OBITUARIES
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...
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...
John Charles Baker
Jan 7, 2026
John Charles Baker, a devoted home painter for 42 years, passed away peacefully on January 7th, 2026 in Ridgecrest, California. John was born on July 6, 1957, in Tracy, California.
John leaves behind two beloved children, Zack Baker and Tiana Baker. He is also survived by his sister, Tina Klassen, who will cherish his memory.
In remembrance of John, a memorial service...
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....
Janet Anne Gambini
Dec 27, 2025
Janet Anne Gambini, 86, passed away peacefully on Dec. 27, 2025.She was born in Providence, RI, on August 22nd, 1939, to Albert and Genevieve Gambini.She loved life and people and those who were lucky enough to cross her path!! She was never short on opinion, she brought spice and spark everywhere she went. She was a cat lover like no...
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...
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...
Helena Marie Sunny Wise
2025
With deep love and profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Helena Marie “Sunny” Wise, 71, long-time resident of Santa Clarita, California. She was born on December 3, 1954, in Ridgecrest, California, and passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025, in the presence of her daughters, Marie and Shawnie Wise-Hawkins, at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California.
A service...
Tammie Aline Ferris Brunet
Dec 2, 2025
Tammie A. Ferris Brunet, 56, of Ridgecrest, California, passed away at Ridgecrest Regional Hospital after a two and a half year battle with cancer. She was born December 22, 1968, in Long Beach, California to Walter and Patrisha Young Ferris.
At age 18, Tammie married the love of her life, Gerald (Jerry) Brunet on January 3, 1987. She was a loyal...
Nancy Bemis Brown
Nov 27, 2025
Nancy Bemis Brown
April 5th, 1933
Nancy Bemis Brown, 92, of Ridgecrest, CA, went home to be with our Lord and Savior, on November 27th, 2025, passing peacefully.
Born on April 5th, 1933, to the late Harry John Bemis and Carroll Thomas Bemis, in Kalamazoo, MI. Nancy grew up in Kalamazoo, MI, and Highland Park, Dallas, TX. She attended two years of college...
Jim Kight
Nov 21, 2025
James "Jim" Gordon Kight passed away peacefully on November 21, 2025. Born on August 6,1949, in Glendale, California, Jim spent his early childhood in Inglewood before moving with his family to Ridgecrest in 1959-a community he would proudly call home for the rest of his life.
After high school, Jim began his career with the Sierra Sands Unified School District. In...
Priscilla Rhianne Parks
Nov 14, 2025
Priscilla Rhianne Parks, 20, of Ridgecrest, California, passed away on Friday, November 14th, 2025.
Priscilla was born on October 25, 2005, in Ridgecrest, California, to parents Michael Cowley and Pamela Parks. She grew up in Ridgecrest and later was trying to build a new life in Bishop, California.
Priscilla was known for her compassion for others, her unique sense of humor, and...
Betty Lou Shumway
Nov 12, 2025
Betty Lou Shumway of Ridgecrest CA passed away quietly on November 12, 2025, at the age of 98. She was born on March 2, 1927, in Bellflower, CA. She married Gordon Shumway on September 28, 1945, was married for 66 years and raised three children. In the summer of 1962, the Shumway family relocated to Ridgecrest when her husband took...
