Category Archives: Trona News

Mary (Hurtado) Perez (1929-2018) — Class of 1948

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Our mother was born August 5, 1929 in the town of Aguascalientes, Mexico. She was raised in a small town in Trona, CA and moved with her family to Pittsburg, CA where she met the love of her life Joaquin.

A loving soul, Mary was the epitome of the perfect mother and wife. She dedicated her life to making sure her children were happy and taught us to pray and instilled the love of Jesus in our daily life. Everyone loved her fresh homemade tortillas, and her specialty Mexican dishes. Mom loved to read, crochet blankets for all the family, do word puzzles and she especially loved our visits to Thunder Valley Casino.

We are heartbroken that she is no longer with us, but have the assurance that she is with our Lord. A devoted wife and mother, Mary raised 7 children, Rebecca, (Mel), Richard, Christina, (Juan), Susan (Raymond), Vivian, (Barry) David, (Jennifer) and Steven.

Mom has 13 Grandchildren, Marissa, Maurice, Sarah, Katie, Jason, Damone, Angie, Natalie, Steven, Christofer, James, Zachary and Landon. Five great grandchildren, Malachi, Leilani, Lyla, Giselle, Noemi, Carter and Beau.

She is also survived by her brothers, Jess, Mike, Al, Frank, Joe and sisters, Lydia, Lupe, and Ellen. She is preceded in death by her parents, Jesus and Matilde Hurtado, her husband Joaquin Perez, sisters, Rachel Martin and Alice Tiscareno.

A memorial mass will be held on Friday, August 3, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at Christ The King Catholic Church, 199 Brandon Rd., Pleasant Hill, CA with a reception immediately following at the Church Hall.

Mary HurtadoPerez
August 5, 1929 – July 1, 2018
Resident of Martinez
Concord Funeral Chapel
(925) 682-4242 • FD1006
www.ouimetbrothers.com

FORMER TRONANS CLUB PICNIC 2018

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2018 has come fast, hasn’t it? It doesn’t seem like two years since our last get-together.
This year the Picnic will be held on October 13th. That’s the second weekend in October.
The Searles Lake Gem and Mineral Show will also be at that same time, so be sure to walk
through and see some of our local artists and their presentations.

We would appreciate hearing from you whether or not you plan to attend. Let us know
how you and your family are doing and be sure to verify your address, phone number and
email address (if you have one). Thank you to all who made donations to cover our
expenses last time!

TIME AND PLACE
Our Picnic will be held on Saturday, October 13th beginning at 10:00 AM at our usual
meeting place, the Trona Elementary School (the Round School) on Athol Street.

FOOD
Sack lunches (sandwich, chips, fruit cup, dessert) are available for $10 each. Please include
payment with your response as these lunches must be pre-ordered. Beverages will be
provided by the club.

As some of you may have heard, the Trona Community Church had to close its doors but a
pancake breakfast will still be offered by the same folks who always come through. Cost is
$6 and $4 for kids under 12. A group is trying to raise funds to rehab it into a community
center, so be sure to go by if you can.

We are not sure about the Elks BBQ yet. See the Gem Show flyer for more information. Food is
also available at the Trails Drive-in and at Esparza’s Family Restaurant (old Theater) on
Main Street, in addition to the food at the Gem Show.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

The Searles Lake Gem and Mineral Society will be celebrating their 77th annual Gem-O-
Rama on October 13th and 14th. Free Plant Tours by bus at 10:40, 11:45, 12:55, and 1:40 on

Saturday only. For additional information, please refer to the flier included in this letter.
The museums of the Searles Valley Historical Society – Old Guest House, History House, and
the Trona Railway, will be open on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and on Sunday from
10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The Fire Museum will only be open on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

LODGING

Clarion Inn Comfort Inn
901 N. China Lake Blvd. 507 S. China Lake Blvd
Ridgecrest, CA 93555 Ridgecrest, CA 93555
(760) 446-7910 (760) 375-9731
Hampton Inn & Suites Spring Hill Suites (Marriott) Heritage Inn & Suites
104 E. Sydnor Ave. 113 E. Sydnor Ave 1050 N. Norma
Ridgecrest CA 93555 Ridgecrest CA 93555 Ridgecrest CA 93555
(760) 446-1968 (800) 741-5072 (800) 843-0693
Best Western China Lake Inn
400 S. China Lake Blvd
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
760 371-2300

Camping is available at Valley Wells for a nominal fee (only for the weekend).

We’re looking forward to seeing all our friends. Please let us know by returning the enclosed attendance form.

See you at the Picnic!

Nicki (Weidenbenner) Johnson

Enclosures

The Former Tronans Picnic? takes place October 8th, 10AM – 2PM in the Trona Elementary (round) School. All Former Tronans are invited to come and it’s FREE! PDF forms (Info on the Picnic, a RSVP form, and the Gem and Mineral Show, also on the same weekend) can be downloaded here:

2018 Letter Download

2018 Response Form

Flyer

In Memory 2018

Richard Lynn Krumenacker 1953-2018

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Richard Lynn Krumenacker
July 18, 1953 – February, 7, 2018
Rick Krumenacker, a former teacher/coach and life-long resident of Blackfoot, ID, passed away unexpectedly on February 7, 2018, at the age of 64.
Rick is survived by his wife, Shauna West Krumenacker, his children, Josh Krumenacker, Nichole Smith, Kellie Alcala and Alisha Tomita; his grandchildren Sabrina Alcala, Austin Smith, Savannah Smith, Simone Smith and Jett Tomita. He is preceded in death by his parents Edward and Wilma Krumenacker, and sister Brenda Williams.
Rick was born in Trona, California on July 18, 1953 to Edward Krumenacker and Wilma Reece Krumenacker. When 3, his family moved to Idaho. He has six siblings including Larry Ellingson, Robert Krumenacker (Micki Krumenacker), Brenda Williams (deceased) (Kenneth Williams), Cindy Krumenacker, Melody Chadwick (Lee Chadwick), and Merri Nielsen (Jerry Nielsen). He married Joyce Hare in 1973. Rick and Joyce divorced in 1980 and he remarried his soul mate, and fellow MVMS teacher, Shauna West in July 1980. Together they had one child, Alisha Krumenacker Tomita. He earned his Masters in PE, Athletics Administration from Idaho State University, July 1982.
Rick was a devoted father and avid educator. He taught in Blackfoot SD for 18 years as well as coached football, track, basketball and wrestling. He was devoted to his family, religion, history, Elvis, football and BYU. He was a spiritual man who loved his Savior and enjoyed teaching in the various auxiliaries of the LDS church. He was happy to serve in the Idaho Falls temple on Thursdays. He had a booming voice, but his stern demeanor was often betrayed by the twinkle in his eye. He will be deeply missed.
A viewing will be scheduled for 10 am, and funeral service at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 17 at the LDS Church at 650 Pocatello Ave., American Falls, Idaho. Bishop Anderson of the American Falls 4th Ward will officiate. Condolences & memories may be shared at www.davisrosemortuary.com.

Published in Idaho State Journal on Feb. 11, 2018

Mary Edith (Heavner) Blanche: Class of 1949

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Mary Blanche The Trona Days from Robert Blanche on Vimeo.

Mary Edith Blanche

Salem – February 26, 1930 – January 16, 2018

Mary Blanche passed peacefully of natural causes. Mary was born in Los Angeles, California, to Edith and Lester Heavner. Mary had two older sisters, Lucille and Sonia, and a younger brother Clinton. At 15 she moved with her family to Trona, in California’s Mohave desert. Mary loved the desert and told many stories of her teen years there.

In 1948 she eloped with Richard Blanche. She had five children: Richard, Lorraine, Susan, Rosanne and Robert. A stay-at-home mom, she raised her family to be kind, self-sufficient, independent and strong. In 1969 the family moved to Salem, Oregon. There she attained her AA degree at Chemeketa Community College and made the ‘Dean’s List’. She worked for the State of Oregon until retiring in 1991.

Mary was a force of nature with a very determined spirit. Her greatest gift was an ability to see the beauty, strength and weakness in each of us, and without judgment, to provide advice unique to each individual. She genuinely loved people, and they responded to her warmth and wisdom. Mary loved animals, liked to cook, enjoyed traveling with her family, and liked games, game shows and comedies.

Mary is survived by: son Richard Blanche, daughter Susan (Rex) Kappler, daughter Rosanne (Geoff) Parks, son Robert (Christine) Blanche, and daughter Lorraine’s partner Mark Gillespie and ex-husband Joseph May. She leaves nine grandchildren: Marcie (Rodney) Maret, Amie (Michael) Hyatt, Rachel Blanche, Jessica and Justin Kliewer, Hayley (Ike) McGinnis, Emily and Audrey Blanche, and Carly (Tyler) Snow. She has nine great-grandchildren: R.J. Blanche; Jacob, Celeste, Devin and Alexis Hyatt; Drake and Konner Maret; Jayden and Jayna Alvarez; and one great-great grandchild (Isaiah Hyatt). She also leaves four nieces, three nephews and their spouses and children. She dearly loved us all.

Mary made the world a better place – she will be forever carried in the hearts of many. 

Published in Statesman Journal on Jan. 23, 2018

Mary would have been in the class of 1949 if she had not dropped out of school in the 8th grade. She worked in the Trona Coffee shop with her father until she eloped with Richard Blanche.

To read more about Mary read:

http://www.ridgecrestca.com/news/20180207/she-liked-desert-flowers-former-trona-resident-mary-blanche-dead-at-87

Gary Norton – Class of 1956

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Gary Norton went to school in Trona until the 6th grade. After that he visited Trona many times during the summer. Gary passed away on Thursday, January 4, 2018.

 Services will be Friday, February 2, at 10:45. 10:15, at .Riverside national memorial cemetery ,reception just inside the  entry.

http://obituaries.desertsun.com/obituaries/thedesertsun/obituary.aspx?n=walter-gary-norton&pid=187815311&fhid=29972

Trona High School Class of 1968 50th Anniversary Reunion

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The THS Class of 1968 is having their 50th Anniversary Reunion April 13-14, 2018 at the 4 QUEENS HOTEL & CASINO in Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Class of 1968 is having a reunion in Las Vegas and has decided to open up their celebration to the THS Classes of 1966, 1967, 1969, and 1970 and OTHER interested Trona High School graduates.

For everyone that wants to join the party, the Host Class of 1968 is planning a Registration Reception for all classes on Friday (4/13) night at the Royal Pavillion, located inside the 4 Queens Hotel & Casino.

A Buffet-Style Banquet Dinner for all classes is scheduled for Saturday (4/14) night at the Longhorn Room, located inside Binion’s Gambling Hall, across the Fremont Street Experience from the 4 Queens Casino.

GENERAL PROGRAM:

Friday Evening – Royal Pavillion, 4 Queens Casino

5:00 pm – 10:00 pm Check-In (get name tags and programs), Informal Mixer, Reception Room with tables and chairs, finger foods, photo exhibits and memorabilia.

Saturday Evening – Longhorn Room, Binion’s Gambling Hall

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Visiting, Cash Bar, Welcome Announcements

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Buffet–Style Banquet Dinner (three entrees)

7:30 pm – 10:00 pm Class Photo, Group photos, Informal Visiting & Rockin’ Out (bring your favorite ‘60s music)

Donald Dansby – Class of 1956

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A message from George Sherman about Donald Dansby (THS 1956):

I’m very saddened to announce that Donnie passed away on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 in his home in Elk Grove, CA. His step-brother Danny Knight (THS 1967) called me yesterday to let me know. (Danny’s father married Don’s mother.) Donnie died as a result of renal failure after having to undergo daily dialysis for several years. Before he passed, he requested that there would be no memorial service.

Donnie was in our class in Trona from at least first grade through senior year, graduating in 1956. He excelled in both academics and athletics (primarily in football and baseball). He was admired and respected by members of the class, who frequently elected him Class President or Vice President for various school years. He made it into the California Scholarship Federation (CSF) in both his Freshman and Senior years and was one of six students in our class to be awarded the Elks Award for Leadership at the end of our Senior year. Donnie loved his Trona heritage and came to all of our reunions including the 50th Anniversary of our Class Graduation in 2006.

Class of 1967 50th Reunion — Posted for Marilyn McKee and Ellie Murrin

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Dear Class of 1967, Trona High School,

Marilyn McKee and Ellie Murrin are organizing the 50th class reunion for their class.  We originally thought we could decide between Las Vegas or Trona for this gathering, but the Class of 1968 has invited us to Las Vegas for the next year in April, so I decided to go ahead with a Trona reunion.

Both the Searles Valley Gem and Mineral show and homecoming land on the weekend of Oct 14-15th.  It only seems right to also have our reunion on the same weekend, so people can enjoy all the events that are happening in town.  The important thing is that the motels in Ridgecrest fill up that weekend so Marilyn has blocked 30 rooms in Ridgecrest at the Hampton Inn and Springhill Suites; 15 rooms in each. These hotels sit next to each other. The price is $119 for the group rate. Marilyn has both Friday and Saturday nights booked and anyone can extend their stay. Get these rooms reserved in the next month, because they fill up fast and a larger group can steal from our block. Marilyn also has half king beds and half 2 queen beds for those who may want to share. Their phone number is (760) 446-1630.  The sooner you can book your room, the better chance rooms will be available. Marilyn can reserve more if needed.

Marilyn is looking for all the emails for class members, past and present, and close friends.   Paul Grissom and Bill and Marilyn McKee have homes side by side in Westend.  The McKees are willing to host dinners on Friday and Saturday nights.  That way, we can visit and enjoy each other in a casual setting.  We were thinking there would be a charge for food, and everyone can BYOB.  Because we are now “old Farts”, we need to know about dietary issues and allergies people have, so we can have a variety of food to offer.  People can float between the two houses and enjoy everyone’s company. 

Marilyn will look into what the Elks will be doing.  With the large reunions, they have been known to put on some sort of dinner for Saturday night.  It may be an option to use their facility for the Saturday night. 

Marilyn would also like for you to put together a summary of what you are doing, including address and phone numbers so we can stay connected.   Marilyn will assemble them so class members each have a copy, like in the past.

Marilyn need emails for everyone. If you can private message Marilyn on Facebook and update your email. Also, include anyone you may want to attend. This is a start.

The Class of 1968 has invited us to join them in Las Vegas in April, 2018 and Marilyn will have that information and pass that on later.

 Party Planners, 

Marilyn McKee and Ellie Murrin

LIZ (WALKER) BERNAU: CLASS OF 1965

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Liz (Walker) Bernau passed away Sunday, July 2, 2017  in Phoenix after battling tremendous pain for these past years.

Her sister Suzanne Walker writes, “We will keep you posted on any Memorial Services, though the children will have to make those decisions.  I have prayed for nearly a year that she would soon be free of pain.  Yes, there is sadness but also elation knowing she is now free to fly the heavens without pain.”

George Sherman added, “Marilyn [Walker] tells me that services for Liz will probably be held in Thousand Oaks, CA where Liz lived for many years and where most of her children live. I will forward to all of you any additional info as I learn it.”