Rose Kloian Smithson

Rose Kloian Smithson died Nov. 22 in Santa Rosa, Calif. She was 89.

A native of Detroit, Mich., Smithson was an accomplished pianist. She met her future husband, Gene Smithson, while studying music at Wayne State University. They married in 1944 before his deployment to Europe in World War II. During the next 64 years, they pursued careers and were devoted to raising their four children.

Smithson helped institute Gerber Baby Foods' first business and research libraries in Fremont, Mich. She later worked in LLNL's library and then retired in 1984 after 11 years with the Fresno State University Library in California.

Throughout her and her husband's lives, they pursued interests in music and crafts of all types and gave their children every opportunity to do the same. They also devoted their time and musical talent to their church.

Smithson took up painting in her retirement, filling her family's homes with delightful artwork.

She is predeceased by her husband, Gene Edwin Smithson, who died in 2008; her son, Gregory Jay Smithson, who died earlier this year; parents, Alice and John Kloian; and sister, Charlotte Hollis.

She is survived by her children, Jeff Smithson, Pat Parker and Cindy Moore; sisters, Stella Menton, Alyce Day, Ann Glusac, Virginia Goodrich; brothers, John Kloian Jr. and J. Edward Kloian; grandchildren, Emily Tiso, Brad Parker, Sam Smithson, Jackie Moore, Colleen Sanchez and Shawn Moore; great-granddaughter, Kinsley Rose Tiso; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial services for Smithson and her son Gregory will be held Dec. 11 at 11 a.m. at Santa Rosa Memorial Park, 1900 Franklin Avenue, Santa Rosa, Calif. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Music for Life Program, 2120 Arroyo Sierra Circle, Santa Rosa, CA 95403.