Barbara R. Keltz

Barbara Rebecca Keltz, a longtime resident of Fremont, died March 15 in Vancouver, Washington. She was 87.

Keltz was born to William F. and Bertha Matheson on June 17, 1929 in San Francisco. William 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, Keltz was employed by See's Candies and the Schlage lock company. She married John Keltz, a U.S. Navy veteran, in 1956. They settled in Irvington, now part of Fremont. She 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.

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

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