Category Archives: Obituary

Clark Curtin — Class of 1962

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On Thursday, September 25th, Clark Cameron Curtin, 81, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed peacefully at home. He was born in Santa Monica, California; raised by his parents, Donald and Peggy Curtin, in Topanga Canyon and Trona. Clark loved the outdoors; cherishing memories of growing up in California’s coastal, inland, and desert environments. As a child, he enjoyed surfing and the beach; exploring the dense canyon hills, and the desert Pinnacles.

He is an alumnus of UCLA and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He started a family and began a career in accounting. He was hired as chief accountant for a resort development company, which brought him to the Lake Tahoe area. His experience in corporate accounting led him to pursue opportunities in the gaming industry, as well as starting his own successful tax preparation service in Kings Beach CA.

After his children were grown, his career in gaming brought him to Clearlake CA, and then on to Santa Teresa NM, where he has resided for 20 years. With an eye for design, and inspired by New Mexico’s local artisans, he became an ardent collector of Native American and Mexican pottery. He was an avid sports fan; also enjoying reading, hanging out at the local garage, and spending time with friends.

He valued his friendships throughout his life; many of which were formed in childhood, and lasting decades. He had a great love for dogs; until recently always having a canine companion or two by his side that brought joy, comfort, and fun to his life. Clark is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Peggy Curtin, sister Linda Bradley, and son Kevin Curtin. Clark is survived by his wife of 47 years, Suzanne Curtin; children, Sean Curtin (Kimberly), Shannon Secrist, and Colin Curtin; grandchildren Cassidy Ockene (Daniel), Riley Curtin, Christian Secrist, and Lev Curtin Lifshin; great grandson, Grayson Ockene; sister Kelly Clark (Ron); as well as many extended family members and loving friends.

Obituary: Clark Cameron Curtin

Cheryl J. (Hill) Sargent Hopkins — Class of 1961

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Cheryl J. Hill Sargent Hopkins, 82, of Polson, Montana, and formerly of Trona, California, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025. She was born July 22, 1943, in Trona to Euvalva (Val) and Edith Pixler Hill.

At age 16, Cheryl married the love of her life, Kenneth Sargent. After Ken’s Navy retirement they returned to Trona. At the time of his passing they shared 44 wonderful married years. In 2006, she married Nick Hopkins, and they enjoyed many happy years together until his passing in 2022.

Cheryl was known for her creativity, kindness, and laughter. She loved cake decorating, crocheting, and sewing, and volunteered as a Girl Scout leader, Pink Lady, and community helper. In her later years, she faced dementia with grace and courage.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands Kenneth and Nick; brother Harold Hill; sister Donna Kramer; and daughter Delores Diane Sargent. She is survived by her daughter, Debra (Howard) Vassar; grandchildren Christopher (Andee) Vassar and Caitlyn (Verner) Rose; great-grandchildren Josephine, Diezel, Madalynn, Remy, Josephine and Huxlee; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on November 13, 2025, at the Searles Valley Cemetery in Trona, California, with a reception to follow at Haughton Hall. A memorial service will be held in Polson, Montana, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Haughton Hall, the Trona Senior Center, or a charity of your choice.

https://www.hollandlyons.com/obituary/cheryl-hopkins

Royce Henry Heseman — Class of 1943

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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

Margaret Odine “Peggy” (Hall) Collier– Class of 1959

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Margaret Hall Collier age 83 passed from this Earth on April 11, 2024. She was born on December 6, 1940 in Woodville, CA the 9th of 10 children born to Nettie and John Hall.

She was in her youth, an avid athlete. Later in life she became an excellent bowler and golfer. Peg retired in 1999 after 28 years of service working for the Department of Defense U.S. Marine Corps. In her career she achieved many accomplishments and awards and retired as the Inventory Control Officer for the United States Marine Corps. She loved her Marines and served her country proudly.

She and her husband Russel (Russ) Collier moved to The Villages in 1999. They enjoyed traveling, cruising, golfing and dancing. In their lives together they rescued from shelters 6 dogs and loved all animals. They were active members of The Villages Community and are deeply missed by friends and neighbors.

Peggy came from a family of 10 children. The Halls were only in Trona for a few years and left before Peggy graduated. Three of her brothers also went to Trona High School, Ted ’56, Harold ’57, and Jimmy ’61.

Margaret Collier

Jeffery Dale Newman

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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.

Graveside service is Friday, May 30, 2025, 10AM at the Trona cemetery. Following the service, a Celebration of Life will be held at the Trona Elks Lodge. Family and Friends are invited to come and encouraged to wear a tie dye shirt in honor of Jeff.

Glinda-Lane

Glinda (Lane) McCullough — Class of 1965

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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 — Class of 1966

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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

 

Diane (Orr) Reece

Gloria Diane (Orr) Reece — Class of 1960

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Diane Reece passed away on Febuary 25, 2025 at the age of 82. She was a playground monitor, librarian extraordinaire and mentor/confidant/hug provider to hundreds and hundreds of students at Janesville Elementary School, great-grandma, grandma, sister, daughter, cousin, aunt, wife (of more than 60 years) to Mr. Milton Vernon Reece and simply mom to myself and my siblings Debbie Reece Pullen, Melanie Reece McAdam, and James Reece.

Anyone who knew her couldn’t help but be infected with her calm, loving, caring demeanor and passion for family. The legacy she and my dad built through starting a family of 4 children beginning in the 1960s and carried forward to today with families of their own – from the oldest daughter to the youngest great-grandchild all are great citizens in the world BECAUSE she was such a great citizen herself.

And if you really knew her, you’d know she’s already watching the latest episodes of “The Young and the Restless” on a heavenly DVR. She watched nearly every episode beginning in 1973 (40+ years!!!) – rarely forgetting to set the VHS video recorder (way back in the day) and tune the TV to the right channel – all of us kids knew not to change the channel after it was set before we left for school…or else! And even if an 80 year old isn’t great with electronics, she always figured out how to set the DVR. If you don’t do anything else today, listen one last time in her honor to the Y&R theme song.

Monte Quinton

Monte James Quinton — Class of 1981

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On February 16th, 2025, Monte James Quinton passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his loving family. He was 61 years old. Monte was a father to three children and Grandfather to three additional grandchildren. He cherished every moment with them and deeply loved them.

Monte was born May 12th, 1963, in Ridgecrest, CA to Melvin and Mary Quinton. He was raised in Trona, CA alongside his siblings Rhonda and Janet. Monte married his wife Diana October 9th, 1993, in Lake Tahoe, NV to which Monte and Diana shared 31 adventurous years together.

Monte began his career as an X-Ray Technician in 1983 and finished his career in 2024 as a Medical Dosimetrist for AIS Cancer Center. Along his career progression, he advanced his education through secondary education establishments and relevant work experience. Monte carried a passion for his work as a Medical Dosimetrist for the past 25 years. His colleagues greatly appreciated his presence through his adventurous personality and a continuous source of humor. Outside of work, Monte loved to try something new and was always willing to share new experiences with his close family. Monte is viewed by his family as a model to what a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Son is to be.

Monte is survived by his Wife Diana Quinton; his sons David (Jessica) Cox, Derek Quinton, and Jason Quinton; his Mother Mary Quinton; his sister Rhonda (Wayne) McKinney; his Grandchildren Wyatt Cox, Savannah Cox, and Scarlett Cox; and many Nieces/Nephews.

Monte is preceded in death by his Father Melvin Quinton; his Sister Janet Vassar; his Niece Kami Vassar; his Grandparents J.C. & Cleo Still, Arzeta Tucker, and Jim Quinton; his Uncles Bert Quinton and Dennis Orr; his Aunt Judy Quinton; his aunt & Uncle Pat & Leon Watson.

Monte’s family would like to thank all staff and doctors at AIS Cancer Center & Bakersfield Community Hospice for treating Monte and his family with the utmost love, care, and support.

Monte’s services will be held at Greenlawn SW, 2739 Panama Ln, Bakersfield CA 93313. A viewing will be held Sunday March 2nd, 2025, from 4pm – 8pm and a graveside service will be held March 3rd, 2025, at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to AIS Cancer Center.

https://www.greenlawnmortuaryandcemetery.com/memorials/monte-quinton/5554821/index.php

Philip Hara — Class of 1963

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Phil passed away Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at age 79 from complications after a fall at home.

Philip Leon Hara was born November 17, 1945 in San Bernardino, CA, the third child of George and Ina (Thompson) Hara. In 1949 George moved the family to Trona where Phil grew up and was educated in Trona Schools a part of the class of 1963.

Phil enlisted in the US Navy and during his time in Corpus Christi, Texas he met and married his wife Sylvia. He was then sent to serve aboard the USS Ticonderoga in the midst of the Vietnam War. After discharge he returned to San Bernardino, California to work for the Santa Fe railroad as a diesel engine mechanic. Together, he and Sylvia raised 2 daughters before moving to Apple Valley. Phil had a life long love for all things pertaining to mechanics and engines. He built a 32 Ford Roadster with a v6 blower and restored a Cushman motorcycle. He rode the motorcycle once in the Trona Homecoming Parade replete with leather helmet and googles.

Phil loved Desert History and Lore but most of all he loved coming home to Trona every October for Trona’s Homecoming visiting with as many old alumni friends he could find. Phil leaves behind his wife, 2 daughters, a son-in-law, 3 granddaughters, and many good friends.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/apple-valley-ca/philip-hara-12160938