OBITUARIES
John William Owen
Jan 8, 2026
John W Owen ( Papa Owen) left this earth unexpectedly on January 8th 2026. He was 73 years old.
A loving father and papa who's selflessness, devotion to family, strong work ethic, and guiding presence, led to being a "go-to" person, a source of unconditional love, and a hero who built lasting memories through actions, not just words, leaving behind a...
Margaret Ann Mattingly Freeman
Feb 3, 2026
Born in Washington, DC on August 23, 1933,
Margaret Ann Mattingly Freeman was the only child of Roger Louis Mattingly and Ida Heller Gadd Mattingly.
Margaret grew up rooted in faith and family, attending River Road Presbyterian Church with her parents. With family living in neighboring states, Margaret and her parents gathered with them, keeping ties close. She enjoyed studying ballet as...
Carol Ann Mann
Mar 15, 2026
Carol Ann Mendonca Mann
Passed 03/15/2026 she was 84 years old.
Resided in Ridgecrest California.
Carol was born to the late Robert & Josephine Mendonca in Hayward California. On February 11th 1942. She was an only child.
Carol married the late George Albert Mann 1960. She is survived by 3 children Lee & Margaret Mann Donna & Bob Mann Morris & Michael & Tammy...
Mary Jane Hileman
Mar 10, 2026
On March 10, 2026, Mary Jane Hileman was called home following a short illness. She passed peacefully at Palmdale Regional Medical Center, surrounded by the love of family. Mary’s warm heart, generous spirit, and unwavering devotion to those she loved will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Mary was born on February 25, 1952, in Butte, Montana, to William...
Martha Louise Zielke
Feb 19, 2026
Martha “Marty” L. Zielke, 74, passed away on February 19, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was born on June 21, 1951, in San Diego, California, where she spent most of her childhood. She also lived for a short time in Washington State before returning to San Diego.
Marty graduated from Monte Vista High School in 1969, where she was a...
Juan Manuel Torres Miranda
Feb 18, 2026
Juan Manuel “El Maestro” Torres September 16, 1954 – February 18, 2026
With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved father, Juan Manuel “El Maestro” Torres, on February 18, 2026, at his home surrounded by love.
Juan was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and lifelong mechanic whose hands built more than engines — they built a legacy. For over...
Elise Lara Littleton
Feb 18, 2026
Elise Lara Littleton was taken by cancer on February 18, 2026, after being diagnosed a year before. She was 38.
Elise was born on August 22, 1987 in Ridgecrest, CA to Warren and Elaine Littleton. She graduated from Burroughs High School in 2005, where she was active in the BHS Choir.
After graduation, Elise worked at various human resource positions in Ridgecrest,...
Caesar "Wally" Beckett Sr
Feb 17, 2026
Caesar Wallace Beckett, Sr. transitioned into eternal peace on February 17, 2026, in Ridgecrest, California.
C. Wallace Beckett, Sr., affectionately known as "Wally", was born on August 25, 1931, in New York, New York to the late James O. Beckett, Sr. and Fannie P. Davis. He was baptized at All Soul’s Catholic Church, located in New York City.
Wally was educated in...
Gordon R. Doyel
Feb 15, 2026
Gordon R. Doyel, 93, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026 where he was living with family in Paso Robles, California.
Gordon was born in November of 1932 in Bakersfield, California to Henry A and Lucille Doyel. He served in the US Navy from 1952-1956, then joining his parents in Ridgecrest where he met and married Nancy Ellen Graham and began...
Nadine Faye Couillard
Feb 14, 2026
Nadine Faye Couillard, born on November 2, 1956, in San Gabriel, California, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026, in Ridgecrest, California, with her husband by her side. Throughout her life, Nadine was known for her commitment to others, making a significant impact as a beloved medical assistant. She served the local medical facilities and provided in-home care for many...
Jeanette Kay Thomas
Feb 12, 2026
Jeanette Kay Thomas Aug 9,1968- Feb 12,2026
Born in Ridgecrest, CA to Carolyn Lowe and James Thomas Sr., Jeanette lived a life defined by passion and an indomitable spirit. She was a woman who loved deeply, and when faced with life’s challenges, fought long and hard with a courage that inspired many. Jeanette Found peace and happiness in the simple beauties...
Mario Sosa Ramirez
Feb 12, 2026
Mario Sosa Ramirez, was born on January 19, 1941, in Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico to Pedro Sosa and Guadalupe Ramirez. Mario will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, and as someone who knew how to make everyone laugh in every conversation. This included his favorite saying, “What the fly”.
Mario built a strong work ethic early in life and carried...
Margaret "Maggi" A. Travis Wade
Feb 11, 2026
Margaret “Maggi” A. Travis Wade
Margaret “Maggi” A Travis Wade passed away in Ridgecrest, CA on 11 Feb 2026 at the age of 93. She was preceded in death by her mother Margaret L. Gedonius, daughter Jocelyn Pittman, son Keith L. Travis, and grandson Alex Moore. She is survived by her son Preston Wade and daughter-in-law Lynn of Ridgecrest, granddaughter Megan...
Diana Pearson
Jan 30, 2026
Diana Jo Pearson, 79, of Ridgecrest, Ca. Passed away peacefully January 30th, 2026 surrounded by her family.
Diana was born in 1946 in San Diego, Ca to Leland and Evelyn Sander. She graduated from Granada Hills High School in 1964. On March 4th, 1966 she married the love of her life, Don Pearson. Don and Diana lived in Port Hueneme while...
Clara Iorillo
Jan 29, 2026
With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of our cherished mother and friend Clara Iorillo, age 99, of Ridgecrest, CA on January 29, 2026. She brought joy to everyone who knew her, and she will be deeply missed.
Born August 26, 1926, in Merced CA.
A longtime resident of Ridgecrest, since the 1940s her and her husband Alex owned several restaurants...
Lois Marie Van Guilder
Jan 29, 2026
Lois Marie Van Guilder
Born July 17, 1933 in Morrilton, Arkansas. Lois grew up on cotton farms in Oppelo, Perry and Morrilton. Lois graduated from Morrilton High School in 1952. She moved to Burbank, Ca. and worked for PAC Bell as an operator and later transferred to Phoenix, Arizona in 1958. Lois later worked at Joe Walker Jr. High School as...
Derek Robert Farrer
Jan 27, 2026
Derek Robert Farrer, 76, of Trona, CA, passed away on January 27, 2026 after a prolonged stay at Ridgecrest Regional Hospital.
Derek was born February 14, 1949 in Edinburgh, Scotland, the son of Robert Farrer and Alice Forrest.
Derek became a permanent resident of the United States in 1964, when his father sent him to live with his sister and her family...
Dougall "Doug" Walter Boyd
Jan 25, 2026
Dougall Walter Boyd (Doug), Born 14 March 1935 in Pasadena, CA; died peacefully at home on 25 January 2026
The Boyd family moved to China Lake in 1952. Doug attended schools on base and graduated from Burroughs High School in 1953. Doug obtained the Eagle Scout rank in Boy Scouts of America when he was in High School.
He supported the mission...
