Obituary: Lowell Edward Smith, 78, Grass Valley

Lowell Edward Smith of Grass Valley had a passion for photography and captured some amazing photos such as this one that highlights our Milky Way Galaxy in the standing shadow of this Aermotor windmill and pump.

Lowell Edward Smith, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, son, and cherished member of the Sherman County community, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2024. Born on August 11, 1946, in The Dalles, Oregon, Lowell lived a life filled with love, kindness, curiosity and an adventurous spirit.

Lowell grew up on the family farm east of Grass Valley with his parents and brother. This established deep roots in the community; making many life-long friends through elementary and high school. After graduating from Sherman High, he departed for Oregon State University, where he graduated with a degree in Agricultural Production.

After graduating from OSU, he eventually returned to his family’s farm in 1975, where he dedicated himself to the family business and raising a family with his wife, Nancy. He cherished spending time with his family, especially trips to the Oregon Coast and camping excursions in the Cascade Mountains.

Lowell was deeply involved in his community, from coaching Little League Baseball to serving on the School Board and later the Sherman County Library Board. One of Lowell’s favorite pastimes was taking photos of the beautiful landscapes around him. He shared this passion as an active participant in the local photography club, joining in many field trips and sharing tips with his fellow ‘togs.

Lowell was preceded in death by his wife of 30 years, Nancy Lois (Alberty) in July 2001, his father, Myrle Edward in May 2016 and his mother Emma Jean in February 2022. He is survived by his brother, Gordon of Rathdrum, Idaho; his children, Melanie (Smith) Morris and her spouse, Phillip, of The Dalles, Oregon, and Jason Smith and his spouse, Michelle, of Tualatin, Oregon; and his beloved grandchildren, Kayla (20) and Sydney (18).

Lowell will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the community he so dearly loved.

We invite you to join us for a Celebration of Life to honor Lowell Smith on Saturday, April 26th at 12pm at the 4-H/Home Economics Building, Sherman County Fairgrounds; 66147 Lone Rock Road, Moro, OR 97039. In the spirit of community and sharing, we will be having a potluck, so, if able, please bring a dish to share as we gather to remember and celebrate Lowell’s life. For those wishing, donations can be made in memory of Lowell to either the Sherman County Historical Museum or the Sherman County Education Foundation - two charitable organizations deeply meaningful to Lowell and his family.

Death Notice: Maxine Alice Negley, 100, Hood River

Maxine Alice Negley passed away on March 18th, 2025 at Willamette View Neighborhoods in Portland, Oregon. Maxine was born on March 30th, 1924, and was 100 years of age at the time of passing. A graveside committal will be held at noon, on Saturday, March 22nd, 2025 at Pine Grove Butte Cemetery. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Obituary: Clayton “Whitey” Morris Hilmoe, 85, The Dalles

Clayton “Whitey” Morris Hilmoe went to be with the Lord on March 3rd, 2025 in The Dalles, OR at the age of 85.  He was born on December 24, 1939, in Pierre, South Dakota to Orwald and Myrtle Hilmoe. He was the 3rd of 5 brothers.

His fondest memory as a young boy was fishing with his dog at a nearby river.

While in high school, he started his baking career making donuts at the local bakery.

Whitey served in the U.S. Navy from 1958 to 1962.  He was stationed on the USS Midway from 1961-1962.

In 1962, he moved to Colorado with his parents and two brothers.  There he met Alice, who he married in August 1963. They were married for over 61 years.

Whitey returned to baking for several years, moving from South Dakota to Colorado, and finally to Oregon, where he eventually started his own bakery.

Years later, following in his father’s footsteps, he began his second career as an Auto Mechanic, from which he retired after 30 years.

Whitey enjoyed restoring and painting cars. He restored many of his own, as well as for friends, family and many other people in The Dalles.  He passed his skills and interests on to both of his sons.

Whitey’s interests included: camping, motorcycle riding, baking, square dancing, working on projects and spending time with family and friends.

In his retirement, Whitey enjoyed several hobbies, such as: painting, building shovel birds, monsters, and cannons made from scrap metal pieces or anything else he could find around his shop.  He always kept up his well-groomed property, frequently updating the landscaping.  He has also collected many model cars over the years and enjoyed showing his “car room” to friends and family.

Whitey was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in The Dalles, OR for 50 years.  During that time, he served in many areas of the church. He especially enjoyed being an usher and greeter.

Whitey is survived by wife Alice; son Scott (Anita) Hilmoe; son Rod (Darla) Hilmoe; daughter Janie (Ron) Nelson; 7 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.

Whitey was preceded in death by their father, Orwald; mother, Myrtle; brother Doug.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Calvary Baptist Church (3350 Columbia View Dr, The Dalles, OR 97058) on April 5, 2025, at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Camp Morrow (C/O Anderson’s Tribute Center 1401 Belmont Ave, Hood River, OR 97031)

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • Celilo Chapel 204 E. 4th Street, The Dalles, Oregon 97058.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Gregory Andrew Gaylord, 72, Dufur

Gregory Andrew Gaylord, age 72, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away at home on March 14, 2025.

Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Obituary: Richard “Rick” Lively, 80, The Dalles

Richard “Rick” Lively of The Dalles, Oregon was granted the peace he desired on the evening of March 13, 2025, at the age of 80. The second child and first-born son of Helen & Gene Lively, originally of Wallowa, Oregon.

That’s about all the room there is for a standard obituary if you knew him at all!

The independent black sheep in our family for sure, but in his case this carried an endearing and loving connotation. All would agree: He wore his heart on his sleeve every day of his life no matter the cost. He lived life his way, as his sister would say!

Always kind and generous to others down on their luck and quick to stick up for the underdog. He was also known for the special fondness he reserved for the many (many) stray critters who found their way into his care over the years.

His accomplishments were many, but what mattered most were the relationships he cherished. Probably none more so than his lifelong best friends and hunting “crew”; always his lifelines, the original ride-or-dies, bear tags or not. They perhaps knew him better than anyone else and would gather to tend to a private service, according to his wishes, in the Catherine Creek Unit in Eastern Oregon.

Unwaveringly loyal to family, he imparted many life lessons we each pass along to our own families now. Children, grandchildren, precious siblings, and beloved nieces and nephews are all beneficiaries of his unique perspective on life.

Preceded in death by his wife of twenty-five years, Dena Irene Lively. Forever his mother’s son he will be.

Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Richard Gene Lively, 80, The Dalles

Richard Gene Lively, age 80, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at a local care facility on March 13, 2025.

Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Deloris Ruth Cox, 88, The Dalles

Deloris Ruth Cox, age 88, a resident of Arizona, passed away on March 8, 2025. Saturday, March 15, 2025, a viewing will be held starting at 10 AM, with the Funeral Service to follow at 11 AM at the Life in Christ Church, 3095 Cherry Heights Rd, The Dalles, OR 97058, burial will follow the service at the IOOF cemetery on Cherry Heights Rd.

Spencer, Libby, and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Marieum Kay Havig, 83, The Dalles

Marieum Kay Havig, age 83, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at an assisted living facility on March 9, 2025. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

Spencer, Libby, and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Billy Ray Jones, 94, The Dalles

Billy Ray Jones, age 94, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on March 7, 2025.

Spencer, Libby, and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: David Butler, 81, The Dalles

David Butler passed away March 9th, 2025 at Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles, Oregon. David was born December 16th, 1943, and was 81 years of age at the time of passing.  

Funeral Services & Reception are planned for 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 28th, 2025 at Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.   To honor David, his family says to wear your jeans and flannel and to not wear a suit. A private committal will follow at Mt. View Memorial Cemetery of Hood River, Oregon.

Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Pastor Gladen “Stan” Rosengren, 90, The Dalles

Pastor Gladen “Stan” Rosengren passed away on March 6th, 2025 at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge in The Dalles, Oregon. Stan was born October 9th, 1934, and was 90 years of age at the time of passing.

A memorial service for Stan will be held at the Zion Lutheran Church (101 W 10th St, The Dalles, OR 97058) on Friday, March 14th, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • Celilo Chapel 204 E. 4th Street, The Dalles, Oregon 97058.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Adriana Toscano Starwing, 37, Hood River

Adriana Toscano Starwing passed away February 27th, 2025 at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital in Hood River, Oregon.

Adriana was born May 19th, 1987 and was 37 years of age at the time of passing. Adriana’s family is planning a memorial mass ceremony at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 15th, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 1501 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Lawrence James Berry, 44, The Dalles

Lawrence James Berry, age 44, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the hospital on February 26, 2025.

Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Memorial Service: Steven “Steve” Barnes, 77, Stevenson

Steven “Steve” Barnes passed away November 15th, 2024, in Stevenson, Washington. Steven was born June 4th, 1947, and was 77 years of age at the time of passing. 

A Memorial Service is planned for 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 12th, 2025 at Hegewald Center, 710 SW Rock Creek Drive, Stevenson, Washigton (no potluck to follow).   Pastor Matt Califf of Skamania Community Church will officiate Steve’s service.

Arrangements are under the direction of Gardner Funeral Home (156 NE Church Avenue, White Salmon, Washington). 

Visit www.GardnerFH.com to share a story or leave a note for the family.

Death Notice: Steven “Steve” Barnes, 77, Stevenson

Steven “Steve” Barnes passed away on November 15th, 2024, in Stevenson, Washington. Steven was born June 4th, 1947, and was 77 years of age at the time of passing. 

A Memorial Service is planned for 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 12th, 2025 at Hegewald Center, 710 SW Rock Creek Drive, Stevenson, Washington (no potluck to follow).   Pastor Matt Califf of Skamania Community Church will officiate Steve’s service.

Arrangements are under the direction of Gardner Funeral Home (156 NE Church Avenue, White Salmon, Washington). 

Visit www.GardnerFH.com to share a story or leave a note for the family.    

Death Notice: Keith Alton Wolfer, Tygh Valley

Keith Alton Wolfer, a resident of Tygh Valley, OR, passed away on February 23, 2025. A Graveside Service will be held at the Lone Pine Cemetery, 27260 Smock Rd, Wamic, OR 97063, on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 2 p.m.

Spencer, Libby, and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Jeremy Edward Price, 43, The Dalles

Jeremy Edward Price, age 43, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on February 28, 2025. Spencer,

Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Robert Hart Barlow Sr, 95, Wamic

Robert Hart Barlow Sr, age 95, a resident of Wamic, OR, passed away at home on March 3, 2025.

Spencer, Libby, and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Celebration of Life for Don Arthur set for March 22 in Rufus

Don Arthur

Dec. 14, 1955 - Feb. 10, 2025

A Celebration of Life is planned for Don Arthur, 69 of Rufus on March 22 at 1 pm, at the Rufus Baptist Church Basement.

Don moved to Rufus in 1969 with his Parents, Ed and Genevieve, and his siblings, Gena, Pat, and Ron).

Don worked all his life as a heavy equipment operator all over Washington and Oregon.

He bought his home in Rufus when he was 21 years old.

Don served on the Rufus City Council for the last 6 years, as well as for a short time on the Board of Directors for North Sherman County Rural Fire Protection District.

Don is survived by his wife Carol, and the folks he has called friends for many, many years.

Arrangements are under the direction of Columbia Hills Memorial Chapel • 300 W. Broadway Street (Post Office Box 134), Goldendale, Washington 98620 • (509) 772-2636. 

Death Notice: Betty Lucille Bright, 87, The Dalles

Betty Lucille Bright, age 87, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on February 13, 2025.

Spencer, Libby, and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.