Obituary: MaryRuth Stranz, 73, The Dalles

MaryRuth Stranz 

MaryRuth Stranz, 73, of The Dalles, Oregon, passed away peacefully  at home on June 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. 

MaryRuth was born on February 8, 1953, in The Dalles, Oregon, to  Edward and Mary Nelson. Raised in Wasco County, she developed a  deep love for agriculture and community at an early age. As a youth,  she was actively involved in FFA, proudly raising and showing steers  at the Wasco County Fair for many years. 

After graduating from high school, MaryRuth attended Oregon College of Education (now Western Oregon University), where she  earned her degree in Education. During this time, she met the love of  her life, Jeff Stranz. They were married in June 1976 and shared  nearly fifty years of faithful partnership, friendship, and devotion. 

Education was not simply MaryRuth's profession—it was her calling.  While teaching and raising a family, she continued her own education and earned a Master of Science degree from Portland State  University in 2000. Her commitment to lifelong learning reflected the  example she set for her students, colleagues, and family. 

For decades, MaryRuth was a cornerstone of the North Wasco County  School District. Her service spanned classrooms at the former Joseph  G. Wilson School and many years at The Dalles Middle School, where  she taught, coached, mentored, substituted, and supported district  programs. Through her steady encouragement, high expectations, and genuine care, she impacted generations of students and  educators. Even after her retirement, her love for teaching and her  community brought her back to the classroom, where she served  several more years as a teacher and mentor at Colonel Wright  Elementary School.

MaryRuth’s dedication to education reflected her deep love for  children and her gift for nurturing growth in others. Whether in the  classroom or beyond it, she encouraged curiosity, celebrated  accomplishments, and inspired confidence in those around her. Above  all, she cherished her own family, finding her greatest joy in her children and grandchildren. She delighted in their accomplishments, encouraged their dreams, attended their activities, and treasured  every opportunity to be together. 

Faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of MaryRuth's life.  Throughout the years, she was an active member of Mosier  Community Church, The Dalles First Christian Church, and later  Calvary Baptist Church.

Her faith was not merely something she professed but something she lived. She served faithfully, encouraged  others generously, and demonstrated Christ's love through her kindness, humility, and care for those around her. Whether in her  church, her classroom, or her home, MaryRuth sought to point others  toward the hope and grace she had found in her Savior. 

MaryRuth is survived by her beloved husband, Jeff Stranz; her  children and grandchildren:  Cora and Jared Sawyer, and their children Colton, Ruthie, Ethan,  Olivia, and Solomon; Jennifer and Joel Vaught, and their children Lillen, Eliza, and Silas; Isaac and Tiffany Stranz, and their children Ezekiel and Shogren; Nathan and Emily Stranz, and their daughter Lucy. 

She is also survived by her brothers, Nick Nelson and Edward Nelson,  both of The Dalles.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Mary Nelson,  and by her sister, Kathleen Nelson. 

MaryRuth leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, service, and  dedication. Her influence lives on in the lives of her family, the  students she taught, the educators she mentored, and the community  she loved so well. Confident in the promises of Christ, her family rejoices that she is now in the presence of the Savior she faithfully  followed throughout her life. 

A celebration of MaryRuth's life will be held on Saturday, June 27,  2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the family home in Mosier, Oregon. Family and  friends are invited to gather as they remember and celebrate a life marked by love, service, faithfulness, and a lasting commitment to family, education, and community.

Death Notice: Ross Edward Lambert, 63, White Salmon

Ross Edward Lambert of White Salmon, Washington passed away June 15th, 2026, at Oregon Health and Science University hospital and Clinics in Portland, Oregon.  

Ross was born on August 20, 1962 and was 63 at the time of passing.

Services are planned for 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 11th, 2026 at Grace Baptist Church (1280 W. Jewett Blvd., White Salmon, WA 98672).  A full life story will follow.

  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: Toni Cooper, 63, The Dalles

Toni Cooper passed away on June 18th, 2026, at Columbia Basin Care Facility in The Dalles, Oregon.   Toni was born on March 24, 1963, and was 63 at the time of passing.

Services are pending with arrangements 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: Carol Suzanne Johnson, 69, The Dalles

Carol Suzanne Johnson, a lifelong resident of The Dalles, Oregon, passed away on June 7th, 2026, in The Dalles, Oregon.   Carol was born on July 18th, 1956, in The Dalles, Oregon, to Jerrold and Elnora (Mason) Runyon.  She graduated from The Dalles High School in 1974 and was 69 at the time of her passing.  Services are pending and will be announced soon. 

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: Kenneth Allen Catlin, 61, The Dalles

Kenneth Allen Catlin, age 61, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center on June 13, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Reece Andrew Miller, 26, The Dalles

Reece Andrew Miller, age 26, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on June 13, 2026.

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

Obituary: Dorothy Hamako Sato, 103, The Dalles

Dorothy Hamako Sato, whose life embodied grace, resilience, and unwavering devotion to family, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026, at the extraordinary age of 103.

Dorothy was born on May 24, 1923, in Carlisle, Washington, the third of five children of Matsu Noda and Nobujiro Suguro, who had immigrated from Heda, Japan, in 1919. Her mother named her Hamako – "by the seashore" – and raised all five children in Seattle's Nihonmachi (Japantown). Dorothy attended Bailey Gatzert Elementary, Japanese school, and Franklin High School, where she graduated in 1940. Her mother scraped together fifty cents a lesson for Dorothy to learn violin, instilling a love for classical music that lasted her lifetime.

She survived the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II, spending over a year in the Minidoka War Relocation Center. She endured the experience with what she would later describe simply as acceptance. Not quiet passivity, but a clear-eyed willingness to bear what could not be changed. "Shikata ga nai" - it cannot be helped - became the spirit of resolve that carried her forward, and was an attitude that stayed with her for the rest of her life. She eventually began sharing her story widely, believing that what happened to her and every other Japanese American should never be forgotten – that it was a lesson belonging to everyone.

After the war, Dorothy spent seven vibrant years in Chicago – going to the opera, working at an eye clinic, being “Auntie Do” to her nieces and nephews, and spending afternoons by Lake Michigan with her sisters. In the summer of 1949, her life took a romantic turn when she met Ray Sato, an orchardist from Parkdale, Oregon. They were married in 1950, and the city girl suddenly found herself living on a farm in the smallest of small towns. But Dorothy soon grew to love the land more than she ever imagined, and most of all, Mt. Hood – "her mountain." She and Ray built a thriving orchard growing apples, and later, pears, and she ran the books for the farm until she was 94, and together they traveled the world.

Dorothy was always the most stylish person in any room. Her colorful St. John’s suits, bright red nails, matching lipstick, and a perm circling her head like a storm cloud were her signatures. She completed the crossword puzzle every day without fail. She held her citizenship with the highest regard, reading the newspaper and following politics religiously, even in her final weeks. She had a green thumb and loved tending to her gardens, coaxing them to spill over with roses, impatiens, and tulips. She knew beauty could be found anywhere, and was always attuned to the small, exquisite details that give life its meaning.

Dorothy's love was expressed in the language of doing. She home-cooked every meal, hand-sewed her children's clothes, and made sure her three children – Gordy, Peggy, and Sally – had every experience she hadn't been afforded: music and sports lessons, travel, and eventually college. She became "Bobbe" to her grandchildren: Madeline, Julianne, and Zach, and she cherished them completely, constantly, and without condition. She was woven into the fabric of her family's lives: a grounding, steady source of care, friendship, and love – and was, until her very last moment, the matriarchal pillar her family leaned on.

Dorothy's life was magnificently full – of joy and hardship, of beauty and hard work, of loyalty and sacrifice, of family and love. She taught us what grace looks like, what resilience means, and what true presence feels like. The love she poured into her family will live on within them and in the generations to come – an enduring presence created by love alone.

And in the place Dorothy cherished the most – on a brick patio lined with windchimes, where the distant rumble of a tractor fades behind a swell of pear trees, where the air smells of cut grass and warm damp earth, where delicate pear blossoms drift as spring turns to summer – her mountain remains at the center of it all. Bright and steady and ever-present.
And we know that's where she'll be.

Dorothy is survived by her children Gordy and Sally (Joe), her grandchildren Madeline (Olivier), Julianne, and Zach, and her great-grandchildren Leo and Gia. She is preceded in death by her husband, Ray, her daughter Peggy, and her siblings, Claire, Kallio, Beth, and Jane.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Gorge Room at the Hood River Inn (1108 E Marina Way, Hood River, OR 97031).

In place of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the organizations Dorothy valued and supported: Japanese American Museum of Oregon, the History Museum of Hood River, Densho, or Friends of Minidoka.
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: Joshua Ray Hill, 31, Tygh Valley

Joshua Ray Hill, lovingly known as Josh, passed away on April 26, 2026, at the age of 31.

Born in Clackamas, Oregon, to Jim and Cresen Hill, Josh graduated from South Wasco County High School in 2013 and spent much of his life in Wamic, Oregon, a place he deeply loved. In 2025, he moved to Phoenix, Arizona, to continue building his future.

Josh had a lifelong passion for motorcycles and mechanics. He worked as a motorcycle mechanic in Wamic before relocating to Phoenix, where he worked in maintenance while attending Motorcycle Mechanic School at UTI. He earned his HondaPro Certificate and was proudly working toward graduation in August 2026.

Josh loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding dirt bikes, and working on vehicles. He was always willing to help others and cherished time spent with family and friends. His kindness, humor, loyalty, and adventurous spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Josh is survived by his parents, Jim and Cresen Hill; his brother, Jimmy Hill, and sister-in-law, Kayla Hill; his nieces, Juniper and Aspen Hill; and many extended family members and close friends.

A celebration of life will be held on June 20, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Wasco County Fair & Rodeo Grounds.

Though his life was cut short, Josh’s memory lives on in the stories shared, the trails ridden, and the hearts of all who loved him. His spirit will forever ride with those who knew him.

Death Notice: Eugene Henry Wright, 98, The Dalles

Eugene Henry Wright passed away on June 1, 2026, in The Dalles, Oregon. Eugene was born on April 19, 1928, and was 98 at the time of his passing. 

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: MaryRuth Stranz, 73, The Dalles

MaryRuth Stranz, age 73, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on June 6, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Cleeve Roger Canning, 78, The Dalles

Cleeve Roger Canning, age 78, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at The Dalles Health and Rehabilitation Center on May 24, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Dorothy Sato, 103, The Dalles

Dorothy Sato passed away on June 5, 2026, at Laurel Parc at Bethany in Portland, Oregon.   Dorothy was born on May 24, 1923, and was 103 at the time of passing.

Services are planned for 11:00 a.m., Sunday, July 26th, 2026 at Hood River Best Western Inn (1108 E Marina Way, Hood River, Oregon 97031). Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com

Death Notice: Hayden Alexis Crowell, 22, Hood River

Hayden Alexis Crowell passed away on May 31, 2026, in Hood River, Oregon. She was born on February 14, 2004, and was 22 years old at the time of her 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.

Obituary: Sam Mausolf (Wuorenma), 63

Sam Mausolf (Wuorenma), 63, passed away peacefully at home on May 29, 2026.

Born on October 24, 1962, to Art and Dolores Wuorenma, Sam grew up in Wisconsin surrounded by a large and loving family. At the age of 16, she traveled west with the love of her life, Dean Mausolf. Together they built a beautiful life in Oregon, sharing decades of love, adventure, and family.

Sam had a deep love for the outdoors and felt most at peace in the mountains. She enjoyed picking huckleberries and mushrooms, spending time at family camp, and creating memories with those she loved. Family was the center of her world, and she cherished not only her relatives but also the many friends she considered family.

Hello, World!

Sam is survived by her husband, Dean Mausolf; her daughter and son-in-law, Jerilee and Brenton Adams; her son and daughter-in-law, Roger and Olivia Mausolf; her grandchildren, Briar Miller, Jameson Mausolf, Owen Adams, Domonique Dooley, Jordan Miller, and Angel Miller; and her extended grandchild, Piper. She is also survived by her siblings, Jim Wuorenma, Pupsh Middendorp, Patty Frie, Randy Wuorenma, and Joy Matye; her in-laws, Jerry and Sharon Mausolf; and many beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Art and Dolores Wuorenma; her grandparents; her brother, David Wuorenma; and her nephews, Bucky and Stoney.

Please join us for a celebration of Sam at the family home in The Dalles, Oregon, located at 2201 E. 16th Street, at 1:00 p.m. on June 20, 2026. 

At a later date, Sam will be laid to rest in the mountains she loved so dearly. She often said, "Oregon is God's country, and the mountains are my happy place."

She will be deeply loved, forever remembered, and greatly missed.

Death Notice: Brenda Sue Gaither, 71, The Dalles

Brenda Sue Gaither, age 71, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Columbia Basin Care Facility on June 1, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held on June 27, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Bargeway Pub, 1535 Bargeway Rd., The Dalles, OR 97058.

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

Death Notice: Bessie Asai, 103, West Linn

Bessie Asai passed away on May 29th, 2026, at Hand in Hand Care Home in West Linn, Oregon.   Bessie was born on March 13th, 1923, and was 103 at the time of passing.

Services to honor Bessie are planned as follows;

 A time of viewing and to greet with family

3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Saturday, June 13th, 2026 at Anderson’s Tribute Center

 Celebration of Life & Reception

11:00 a.m., Sunday, June 14th, 2026 at Anderson’s Tribute Center

*Graveside Committal to follow at Idlewilde Cemetery of Hood River, Oregon

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: Daren Wayne Leazer, 63, The Dalles

Daren Wayne Leazer, age 63, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge on May 30, 2026.

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

Obituary: Michael Arthur Johnson, 77, The Dalles

Michael Arthur Johnson, 77, of The Dalles, Oregon, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service, friendship, and devotion to family and community.

Born on September 16, 1948, in Yakima, Washington, Michael was the son of Arthur and Opal Johnson. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, an experience that remained an important part of his life and identity.

For many years, The Dalles was the place Michael called home. A hardworking man who never shied away from a challenge, he worked throughout his life as a truck driver, limousine driver, landscaper, and at John Day Dam. No matter the job, Michael was known for his reliability, determination, and willingness to lend a helping hand.

Service to others was at the heart of who Michael was. He dedicated many years as a volunteer firefighter with The Dalles Fire Department, eventually earning the rank of Volunteer Captain. He took great pride in serving and protecting his community and formed lifelong friendships through his years of volunteer service.

Michael was also a passionate model train enthusiast. His love of trains inspired him to establish a train club at the Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles, where he enjoyed sharing his hobby and bringing joy to fellow veterans and residents. Whether working on a model railroad display or discussing trains with friends, Michael’s enthusiasm was contagious.

When he wasn’t volunteering or working on trains, Michael enjoyed watching movies, especially classic westerns and films starring John Wayne. He appreciated the stories, characters, and values reflected in those timeless favorites.

Above all, Michael cherished his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Marion Johnson; his son, Brad Johnson; his daughter, Danette Johnson; his brother, Richard Trevis; his sisters, Marilyn Kafulides and Barbara Shannon; and his niece, Katrina Kafulides. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Opal Johnson.

Michael will be remembered for his generous spirit, strong sense of duty, and unwavering commitment to those he loved. His kindness, humor, and willingness to help others touched many lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at I.O.O.F. Three Mile Cemetery, 2565 Three Mile County Road, The Dalles, Oregon 97058.

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

Death Notice: Sandra Ann Mausolf, 63, The Dalles

Sandra Ann Mausolf, age 63, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on May 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: William L. Bullack, 77, Parkdale

William L. Bullack passed away on May 27, 2026, in Mount Hood-Parkdale, Oregon. He was born on May 28, 1948, and was 77 years old 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.