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...
Michael Scott Braithwaite
Dec 6, 2025
Michael Scott Braithwaite, born in Ridgecrest, California to Moyle and Dianne Braithwaite October 17, 1964, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2025 primarily from complications of long term Lyme Disease. Despite recurring painful symptoms, with the assistance of various doctors he was able to pursue a career as a civil engineer for electric public utilities, designing and over-seeing the construction...
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...
Juanita Louise Willis
Jan 22, 2026
Juanita Louise Willis, 79, a devoted mother and creative spirit, passed away peacefully of natural causes, on January 22, 2026, in Ridgecrest, California, with her two children by her side. Juanita was born October 2, 1946 in Taft, California to Matthew H. Doyle and Ida Louise Doyle. She will now be reunited with her beloved husband of 52 years, William...
Robert Lawrence Eierman
Jan 17, 2026
Robert Lawrence Eierman, 81, passed away on January 17, 2026.
Robert was an aerospace engineer who worked on the China Lake Naval Base for over 20 years. He was proud of his career and the contributions he made through his work.
He loved attending NASCAR races, watching his son Devin race in Washington, building model airplanes, and spending cherished time with his...
Joanna Mae Stauffer
Jan 15, 2026
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in us to do. –-- Ephesians 2:10
Joanna Mae Stauffer died peacefully in her sleep Thursday, January 15, 2026. Jo, as she was always known to family and friends, was born in Topeka, Kansas on May 23rd of a year not to be disclosed to...
Mary Bernadette Hyles
Jan 11, 2026
It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of our mother Mary Bernadette Guyett Hyles who left us on January 11th, 2026 at the age of 73. She passed away at home surrounded by loved ones. As a family we said, the “Our Father” in honor of the example of faithfulness that she showed throughout her life and...
Michael "Ted" Lystad
Jan 11, 2026
Michael "Ted" Lystad, born on June 30, 1951, in Bottineau, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, in Ridgecrest, California. He was surrounded by family at the time of his death, a testament to the deep bonds he cherished throughout his life.
Ted dedicated many years of his professional career to the Bureau of Land Management as a drilling...
Michael Gair Hess
Jan 11, 2026
Michael Gair Hess, 65 of Ridgecrest, California, passed away on January 11, 2026.
The oldest of four children, Michael Hess was born in Ridgecrest, California on March 21, 1960 to Max and Dorrine Hess. Michael graduated from Burroughs High School in 1978. A devout Catholic, Michael entered Holy Redeemer College, a Redemptorist seminary in Wisconsin immediately following graduation. In 1979, he...
Donte Javon William
Jan 9, 2026
Donte Javon William, born on May 1, 1999, in El Centro, California, departed this life unexpectedly on January 9, 2026, in Ridgecrest, California. At the young age of 26, Donte established himself as a talented electrical engineer working for a government contractor, where he was known for his professionalism and dedication to his craft.
Donte's personality shone brightly in all aspects...
Phyllis Elizabeth Leet Schultz
Jan 6, 2026
Phyllis Elizabeth Leet Schultz, 84, of Ridgecrest, California, passed away suddenly on January 6th, 2026 after a short illness. She was a cherished mother, grandmother, aunty, and wife, and she will be deeply missed.
Phyllis was born in Fairmont, Minnesota, on August 3, 1941, to Theodore James and Marie (Chase) Leet, as the third of four children. In 1959, she married...
Frankie Lee Byrd
Jan 3, 2026
Frankie Byrd passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 3, 2026, in Ridgecrest, California. She is now joining her parents, her four sisters, and her two brothers in heaven.
Frankie was the proud mother of Samantha Barnett; her daughter Sarah Cliborne and son-in-law Tom Cliborne; and her adopted children, Adrian Hughes and Jessica Maciel. She was a loving grandmother to...
Richard Bradley Crites
Jan 2, 2026
Richard Bradley Crites died January 2, 2026. He was born the fourth child of Herbert Henry Crites and Ernestine JoAnn Phillips Crites in Greene County, PA, May 24, 1954. After the sudden death of his father in December 1958, he spent his early years on his Grandpap Phillip's farm in Spraggs, PA. When his mother married Floyd Wayne “Speedy” Booth...
Valerie Jean Brooks
Dec 28, 2025
Valerie Jean Brooks, born on June 5, 1959, in China Lake, California, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025, in Riverside, California. Valerie dedicated her professional life as a sub-contractor for Searles Valley Minerals, contributing her skills and expertise over many years.
A long-time resident of Trona, California, Valerie was a devoted and loving mother to her two daughters, Jessica M....
Elizabeth "Betty" Petach
Dec 19, 2025
Betty Petach passed away at the High Desert Haven on December 19, 2025.
Betty Petach was born on January 3, 1929 in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was raised with her sister Jean in Bloomington, Indiana by her parents Wendell and Alita Wright. Her father, Wendell, was the second Dean of Education and Vice President at Indiana University. The School of Education building...
Nash Douglas Berry
Dec 11, 2025
Nash Douglas Berry, born on November 14, 2005, in California, tragically passed away in an accident on December 11, 2025, at the tender age of twenty. Nash's life, though brief, was marked by joy, laughter, and a commitment to his education and career.
A proud graduate of Burroughs High School in 2024, Nash demonstrated a remarkable dedication to his craft as...
David George Campbell
Dec 11, 2025
David George Campbell, born on October 23, 1948, in Athens, Ohio, passed away on December 11, 2025, in Ridgecrest, California. He was a devoted husband to Sara K. Campbell, who survives him.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Carl A. Campbell and Georgia A. Campbell. His legacy is one characterized by his commitment to family and the profound relationships...
