Ray J. King went to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 21.  He was born January 1, 1933, in Montrose, CO. He received his MSEE. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Colorado.  Prior to moving to Pleasanton, Ray was a professor of EE at the UW-Madison from 1964-1982.   From 1983-1990 Ray worked as a research engineer at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.  In 1983 Ray co-formed a company, KDC Technology in Livermore, where he worked until his passing.

Ray is survived by his wife of 45 years, Diane;  his son, Karl; his daughter, Kristin; and three grandchildren.

A memorial service was held Feb. 26 at Crosswinds Church, 6444 Sierra Court, Dublin. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Compassion International, 12290 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80921-3668.

Louise Catherine Smith had resided in San Ramon, California since 1979.  She was a native California born in Los Angeles on November 5, 1937.  She was married for 54 years to Alex, her lifetime friend and partner.

She found final peace on Tuesday, February 23, 2010. Louise was 72 years old.

Louise was a very bright and sparkly woman in many ways.  Her smile and eyes could always light up a room.  She was a very sweet unselfish woman, which seemed to be the continuous theme of her life with us. She touched people with her kindness in so many ways.  She was a lover of all living things – animals (especially her Dobermans, Heidi and Shani), plants (she loved her roses, lemons, grapes, and tomatoes that were home grown) and she especially adored the children in her life.  Louise retired as a crossing guard from the San Ramon Police Department.  Louise had numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren that she spent time with and helped to nurture. Louise was fiercely proud of her family and supported them no matter what and where their endeavors took them. She also loved to craft and to sew during her lifetime.  She used to sew her children’s clothing, and also loved to create holiday crafts including her beloved “Rosie the reindeer”.  Louise had a love of camping and water-skiing with her friends and family for vacation, as well as trips to far-off lands like her father’s homeland of Greece.  Louise and her husband, Alex spent their 50th wedding anniversary on the islands of Hawaii.

Louise was a Girl Scout leader, Indian Guides Mom, Softball Mom, Volleyball Mom, Baseball Mom, Swim Mom, Blue Bird Leader, Active participant in schools (PTA, room aide), Military Mom, and American Heart Association Fund-raising  Leader.  She attended John C. Fremont High School (Los Angeles), and graduated in 1956, she achieved an AA degree from  Moorpark College in 1976 with numerous certifications attached. She retired as a Crossing Guard (She loved crossing her kids to make sure they were safe in San Ramon). Before retirement, Louise also worked as a Computer Operator (She dedicated much of her working career to the Ruff Times and it’s various investment affiliates). She was a member of the First Christian Church of Christ.

Louise is survived by her husband Alex C. Smith of San Ramon, CA (married May 2, 1956 ); children Lorren Repton (Shaun) of Big Bear, CA, Alex J. Smith of Paradise, CA, Lisa Smith-Jenness (Michael) of San Ramon, CA; siblings Betty Edwards of Chetopa, KS, Nadine Botonis of Torrance, CA; grandchildren Dawn Martinez of Thousand Oaks, CA, Crystal Dearth-Lorton of Big Bear, CA, and Thora “Libby” Jenness of San Ramon, CA; great grandchildren                Allannah Lorton, Aidan Lorton, Kurt Lorton. Louise also leaves numerous nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces and people that called her Mom, Auntie and Grandma because of the kindness she exuded. Louise was preceded in death by her mother, Grace, her father, James, her brother Benny, and her brother Jim.

Her life was full and rich with fun, family and friends.  Louise, our mother, auntie, grandma and friend will be greatly missed.

Services were held Feb. 28 in Livermore. Burial followed at Rose Lawn Cemetery, Livermore, CA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society and Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements by Callaghan Mortuary.

Lucille H. Ford, a 53-year resident of Livermore, died February 20 at age 90 following a short illness. 

Lucille was born May 3, 1919, in Portland, Oregon.  Growing up in the woods near Portland left her with a lifelong love of greenery and forests, which she would later show by taking friends and family to the redwood forests of coastal California for relaxation and meditation.

She met her husband, Albert, during World War II, when both worked for Kaiser’s Oregon Ship-Building Company in Portland.  They were married in 1944.  After the War, they moved to Albuquerque and the new Sandia Laboratory, where Al was an engineer.  In 1956, they moved to Livermore as one of the first families establishing the California branch of Sandia.

Lucille was a talented artist who studied with water colorist Jade Fon, and was an early supporter of the Livermore Art Association.  She had countless friends in the community and took such an interest in others that soon after she met someone new they might have exchanged life stories.  Still, she said that her greatest achievements and joy came from her family. 

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Albert, and three children: Janice Gollaher of Roseville, Stephen Ford of Sacramento, and Carol Garberson of Livermore.  There are six grandsons — Gregory, Jeffrey and Christopher Gollaher; Jeffrey and Thomas Garberson; and Patrick Ford – as well as two great grandchildren, Michael and Megan Gollaher.

There will be a celebration of her life at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 13, in the Heritage Estates dining room, 850 East Stanley Blvd., Livermore.  (Activity Room), 850 East Stanley Blvd., Livermore.

James Whittla Morris, age 92 of Livermore, passed away on February 16, 2010 of congestive heart failure.

He is survived by his wife Grace, stepchildren, Steven Cane of La Quinta, CA; Marianne Cane (Husband Chris and sons Daniel and Brian) of Leonia, NJ, Corrine Cane of San Martin, CA and nephews Arthur Kent Morris of Oak Harbor, WA and Richard Allen Morris of San Diego, CA. James was born in North Platte, NE on August 8, 1917.

His work career included Lockheed Aircraft in Burbank, CA; Elmendorf Air Base in Alaska, LLNL and Ralph Properties in Livermore, CA.

A memorial services will be on March 14th at 2pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Livermore. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Livermore.

Arrangements by Callaghan Mortuary.

Virginia A. Nelson passed away peacefully at ValleyCare Medical Center in Pleasanton from complications of aspirating pneumonia. She was born February 13, 1919 to Mr. and Mrs. Golden D. Long in Fresno, California. The first of two children, Virginia was raised in Fresno. She became a teacher after graduation from Fresno High School and Fresno State University.

Virginia met her future husband, Robert Lee Nelson, at a USO dance in Fresno. Robert was a B-24 bomber pilot in WWII. He was shot down over Italy and spent time in a German prison camp before returning home. After his return, Robert and Virginia were married in 1945. They had two children, a son, Douglas, and a daughter, Kerry.

Virginia taught school in Livermore for 26 years, with a total of over 35 years combined experience. She was a very well liked by her students. There was always something interesting to learn under her instruction. She was a talented pianist, dancer, artist, and drama teacher.

Virginia enjoyed being with friends and was always happiest going out to social events. She was a member of many organizations including B# Square Dancers, bell and choral choirs, Delta Kappa Gamma (teachers honor group), Eagle Squares, Order of Easter Star (over 50 years), and Retired Teachers Association. She enjoyed giving time to all of her groups.

A much loved mother, Virginia is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Kerry and Stephen Boothe, Livermore; niece, Sue Long and her children Kelly and Michael Romine of Fresno; nephew and his wife Dr. and Mrs. Michael G. Long and their children, Conner, Chris and Jordan Long of Fresno; daughter-in-law, Sandra H. Smith of Simi Valley; brother-in-law and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Nelson of Green Bay, Wisconsin; and niece and her husband Kathy and John Stollberg of Green Bay, Wisconsin.

She was predeceased by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Golden D. Long, her brother/wife Mr. and Mrs. Golden A. Long, and her son, Douglas Lee Nelson.

A private service was held in Fresno. She was inurned at Belmont Memorial Park in Fresno.

Virginia will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She will be missed most by her family.

Donations in her name preferred to: Semper Fidelis Chapter No. 135, % Pennie Clouser, O.E.S. Secretary, 359 Michell Street, Livermore, CA 94551-2217.

Kim passed away on Feb. 9, 2010 in Pleasanton, CA at the age of 73. Kim was born in China on April 16, 1936. She lived in Livermore for 38 years.

She graduated from High School in Hong Kong and then resided in Canada for several years before moving to California. In the 10 years before her retirement, she worked as a cashier for Togo’s in Pleasanton. Kim attended the First Presbyterian Church in Livermore. Her hobbies included cooking, gardening, watching musicals, listening to classical music and traveling.

Kim is survived by her daughters, Christina and Debra Lim of Livermore and by her brother, Jeff Wong. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and other family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband  Bill and her brother Andy.

A Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., March 6, the First Presbyterian Church of Livermore, 4th and L Street. A private burial will be held at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Livermore.

Donations may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation @ www.themmrf.org or www.multiplemyeloma.org

Arrangements by Callaghan Mortuary.

Thompson Eldred Butler, 94, of Livermore, died peacefully Thursday morning, February 25, 2010.

Born in Hughesville, PA, July 26, 1915, to Raymond Leroy Butler and Edith Camilla Diggan Butler, he had one younger brother, Richard.  He attended Fremont High School in Oakland and later went to trade school which opened the door for his life-long career as an ATT engineer.

In 1937 he was married to his sweetheart, Esther Nelson, at Melrose Baptist Church in Oakland.  They were married for just over 70 years before Esther preceded him to heaven. 

Tom was active at Monte Vista Chapel in Turlock, CA where he lived from 1994 to 2006.  He had many friends at the church and at the Covenant Village retirement community where he lived. Upon returning to Livermore in 2006, he returned to his former church home of Cedar Grove in Livermore.  Tom worked for 48 years for Pacific Telephone and ATT where he retired at age 65.  He was a career telephone man, but always made time for his family.  He took all 5 of his children, Peter, Beverly, Patricia, Linda, and Carleton to the high country of Yosemite many times and introduced them  to camping and hiking.  Later, they began a yearly tradition of camping with their grandchildren at Lake Tahoe.  He will be missed by all his grandchildren, Kenny, Sandra, Matthew, Martha, Kenneth, Kathleen, Christopher, Danny, Kelly, Robyn, Jason, Collin, and Brandon .   Tom is also survived by his brother, Richard, and his wife Vivienne who live in Turlock.

All of Tom's children survive him and will miss him greatly.  All who knew Tom knew that he never feared leaving this world and would be welcomed into God's kingdom.  His many years here on earth were a gift to all who knew him.  His shining example of living as Christian, husband, father, and grandfather will remain forever.

Jerry R. Ricks passed away at home after a short illness with immediate family present on Thursday, February 25, 2010, at the age of 77.

He was born in Antioch, CA, Sept. 30, 1932, where he grew up and lived much of his life, before moving to Livermore, CA. He spent a 36-year career in the retail grocery business as an owner, manager, supervisor, and clerk in communities throughout the Bay Area, and was a member of the Antioch and Livermore Elks. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially boating, skiing, and fishing, and was a long-time member of the Tracy Wildlife Association. He also loved his frequent bus trips to Lake Tahoe and the VIP treatment at Harvey’s and Harrah’s. Always outgoing and generous, he touched many lives and will be deeply missed.

Jerry was preceded in death by his son, Larry; and survived by his wife of 58 years, Joann, daughters Lorri Drinnen and Lisa Gunn, grandchildren Christine Rich, Jennifer Trevino, Melissa McElmurry, Tyler Drinnen, Angela Ausemus, Cheryl Bowersox Ricks, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Per his wishes, a simple graveside service will be held Friday, March 5, at noon, at Oak View Cemetery, 2500 East 18th Street, Antioch, CA, followed by a gathering of family and friends.

Arrangements by Callaghan Mortuary.

Harriet Midtaune, 97, of Bemidji, MN died Saturday, February 27, 2010 at the Havenwood Care Center in Bemidji, Minnesota.

Funeral Services will be 1:00 pm, Saturday, March 6, 2010 at the Aardahl Lutheran Church in Bemidji, MN, with Rev. Linda G. Tenneson officiating.   A visitation will be one hour before the services at the church.  Interment will be at the Aardahl Lutheran Cemetery in Bemidji, MN, under the direction of the Cease Family Funeral Home of Bemidji.

She was born on December 14, 1912, in Wanamingo, MN, the daughter of Paul and Berntine (Ree) Jacobson.  She was baptized and confirmed in Trinity Lutheran Church of Wanamingo.  She graduated from Wanamingo High School in 1930, and worked as Assistant Postmistress at the Wanamingo Post Office.  Harriet married Ted Midtaune in 1936.  She lived in Wanamingo, MN from 1912 until 1948, in Claremont, MN from 1948 until 1952, in Fairmont, MN from 1952 until 1954, Trimont, MN from 1954 until 1969 where she worked at the Trimont Block and Silo for six years, and was active as a Girl Scout Leader. They moved to Bemidji, MN in 1969 where they lived on Grace Lake.  She was an active member of the churches in the communities where her family lived, most recently at Aardahl Lutheran Church.  She has served as a Sunday School Superintendent, Vacation Bible School teacher, choir member, quilter, and meatball and gravy cook at Aardahl’s Lutefisk Suppers.  Harriet was an artist dedicated to her oil paintings.  She won the Grand Prize at the Martin County Fair for her paintings.  She taught classes in oil painting, knitting, and crocheting.

She lived her life with grace.

She is survived by her son, Ted (Merry) Midtaune of Livermore, CA; daughters, Nancy (Wolfgang) Teklenburg of Solway, MN, Paula (Verne) Smith of Bemidji, MN; son-in-law, Don DeLapp of Bemidji, MN; sister,  Doris Stoddard of Pine Island, MN; nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Sue DeLapp, two brothers, and six sisters.

Honorary Casketbearers will be Tron DeLapp, Nathan Smith, Sara Smith, Deanna Midtaune, and Paul Smith. Active Casketbearers will be Drager DeLapp, Daniel Smith, Wolfi Teklenburg, Trygg Midtaune, Dave Berg, and Ted Midtaune.

Livermore resident Marjorie went home to be with the Lord on Feb 24, 2010, with her family by her side, at the age of 80.

Marjorie was born on March 12, 1929 to Earnest & Emma McKeage in Beloit, Kansas.

Marjorie retired in 1990 after 13 ½ yrs from Dr. L.B Merrill D.D.S as his Receptionist/Assistant.

Marjorie was preceded in death by her beloved Husband of 48 years; Peter. She is survived by her daughter Tammy (Cliff) Homon;  grandchildren, April and  Trevor Homon of Livermore and by her niece, Lolly, who all were very dear to her.

Family and friends are welcome to come and visit with Marjorie on Thursday, March 4, 2010 from 9-11am, with funeral services to follow at 11am, at Callaghan Mortuary Chapel, 3833 East Ave, Livermore. Burial will follow at 1:30pm at Holy Cross Cemetery 2200 E 18th St, Antioch, CA

Dr. Ian Thomas (1935 - 2010), a retired Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) chemist (1983-2000) and consultant died at home Monday, March 1, 2010, after a valiant struggle with cancer. He surrounded by loved ones.

Prior to his career at LLNL, Ian worked for 20 yrs at Owens-Illinois Inc. in Toledo, Ohio. Ian was an inventor of the Sol-Gel anti-reflective coating, which was first successfully applied to the Nova laser and is now used on every high-powered fusion laser in the world today. 

Ian shared many hobbies, his favorite being home-consumption wine making.  During the annual harvest in his back yard, “Chateau Melville” came alive each year with family, friends and neighbors helping to pick and crush grapes, all the while enjoying being around Ian to learn the chemistry and art of wine making from a man who made it all seem so easy and fun.  His wines won several awards. His hobbies seem to link him to the outdoors, whether it was experimental boat and model aircraft design, or gardening; his hydroponics garden grows an assortment of near perfect tomatoes. 

As a lad during WWII in England, Ian attended the highly regarded Repton School.  This was followed by a BS in 1956 and PhD in 1959, both in chemistry, from the University of London. Ian came to the United States in 1960, but will always be remembered as a true English gentleman.           

Ian is survived by Deborah, his wife of 48 years, three daughters, Mary, Margaret and Elizabeth, and seven grandchildren with one more on the way. 

A “Final Farewell” is scheduled for Thursday, March 4, 2 - 4 pm at Callaghan Mortuary Chapel, Livermore. Friends and family are welcome.   In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Ian’s memory to Hope Hospice, of Dublin.