Dena Raye (Boring) Ross – Class of 1976

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Dena Raye (Boring) Ross, a resident of Yukon, Oklahoma, died at her home after losing her bitter battle with cancer on January 6, 2019, at the age of 60. Dena was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, on February 21, 1958, to Dean and Doris Boring. She graduated from Trona High School in Trona, California in 1976, and shortly thereafter she married her former husband Douglas Ross. They had three children together; sons Zachary and Tyler, and daughter Audra.

Dena loved her family and pets and dreamed of retiring to enjoy traveling to some of the places that she arranged travel for her Hertz customers. Dena constantly pursued learning history and in the last few years had started gardening. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who knew her.

Dena is preceded in death by her father. She is survived by her mother; her children; her grandchildren Kelsey, Luciana, Capone, and Theodore (Teddy); and her siblings Donna (Boring) Heaslip, Jeffrey Boring, Vicki (Boring) Hobby, and Brian Boring. 

A service is scheduled for 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 12 at Smith and Turner Mortuary, Yukon, OK and interment to follow at Yukon Cemetery. Flowers, donations and condolences may be offered at Smith and Turner Mortuary.

http://www.smith-turnermortuary.com/book-of-memories/3692133/Ross-Dena/service-details.php?fbclid=IwAR1qWj-l-AC4QceMz3VAQ-3hnwKRCyGonOCbTrk18f_txwn3yPu1rNKkmg0

Janice Giraud, a 60-year-old Trona resident

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December 28, 2018 – 7:15 PM, the California Highway Patrol were summoned to SR 78 in the unincorporated area of Trona regarding a pedestrian struck by a sedan. Paramedics and California Highway Patrol Officers responded. They confirmed Janice Giraud, a 60-year-old Trona resident, was found with injuries and pronounced dead on scene. California Highway Patrol – Mojave is handling the investigation. Police are encouraging anyone that may have seen what happened to reach out to them.

Coach Paul Monroe Branum

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February 16, 1936 – January 5, 2019

Obituary of Coach Paul Monroe Branum

Paul Monroe Branum of Fort Smith, Arkansas passed away peacefully January 4, 2019 at age 82. Born February 16, 1936 in Vinita, Oklahoma, Paul was the sixth of seven children of James Madison Branum and Gladys Mae Toler Branum.

He excelled in sports at Holdenville High School (OK) and he chose to take his talents to Murray State College (OK) and Austin College (TX). Paul graduated from Austin College and earned his Masters from East Texas State. In 1959, he married the love of his life, and wife of 59 years, Nicolette Brown of London, England.

Paul’s passion was coaching football. He coached the first integrated high school football team in east Texas, and spent over 20 years (1971-1991) coaching on the only sand football field in America at Trona, CA. His coaching career spanned 6 decades and influenced many lives. From his dust bowl roots, he was able to instill strength and resilience into generations of young athletes. He retired to Emory, Texas, in 2003, and eventually moved to Fort Smith to be closer to grand-kids.

He is survived by his wife Nicolette Cecile Branum; son Paul Branum and wife Joanna of Greely, Colorado and their children Aliyah, Caedmon and Jackson; son Russell Branum and wife Marilin of Greenwood, and their children Elissa Lucero and husband Michael, Matthew Branum and wife Haley, and Emily, Olivia and Ivalynn Branum; son David Branum and wife Jennette of Overton, Texas, and their children, Devin Branum and wife Devon, Karmen Lantz and husband Dillon and their children Emily and Lucas, and Katrina Hughes and husband Jonathan; daughter Suzanne Crable and husband Tom of Cincinnati, Ohio and their children Matthew and Jonathan; his sister Beverly Vannoy and husband Donald of Oklahoma, as well as his brother James Branum of Texas.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday 3 pm at Methodist Village in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Flowers will be shared profusely amongst patients and staff. Arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral home. Memorial donations may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association. Alz.org To leave an online memory, visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.

Joe Brangwin

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Trona Icon Joe Brangwin passed away at his daughters’ home on Oct 28, 2018.  He was 92.

Joe owned the Chevron Station in Trona over 50 years and was a staple of the community. Trona Citizens honored Joe with a community dinner and plaque in August 2017 commemorating his many years of service and dedication to Trona and surrounding communities.

Joe Brangwin was born on 12-31-1925 and raised in Le Mars Iowa.  He was an identical twin and the baby of the family.  After graduation from High School he entered the Army and served in Europe with the 101st Airborne Division. After the war he attended Westmar College where he earned his private pilots license. He went to work for the Westend Chemical Co in Trona in 1950.  He and a partner opened up the Trona Chevron Station in 1954 which he owned and operated for 50 years.  He was a life member and Past Exalted Ruler of the Trona Elks Lodge, and an active member of Grace Lutheran Church.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Laveda Merle, both sons Stephen of Trona and Michael of San Jose, and his daughter Linda Panter of Boron.  He is survived by daughter Lori Acton of Ridgecrest, granddaughters Tami Mitchell of Boron and Amanda Parcher of WA, grandson Cody Parcher of Ridgecrest, and Great Great Grandson Rayden Swigart of WA.

His siblings Velva Ford of AZ, brothers Donald of Seattle, Earl of Anaheim and his twin John of Le Mars all preceded him in death, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held from 5-8 pm at Holland Lyons Mortuary Thursday, Nov. 1 and the Funeral service will be on Friday, Nov. 2 at Grace Lutheran Church @10 am. Graveside service with Interment will follow at Searles Valley Cemetery in Trona. Afterwards, a reception to share memories and stories of joe along with a potluck will be held at Grace Lutheran church.

Viola Florence (Marshall) Fair — Class of 1948

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Viola Florence (Marshall) Fair passed away on August 22, 2018 after an extended illness. She was born October 14, 1930 in Lone Pine, CA to John W. and Rosella (Merrick) Marshall, grew up in Cartago, and graduated from Trona High School in 1948.

After receiving a business degree at San Bernardino Valley College in 1950, she was employed as a Service Representative at Southern Telephone (later General Telephone) until 1954. She met her future husband, Edward Fair, while she was in high school, and they married in 1952 when he was on leave from the Navy during the Korean War. She and Edward had two daughters and settled in Rialto.

The family moved to Citrus Heights in 1965. Viola created a loving home, supporting her family’s well-being in every way. She was a caring and devoted wife, mother, and friend, and adored her 4 grandchildren. She sewed beautiful clothes, and was talented in arts and crafts. She served as room mother, Sunday school teacher, and Girl Scout leader in support of her daughters. Viola is remembered for her delicious cooking, abundant canning, beautiful garden, and lovely oil paintings. She always had the right See’s candy for the occasion, and we are reminded of fun times with her when we taste butterscotch squares, strawberry-rhubarb pie, apricot-pineapple jam and her other favorites.

She loved animals, adopting many dogs and cats over the years and offering a friendly yard for wild animals and birds. Viola was a very giving person and volunteered throughout her life. She was an active member of Celtic Cross Presbyterian Church for decades, volunteered for over 20 years at the Casa Restaurant supporting the Sacramento Children’s Home, and supported the Thursday Club and Garden Club among others. She and Edward led projects to plant and maintain the Rusch House’s former Rose Garden for more than a decade.

Viola is survived by Edward, her beloved husband of over 65 years; brother, John W. Marshall Jr. (Beverly); daughters, Cheryl Zakskorn (Peter) and Pam Fair (Glen Sullivan); granddaughters, Stefanie Zakskorn Lynch (Brice), Stacie Zakskorn and Shelley Zakskorn Herzfeldt (Alex); grandson, Ted Sullivan; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Comber and Lillian Todd; many nieces and nephews; and her favorite cat, Ming. Viola was preceded in death by her parents as well as sisters, Jeanne Olson and Dorothy Park. Viola was kind, encouraging, and warm. Her smile, bright eyes, sense of humor and unconditional love will be forever missed. She will be laid to rest at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery; respecting her wishes, the service will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Viola’s memory may be made to the Mono Lake Committee (www.monolake.org) or the Sacramento SPCA (www.sspca.org).

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sacbee/obituary.aspx?n=viola-florence-fair-marshall&pid=190107015

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/192752197/viola-florence-fair

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