Category Archives: Trona News

Donald J. McCarley

Donald J. McCarley — Class of 1969

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Donald J. McCarley age 73 of St. Cloud died Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at his home in St. Cloud. Burial with full military honors will be 1PM Friday January 12, 2024 at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Little Falls. Visitation will be from 4-6PM on Thursday (Today) at the Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in St. Cloud. The Sauk Rapids Legion will pray at 6PM.

Donald James McCarley was born to Donald H. and Joyce (Hill) McCarley on August 25, 1950, in Ridgecrest, CA. He graduated from Trona High School in Trona, CA, and went on to serve his country honorably in the United States Navy during the time of the Vietnam War. Don then worked as a letter carrier for over 33 years for the United States Postal Service in St. Cloud. Don was married to Doris Lee Montgomery on March 24, 1975, in Lancaster, CA, and together they raised their three sons.

Don will be remembered for his love of books and reading. He was an avid hunter and liked to spend time in nature. Don and Doris loved to watch classic movies together, especially Jimmy Stewart movies. He was also a big John Wayne and Elvis fan. He had an unmatched love of music and was known as a rock and roll “headbanger.” Don was also very proud of his military service, and was a commander of the color guard at the Sauk Rapids American Legion Post #254 for many years. Above all else, he will be dearly missed as an amazing husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend to all who knew him.

Don is survived by his wife, Doris; sons, Bobby (Tara) Nowak of Wausau, WI, Flynn (Renee) McCarley of Green Bay, WI, and Cody (Melissa) McCarley of St. Cloud; grandchildren, Kole, Madison, Carrington, Ava, Connor, and Vivian; great-grandchild, Teagan; and brothers, John Phillip McCarley, class of 1967, and Larry McCarley, class of 1975.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Teresa , class of 1971.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Disabled American Veterans organization at www.donate.dav.org/donate

Read More: Donald “Don” J. McCarley, 73, St. Cloud | https://wjon.com/donald-don-j-mccarley-73-st-cloud/?fbclid=IwAR38VFex9cyipS5wvoal1HkuicbXqtODR8EmauTTJH1f9XCq3CMdenOk4Fk&utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

Don McCarley1966

Suzanne “Suzie” Maude Badders — Class of 1963

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I just learned about the passing of Sue Badders. I don’t have any details except that her family plans to scatter her ashes near the location of the old stables. I believe they mean the stables in Trona Road just south of Pioneer Point.

Sue had an older sister, Diane, who graduated in 1961. She passed away in 2017.

If I find an obituary or get any more information, I will share it.

Note: Due to an error in the 1961 Telescope a previous version of this post had a picture of the wrong person. Thank you, Andrea, for bringing that to our attention and for providing a picture of your friend, Sue.

Nicki (Weidenbenner) Johnson — Class of 1966

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 Nicki’s daughter, Terisa Johnson Harju left the following message on Facebook: 

It is with a heavy heart but also with many happy memories that we announce the passing of my mom Nicki. She passed on Saturday August 26th after having the rare opportunity to say goodbye to most of her friends and family. She asks that everyone “look for the glimmers” (reference on her fb page). She also asked in lieu of flowers, that donations be sent to the Ridgecrest Veterans Advisory Council via Carol Coy or the Ridgecrest Animal Shelter via Mary Sage.

There will be a celebration of her life in October, (most likely the 2nd or 3rd weekend). The place, date and time will be announced.

Margaret Dale (Pipkin) Brush

Margret (Pipkin) Brush — Class of 1945

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With the death of Margaret “Lit” Brush in Ridgecrest on July 9, 2023, the Northern Mojave Desert has lost a priceless asset to the history of the Searles Valley. In a lifelong whirlwind of activity, she found and preserved priceless remnants of that history for the enjoyment and education of residents and visitors alike.

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Richard Leon Livey — Class of 1964

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Richard Leon Lively, passed away at the age of 77 at his home in Ridgecrest, California. Richard grew up in Trona, CA with his brother, Bobby Gene Lively, Jr., and resided in Ridgecrest, CA for most of his life. He graduated from Reno High School in 1965 and served two tours of duty in Vietnam from 1975 to 1979. He was honorably discharged as Sergeant Regular Army in 1981 after serving in Panama. He was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division and received medals for National Defense Service, Vietnam Service, Good Conduct (1st Award) and Vietnam Campaign in addition to Expert Badge M-16, Expert Badge Hand Grenade, Parachute Badge and Sharpshooter Badges.

After his military service, Richard earned A.S degrees in Police Science, Diesel Technology, Drafting Technology and General Education. He enjoyed ceramics and received many certificates of achievement as an honor student at local community colleges. He was a Deputy Sheriff under the federal government’s C.E.T.A. program in Mono County and worked at the Kerr-McGee Chemical Corporation.

Richard is survived by his nieces and nephews and will be interred at the Bakersfield National Cemetery with full military honors. We pray that you are at peace Richard and enjoying eternal conversations.

You can find the original obituary here:

https://www.ridgecrestca.com/obituaries/richard-leon-lively/article_cc2c64f2-de0a-11ed-bb8e-63e40e283a2b.html

YouTube Video About Trona

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An interesting video about Trona

This video contains some great drone videography and provided me with at least a virtual visit to Trona which will have to do for now.

He starts out at the old Perkins gas station but somehow never makes it to Pioneer Point.