Ronald Lee Claughton passed into eternity on Friday, March 19, 2010. He was 73 years old. He was born in Marshfield, Oregon on November 5, 1936, son of Milo and Josie Claughton. He enter the US Air Force, and while stationed at Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota, he met his future wife, Betty Kalmbach. They were married on Valentine's day, February 14, 1956. After his discharge they moved back to Oregon where they were longtime residents of Camas Valley and Dillard. Ronald loved his jobs as a heavy equipment mechanic and truck driver for different logging companies in the community and made many friends in those environments. After retiring, he loved tinkering with all things mechanical and was an all around handyman. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed help. He rarely met a stranger due to the ease with which he could strike up a conversation with just about anybody. You could often find him walking through his neighborhood engaging neighbors in conversation. He is survived by his wife, of fifty four years, Betty Claughton. They have five children, daughter Lisa and her partner Dale; son Ron and his wife Tammy; a daughter in-law, Sari; son Kevin and his wife Michelle; son Gary and his partner Nikki; and son David. He also leaves a brother, Milo. He and Betty were blessed with fifteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, who he dearly loved. Ron looked forward to the time he could spend with his family: it brought him the greatest joy. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed. "We look forward to seeing him again" Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at the Camas Valley United Methodist Church with Pastor Ed Jabs officiating. Interment will be at the Martindale Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the Douglas County Cancer Services.