Ralph Stanley Cless III

  In Memorial for 

Ralph Stanley Cless III
Born October 17, 1944; Died May 5, 2023
and 
Katelin Hansen Stuart

Born December 18, 1951; Died April 3, 2021

Ralph “Ray” Cless was born in San Francisco and raised primarily in Marin County. He was a student at Marin Catholic High School, class of 1962, before attending the University of San Francisco, class of 1966. At USF Ray was an active member of the ROTC and after graduating he enlisted in the Army. Ray served as a Green Beret, Special Forces for three tours in Vietnam before being honorably discharged at the rank of Captain. 
Kate Stuart, previously Melanie Sims was also raised in Marin County. She was a student at Sir Francis Drake High School, class of 1969, before moving on to find her purpose in life. 
After leaving the Army, Ray took sometime to also enjoy life, becoming active in the surfing and diving community in the Monterey area. After a time, Ray returned to service and joined the Belvedere Police Department, where he remained for 15 years before his retirement. It was during this period he met Kate, who was a member of the Tiburon Police Department’s civilian employees. 
Together they moved north and settled in the Russian River community, Kate finding her purpose working among nature. Kate worked for many nurseries and landscaping companies, her goal to support nature. 
After Kate retired, they both moved even further north to the Pacific Northwest and the Columbia River Gorge in 2006. It was here Kate and Ray became active in local environmental issues, protecting nature and all its creatures. Kate continued her education, studying Environmental Studies and Water Rights at the University of Oregon and  Washington State University, as well at Art History. 
Kate passed at her home, after a 20-year battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her chosen family and pets. 
Two years later, Ray followed Kate, passing at home, surrounded by love. They had no children and are survived by their loving chosen family of Catherine Davidson of San Rafael and Maribeth Haughton of Mill Valley. No services are planned.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ralph Stanley Cless III, please visit our floral store.