Category Archives: Trona News

Aleta (Edwards) Sewell — Class of 1959

Aleta Sewell, 83, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 11, 2025. She was born on November 23, 1941, in Red Mountain, California, to the late Thomas Alonzo (Lonnie) Edwards and Gladys Faye (Patterson) Edwards. She was raised in Trona, California, where she met her first husband, Jim Gattis. In 1967, Aleta and her family moved to Charleston, Arkansas, with their daughters Rebecca and Karen, and soon after, a son, James, was born.

In 1987, Aleta married Otha Sewell. Together, they made their home in Barling, Arkansas, where they shared their lives until Otha’s passing in 2020. Aleta was initially a cosmetologist and in later years she began her second career as a licensed practical nurse. Caregiving became her legacy. She spent over 30 years providing compassionate healthcare in nursing homes and rehabilitation hospitals, taking on the work that most would shy away from. After retiring from her full-time career, Aleta continued to work as a personal caregiver, helping families who needed extra support for their loved ones, often sitting with seniors who had no family nearby. She completely retired about eight years ago.

In her retirement, Aleta enjoyed walking with her friends at the mall, completing two plus miles a day, five days a week. She cherished this social outing and exercise. Taco Tuesday with her neighborhood group at El Lorito was a highlight of the week. Aleta was also known for her selflessness, especially in caring for her special friend and neighbor, Diedra, oftentimes driving her for appointments and errands, and sharing in all kinds of mischief. Aleta was a longtime member of Community Bible Church in Fort Smith.

Aleta was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather, Michael Conway; her second husband, Otha Sewell; and her beloved Labrador Retriever, Emma.

She is survived by her three children, Rebecca Sisemore of Fayetteville, Karen Gattis (Trish) of Fayetteville, and James Gattis (Jatana) of Alma; her sister, Shirley Doyel of Van Buren; eight grandchildren, Cole Sisemore (LaShey), Kaitlin Jordal (Ryan), Connor Sisemore, Cade Sisemore (Priscilla), Cooper Sisemore (Sarah), Austin Gattis (Julia), Payton Siebenmorgen (Austin), and Ryan Kotte; as well as six great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, September 15th at Brotherton Funeral Home Chapel in Charleston, with Pastor Ed Saucier officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Park Cemetery in Fort Smith, under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home and Flower Shop in Charleston.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons and the husbands of her granddaughters.

The family will be available for visitation on Sunday, September 14th from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Aleta’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association or your favorite local animal shelter.

To place an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.

https://www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com/obituary/aleta-sewell

Aleta lived at 201 Lupine Street in Trona.

Attending the Reunion? Here’s What You Need to Do!

If you plan on attending the reunion then here’s what you need to do:

1. Fill out the 2025 Reservation/Souvenir Order Sheet and make out a check for the total
amount payable to: “Trona Alumni Association.”

If you are married to an alumni, please fill out a separate reservation sheet for each person
with your class year indicated. Your tickets, and any souvenirs you order will be available for pick-up with your class.

2. Mail the 2025 Reservation/Souvenir Order Sheet and check to the following address:

Barbara Sorges
TAA Treasurer
416 Dewalt Ave.
Ridgecrest, CA 93555

AND DO THIS BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1, 2025
This cutoff date is firm….registrations/orders will not be accepted after this date.

Gearing Up for the All Class Reunion 2025

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.

Griffith Field – The Pit

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:

Gridiron Takes Griffith Name

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 croud was enthusiastic

Even back then the crowd was enthusiastic

The Trona School about 1950

 

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.

Elise Louise Rains — Class of 1966

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 Lancaster

Ruthie (Storm) Lancaster — Class of 1963

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.

 

 

Martha (Pounds) Kennedy — Class of 1976

The world was never the same after the birth of Martha Pounds and will never be the same without her. Martha passed away on December 5. 2024, at Peace Hospice surrounded by her loved ones after a long and hard-fought battle with multiple myeloma.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at the Great Falls Church of Christ.

She was born in Los Angeles, California to Chuck and Carol Pounds on March 12, 1958. After graduating in 1976 from Trona High School she married her high school sweetheart Kory Kennedy on June 26 that same year.

Anyone who knew Martha knows how her family was her life. She and Kory had three children that gave them a run for their money! Keisha (Reggie) Sutton, David (Lindsey), and John. She was “Nana” to four grandchildren who adored her, Kyler Kennedy, Belle Murphy, Braxton and Colton Kennedy, and her loyal French Bulldog, Grace, who was by her side until the end. She is also survived by her sisters, Sharon, Linda, and Nancy (quit fighting, Linda and Nancy)! She was preceded in death by her brother, Charles; sister, Janet; mother and father; and numerous aunts.

During her years of employment, Martha could crunch numbers with the best of them. She was very meticulous and a perfectionist in every way. She was an administrative assistant with the Ulm school district, CFO at the Great Falls Housing Authority, and an internal auditor at Montana Credit Union (her most loved job)! Her upbeat personality and wit brought joy to every place that she worked.

Martha was faithful to her God and felt serving and worshipping Him was life’s sole purpose. She looked forward to hearing the words, “Well done good and faithful servant. Job well done!” She was very involved in her congregation at Great Falls Church of Christ. Her church family was an important part of her life, and she loved having gatherings and going on retreats.

She was a pillar to her family and community and would not want anyone to miss a beat in life mourning her passing. She lived to be happy and spread joy to everyone who was lucky enough to be blessed by her presence. God has gained one special angel.

Donations in Martha’s memory may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

https://www.oconnorfuneralhome.com/obituary/martha-kennedy