Royce Henry Heseman passed away peacefully in Ridgecrest, California on October
31, 2025 at the age of 99 years and 7 months. Royce was born on March 27, 1926 in
San Francisco, California to Henry and Elsie Heseman. He had one younger sister,
Viola. Royce lived in St. Louis, Missouri and Ontario, California before coming with his
family to live in Trona, California in 1937.
After attending school for a brief period in Inyokern, Royce finished his school career at
Trona High School, graduating from Trona in the class of 1943. Following graduation, Royce joined the Army Air Corps where he served our country during the end of World
War II as a belly gunner on the B17 bomber aircraft.
From his first marriage, Royce became the proud father of three children. Upon his
second marriage to Elaine Rummer, her three children also became part of the
Heseman family.
Heseman’s Argus Market, owned and operated first by Henry and Elsie, then by Royce
and Viola, became a legendary business in Trona for many years. People still talk
about how much they miss that store that carried everything a family needed with
service that was incomparable. The business was sold in 1981, and Royce and Elaine
moved to Ridgecrest where they lived out their days. Royce served his new community
by volunteering at the Salvation Army and delivering meals for Meals on Wheels.
Royce is survived by four of his six children, Kathleen Heseman Courts, Mike Heseman
(Jeanne), Kirk Heseman (Cathy), and Tim Rummer (Joanna); grandsons, Jeff Courts
(Jacqui) and Mike Courts (Jenny); great-grandchildren, Callie, Bailey, and Michael
Courts. He is also survived by his nephews, Mark, Hal, and Tad Smith. Royce was
preceded in death by Elaine, his wife of 63 years, his step-sons, Gary and Lynn
Rummer, and his sister, Viola Heseman Smith.
Royce will be laid to rest at Desert Memorial Park in Ridgecrest, California. A plaque will
be placed alongside that of Elaine. As per his request, services will be private, for
family only.
Royce Heseman was a kind and gentle man, full of integrity, who was very much loved
by his family and all who knew him.
Rest in peace, Dad.
https://www.hollandlyons.com/obituary/royce-heseman?fh_id=10738
I remember Royce and the market in Argus that had great service. The class of ,1943 may have been the 2nd one at THS
The class of 1942 was the first Trona High School Class.
Sad that we lose another important figure of old Searles Valley. Royce was a great guy and always involved in programs that made our valley special. Prayers to his family.
He was such a nice man. I remember him, his wife, his parents and families. Such a good person. I’m one who thought that market was great!
Class of 1943:
Alvin Aasgard Jr. (1926-1968) ‘There is courage in his eyes.”
Jean (Anderson) Bee (1926-1982) -“How lovey is her eyes of blue.”
Charles W Boyle (1924-2016) “A gentleman of excellent wit.”
Royce Heseman (1926- 2025 ) ” The quiet mind is richer than a crown.”
Mary Ann (Jacobson) Everson (1926-2011) ” She showeth herself friendly.”
Marguerite (Cartwright) Luce Wukovitch (1925-2017) ” In her heart dwells the low of kindness.”
Louis Orozco (1924-2007) “He always has time enough for courtesy.”
Nora Lee (Poe) Krewson (1925-2019) ” Her ways are ways of pleasantness.”
Evangeline (Quezada) Gold (1925-2019) ” A beauteous maid with raven black hair.”
William Ryan (1925-1999) “Take thine ease, eat, drink and be merry” saith he.
Ruthmay (Smalley) Alters (1925-1985) “With softness and sweet attractive grace”
James Tattersall (1923-1994) ” Full of adventurous spirit”
Selena (Susan Wells) Borjas “Pleasure and action make her hours seem short.”
Fred Williams (1926-2011) ‘ He came, he saw, he conquered.”