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Obituary for Ronald G. Smothers
Born in Delano, CA, died in his sleep at home in Gold Beach, OR. Ron's family moved to Merced, CA in 1944. After graduating from Merced High School in 1956, he bought his first Flying A Service Station, served in the U.S. Army from Dec. 1956 to Dec. 1958. He married his high school sweetheart April 12, 1959 in Merced and had almost 55 years together. They had one child, Kelly. Later, Ron had another Flying A Station and then Smothers Deluxe Shell. His career meshed well with his hobby, racing sports cars. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman. Ron and Jackie moved to Gold Beach in 1992, built their dream home overlooking the ocean and worked for the Nesika-Ophir Water District for 12 years. He thoroughly enjoyed fishing for salmon and bottom fish, clamming and crabbing. He will be remembered as the "bagman" at the Hospice Rummage Market sales, chatting with everyone and was nicknamed "chick magnet". Ron always loved entertaining and enjoyed being the center of attention. He was the first to arrive and the last to leave. He lived a full and enjoyable life. On Friday, December 20th, a Celebration of Life was held with friends and relatives in attendance - it was a party he would have loved. Ron is survived by his wife, Jackie, daughter Kelly Thomason and her husband Wayne of Hot Springs, AR, granddaughters Emily (Stephen) Slone of St. Louis, MO and Shanelle (Nate) Sundin of Stayton, OR and two great-grandchildren, Gracie and Nathan, also of Stayton, OR. He leaves behind his sister, Dianne (Don) Collins of Grovetown, GA and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Garnold and Opal Smothers, stepmother Velma and brothers Bob and Dennis.
