Category Archives: Obituary

Carol Elizabeth (Akam) Sorensen — Class of 1953

Mrs. Carol Elizabeth Sorensen, 79, of Ridgecrest passed away on Feb. 24, 2015 at Palmdale Regional Hospital after a battle with cancer. She was a resident of Kern County since 1979.

A memorial service took place on Saturday, March 7, at 1 p.m. at Desert Christian Center, 100 E. Bataan Ave., Ridgecrest, with a celebration of life potluck following at the American Legion. She was cremated.

She was born on Aug. 27, 1935, in Minneapolis, Minn. She was a retired waitress and bartender, and was also part of the American Legion Auxiliary and an Inyokern Senior Citizen Board member and weekly servant. She loved yard-saling, camping, fishing, gardening, Bingo, spending time with family and friends and chatting on the phone with loved ones, whom she called daily.

She is survived by her husband Keith Sorensen, of Ridgecrest; children Sharon Vinson-Flores of Ridgecrest, Martha Kennedy and husband Kory of Ulm, Mont., Linda Spears of Bakersfield, Nancy DeGano of Ridgecrest, David and wife Lori Sorensen of Ridgecrest and Linda and Jony Sorensen of Ridgecrest; siblings Teresa Arkenburg of Rialto, Calif., David Akam of Seattle, Mary “Lulu” Mayfield of Yucaipa, Margaret “Mippy” Rameriz of Rockford, Ill., Diana Gonzales of Calimesa, Calif., and Donald Akam of Ridgecrest; 21 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by son Charles Pounds, parents Frank Fremal Akam and Elizabeth Bernice Akam, and brother Frank Akam.

— Submitted by the family of Carol Elizabeth Sorensen

http://www.news-ridgecrest.com/news/story.pl?id=0000003595

Judith Ann “Judy” (Bueltmann) Johnson — Class of 1956

Judith Ann “Judy” Johnson (nee Bueltmann) died on April 24, 2019 in Vancouver, WA, at the age of 81 after a valiant fight with Alzheimer’s disease.

Judy was born on November 1, 1938 in St. Louis, MO to Ed and Mary Lou Bueltmann. The family moved to Trona, Ca in 1947. Judy graduated from Trona High School in 1956 and attended Chaffey College in San Bernardino. She met Logan Johnson in Trona and they were soon married in Reno, NV in 1957. The couple made their home in Trona where Judy worked in the central offices at the Trona High School. They had three children in Trona before relocating to Vancouver, WA.

Judy is survived by her husband of 62 years, Logan Johnson; two sons, Howard Johnson (Kathleen) and Jeff Johnson (Tammy) of Vancouver; daughter Jill Greiner (Steve) of Portland; brother Ed Bueltmann (Phyllis) of Lake Isabella, CA; and sisters Linda Kaletka (Jim) and Laurie Holte (Bruce) of Tucson, AZ; and two granddaughters.

A memorial to celebrate Judy’s life was held in Vancouver, WA on May 12th at the home of Howard and Kathleen Johnson.

— Linda Bueltmann.

Wallace Dean Martin 1941-2019

We now have dates for services to be held for Wallace:

Wednesday, May 8th at 1:00; Alongsiders Church, 2830 NE Flanders St, Portland, OR 97232 Saturday, May 18th at 11:00; Christian Fellowship, 83435 Trona Rd, Trona, CA 93562


One thing that has always stood out to me about Wallace was his kind gentle smile. After reading about his life I can see that it wasn’t just on the surface. It was a reflection of who he was inside and a reflection of how he chose to live his life. I know he will be missed by his family and all those who knew him. I offer my warmest thoughts and best wishes to all his family especially Walter who I know misses him deeply. I urge you to click on the text below and follow the link to his full obituary.


Wallace Dean Martin, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 3, at 1:30 p.m.He died of an unknown neurological disease that came on rapidly.Throughout the months of his illness, Wallace retained his charm, positive demeanor and sense of humor, providing joy and encouragement to his family, friends, and care givers.He passed peacefully surrounded by his wife of 56 years, Betty, and his two daughters, Patricia and Judi. He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Sheridan and Ayla; sons-in-law Ian Marshall and David Argast; older brother Larry Martin, younger brother James Martin and his twin, Walter Gene Martin.Wallace also leaves behind a multitude of cherished friends and loved ones. […]

 

Hazel B. Vette 1937 – 2019

Hazel B. Vette, 81, recently of Theodosia, MO passed away on April 10, 2019 at Gainesville Healthcare Center, Gainesville, MO. She was born June 29, 1937 at McCune Brooks Hospital in Carthage, MO to Loren and Mildred (Harrington) Hood.

Hazel grew up in the country around Alba, MO where she attended school. In high school she met Vernon Vette Sr. Vernon and Hazel married on May 28, 1955 and soon after they moved to Trona, CA where they raised their five children. Hazel stayed at home caring for her children until 1970 when she started working at Ridgecrest Hospital as a nurse’s aid, then went on to be a physical therapist assistant until she retired in 1992. Vernon and Hazel moved to Theodosia, MO in 1994 where they resided approximately eight years. They moved out of Ozark County but still resided in Missouri. In 2014 they moved back to Theodosia where she lived out the rest of her life.

Hazel loved the Lord and reading her bible, she also loved baking, camping, crocheting and working on puzzles. She especially loved to play cards or games with friends, children and grandchildren. She had a good sense of humor and was a little feisty at times.

She was preceded in death by her parents Loren Hood and Mildred Hood; one sister Roberta Mix; and one brother Donald Hood. She is survived by her husband Vernon Vette Sr. residing at Gainesville Healthcare Center; her five children Deborah Grantham and husband Mike of Weaubleau, MO, Vernon Vette Jr. of Grain Valley, MO, Elizabeth Perreira of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Victoria Cook and husband Ben of Theodosia, MO, Allan Vette of Lawrence, KS; fifteen grandchildren; twenty-nine great grandchildren; and ten great-great grandchildren.

Memorial services for Hazel will be held June 23, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. at the Hill Top Church in Thornfield, MO. Hazel will have a plaque on the memorial wall at the Lutie Cemetery in Theodosia, MO. Cremation services are under the care and direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.

SERVICES
Memorial ServiceSunday, June 23, 2019
3:00 PM

Hill Top Church
Hwy D
Thornfield, MO

Get Directions on Google Maps

Charles “Chuck” Hardison — Class of 1953

Chuck Hardison died in the fall of 2015

Charles Edward Hardison was born on January 3, 1935, in Kern County, California to William and Matilda Hardison. He was proceeded in death by his parents; two brothers, Walter “Butch” and Larry and by two sisters, Mildred and Bobby. He is survived by one brother, Jerry, the twin brother of Larry.

Patsy (Still) Watson — Class of 1957

From Teresa Still on Facebook:

Patsy (Still) Watson has gone from this earth to join her parents (JC & Cleo Still) in Heaven on 17 April 2019. She was a 1957 Trona graduate. She is survived by her husband (Leon Watson), her 2 sons (Ron & Don Watson), grandchildren, great grandchildren, Aunt Elene Still Chandler, Uncle Russell Still and cousins.

Pat Still from 1954 Trona Telescope

http://www.hollandlyons.com/obituary/patsy-watson?lud=208ADDA0BCD2CD10388EE5A0E1D8AC35&fbclid=IwAR2FF0gawHzBfZs_DxjHD8RbUP_pOrrUIjEMmoD7AYz6TtMAZpviRPUtmJ4

Marie (Dillon) Cobbs — Class of 1953

From Nikki Beall Hood on Facebook

I’m sure most if you knew my mom Marie Beall / Mrs Beall that was Secretary to the Principal for years or as Marie Dillon when she graduated from THS in 1953. I am sad to say she has passed away. I thought some of you might want to know. Below is her Obituary:

Obituary

Marie Cobbs, 84 passed away April 4, 2019 in her sleep at Ridgecrest Retirement Center in Waco, Texas. The Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 2:00 PM at Oakcrest Funeral Home located at 4520 Bosque Blvd., Waco, TX 76710

Marie was born to James and Louise Dillon on March 12, 1935 in New Jersey. Marie graduated from Trona High School in 1953.

She is survived by two children, Nikki Hood and husband Jeff Hood and of Quinlan, TX and Bruce Beall and wife, Missy Beall of Waco. She is also survived by grandchildren, Jeremy Beall, Jodi Beall, Kenna Hood, Meagan De La Pena and husband German De La Pena and Halee Beall along with four great-grandchildren. Marie was preceded in death by her parents and her son Mike Beall.

Marie worked in the school system as a Secretary/Assistant for 45+ years at Trona ISD In Trona, CA and McLennan Community College in Waco, TX where she then retired from MCC after 20 plus years. Marie was also highly involved in being a volunteer for MDA for years and was also voted Volunteer of the Year. Marie never met a stranger. She was very proud of her family and swore she was going to live until she was 92, well she didn’t quite make it, but she lived one heck of a life.

https://oakcrestwaco.com/book-of-memories/3792242/Cobbs-Marie/index.php?fbclid=IwAR1ZQ7HZ2fumNs5eLb449OxOULOJFDxMXQFtsYQZ4eJ5D6pMAo2oaeZKdxA

Marilyn Reece

September 12, 1938 ~ December 25, 2018

Marilyn Reece – 80, of Minden, Nevada passed away on December 25, 2018. She was born to Alva and Hazel Pickett in Twin Falls, Idaho. Marilyn loved winter sports, traveling, music, knitting, quilting, and her faith in God. In 2002 she married Larry Reece in Genoa, Nevada.

She is preceded in death by her parents Alva and Hazel Pickett; and her brother George Pickett.

Marilyn is survived by her husband Larry Reece; her sons, Steven (Heidi) Duell, Dennis (Kim) Duell; beloved granddaughter Lauren Townsend; brother Gene Pickett; sister in law Thea Pickett; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A church service will be held at 11am on January 19, 2019 at Trinity Lutheran Church. A Celebration of Life will follow the service at the Carson Valley Inn.

There will be a group rate at the Carson Valley Inn or Motorlodge, for those wishing to stay over night. Just use the code 1735 or Marilyn Reece name.

https://www.recordcourier.com/news/obituaries/marilyn-reece/

Marilyn was the wife of LeRoy Reece a member of Trona High School class of 1957.

 

 

 

Wayne D. Chappell

Wayne D. Chappell age 90 of Cambridge, passed away on Friday March 15, 2019 @ SEORMC. He was born August 13, 1928 in Los Angeles a son to the late Walter A. and Edna M. (Swingle) Chappell.

Wayne retired from Trona Railroad as a superintendent with 34 years of service, he served in the Merchant Marines and the Coast Guard, and was a member of the Eagles Aerie #386, Byesville VFW 3760, and the Elks of Trona, California.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by two brothers Joe and Pat, a sister Wanda, step son John Rose, and his first wife, Wanda.

Survivors include his wife Dodie (Politano) Chappell of Cambridge whom he married June 6, 1984, a son Daniel Chappell of Alaska, a daughter Dana (Starr) Carnes-Harding of San Ramon, two step daughters Jean (Jerry) Sills of Byesville, and Jonnie-Kay (Jon) Latchic of Cambridge, two grandchildren, two great grandchildren, four step grandchildren, and seven step great grandchildren.

Memorial visitation will be held on Monday from 12:00-2:00 p.m. at Black-Epperson funeral home in Byesville, with military services to follow .

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to black-eppersonfuneralhomes.com