The Former Tronan Picknick Committee has decided to stop having picnics due to the lose of so many participants and organizers. They have donated their remaining funds, $1541 to the 2025 All Class Reunion in hopes that this reunion will be unforgettable.
The festivities will begin Friday night, October 24, with the coronation ceremony and bonfire, followed by a street dance on Frontage Road from 8:00 to midnight. DJ Eric Shoaf of Good Vibrations will again be proving the music. Saturday activities include the pancake breakfast, Homecoming parade, with our very own Andy Ledesma as Alumni Grand Marshall. Lunch will be served from 11:00-1:00 in the high school gym. The Varsity football game against Lone Pine will start around 2:30 pm, preceded by the introduction of the Homecoming Court at 1:45 pm. Saturday evening includes dancing and entertainment from 9:00 pm -1:00 am at the Elks, provided by Monarch Party Band, led by our very own Trona alumni John Young. The evening meal will be heavy Hors d’oeuvres.
Souvenir tee shirts, zip up hoodie sweatshirts, and baseball caps are available for purchase on the order form.
Here is the schedule of events:
Friday, October 24th
• 6:00 pm Coronation on the football field
• 8:00 pm Bonfire and “T” lighting
• 8-12 pm Street Dance – Frontage Rd. (where the liquor store/pizza parlor was)
Saturday, October 25th
• 7:00 am Pancake Breakfast at the Senior Citizens Center
• 10:00 am Homecoming Parade
• 11:00 am Catered Lunch in the high school gym (11:00-1:00)
• 1:45 pm Introduction of Homecoming Court followed by Varsity Game
• 6:00 pm Social hour at the Elks
• 7:00 pm Heavy Hors d’oeuvres meal served from (7:00-9:00)
• 9:00 pm Dancing at the Elks
◊ Reunion souvenirs: Souvenir tee shirts, hoodie sweatshirts, and hats can be ordered on the order form. These souvenirs will NOT be available for sale during the reunion weekend, so buy them now! Souvenir packets will be available for pickup at the street dance on Friday night and after the parade on Saturday in front of the gym. A group picture will be taken at the gym prior to the lunch. Be sure to wear your reunion shirt!!!
◊ Cell phones: Only Verizon cell phones will work in Trona. If you plan to purchase a prepaid
Verizon phone for the event, please make sure to ask if that phone will work in Trona. Apparently some do, and some don’t.
Here is a list of Cell phone providers that use Verizon:
Visible: Owned by Verizon, Visible offers unlimited data, talk, and text plans.
Xfinity Mobile: Offers plans that can be bundled with Xfinity internet services.
Red Pocket: Provides various prepaid plans across Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile networks.
US Mobile: Offers customizable plans with options for premium data and international features.
Straight Talk: Uses Verizon’s network, as well as AT&T and T-Mobile.
Twigby: A low-cost provider with plans for different data needs.
Page Plus: A prepaid provider operating on Verizon’s network.
Spectrum Mobile: Offers plans bundled with Spectrum internet and mobile services.
Total Wireless: A prepaid service provider that utilizes Verizon’s network.
TracFone: Another prepaid provider that uses Verizon’s network, along with other major networks.
Climax of “Homecoming Week” at Trona Unified School will com during the half-time period of the Trona -Big Bear football battle on Saturday afternoon when the local gridiron will be christened “Griffith Field” in honor if William Griffith first Trona team captain who is now serving in the Navy.
The dedication will be made by R. W. Mumford vice-president of the American Potash and Chemical Corporation and chairman of the board of trustees of the school. Mr. and Mrs. C.W. Griffith of Trona, parents of the Navy man will acknowledge the tribute.
This was in the November 23, 1944 Trona newspaper. The headline was:
Bill was in the first graduating class of the newly built Trona High School, the class of 1942. The school that he attended has been leveled to the ground due to it’s age and damage from the eathquake.
When Bill played football there was not much of a field and they didn’t have football uniforms.
In later years they learned to water the field to hold down the dust.
Even back then the crowd was enthusiastic
The Trona School about 1950
June 10, 1955 – May 13, 2025
Jeffery Dale Newman, age 69, passed away on May 13, 2025. A lifelong resident of Trona, California—with a few unforgettable adventures along the way—Jeff was known for his love of music, deep friendships, and unwavering devotion to his family. With a biker’s exterior and a hippie’s heart, he was affectionately known by many as the “Mayor of Argus.”
Jeff was born on June 10, 1955, in Trona, CA to Grady (Dale) and Mary Newman. After graduating from Trona High in 1973, he hitchhiked across the country, a free spirit chasing stories and songs, but he always found his way back to the town he called home, and this is where he started his family and lived most of his life.
Jeff loved the Elks Lodge, where he spent countless hours with friends who became family. His loyalty, humor, warmth, and friendly disposition made him unforgettable to all who knew him. Jeff was preceded in death by his parents Grady and Mary Newman, Brother-in-law Thomas Gossett, and stepson Michael Vogel all of Trona, CA.
He is survived by his three daughters: April Rodriguez and husband Juan of Midland, TX; Nicole and Mary Newman of Trona, CA; his stepson Robert Vogel of Spokane, WA; his grandchildren: Anthony, Maggie, and Samuel Rodriguez of Midland, TX; Julian Newman-Medina, Titan and Odin Valdez of Trona, CA; and his great-grandson, Antonio Rodriguez of Midland, TX.
Jeff also leaves behind his sisters: Donna Dodson and husband Robert of Inyokern, CA; Robin Gossett of Trona, CA; and Lea Ann Unger and husband Dale of Las Vegas, NV; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, he loved being an Uncle! He had a wide circle of lifelong friends who will miss him dearly.
Jeffery Dale Newman lived life on his own terms. His spirit will echo in the music he loved, the stories he told, and the love he gave so freely.
Glinda (Lane) McCullough, 77, passed away unexpectedly of pneumonia in Hesperia, CA. Glenda was born while her parents lived in Trona and was raised there where she attended Trona Elementary and Trona High School.
She is preceded in passing by her parents, Glenton and Mary Lane. her brother and his wife {Glenn and Stefanie Lane) and by her sister Marla who was in the THS class of 1973. Glinda is survived by her two sons, her four grandchildren, her husband and his children.
Glinda’s parents, brother and sister are buried in the Searles Valley Cemetery.
Edit: Changed 1966 to 1965.
Elise Louise Rains, affectionately known as Lisa, peacefully passed away on Friday, April 18, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on March 8, 1948, in Ridgecrest, California, to Clarence Victor Carr and Ellen Lucille Fertig Carr. Lisa grew up in Trona, California, where she attended school alongside her cherished brother, Craig Allen Carr.
Lisa shared 52 beautiful years of marriage with her devoted husband, Charles Ernest Rains. Together, they built a life full of love and laughter, raising five children: Cathie Mayfield (Rick), Cynthia Moreno (David), Connie Rains-Hamlett (John), Charles “Alan” Rains, and CarriAnn Rains. Her legacy continues through her twelve grandchildren and growing number of great-grandchildren, who will forever carry her warmth in their hearts. She was also a beloved bonus mom to her nephew, Jeremy Rains.
Lisa was preceded in death by her grandsons, Michael Frank Jolly and Charles Alexander Campos.
Lisa worked as a telephone operator for Contel. She spent time as a teacher’s aide. She also served as a secretary at High Desert Scribe and owned Trona’s local Channel 3. In addition to her professional roles, Lisa was a longtime volunteer EMT for Searles Valley.
A woman of boundless compassion and empathy, Lisa embraced the belief that all life was sacred. She lived with a rare and unwavering kindness, never harming even the smallest creature or the trees that stood rooted in the earth.
Though there will be no immediate services, her memory will be honored through the love of those she touched.
The Daily Independent ridgecrestca.com
Ruthie passed away on April 2, 2025. She was a proud member of the THS class of 1963. She was also the Trona High School librarian for many years. She claimed to be the meanest Trona High School Librarian there ever was.
Around 1948 Ruthie moved from Missouri to Trona with her parents, sisters, her Uncle Ray and Ray’s daughter Donna (Storm) Carter (1947-2022) who was the class of 1964 . Donna was married to Kenneth Carter (1943-2020) from the class of 1961. Ruthie’s older sister, Helen (1940-2021) was in the class of 1958.
In 1954 Ruthie’s grandparents moved to Trona along with her youngest uncle, Dale. Dale married Patricia Ritter (1937-2009) from the class of 1956.
We share the families sadness as we all remember Ruthie.
If someone knows what years she worked as the librarian please let us know.
My name is Tracy this is my brother Ronald James McCauley who passed away from a medical Illness in his sleep march 1st 2025. My hope is to help raise money for his funeral service and help out with left over bills for his son who was left behind Connor James McCauley your donations no matter how small we’ll make a huge difference in helping them thank you so much for your support please share. Services have not been planned as of yet.
A Graveside Service for Patricia L. Davis, former councilor and teacher at the Trona High School and the Desert Holly High School (continuation school), will be held June 14, 2025, 1:00 P.M., at the the Ula Cemetery in Westcliffe, CO.
A reception will follow at Cliff Lanes in Westcliffe, CO.
For additional information call Leslie Piquette at (970) 260-1727
First Clarinet — Nancy Briggs ’51, Dorothy Marshall ’55, Marybelle Egge ’50
Second Clarinet — Alicia Hagar ’55, Malvern Stevens ’53, Helen Denny ’55, Lou Ann Ford ’54, Sandra Parmalee ’56
Third Clarinet — Joyce Greenstreet/Bradburn ’54, Billy Wilson, Shirley Barbee ’54, Richard Peach ’56
First Cornet — John Lineback ’51, Tex Hollis ’54, Warren Parmalee ’51, Peter Reeves ’54
Second Cornet — Manuel Picon ’54, Bob Parks ’51, Keith Pratt ’56
Third Cornet — Kenneth Cassel ’54, Diane Cassel ’55, Gladys Beall ’54, Donald Peterson ’55
First Trombone — Neil Hinckle ’53, Bob Stevens ’51, Allen Hartley ’54
Second Trombone — Chris Peterson ’55, Malcolm De Wess, Charles Long ’55
Third Trombone — Tommy Barrick ’54
Flute — Fawn Eyre ’53
Alto Saxophone — Rosemaire Mac Gavin ’50, Dorothy DeYoung ’50
Tenor Saxophone — Lyman Gilliland ’55, Ritta Skidmore ’55
Baritone Horn — John Tinsley ’55
French Horn — Donald Samuels ’55. Lonnie Hammond ’54, Sherry Jones, Darlene Bell ’54
Tuba — Eddie Bueltmann ’54
Bass Drums and Cymbals — Nixon Beall ’54, Jerry Wilson ’53
Snare Drums — Clarence Pitt ’50, Ray Bell ’50, Ronnie Baxter ’54, Walter Bradshaw ’53, Rex Muse ’53, Shirley Muse ’54, Bruce Bernhardi ’55, Roland Walton, Jerry Glenn ’54
Cholla Sizemore researched the names of the 1949-‘50 band members.
!944 Orchestra
The first orchestral students appear in the 1943-44 yearbook. The members were:
Piano – Paul Haughton ’46
Violins – Bill Brink 49′, Peggy Dorward ’49, Andrew Ledesma ’49, Gene McKinney ’47, Shirley Trotter ’49
Clarinets – Allen Gates, Claudean Ives, Robert Payne ’48, Harold Washmuth ’45
Saxophone – Robert Niemeyer ’44
Baritone – Robert Fowler
Trumpets – Eldon Fox ’45, Mariloo Gilberts, Leona Smith, Pauldin Smith ’49, Patricia Tharpe
Drums – Clinton Harper
The orchestra was directed by Robert J. Hinter (1917-1980)
THS 1949 Band
The Trona High School Tornado band was formed in 1948 and had a total of 15 members. A year later, the 1949-’50 band had 44 members and 6 Majorettes.
Members were: Steve Walsh ’53, Warren Parmalee ’51, Bob Stevens 51, Ronnie Holliman 51, Bill Sisco ’51, Bob Parks ’51, Marybelle Egge ’50,
Bryan Corcoran researched the names of the 1948-‘49 band members.