OBITUARIES
Jennifer Pritchard
2026
S Jennifer Pritchard (26Feb1943-30Mar2026)
S Jennifer Pritchard passed on Monday, 30 Mar 2026 of natural causes. A long time China Lake and Ridgecrest resident, she came to the Naval Ordnance Test Center in 1964 as a clerk typist and rose to become the office manager of the Office of Naval Research's Patent Office (Code 012). She retired from Civilian Service in...
James Travis Tidwell
Mar 28, 2026
James Travis Tidwell September 8, 1935 – March 28, 2026
On March 28, 2026, James (Jim) Travis Tidwell passed away at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, surrounded by his family. Jim was born on September 8, 1935, in Huntsville, Alabama, the eldest child of Edward Daniel Tidwell and Tressie Lee Taylor. Born to a family of sharecroppers,...
Kenneth Eugene Smith
Mar 25, 2026
Kenneth Smith passed away leaving behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and laughter that will be cherished by all who knew him.
Ken was the kind of person who could light up a room with a well-timed joke and a warm smile. He had a natural gift for making others feel at ease, and his generous spirit showed in the countless...
Kevin DeWayne Johnson
Mar 21, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kevin DeWayne Johnson (58). Kevin passed unexpectedly March 21, 2026 in Ridgecrest, Ca. He was born in Janesville Wisconsin on September 3, 1967 and raised in Freeport, Illinois. He was a man whose presence was impossible to forget. His vibrant, hyper energy was part of his charm (as you...
Steven M Curran
Mar 20, 2026
Steven M. Curran, 70, was taken by ALS (Lou Gerig’s disease) on March 20, 2026, after suffering for the last 18 months.
Steve was born on September 13, 1955, in Leonardtown, MD to James and Beatrice Curran. He graduated from Burroughs High School in 1973, where he was a champion member of the Burroughs High School Tennis Team.
After high school Steve...
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...
Theresa Carol Leonard
Feb 18, 2026
Theresa “Carol” Leonard was born on December 26, 1951 in Denver Colorado to Charles and Zoetta Kersten. She passed away on February 18, 2026 in Ridgecrest, CA at the age of 74. She was their only child. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her only grandchild Samantha.
In the mid 1960’s the Kersten family moved to...
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...
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...
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...
