 at the age of 38.

My brother Joel told me that Arthur was and electrician for AP&CC and while he was working inside a product elevator someone turned it on. If I remember correctly it took several days work to recover the body. “Lock-out, Tag-out” seems so obvious now and I am sure it has saved a lot of lives. Still I remember a similar accident occurring at Kaiser Steel where the lock was cut and the tag removed. I was told by someone who worked there in the 70s that Kaiser Steel averaged an on the job death a week.

The following is an email from Jim’s daughter, Tami, to George Sherman:

“My dad had some health issues but was very diligent about seeing his doctor and taking his medications and was living happily in San Diego. My husband and I visited every other weekend as he was yearning to spend more and more time with family as he was getting along in years. I mention that as there was no outward indication of any serious health issues.

Sunday, March 4th, I received a call from my dad letting me know he had been admitted to Scripps hospital in San Diego. He took a bad fall in his condo, (evidently from ‘blacking out’) and broke 4 ribs. My dad fought to recover from his injuries, for awhile, but doctors informed me they were more concerned about his other ‘health issues’ than they were his ribs. He had liver disease and while admitted, hospital doctors learned he was having heart trouble (which explained why he had the black out). As each day passed, he got progressively worse and the rib injuries were extremely painful for him.

I spent day and night at his hospital bedside until he was finally to weak to fight, He passed away peacefully on March 21, 2012, I held his hand, prayed with him, and we watched the sun setting over the San Diego Bay as he took his last breath.

Sorry to ramble, I loved my dad very much and it gives me some comfort to share a little with his friends. My dad loved his friends very much, especially those he kept in contact with from Trona. I know because a) he told me so and b) he always talked about them. *smile*

Tami”

David (Harral) Fuller – Class of 1960

David (Harral) Fuller and his brother Richard went by the name of “Harral” when they were in high school but their real name was Fuller. After high school they went back to using their real name. David was born on September 7, 1942 and died on October 23, 2013. The last address I had for him was Los Molinos, CA but apparently he had moved to Louisiana. Linda Monroe said he had lung cancer but did not know if this was the cause of death or not. The arrangements were handled by Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Blvd, Metairie, LA 70006. David’s brother, Richard, died in 1995 and is buried in Trona.

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.

Linda Billy Darneal – Class of 1959

Linda Darneal

This is old news but is new to me so I thought it was worth passing along.

Linda Billy (Darneal) Jones was born on August 11, 1941 in Ventura, California and passed away on January 12, 2010 with her family by her side.

Billy traveled down many paths in her life. She worked in the gaming business as a dealer and pit boss for over 40 years. She loved the game of golf. Billy worked at the golf course (that she adored so much) and accomplished two hole-in-ones. For many years, she owned the Ryndon Quarter Horse Ranch in Elko, Nevada where she bred and showed championship horses. Billy was also a very talented artist and enjoyed being on a bowling league for several years.

Billy was outspoken, courageous, and fearless. Her spunky personality and incredible ability to tell a funny joke would always fill the room with smiles and laughter. Her Fideaux joke will never be forgotton.

She was very passionate about her children, grandchildren, family and beloved animal friends. They meant the world to her. Billy had a tremendous love for her friends and always took care of them whenever she was needed.

Forever missing her love and warm heart are her mother, Wanda Darneal, sister Dinah Daane (John), children, Lyn Cerminaro (Mike), Jason Jones (Charlotte), Holly Jones, Erico Bisquera (Lori), grandchildren, Kayla, Logan, Ellie, Peyton, Koen, and baby Boies (to come), many loving friends, cousins, nephews, and her loyal companion Chasey.

She will be reunited with her father Calvin Darneal, brother-in-law Tony Cavalli, her best friends Myrt and Joan, and beloved horse Pardner.

A celebration of Billy’s life was held on January 28, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at the Christian Fellowship Church, 95 S. 1st Street, Wendover, Utah.

Published in Elko Daily from January 25 to February 26, 2010

John C Heater

John C. Heter – Class of 1963

John C. Heter passed away on June 19, 2013 in Ontario, California. He was 68 years old. John resided in Ridgecrest, California since 2010, having moved from Valencia, California. He was born May 3, 1945 in Trona, California. John was a geologist before retiring in 2010, and served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970. John will be missed by his Facebook friends.