Category Archives: In Memory

Gerald Birdwell

Gerald Birdwell – Class of 1960

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Gerald Birdwell (class of ’60) died Jan 13, 2014 after an illness of several months. No details are available at this point as to services. Bob Birdwell (THS ’64) called to notify friends.

[edited 16 Jan 2024]

Jerry was born on 10 Feb 1942 in Long Beach, CA to Dayton and Dorothy Birdwell.
Jerry spent some years in the full-time ministry and attended a special school for Jehovah’s Witnesses for those in full-time service. He was a Jehovah’s Witness for 51 years.
His hobbies were country music and computers. He loved to travel. I his later years, he took up barbecuing.
He was preceded in death by his parents Dayton and Dorothy Birdwell.
Jerry is survived by his wife Penny Birdwell of Ridgecrest, CA, stepson Jeff Teal of Grand Rapids, MI, sister Aleta Brown of Trona, CA, brothers Robert Birdwell of Ridgecrest and Michael Birdwell of Trona, brother-in-law Harold Brown of Trona, sister-in-law Melody Birdwelll of Ridgecrest and a host of nieces and nephews to the third generation.

Published The News Review, Ridgecrest, CA 22 Jan 2014

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Shirley (Thurston) Griffin – Class of 1959

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Shirley (Thurston) Griffin class of 1959 passed away on Jan 5, 2014. Shirley was called to Heaven after a long battle with lymphoma.  She was born in Trona on Oct 23 1940 and attended school until she was in high school when her parents, Vernon (Ming or Salty) and Mickey sent her to a Christian boarding school.  After she was married her family resided in Trona or Ridgecrest on and off through the years.

Shirley Irene Thurston was born on October 23, 1940 in Trona, California to Vernon Samuel and Mickey (Mescal) Eunice Thurston.

Shirley showed her leadership and faith in God at an early age.  She was the first Christian in her family and began attending the Foursquare Church in Trona, by herself at age 12.  Through her example, her parents and sister came to know Christ.

She attended elementary school in Trona, the Seventh Day Adventist Jr. High in Ridgecrest, then Trona High School through her sophomore high school year.  Shirley then attended a Christian boarding school in Clovis, California; West Coast Bible School, where she graduated High School in 1958.

Shirley was active in the community and in her school.  She enjoyed Swimming, Basketball, Choir, Track/field and was an accomplished pianist.

She met Jerry Leroy Griffin at their church and then married this man who was to be the love of her life on January 1, 1962 at age 20 in the Church of God in Ridgecrest.

Shirley and Jerry pastored several small Church of God congregations in Victorville, California; Oroville, California; Yreka, California, Metlakatla, Alaska; Mount Pleasant, Texas; Phoenix, Arizona; Westwood, California; Yuma, Arizona; ending their pastorate positions at Woodburn, Oregon.  In Westwood, she was only a few hours from receiving her solo pilot’s license to fly an airplane.  What a shame she wasn’t able to finish that great adventure.  During a visit to Alaska in 2010, one of the members of the small Metlakatla, Alaska church remembered her.  They spent over an hour reminiscing over old times and the fact that Jerry and Shirley facilitated the purchase of the land where the current church still worships.

Shirley had an independent spirit all throughout her life.  Starting as a child, she hiked all over the desert surrounding Trona.  She made many trips with friends, family and on her own.  She hiked the Sierra Mountains for two weeks by herself and traveled to China alone with a tour group and managed to ditch them along the way to see the sites she was interested in.  She took thousands of pictures from all over the world, documenting her life of amazing adventures.

At the time of her death she was attending Capital Christian Center in Sacramento, CA.  Shirley had an amazing capacity to love that was evident to all who met her.  She immediately accepted and loved every inherited grandchild when her sons remarried.  She was always careful to keep family close with her children’s respective spouses.   Shirley’s pure demonstration of love touched the hearts of all who knew her.  She finished the race of life with confidence and love for Jesus Christ, thankful for the saving grace of her Lord.

She is survived by her sister, Carol Dian (Dee) Burdine, daughter Janice, sons Vernon and Jerry, 11 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, 5 nieces, 1 nephew, 17 great nieces and nephews and 2 great great nephews along with infinite extended family and friends.

Freda E. Walker – Former Trona Resident

Freda E. Walker, 97, passed December 27th peacefully at home just 3 days short of her 98th birthday.
Freda’s life began in Dillon, MT. She was raised in Glendale, CA, where she met Jack Walker, through her high school friend and future sister-in-law. Freda and Jack were married in 1936 and moved to Trona, CA.

In Trona, Freda was involved in Girl Scouts and raising 3 daughters. She also opened their home in the 40’s to 2 China Lake girls so they could attend high school before Ridgecrest had a high school. In 1954, she ventured out into the business world and established and owned The Gift Box, a gift store, for over 20 years. Many remember the jewelry, cards, yardage as well as many gift items. She provided a great gift oasis for Trona.

Freda and Jack passed on their ability to form life long friends to her children. Her girls were raised with integrity and an incredible work ethic, the willingness to help others, open our homes and hearts, and and the opportunity of independence through education. What wonderful gifts.

After 47+ years in Trona, Freda and Jack retired in Tehachapi, CA. There, they were involved in Lions Club and other community efforts, such as home nursing and hospice in Bear Valley. They traveled the country and world, many times visiting old friends.

After Jack’s death, Freda lived with her daughter, Elizabeth Bernau, in Thousand Oaks, CA, San Antonio, TX, and finally Phoenix, AZ. She has been surrounded by family constantly, three daughters, 12 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren–what a legacy.

Patricia Ann (Smith) Radabaugh

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Patricia Ann Radabaugh, 45, of Reedy, WV, died Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013.

She was born in Trona, Calif., the daughter of Kathleen Smith and the late James Smith.

Surviving in addition to her mother are two sons, Dustin Radabaugh and Patrick Radabaugh; one daughter, Andrea Hill; one brother, James E. Smith; two sisters, Tammy Gross and Karen Smith; and several nieces and nephews.

Services were held at Stump Funeral Home, Arnoldsburg, with Rev. Carroll McCauley officiating. Burial was in Cottrell Cemetery, Frozen Run.

Posted at: http://www.calhounchronicle.com/pages/current%20pages/Obituaries.htm

Patsy Lorraine Sizemore 1926-2013

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Patsy Lorraine Sizemore, 86, of Columbus, Kansas and formerly a long time resident of Trona died peacefully in her sleep on February 17, 2013.  Having moved to Trona in 1947, Patsy was an active member of the Trona Business and Professional Women’s Club and the VFW Women’s Auxiliary.

She was a teller for Security Pacific National Bank, which had its office on Main Street in Trona.  She later worked as a postal carrier when the Trona Post Office started home mail delivery service.  She wrote poetry, song lyrics, and a column called A Woman’s Point of View for the Trona Argonaut and, later, for the Baxter Springs News.

She is preceded in death by her parents; one son, James H. Sizemore; and one grandson, Jeffery A. Sizemore.

She is survived by four sons Jerry H. Sizemore, Thomas A. Sizemore, Michael R. Sizemore, and A. Lee Sizemore; one daughter Cholla Sizemore; 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Read more: http://www.ridgecrestca.com/article/20130410/NEWS/130419963#ixzz2lgQqgpXB

Reprinted here at the request of Cholla Sizemore.

Paul Arthur Bengtson – Class of 1969

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Paul Bengtson

Paul Bengtson

April 11, 1951 – April 13, 2012  Paul Arthur Bengtson, beloved father, brother, grandpa, uncle and friend, passed from this life on April 13, 2012, in Edmond, Oklahoma, at the age of 61. He was born in Trona, CA April 11, 1951, and was a graduate of Bakersfield HS in 1969. He came to OKC in 1970 and was a member of Ambucks, NRA, and Eagle Scouts. He was very dedicated to his life work and passion of auto mechanics, so much so that almost everyone who knew him took their car to him. He owned Sharpe Automotive for 40 years and was an instructor at Norman Technical College. He was commonly known around town as Tall Paul. He made each of his family and friends feel as though they were his favorite. He is survived by Donene Bengtson, his wife of 34 years; his daughter, Melinda Chada and her husband Evan; his son, Paul Ryan Bengtson; his granddaughters, Gracelyn Rylee and Markey Genice Bengtson; his grandson, Colton Coy Bengtson; his two brothers, Eric (Kathy) Bengtson and Allen (Susie) Bengtson; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Franklin Niles and Naomi Inez Bengtson. Memorial Services will be held 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, 2012, at Vondel Smith Mortuary North Colonial Chapel.

Published in The Oklahoman on Apr. 15, 2012

Anne Rasines – Former Trona Resident

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Anne Rasines, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of November 1, 2013. Anne was the wife of Ricardo (Ric) Rasines who lived in Trona from the early 1950’s through the late 1980’s .

Ric was an 8th grade teacher at Trona High Schools for a number of years and then served for many years as the Boys Counselor at the school. Ric’s son, Doug, says that his father is doing well but that the news about his mother was more somber. He said, “Dad, Debbie and I were able to be at her side which was comforting to us all. As difficult as it is, mom is in a better place, We will honor mom’s long-held wishes to be cremated and have her ashes scattered at sea. We plan to have a ‘celebration of life’ memorial sometime after the holidays.”

The above is from George Sherman about an email Durwood Sigrest forwarded to him . The email was from Doug Rasines. Doug is the son of Anne and Ricardo (Ric) Rasines.

CARLSBAD, Calif. – Annie Carmen “Anne” Rasines, age 86, died peacefully Nov. 1, 2013, after a valiant struggle with cancer. Anne was comforted in her passing with her family by her side.
Anne was born Oct. 10, 1927, in Barre, Vt., the daughter of Sabino Lasorsa and Aurellia Marchesi.
Anne thrived while growing up in Barre, where she met her best friend, Evie Abbiati, and her soulmate, Ricardo “Ric” Rasines.
After graduating from Spaulding High School, Anne worked at the Barre Granite Savings Bank for several years, developing her business administration skills.
In 1950, Anne married Ricardo Rasines. In 1952, Anne gave birth to their only child, Douglas. Eight months later, Anne and Ric packed up their belongings and moved across the country from Vermont to Trona, Calif., where Ric had accepted a teaching position at Trona High School.
Anne and Ric found Trona to be a wonderful place to raise a family and greatly enjoyed the company of so many lifelong friends. While living in Trona, Anne and Ric often spent vacations at various beach locations along the southern California coast, where Anne loved being able to enjoy the sunshine without the desert heat.
Anne worked for 32 years at the local chemical manufacturing plant, first as an executive secretary and ending her career as the director of human resources.
In 1988, Anne and Ric retired and moved to Solana Beach, Calif. Anne much enjoyed the “laid-back” beach community lifestyle and time spent taking in the scenic ocean views.
Anne, a loving wife and mother, enjoyed music and laughter. Kindhearted, she always put the concerns of others above her own. Although small in stature, Anne touched the lives of those who knew her.
Anne was preceded in death by her older brother, Reno Lasorsa. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Ricardo; son, Douglas; daughter in-law, Deborah; grandson, Nicholas; numerous loving relatives; her “second family,” Nancy and Ken Norton; and many dear friends.
At Anne’s long-held request, she will be cremated and have her ashes scattered at sea.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in Anne’s name to the  American Cancer Society or the 
Alzheimer’s Association .                                                  
Published in Times Argus on Nov. 14, 2013

 

Jimmy Ewing

Jimmy Ewing – Class of 1953

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Jim Ewing, class of 1953, passed away in March of 2012. In looking for information about Jim’s death I learned that in 1940 Jim’s grandfather, James Ewing, was the fire chief in Trona and that Jim’s father, Arthur, died in Trona in 1951 at the age of 38.

My brother Joel told me that Arthur was and electrician for AP&CC and while he was working inside a product elevator someone turned it on. If I remember correctly it took several days work to recover the body. “Lock-out, Tag-out” seems so obvious now and I am sure it has saved a lot of lives. Still I remember a similar accident occurring at Kaiser Steel where the lock was cut and the tag removed. I was told by someone who worked there in the 70s that Kaiser Steel averaged an on the job death a week.

The following is an email from Jim’s daughter, Tami, to George Sherman:

“My dad had some health issues but was very diligent about seeing his doctor and taking his medications and was living happily in San Diego. My husband and I visited every other weekend as he was yearning to spend more and more time with family as he was getting along in years. I mention that as there was no outward indication of any serious health issues.

Sunday, March 4th, I received a call from my dad letting me know he had been admitted to Scripps hospital in San Diego. He took a bad fall in his condo, (evidently from ‘blacking out’) and broke 4 ribs. My dad fought to recover from his injuries, for awhile, but doctors informed me they were more concerned about his other ‘health issues’ than they were his ribs. He had liver disease and while admitted, hospital doctors learned he was having heart trouble (which explained why he had the black out). As each day passed, he got progressively worse and the rib injuries were extremely painful for him.

I spent day and night at his hospital bedside until he was finally to weak to fight, He passed away peacefully on March 21, 2012, I held his hand, prayed with him, and we watched the sun setting over the San Diego Bay as he took his last breath.

Sorry to ramble, I loved my dad very much and it gives me some comfort to share a little with his friends. My dad loved his friends very much, especially those he kept in contact with from Trona. I know because a) he told me so and b) he always talked about them. *smile*

Tami”

David (Harral) Fuller – Class of 1960

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David (Harral) Fuller and his brother Richard went by the name of “Harral” when they were in high school but their real name was Fuller. After high school they went back to using their real name. David was born on September 7, 1942 and died on October 23, 2013. The last address I had for him was Los Molinos, CA but apparently he had moved to Louisiana. Linda Monroe said he had lung cancer but did not know if this was the cause of death or not. The arrangements were handled by Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Blvd, Metairie, LA 70006. David’s brother, Richard, died in 1995 and is buried in Trona.

Thurman Clifton Peterson – Class of 1961

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Thurman Peterson

Thurman Clifton Peterson was born March 2, 1943. He left us on March 28, 2010. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Viki Carol Peterson and three daughters, June, Pam and Becky; three son-in-laws, Phil, Dave and Anthony; seven grandchildren, Kayla, Ashley, Kassie, Eric, Drew, Brandon, and Jordan; and two great-grandchildren. Chuck and Kaydn. Pete was a beloved man. He was friend and father to all his nieces and nephews. He may have left us in his body  but his memory will with us through his friends and family.

Published in the Modesto Bee 

This is more old news that is new to me so I am passing it along. I didn’t know Thurmnan that well. I remember him as being even shyer than I was. That may be just an impression that I got or a result of how we interacted with each other. He, I and Ken Hall spent a week together at a LDS orchard helping with the peach and pear harvest whe we were about 16. The orchard was in Littlerock near Palmdale. The other thing I remember about Thurman was how good he was at high hurdles. Coach Long kept wanting me to run them. I tried but I could never overcome my fear landing on one the wrong way.