Dennis D. Sizemore – Class of 1961

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Dennis Duane Sizemore of Ridgecrest died Nov. 30, 2015, from injuries sustained in an accident. He was 71.

Dennis was born to Verna Kathleen Cagle and John Edward Sizemore on Jan. 29, 1944, in Joplin, Mo. He was raised in Galena, Kan., eventually settling in Trona, where he graduated from high school.

Dennis worked as a welder, pipe-fitter, millwright, and supervisor at Kerr-McGee. He later worked at IWV Water District and retired from the city of Ridgecrest in 2000 as manager of the wastewater treatment plant.

Dennis’ life-long passion for horses was manifested in his superior horse training, horseshoeing and team roping abilities. He was a volunteer member of the Tulare County Mounted Search and Rescue Team. His latest adventures were with Harley motorcycles and a Goldwing trike, on which he and Karen cruised to Montana.

Dennis is survived by his wife Karen; children Darryn Sizemore, Tiffaney Frodin, Cathleen and Chris Beausang, John and Stacey Connolly, David Connolly and Russ and Hope Fielder; grandchildren Kodi Frodin, Katy and Gavin Fielder, Shawn Connolly and Josh and Ben Grindheim.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 12, at the All Faith Chapel, China Lake. In lieu of flowers, donations to Wounded Warrior Project in Dennis’ name would be appreciated (support.woundedwarriorproject.org).

Arrangements were by Holland & Lyons Mortuary.

— Submitted by the family of Dennis Sizemore

ARLENE FRANCES (SLAFTER) AUSTILL: CLASS OF 1949

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News of another alumni passing has come our way. Arlene Frances (Slafter) Austill of the class of 1949 died in 2013 in Arizona.

Arlene F, (Slafter) Austill was the daughter-in-law of Delbet “Bert” Austill. Bert was the man who managed the old theater in Austin Hall and was a projectionist in the Fox Theater. She married David Austill while she was still in High School and they remained in Trona into the 1960’s.

Ricardo “Ric” Rasines 1927-2017 THS Faculty member from 1954 to 1988

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CARLSBAD, Calif. – Ricardo “Ric” Rasines, age 90, died peacefully in his sleep on October 5, 2017, after a valiant battle with cancer. Ricardo was comforted in his passing with his family by his side.

Ricardo was born June 27, 1927, in Barre, Vermont the son of Antonio Rasines and Baselisa Peral.

Ric thrived while growing up in Barre, where he attended Spaulding High School and met his best friend, Bob Abbiati, and soul mate Annie Lasorsa. Ric, while an fine student, excelled at playing football. Nicknamed “the bulldozer”, Ric, a running back, was consistently handed the football after which he would bulldoze his way down the field for another touchdown. Ric led the Spaulding team to a state championship and in the process earned an athletic scholarship to the University of Vermont. To this day his accomplishments on the football field are legendary.

In 1950, after graduating from college with a teaching credential Ric entered the Navy. Shortly after discharge he married his still then girlfriend, Annie Lasorsa. In 1952, Anne gave birth to their only child, Douglas. Eight months later, Ric and Annie packed their belongings into their new Oldsmobile and moved across the country from Vermont to Trona, California where Ric had accepted a teaching position at Trona High School.

Ric and Annie 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, Ric and Annie often spent weekends and summer vacations at various beach locations along the southern California coast, where they loved being able to enjoy the sunshine without the desert heat.

Ric worked for 34 years at the Trona Unified High School District first as a teacher, coach, then later as a boy’s counselor, principal and school administrator. In 1988 Ric and Annie retired and moved to Solana Beach, Calif. They much enjoyed the “laid-back” beach community lifestyle and time spent walking while taking in the scenic ocean views and socializing with the members of the “New Englanders” club.

Ric, a loving father, continued to enjoy fitness activities and always relished a good joke. Kindhearted, he always put the concerns of others above his own. Although relatively small in stature, Ric cast a large shadow of influence upon those who came to know him and enjoy his company over the years.

Ric is survived by his son, Douglas; daughter in-law, Deborah; grandson, Nicholas and his wife Rachel; sisters, Dolly, Rachel and Lisa; numerous loving relatives; and many dear friends.

At Ric’s long-held request, he will be cremated and have his ashes scattered at sea.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in Ric’s name to the American Cancer Society.

Ric was  one of those people from which I learned little gems of wisdom that have stuck with me all of my life.  – David

 

Donald Dansby – Class of 1956

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A message from George Sherman about Donald Dansby (THS 1956):

I’m very saddened to announce that Donnie passed away on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 in his home in Elk Grove, CA. His step-brother Danny Knight (THS 1967) called me yesterday to let me know. (Danny’s father married Don’s mother.) Donnie died as a result of renal failure after having to undergo daily dialysis for several years. Before he passed, he requested that there would be no memorial service.

Donnie was in our class in Trona from at least first grade through senior year, graduating in 1956. He excelled in both academics and athletics (primarily in football and baseball). He was admired and respected by members of the class, who frequently elected him Class President or Vice President for various school years. He made it into the California Scholarship Federation (CSF) in both his Freshman and Senior years and was one of six students in our class to be awarded the Elks Award for Leadership at the end of our Senior year. Donnie loved his Trona heritage and came to all of our reunions including the 50th Anniversary of our Class Graduation in 2006.

Larry Knowles – CLASS OF 1953

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Larry Earl Knowles was born on October 20, 1935, in Pocatello, Idaho, his father, Clarence, was 23 and his mother, Elizabeth, was 19. He died on August 28, 2017, at the age of 81.

 

Class of 1953 50th Reunion Pat Stevens, Jim Ewing, Patty Hess, Betty Dilbeck, Larry Knowles, Sylvia Chavarria This is the class of 1953’s 50th reunion held in 2003. Jim Ewing died in March of 2012.

Class of 1953 50th Reunion
Pat Stevens, Jim Ewing, Patty Hess, Betty Dilbeck, Larry Knowles, Sylvia Chavarria
This is the class of 1953’s 50th reunion held in 2003. Jim Ewing died in March of 2012.

Jim Haughton – Class of 1944/1947

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I just got word of the passing of James Haughton. He was born September 20, 1925 in Alabama. His wife was Marydith (Tyler) Haughton ( 1926-2009), Class of 1944 who was well known among Trona residents as a historian of the Searles Valley area.

Jim would have graduated in 1944, however, he joined the Navy after Pearl Harbor was attacked and the US entered WWII. He was one of 20 Trona High students who entered the military in 1944.

After the war Jim returned to Trona and graduated in 1947.

Jim was born in Maxine, Alabama, September 20, 1925 to Gayle and Charlcie Haughton.  He was the third oldest of four children.  He passed away Sunday, September 3, 2017 surrounded by family at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, Washington.  He lived in Trona, California from the age of 6.   He attended the Trona schools, joined the Navy at 17, then married his childhood sweetheart Marydith Tyler.  Jim and Marydith raised their family and lived in the same home in Trona since 1947 – nearly 70 years.  They were married for 62 years before her death in 2009.

He was predeceased in life by his wife Marydith, sons Jim and Artie, brother Gayle and sister Marjorie.  He is survived by his brother Paul, of Troutman, NC, sister-in-law, Wanda, daughter, Margaret and son, Tom of Washington, daughters-in law Sheila and Jan and son-in law Matthew as well as 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Jim apprenticed as a Carpenter with AP&CC in Trona.  He then started his own business building homes in Searles Valley.  He retired after 35 years then joined his two sons in business by operating the Trona Hardware store.  He loved the outdoors.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved to camp.  He had a strong family influence, not only personally but within the community.  His hobbies were centered around camping, hunting and fishing with family and lifelong friends.  He really enjoyed trap shooting and that passion was shared by his children and their children.

A graveside service will be held at the Trona Cemetery, Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 11:00 a.m.  There will be a reception following at the family home.  http://www.taftmidwaydriller.com/news/20170923/james-wesley-haughton-september-20-1925—september-3-2017

MARY LINEBACK: CLASS OF 1949

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Mary Harmon

December 23, 1930

August 6, 2017

Our mother Mary Harmon passed peacefully in her sleep on August 6th from complications of Alzheimer’s. Mary was so full of life and living right to a few weeks before her death. Born in Oklahoma City in 1930, she was that generation that loved the blessings given by a good life. Raised on the Mojave Desert, she loved the mountains and lived many years in northern California, Lexington Kentucky and for the last 30 years in Reno, NV. She was a great beauty. She played the piano and organ all her life, for church, for musical reviews, little theater, for friends and for parties (and she had a Lot of parties!). She met the love of her life Doug Harmon in 1971 while playing at an Organ Bar in Berkeley California. Married 45 years, Mary and Doug loved traveling and took many trips all over the world and loved cruises. Our mother never met a stranger and could talk to anyone, anywhere, anytime about anything they were interested in. She and Doug were very involved in Hot August Nights as volunteers since 1987. She was so kind (with a fiery side!) and supported many causes over the years including CAAW, Nevada Humane Society, Easter Seals, Nevada Women’s Organization, Breast CancerAwareness, UC Davis Eye Center and various Veterans Groups. She is survived by her Daughter Sharon Rodarte of Reno, Son John Blanche of Sacramento and the dearest children to her – her Grandchildren: Grandsons Aaron Ware, Eric Morgenroth, James Blanche; Granddaughter Victoria Blanche; Great-Grandchildren Ethan, Gabby, Ben, Lukas, Savannah, Jackie, and Skye. As more than one of her many friends said, she was a “force”. When she walked into a room, she had the attention of all. She will be so missed by her friends and family and we will never forget you Mama.

Published in Reno Gazette-Journal on Sept. 17, 2017Read Less

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/mary-harmon-obituary?pid=186671141&view=guestbook

Class of 1967 50th Reunion — Posted for Marilyn McKee and Ellie Murrin

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Dear Class of 1967, Trona High School,

Marilyn McKee and Ellie Murrin are organizing the 50th class reunion for their class.  We originally thought we could decide between Las Vegas or Trona for this gathering, but the Class of 1968 has invited us to Las Vegas for the next year in April, so I decided to go ahead with a Trona reunion.

Both the Searles Valley Gem and Mineral show and homecoming land on the weekend of Oct 14-15th.  It only seems right to also have our reunion on the same weekend, so people can enjoy all the events that are happening in town.  The important thing is that the motels in Ridgecrest fill up that weekend so Marilyn has blocked 30 rooms in Ridgecrest at the Hampton Inn and Springhill Suites; 15 rooms in each. These hotels sit next to each other. The price is $119 for the group rate. Marilyn has both Friday and Saturday nights booked and anyone can extend their stay. Get these rooms reserved in the next month, because they fill up fast and a larger group can steal from our block. Marilyn also has half king beds and half 2 queen beds for those who may want to share. Their phone number is (760) 446-1630.  The sooner you can book your room, the better chance rooms will be available. Marilyn can reserve more if needed.

Marilyn is looking for all the emails for class members, past and present, and close friends.   Paul Grissom and Bill and Marilyn McKee have homes side by side in Westend.  The McKees are willing to host dinners on Friday and Saturday nights.  That way, we can visit and enjoy each other in a casual setting.  We were thinking there would be a charge for food, and everyone can BYOB.  Because we are now “old Farts”, we need to know about dietary issues and allergies people have, so we can have a variety of food to offer.  People can float between the two houses and enjoy everyone’s company. 

Marilyn will look into what the Elks will be doing.  With the large reunions, they have been known to put on some sort of dinner for Saturday night.  It may be an option to use their facility for the Saturday night. 

Marilyn would also like for you to put together a summary of what you are doing, including address and phone numbers so we can stay connected.   Marilyn will assemble them so class members each have a copy, like in the past.

Marilyn need emails for everyone. If you can private message Marilyn on Facebook and update your email. Also, include anyone you may want to attend. This is a start.

The Class of 1968 has invited us to join them in Las Vegas in April, 2018 and Marilyn will have that information and pass that on later.

 Party Planners, 

Marilyn McKee and Ellie Murrin