Death Notice: Rita Ann Henderson, 71, Hood River

Rita Ann Henderson passed away on September 9, 2025, in Hood River, Oregon. Rita was born November 26, 1954, and was 71 years of age at the time of her passing.

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: Virginia Fern Bergum, 93, The Dalles

Virginia Fern Bergum, age 93, a resident of The Dalles, OR, at The Springs at Mill Creek on September 8, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Donna Lee Ross, 85, The Dalles

Donna Lee Ross, age 85, a resident of Maupin, OR, passed away at Canyon Rim Assisted Living on September 9, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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

Death Notice: Frank Alexander Brown, 76, The Dalles

Frank Alexander Brown, age 76, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the Oregon Veterans Home on September 2, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Gabrielle Adrienne Jacobsen, 100, The Dalles

Gabrielle Adrienne Jacobsen, age 100, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at The Dalles Health and Rehabilitation Center on August 29, 2026.

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

Obituary: Arthur William Crooke, 96, Hood River

Arthur William Crooke was born on May 16, 1930. Six months after the stock market crash, in the beginning of the Great Depression. His father died when he was three so he and his four other siblings Daisy, Esmond, Walter and Eric were raised by his mother, Helen, his aunt Paula, and his grandparents.

Great Aunt Paul had a wealth of stories about the five kids and the antics they got up to, reminding me of the old TV show Spanky And Our Gang. They didn’t have a lot. Things had to be repaired or made themselves. This is how my Dad’s career as an engineer was born.

In high school he worked fixing sewing machines. He went to Rutgers University and then to MIT where he pursued these interests and became an electrical engineer, first working for RCA with televisions, and then onto work in various computer companies, designing computers where he received two patents for his innovations. He was doing something on a computer pretty much every day of his life.

He combined his love of computers and kids by volunteering at the Roxbury Unitarian Urban Ministry. He helped these inner city kids use the donated computers that Dad refurbished for them to bring to college.

He also loved to be outdoors with his own kids. Myself, Debbie, Bill and Rob. We skied in our backyard as early as some of us could walk. We went hiking and camping. We stayed in a cottage on, Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire in the summers. Eventually, he bought a piece of property where we would build our own cottage. The property gradually got a boat dock, stairs up to the top of the property and then my brother Bill, my cousin Dan and Dad got a good start on the cottage. Relatives and friends came up to stay and help us raise the walls. Every time you visited there was always a project which might have included moving huge boulders. On one of these visits Cousin Jeffrey gave Dad the fitting nickname of Pharaoh.

Each of Dad’s siblings’ families, and eventually their extended families would come up for a week every summer. He was famous for his Rattlesnake Island blueberry pancakes which he made from scratch every morning.

Initially, they were made from blueberries picked on the hill behind the cottage and later someone making the trip to “The Island” would pick up frozen blueberries at Shaws. This was the highlight of his life and probably the highlight for many of his visitors.

In 2010, after having a traumatic experience with bladder cancer, he decided to sell the island property and move to Pennswood Village in Newtown, Pennsylvania, where Aunt Daisy and Uncle Don were living. It was close to “The Farm” and all of the farm families.

He would come to the West Coast every Thanksgiving and again in the Spring to visit us. In Cupertino, California he would visit Bill and Lisa where he and Bill would spend time at Frys and talk computers. In Portland, Oregon he would visit, Rob, Barb, and his grand daughters, Rachael and Alyssa. We would all have Thanksgiving dinner with Rob’s family and his lovely and wild neighbors. Finally, he would visit me in Seattle. He loved to visit my classroom. He would teach the kids how to make blueberry pancakes and would bring a project for them. Stomp rockets, kites, or paper airplanes to name a few.

In 2024 at age 94, he decided to move to Oregon to be closer to all of us especially now that Debbie was also living in Oregon. He moved into Parkhurst Assisted. Living in Hood River where he could enjoy the river and mountains, visiting all of us and his three great grand children, Demi Rose, Eleazar, and Mila.

He enjoyed talking and joking with the Parkhurst staff. He continued working with his favorite Raspberry Pi computer with much consultation with Bill. He enjoyed going to Rob’s vineyard, Crooked Acres, sampling the delicious wines. Going out to lunch with Debbie. Restoring the garden outside his window at Parkhurst became a new passion. He even got out there with a weedwhacker himself at age 95 to cut weeds that might provide hiding places for the cats who threatened the birds he loved to watch. He got us all involved with that project continuing to earn his nickname of Pharoah.

There are many more things I could tell you about. He had many other life long interests. Community theater, his 1929 Model A Ford, swimming, and wood working are some. He was an amazing man, loved by many and led a life well lived.

I think he would agree with Charlie Chaplin who said “A day without laughter is a day wasted”.

He died suddenly at Providence Memorial hospital in Hood River, Oregon after a short illness at the age of 96. He will be buried at the Great River Natural Burial. A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 A.M., October 3rd, 2026 at Anderson Tribute Center 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.

Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com

Death Notice: Pastor Donald “Don” Alban Gibbs, 97, Hood River

Pastor Donald “Don” Alban Gibbs passed away on September 3rd, 2026, in Vancouver, Washington.   Don was born on May 5th, 1929, and was 97 at the time of his passing.   Services at the Parkdale Community Church, where Don had pastored, are pending and will be announced soon. 

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

Obituary: Jim E. Edens, 92, Hood River

Jim E. Edens, a U.S. Army veteran and long-time resident of Hood River, passed away on August 26, 2026, at the age of 92. He was born in Washington County, Arkansas. Jim served in the 82nd Airborne Division and was assigned overseas in Europe. Jim was proud to serve and of the friendships and purpose he found during his service.

After his military service, Jim built a career as a communications engineer with the United Telephone Company in Hood River. Jim also built a home in Hood River with his wife Margaret. He enjoyed living in Oregon and made many friends in the Hood River Valley. Jim always had a smile on his face and time to talk or to lend a helping hand. He will be missed.

Jim is survived by: his brother, Jody of Arkansas; children, James of South Carolina (wife Lisa, Children Paige and Sarah); Kathy of Arkansas (Children Daniel and Joshua); Lisa of Arkansas (Children Stephanie and Christopher); stepchildren, Holly of Oregon (husband, Phil; children Heather and Tyler), Guy of Arizona (wife Shelly, child Andrew); and 13 great-grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; siblings, Jewel, Emely, Charles, Rubie, and Kennith; and parents Nancy and Jesse. Jim will be remembered for his integrity, loyalty, and steady love.

A small family service is planned in October. In remembrance, donations may be made to the Hood River Meals on Wheels organization through the Senior Center located at 2010 Sterling Place. 

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

Obituary: Nelda Pearl Potter, 92, Florence, Ore.

Nelda Pearl Potter, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, friend, and life-long Oregon resident passed away on August 19, 2026 at the age of 92 while residing in Florence Oregon. 

She is survived by her four children: Marc Potter, Paul Potter, Steve Potter and Sheila Blacketer; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was born in The Dalles Oregon on August 24, 1933 to Paul and Alma (Haynes) Benedict.  She attended grade school and graduated high school in Dufur Oregon, and then she was accepted to Northwestern Christian College in Eugene Oregon to pursue a degree in education. 

On October 1, 1955 Nelda married Rodney Gary Potter, a veteran and local sawmill worker.  Throughout her life Nelda worked as a Kindergarten teacher, an Avon representative, and as a recorder in the offices of the Dufur Ranger Station and the Dufur City Hall. 

Nelda was a spiritual woman who was involved in many church activities, including playing the piano, leading worship during services, and teaching Sunday school. She will be deeply missed by her friends, family, and all who knew her.

There will be a viewing between 2pm – 6pm on September 12th at the Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home located at 1100 Kelly Ave, The Dalles, OR 97058.

A funeral service is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on September 13th at the Dufur Christian Church on 315 Harrison St, Dufur, Oregon. Pastor Tim Fain will officiate. 

Obituary: Don Elmer Kelsey, 95, The Dalles

Don E. Kelsey died August 26, 2026, in The Dalles, Oregon. Born January 1, 1929, in Sheridan, Wyoming. He was the sixth of seven children born to Glen and Viola (Strong) Kelsey.

The family left Wyoming shortly after Don was born, following available work, and lived in Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. He lived on his own from the age of 15, finding work as a logger and farm laborer. In December of 1949, he married Evalyn McGuire in Colfax, Washington, and worked there as a farm laborer and then for the highway department. In November of 1950, they moved to The Dalles, where he worked for the highway department and water district. In 1951, they moved to eastern Oregon, where Don worked on McNary Dam.

They returned to The Dalles in early 1953, where they raised their four children, and Don worked for a short time at the Tie Plant and then at The Dalles Dam. In October of that year, he began his electrical apprenticeship. Over the years, he did electrical work in town, as well as on the John Day Dam and eventually in Alaska for nearly two years in the mid 1970’s. Don and Evalyn divorced in 1975.

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In March of 1976, he married Sue Fleishauer in Reno, Nevada, and they moved to Portland. They owned a motel in Portland for a year and a half, but Don continued working in the electrical trade until his retirement in 1991, and they moved to The Dalles. Don built four homes for his family over the years and was known for his large vegetable garden, beautiful flower garden, and a strong work ethic. He loved to travel, fish, and enjoyed being with his grandchildren.

Don is survived by his wife, Sue; children Diane Kelly, deceased (Doug); Linda Quackenbush (Loyal); David (Wanda); and Steven (Martha). Sue’s children, Lynn Godden; Shanda Wolfe and Laura Pannone; 7 grandchildren, Sara Brandon (Ted) and April Huggler; AJ Quackenbush (Ashlie); Carrie, Sam (Kelsey); Scott (Meagan) Kelsey; and Eric Godden. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Alice and Liam Quackenbush and Evalyn (Evie) Kelly. His siblings, Grace, Margaret, Betty, Ted, Thelma, and Paul, predeceased him.

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Death Notice: Bryson Jay Jim, 18, Warm Springs

Bryson Jay Jim, age 18, a resident of Warm Springs, OR, passed away on August 6, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Stephen James Pratt, 32, Madras

Stephen James Pratt, age 32, a resident of Madras, OR, passed away on August 10, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Gary Wayne Kelly, 68, The Dalles

Gary Wayne Kelly, age 68, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on August 29, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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

Death Notice: Jolene Godoy, 84, The Dalles

Jolene Godoy passed away August 31, 2026, at home in Hood River, Oregon. Jolene was born on September 17, 1941 and was 84 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: Randall Mark Green, 71, of The Dalles

Randall Mark Green, age 71, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge on August 23, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Samuel Eugene Cobb, 73, Tygh Valley

Samuel Eugene Cobb, age 73, a resident of Tygh Valley, OR, passed away on August 29, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Jim E. Edens, 92, Hood River

Jim E. Edens passed away on August 26, 2026, at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver, Washington.   Jim was born on April 8, 1934, and was 92 when he passed away.

Services are pending, with arrangements 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: Larry Wayne Schwartz, 79, Hood River

Larry Wayne Schwartz passed away on August 30, 2026, at home in Hood River, Oregon.   Larry was born on November 20, 1946, and was 79 at the time of his 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: Daniel S. Cowan, 58, Beaverton

Daniel S. Cowan, born Sept. 30, 1967, died June 23, 2026. He was 58.

He was preceded in death by David A. Cowan.

He is survived by Sherry M. Briggs, Shane C. Cowan and Torrey S. Leinen.

Death Notice: Cameron Michael Bostick, 21, Dufur

Cameron Michael Bostick, age 21, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away August 22, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held at Dufur High School on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Cameron’s name to Dufur School ASB Football.

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