Category Archives: In Memory

Pauline Rae (Elledge) Martilla — Class of 1962

Pailine’s oldest son Larry wrote this about his mother:

I lost my mom, Pauline (Elledge) Stevens Martilla, on the 19th of October 2025 . She was truly an amazing mother. She was born in Trona in April 4, 1943. Pauline lost her mother in 1961.

She rode dirt bikes and had me and then 5 other boys while living in Trona. She was always finding one of our animals from the desert in our drawers or hanging on a curtain rod or hissing at her in the kitchen.  She raised us, mostly on her own, after moving to California City and then to Lancaster.

She put herself through college in the medical field became a laboratory tech in Lancaster at the community hospital. Then she moved to the Ventura, California area where she started doing phlebotomies. After she retired she returned to the Lancaster and Palmdale area.

I love you mom and miss you already so much . I hope you are now smiling with Bob and your son, Steven, now.


Pauline was the daughter Laurence and Marie Elledge. Laurence was the postmaster in Trona in the 50’s 60′ and 70’s. Pauline’s son, Larry, remembers that his grandfather was also a barber in Trona. Her mother, Marie, who had been ill for quite a while passed away a few months after her first son, Larry, was born. Pauline’s third son, Steven, was killed in a motorcycle accident in 1989.

Pauline has one sister, Janet Stanley, who is a member of the THS class of 1963.

Helen Ann (Dolman) Cunningham — Class of 1954

Helen Ann passed away on August,19, 2024.

The 1954 yearbook says, “A newcomer to the class last year, Helen Ann livened up the cast of Nine Girls, the Junior class play. It is a shame Trona High School didn’t continue the tradition of presenting plays in the auditorium it would have made school much more interesting.

Helen’s sister,  Joyce “Mickey’ (Dolman) Vagasy, was in the class of 1957.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/273840169/helen-ann-cunningham

Ted Hall

Theodore “Ted” Hall — Class of 1956

We recently learned of Ted’s passing. Ted graduated from Trona High School in 1956.

Ted was the son of John and Nettie Hall. He was the last of 10 children. The Hall family lived in Trona from about 1954 to 1960. Before moving to Trona they lived in Tulare County, CA. 4 of the 10 Hall children attended Trona High School. The other three were Harold Hall, class of 1957; Peggy Hall, class of 1959 and Jim Hall, class of 1961.

Ted was married to Sally Klein from the THS class of 1958.

We send our heartfelt condolences to Ted’s family.

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

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

Richard Stalnaker 1944-2025

Richard Stalnaker — Class of 1962

Richard A. Stalnaker, class of 1962 passed away August 1, 2025, due to complications after a stroke. Richard was proceeded in death by his wife, Margaret (Downs) on 2020, his father and mother Ralph and Mary and his brother Phil who died in Trona in 1961.

Richard (1903-1965) and Margaret (1913-2007) had three children, all boys, who live in Tucson and Prescott AZ.

Richard’s sister, Gale, was in the class of 1955; His brother, Phil, was in the class of 1960 and his sisters, Marcia and Marilyn, were in the class of 1963.

We are deeply sorry for Richard’s family and close friend’s loss.

 

Jeffery Dale Newman

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

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.