Obituary: Marva Jo Deal, 84, Hood River

Marva Jo Deal, 84, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2026, at Hawk’s Ridge Assisted Living in Hood River, Oregon. She was born on July 16, 1942, in Salina, Kansas, to Howard Leslie Mortimer and Vera Lowine (Isaacson) Mortimer. Marva Jo was the oldest of three sisters.

Marva Jo graduated from Salina High School in 1960. After high school, she began working as an administrative assistant for the Kansas State Highway Commission, where she met Clifton Eugene Deal, a civil engineer. The two were married on October 27, 1963, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Salina, Kansas.

Marva Jo and Clifton began their married life in Salina, where their two children, Ward and Heather, were born. Clifton’s work took the family to Frankfurt, Kansas, and Lincoln, Nebraska, for short periods before they returned to Salina. In 1982, the family moved to Gresham, Oregon, where Marva Jo and Clifton lived for many years. In October 2025, Marva Jo moved to Hawk’s Ridge Assisted Living in Hood River, where she spent her final year.

Throughout her life, Marva Jo enjoyed learning and continued her education at Mt. Hood Community College, earning an Associate of Arts degree in June 1991. Marva Jo worked in several fields throughout her life, including medical records for a medical office and as an assistant at a law firm in Salina. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who found great joy in spending time with the people she loved.

She and Clifton were also world travelers, collecting wonderful memories, stories, and gifts along the way. Marva Jo especially cherished her friendships. One treasured reminder of a friendship lasting more than 40 years was a bracelet given to her dear friend Barb Topham, engraved with the words, “A true friend reaches for your hand and touches your heart.”

Marva Jo had many interests and enjoyed bowling, sewing, gardening, music, and singing in church choirs. She loved spending time with family and friends and was known for her beautiful smile and loving nature.

Her faith and service to others were important parts of her life. Marva Jo was active at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Salina and later at Trinity Lutheran Church in Gresham. Over the years, she served as a Girl Scout leader, PTA president, treasurer for Church Women United, and was a member of the Beta Epsilon Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha International and the League of Women Voters. She also enjoyed being part of her church choirs.

Marva Jo is survived by her husband, Clifton Eugene Deal, of Hood River; her son, Ward Deal, and his wife, Donna, of Nampa, Idaho; and her daughter, Heather Deal-Wellenstein, and her husband, Robert, of Hood River, Oregon. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Danielle Derig, Devin Deal, Conor Deal, Erika Wellenstein, and Sebastian Wellenstein, and her beloved “grand puppy,” Rosie, a Boston Terrier whom Marva Jo lovingly nicknamed “Rosie Posie.” She was preceded in death by her sisters, Joyce Hill Poague and Donna Lee Johnson.

Marva Jo was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her warm smile, generous spirit, love of family, and ability to make lasting friendships will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

A Celebration of Life for Marva Jo will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Gresham, Oregon. The date and time will be announced; Pastor Aimee Bruno will officiate, with a reception to follow. A private visitation for immediate family will be held on September 30, 2026

Condolences may be shared with the family at AndersonsTributeCenter.com 

Obituary: Darrick Lee Lawrence, 64, Odell

Darrick Lee Lawrence

Darrick Lee Lawrence

Darrick Lee Lawrence was born June 27, 1962, and died July 21, 2026.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his children, Joshua, Jeremy and Sadie, also known as Alex; his brother, David Lawrence; and his parents, Trudy Osbourn and Jerry Lawrence.

Darrick was a car enthusiast who knew every aspect of restoring a vehicle, from mechanical components — including engines, transmissions and electrical systems — to repairing body damage. His favorite cars were certain models from Chrysler Corp., particularly Dodge and Plymouth, as well as British cars such as Jaguars and MGs.

He also raced cars. He owned a 1979 Dodge work pickup that he later transformed into his “drag truck.” Darrick did all of the work himself and referred to the truck as his “girlfriend.”

His mechanical ability became apparent at an early age. By age 5 or younger, he would remove all the screws from doorknobs around his house. When an adult tried to open a door, the mechanism would fall apart in their hand.

Later, he began dismantling and repairing small engines from lawnmowers. His father, Jerry, was a mechanic and influenced Darrick’s abilities. Darrick often watched his father work on cars and later assisted him.

But the person who had the greatest influence on Darrick was his grandfather, Frank Baldon. Frank could build nearly anything from wood, metal or stone, which fascinated Darrick. Frank was a patient teacher, and Darrick spent considerable time with his grandfather, learning from his years of experience.

Darrick later worked for several shops and enjoyed the work. He always wanted to own his own shop and eventually realized that dream, becoming the owner and proprietor of Gearhead Transmissions in Odell, Oregon.

Darrick lived life to the fullest. He was an adrenaline junkie who was never afraid to try anything fast and possibly a little dangerous. Along with drag racing, he loved roller coasters, bungee jumping and, of course, fast vehicles.

His happy place was Las Vegas, and he visited as often as he could.

Darrick also enjoyed the outdoors, including fishing and other activities, often spending time with close friends. He had an outrageous sense of humor and frequently entertained groups of people. Some thought he should try stand-up comedy, but that wasn’t his scene.

His most endearing qualities were his kindness and generosity. He was a person of deep feelings who was intensely loyal to his friends and family. He sometimes had a bit of a temper, but it didn’t last long, and he tended not to harbor grudges.

Darrick was many things that a short summary of his life cannot fully capture. Suffice it to say, he will be greatly missed, and for those who knew him, life will be less colorful, less humorous and less interesting without him.

Obituary: Dianna Mae Martin, 80, The Dalles

Dianna Mae Martin, born Dianna Mae Tiller, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2026, at the age of 80, after a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer.

Dianna was spicy, full of life, a little ornery, and unapologetically herself. She was strong-willed, fiercely independent, and extraordinarily hardworking. She was the kind of woman who believed there was always something that needed doing. Sitting still simply wasn’t in her nature. Even near the end of her life, she could be found worrying about the things that mattered to her—sometimes as important as whether someone had remembered to vacuum under the couch.

She was also a storyteller and lifelong explorer of the unexplained. Drawing upon decades of experiences and stories from Oregon, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond, Dianna wrote The World Is Thinner Here: True Encounters of the Unexplained in the Pacific Northwest and Other Places. The book is a collection of 24 stories about unexplained encounters, strange creatures, ghosts, messages from beyond the dead, unusual lights, and other experiences that challenged the boundaries of what we think we understand about the world.

Perhaps fittingly, as Dianna approached the end of her own life, she told her family that she had seen an angel.

Dianna began her fight with cancer in 1973. She faced it again in 2000 and 2018, and ultimately endured a second battle with lung cancer in 2026. Through every chapter, she remained determined, resilient, and unmistakably Dianna.

Dianna is survived by her life partner, Klindt Kendall; her younger brother, Wayne Tiller; her younger sister, Debbie Johnson; her son, Troy Lee Martin; her daughter, Melissa Wilde; seven beloved grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and numerous family members and friends whose lives are considerably less spicy without her in them.

Dianna worked hard, loved hard, and lived on her own terms. Even as her body began to fail her, her personality remained unmistakably hers. In her final days, when her family asked whether she would come visit them, Dianna assured them that she was already “on her way.”

Her family likes to think that she will arrive exactly as promised—in her dancing shoes.

And because Dianna deserved the last word, she left her family one final recorded farewell, a message they will carry with them forever:

“Adios Amigos.”

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and never forgotten.

Death Notice: Wanda Marie Scott, 83, The Dalles

Wanda Marie Scott, age 83, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on September 21, 2026.

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

Obituary: Gabrielle A. Jacobsen, 104, The Dalles

Gabrielle A. Jacobsen was born in Freyming, France, on August 7th, 1922, and passed away in The Dalles on August 29th, 2026.  Gaby married Boyd Jacobsen following WWII in Freyming, France, on November 17th, 1945.  Gaby returned with her husband, Boyd, to his hometown in Logan, Utah, and following Boyd’s dental school, they settled in The Dalles, Oregon, in 1951.

Gaby’s claim to fame was her great cooking ability with a flair from her French background.  Late into retirement, Gaby continued to cook every day until moving into Assisted Living at The Springs in The Dalles.

Boyd passed away in The Springs in 2020 at the age of 97.  Gaby continued to live at The Springs Assisted Living, and family visited her in The Dalles at age 100 on August 7th of 2026.  Gaby was sharp and alert on her 100th birthday, although very weak from a recent fall, and passed away weeks later in The Dalles Health & Rehabilitation facility.

Gaby is survived by son Robert of Pleasanton, CA, daughter Patricia Jacobsen McGowan of Santa Barbara, and youngest daughter Kathy Jacobsen Gross of The Dalles.  Gaby also has four grandchildren, of whom Karl Bonner (formerly Eric Gross) also attended Gaby’s 100th Birthday.

At both Boyd’s and Gaby’s request, there will be no Memorial Service, and Gaby’s ashes will be interred at the family gravestone in Odd Fellows Cemetery in The Dalles. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.

Obituary: Raymond Terry “Butch” Thomas, 62, The Dalles

Raymond Terry “Butch” Thomas, 62, of Dufur, Oregon, passed away on September 15, 2026.

Butch was born on June 23, 1964, in Goldendale, Washington, to Joan Della Brown and Terry Thomas Sr. He grew up in Roosevelt, Washington, and Maupin, Oregon. He spent his adult career working as a rigger in steel construction.

Butch loved riding horses, helping his sons with their projects, and being involved in the lives of his grandchildren. His family will remember the time he gave them and his willingness to lend a hand whenever something needed to be done, as well as being at his grandkids’ events.

He is survived by his sons, Ray (Amanda) Thomas and Justin (Kylie) Thomas, all of Dufur; grandsons Anthony, Brody, and Hank Thomas; granddaughter Austin Thomas; brothers Terry Thomas and John Thomas of Coos Bay; sisters Amy and Lucy of New York; and other extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Joan Della Brown, his father, Terry Thomas Sr., and his brother, Eddie Runyon.

Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements. Details regarding a memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Obituary: Eldon William Eaton, 91, The Dalles

Eldon William Eaton, age 91, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2026, at the Oregon Veterans’ Home in The Dalles, Oregon.

Eldon was born in Yakima, Washington, to W.A. and Clara Eaton. He was a graduate of Grandview High School. Shortly after graduation, Eldon—affectionately known as “Sonny” to many who knew and loved him—joined the United States Air Force, where he served as an airplane mechanic. During his military career, he served several tours of duty in Vietnam and Thailand and earned numerous commendations for his service.

Eldon remained in the Air Force until a debilitating injury led to his retirement.

In his younger years, Eldon enjoyed riding motorcycles and working on cars. In his later years, he especially enjoyed playing cards with fellow veterans at the Oregon Veterans’ Home. He cherished the friendships and camaraderie he found there.

Eldon will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his son, Daniel Eaton; his sister, Janet Hallman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Oregon Veterans’ Home for the loving care and kindness they gave Sonny.

A military service and celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Death Notice: Christa L. Downing, 69, The Dalles

Christa Lynn Downing, age 69, a resident of The Dalles, Oregon, passed away peacefully at home on August 26, 2026.

No formal service will be held. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Christa’s memory may make a donation to the Oregon Humane Society in memory of Christa L. Downing:
Oregon Humane Society
In Memory of Christa L. Downing

Obituary: Glen Roger Hantelman, Rowena

Glen Roger Hantelman was born in Fenton, Iowa, to parents William and Marie (née Schmidtke) Hantelman. He is preceded in death by his parents, his two sisters, Mary Johnson (Iowa) and Rebecca McCartney (Ontario, Canada), and his cousin Leora (California). He is survived by his sister Susan Harvey (Jersey, UK), as well as his three favorite nieces, Amanda, Christine, and Jennifer. He will be greatly missed by his dear friend Shantel in Colorado, his California family, his Minnesota family, and by his many friends and family members in Oregon and across the globe.

Glen was a man of service. Service to his country. To his community. To his family. After graduating from Fenton’s Central Senior High School, where he played football, he enlisted and served in the U.S. Army, including duty with the 3rd Battalion, 81st Artillery Regiment in Korea, and the 3rd Battalion, 38th Artillery Regiment at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, with a temporary duty assignment at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, where he was trained to arm nuclear missiles during the Cold War.

He later worked in Wyoming and Colorado as a lineman for Bell, refusing any promotion that would have put him behind a desk — he preferred to be outdoors, in nature, and as far away from any corporate oversight as he could get. (Those who knew Glen knew that he was a man of great independence.)

He shopped locally; he supported local restaurants — Zim's, Holstein’s, Petite Provence, and Momma Jane's — and he refused to buy things online when his money could be spent investing in his own city — his home.

For more than 20years after his retirement, that home was The Dalles, Oregon.

He was also a man of great intellect. When he’d take visitors to the top of Rowena Crest, he’d gaze out at the ancient scenery and point out the geological features — where the floods came, what the rock colors and stratifications could tell you about the region’s history. He knew everything about the Oregon Trail, which terminated a few blocks from his home, and about the local growing seasons for cherries, apples, corn, and lavender — he was from a small farming town, after all.

He knew the names and details of Hungarian orchestra conductors, Canadian Prime Ministers, American songbirds, UK naval battles, and could tell you exactly what the rail cars were carrying — lumber, coal, grain — as they rumbled by his house alongside the banks of the Columbia River. He found great peace in sitting out on his back deck, with a panoramic view of the gorge, the river, and sky.

In Oregon, he felt he had found his true home.

He had a massive vinyl collection — mostly classical, but he loved folk music, Peter, Paul and Mary, and the Beach Boys. He played the guitar at family gatherings. He loved the Rocky Mountains. He loved roadside diners and long drives along America’s greatest, most historic roads. He loved chef Alice Waters, Estes Park, the opera, and books about U.S. history.

He had a great love for his country, and always sought to make it better. He was a union man, through and through. And he believed decent and honest men and women were the backbone of American society. He believed in second chances. He was a mentor to many.

He rented a room in his house but refused to charge market rate. “No one should be paying 70% of their salary just to have a roof over their head,” he’d say. He believed in fairness. In decency. In doing unto others as you’d do unto them.

He was kind, understanding, non-judgmental, and a great listener.

He was also a modest, quiet man, so you may not have known all these things about him unless you took the time to ask.

He will be missed. In lieu of flowers, buy a book at Klindt’s, his favorite bookstore, or go take a walk in nature, and think of him. And remember to call the ones you love, as often as you can.

Finally, in the words of my Uncle Glen, as he signed off every phone call:
Take care of each other. 

Death Notice: Krist LaLive Roberts, 37, Goldendale

Krist LaLive Roberts, age 37, a resident of Goldendale, WA, passed away at Peace Health Medical Center on September 11, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Robb Alan Frickey, 58, The Dalles

Robb Alan Frickey, age 58, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on September 18, 2026.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Eldon William Eaton, 91, The Dalles

Eldon William Eaton, age 91, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the Oregon Veterans Home on September 12, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Harold Leland Stephens, 90, The Dalles

Harold Leland Stephens, age 90, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Flagstone Retirement and Assisted Living on September 12, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Lucile Ann Stephens, 91, The Dalles

Lucile Ann Stephens, age 91, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Flagstone Retirement and Assisted Living on September 14, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Andrew Jeoffrey Jorgensen, 65, The Dalles

Andrew Jeoffrey Jorgensen, age 65, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge on September 11, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Raymond “Butch” Terry Thomas, 62, The Dalles

Raymond “Butch” Terry Thomas, age 62, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Portland on September 15, 2026.

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

Death Notice: James Douglas Mathews, 73, Hood River

James Douglas Mathews passed away on September 14, 2026, at Parkhurst Place in Hood River, Oregon. James was born on December 7, 1952, and was 73 at the time of passing.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com

Death Notice: Dianna Mae Martin, 80, The Dalles

Dianna Mae Martin, age 80, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge on September 11, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Inez Marie Greer, 93, The Dalles

Inez Marie Greer, age 93, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on September 11, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Gerald Martin Bonn, 88, The Dalles

Gerald Martin Bonn, age 88, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the Oregon Veterans Home on September 10, 2026.

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