R. Dale Libby

1916 - 2010

R. Dale Libby, 94, of Hanford, California passed away on Friday, December 3, 2010 in Hanford, California.

Dale was born in Colville, Washington on May 4, 1916 to Ralph and Cary Libby, one of nine children. He was raised and educated in various areas of the United States and Canada, graduating from high school in 1934 in Canada. Dale attended college at Walla Walla College in Washington and began his schooling for dentistry in Oregon. In 1940 he married Martha Ilene Gaspar in Massachusetts. Dale took a break from dental school to help put his brother, John through school. He returned to college and was soon drafted into the United States Army, serving from 1942 - 1945 in San Francisco while attending classes. He graduated from P&S College in San Francisco in 1945 with his degree in Dentistry. Dale and Martha moved to Bishop in 1946 where he started his practice. From 1950 - 1954 Dale served a second term with the United States Army during the Korean Conflict at Ft Leonardwood, Missouri as a surgeon. He went back to school in San Francisco to get his masters in oral surgery. The family moved to Hanford in 1957. After 40 years of practice, Dale retired in 1985. He was a faithful member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church of Hanford and lived his life each day for the Lord. Dale enjoyed woodworking and was very creative. He enjoyed times spent at the family ranch, working in the walnuts and then in later years picking up walnuts and supplying his family with shelled nuts. Dale was a joyful worker in all aspects of his life. He had a positive attitude and did all things with gusto. Dale enjoyed going to the cabin in Yosemite and marveled at God's creation. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Dale leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Martha of Hanford; three children, Judy Beeler and husband, Hal of Laton, Daryl and wife, Gwen of Hanford, and Richard Libby of Hanford; one brother, Kenneth Rowland of Sedro Wooley, WA and one sister, Ruth Gowings of Bellingham, WA; five grandchildren, Shelly Armstrong, Joel Libby, Jennifer Hesse, Loren Libby and Ryan Libby; and two great-grandchildren, Tanner Armstrong and Levi Libby.

Memorial services will be held at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, 900 N. Redington Street in Hanford on Friday, December 10, 2010 at 4 p.m.

Remembrances may be made to Kings Crusaders Pathfinder Club, P.O. Box 397, Armona, CA 93202.

Condolences may be offered at www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of People's Funeral Chapel, 501 N. Douty St., Hanford, CA 93230 (559) 584-5591.