Obituaries

Barbara Rebecca Keltz, a long-time resident of Fremont, passed away on March 15 in Vancouver, Washington. She was 87. Survivors include her three daughters: Barbara Packard (Doug) of Moorpark; Rethia McDowell of Simi Valley; and Mary Keltz (Tom Knappenberger) of Vancouver, WA. She also leaves six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. Her husband, John Kenneth Keltz, passed away on March 10, 2014.

Mrs. Keltz was born to William F. and Bertha Matheson on June 17, 1929 in San Francisco. Mr. Matheson had emigrated from Scotland by way of Canada during World War I. He met his wife when she boarded a cable car he was conducting.

The Matheson family endured the Great Depression and World War II in San Francisco. Work was constant. Ten-cent movies were the primary diversion.

After the war, Mrs. Keltz was employed by See’s Candies and the Schlage lock company. She married Mr. Keltz, a U.S. Navy veteran, in 1956. They settled in Irvington, now part of Fremont. Mrs. Keltz worked in document control at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where she retired after nearly 30 years.

She was known for a loving spirit and huge heart, making friends at every turn and cherishing her ever-expanding family. A large collection of movies for all ages graced her home.

A service is planned for 11 a.m., Saturday, April 22, at Fremont Chapel of the Roses, 1940 Peralta Blvd., Fremont, CA. Memorial donations may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association.