Death Notice: Susan Carole Notter, 77, The Dalles

Susan Carole Notter, age 77, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the hospital on February 19, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Mary Ann Erickson, 82, Maupin

Mary Ann Erickson

Mary Ann Erickson, age 82, a resident of Maupin, OR, passed away at home on February 18, 2025.

Viewings will be Friday, February 28, 2025, from 2 to 6 PM and Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 8 to 11 AM at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home. Graveside Service is Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 1 PM at the Lone Pine Cemetery in Wamic, OR. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Community Center in Wamic at 2 PM. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Obituary: Ingrid ‘Inky’ Settje Sherman, 89, Hood River

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the beautiful life of Ingrid ‘Inky’ Settje Sherman, 89, of Hood River, Oregon. She peacefully entered her heavenly home on February 15, 2025, surrounded by those who cherished her, with the sound of her children’s laughter and the powerful strains of Messiah filling the room.

Born on October 19, 1935, in Pierre, South Dakota, Ingrid was the beloved daughter of Josephine and Hugo Larson. From an early age, she radiated empathy, curiosity, faith, and perseverance—qualities that would define the way she lived and loved.

On June 17, 1954, she married her first love, Victor Settje, and together they built a home overflowing with warmth, faith, and laughter. As parents to 11 children, their love extended far beyond their family, welcoming many more into their home and hearts. After nearly 50 years of marriage, Victor passed away. Ingrid found the companionship of Wayne Sherman, whom she married in 2007.

Ingrid was a woman of deep faith and unwavering love. A devoted member of Concordia Lutheran Church in Hood River, she found immense joy in sharing her musical gifts, playing both the organ and piano for services. One of her greatest honors was playing the magnificent pipe organ at St. Peter’s Church in The Dalles—a moment that filled her heart with profound joy and gratitude.

Her passion for learning and caring for others led her to pursue a career in nursing. She graduated from Wilmont High School, earned her nursing degree from Clark College School of Nursing in 1987, and later completed her BSN at OHSU. But Ingrid’s greatest calling was motherhood, and she poured her heart into raising her children, ensuring they grew up surrounded by faith, love, and the knowledge that they were deeply cherished.

Beyond her devotion to her family and faith, Ingrid loved long walks around her Hood River home, gathering with loved ones, and filling her home with the music that so often mirrored the joy in her heart.

She leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love and boundless grace, carried on by her adoring family:
Her husband, Wayne Sherman, her 11 children—Victor, Connie, Daniel, Wayne, Josie, Kathy, Donna, Elizabeth, James, Joseph, and Hannah, her 25 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild, along with her three sisters and two brothers.

She now rests in eternal peace, reunited with her parents, Josephine and Hugo Larson, her brothers Hugo, James, and Stephen Larson, her sister Josephine Coolidge, her beloved son John M. Curry, and her first love, Victor Settje.

Honoring Ingrid’s Life

• Viewing Service: February 20, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Anderson’s Tribute Center, Hood River.

• Funeral Service: February 21, 10 a.m. at Concordia Lutheran Church, followed by burial at Mountain View Cemetery. Pastor Lawson will lead the service.

• Celebration of Life Reception: Noon – 3 p.m. at the Best Western PLUS Hood River Inn Trillium Room.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Ingrid’s memory to the WELS Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Ministry, a cause close to her heart, in care of Anderson’s Funeral Home.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Providence Hospice of the Gorge and Anderson’s Tribute Center for their loving care and compassion during Ingrid’s final journey.

To know Ingrid was to be embraced by kindness, lifted by laughter, and inspired by faith. Her love will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. In Ingrid’s words, “Please remember to go to church, hear God's word, have your babies baptized, and to love one another as Christ loves us”. 

Ingrid lived with unwavering faith, a deep and abiding love for family, and a spirit of generosity that knew no bounds. Her life was a testament to one of her favorite scriptures, Psalm 23:6:

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

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

Obituary: William ‘Billy’ Granville Mellow, 83, Hood River

William ‘Bill’ Granville Mellow

William Granville Mellow, more commonly known as “Bill” or “Billy” passed away on February 16th, 2025, at his home in Hood River, Oregon, surrounded by family. Bill was born on July 29th, 1941, and was 83 years old at the time of his passing.

Bill was born in Westerly, Rhode Island, to William and Dorothy (Fuscaldo) Mellow. In his youth, he moved to Arizona, where he graduated from West Phoenix High School in the Class of 1959. He continued his education at the University of Utah, where he earned his degree from the School of Pharmacy.

After working for some time as a pharmacist, Bill returned to the University of Arizona Law School and began his second career as a lawyer. As a lawyer, he was a prosecutor for the state of Alaska in Fairbanks and Juneau and retired working in the District Attorneys office in Juneau. Later, he embarked on his third career with the family farm.

Bill was active not only in his professional life but also in his hobbies and other pursuits. He enjoyed playing music, particularly the guitar, as well as photography and farming. Bill enjoyed running, swimming, and bicycling and competed in many marathons, triathlons and iron man competitions.

Bill is survived by his wife, Kathy Mellow; children, William Michael Mellow (and wife, Julie) and Vivian Lynn Marcott (and husband, Gary); grandchildren, Danielle Cooper, Jamie Ortiz, Jacqueline Koltfarber, Mitchell Marcott, and Lindsey Marcott; great-grandchildren, Christian Ortiz, Madison Ortiz, Rivers Koltfarber, Benjamin Koltfarber, Paisley Cooper, and Finley Cooper; stepchildren, Steve Issacson (and wife, Kristy) and Anna Olson, along with their children Koen Issacson and Jaiden Hamilton; and many, many friends whom Bill collected over the years.

In accordance with Bill’s wishes, there will be no formal services.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.

Memorial contributions in Bill’s name may be made to Columbia Gorge Human Society in The Dalles, Oregon.

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

Death Notice: Wayne Douglas Lease, 78, Underwood

Wayne Douglas Lease passed away on February 16th, 2025, at his home in Underwood, Washington with family by his side. Wayne was born February 14th, 1947 in The Dalles, Oregon, and was 78 years of age at the time of passing.

Celebration of Life & Reception is planned for 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 15th, 2025 at Anderson’s Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon).

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

Obituary: Karen Joelle Louiselle, “Bubbie,” Parkdale

Karen Joelle Louiselle, “Bubbie”

Karen Joelle Louiselle, “Bubbie,” passed away on January 11, 2025, in her home in Parkdale, Oregon. 

Karen was born in Yakima, Wash., on October 1, 1946, to parents Joseph (Joe) and Elaine Modlin. The oldest of three girls, her sisters Bobbe and Luanne were welcomed in the years to follow. Their family lived in Sunnyside, Wash., where Karen started primary school. In 1955, they moved as a family to Goldendale, Wash., where she continued the rest of her education. 

Karen married Thomas (Butch) Lee Carratt of Centerville, Wash., in 1965, with whom she had two sons, Jeffrey and Jason Carratt. Karen and Butch purchased The Town Tavern in Goldendale, Wash., in 1975 and ran the tavern for the following two years. Karen began working for the Fort Vancouver Library in Goldendale and eventually ran a mobile library called “The Book Mobile.” Karen’s librarian work opened opportunities for her to move to White Salmon, Wash. From there, life and relationships took them to California, Northern Idaho, and back again to Mt. Hood, Oregon. 

Karen met the love of her life, David Louiselle, in 1984, and they married on February 14, 1988, in Pine Grove, Oregon. That same year, they purchased The Mt. Hood Country Store and continued to be the face of the store for the following 19 years. Together, with Karen’s eye for design and David’s excellent craftsmanship, they transformed the store to become the beloved landmark and meeting place that it was. Karen and David sold the store in 2007. 

Karen’s talents, job titles, passions, and achievements are endless. She waitressed at the China Gorge, drove a school bus, and ran her own mobile homemade soup business. She was often referred to as “The Mt. Hood version of Martha Stewart.” Her talents in the garden knew no limits. She was an avid gardener and made it on the Master Gardener Tour not only once but twice with two different homes. Her talents in the garden overflowed into the kitchen, where she could cook and bake anything. She created her own recipes and elevated any she would follow.

She loved to repurpose old pieces of furniture and sew dresses and nightgowns for her granddaughter. She was the ultimate do-it-yourself type of woman, and she did it all the very best. Karen had a deep love for all creatures, big and small, and a love for her family and friends that knew no bounds. 

Karen is survived by her husband David, her two sisters, Barbara Anderson (Bobbe) of The Dalles, Oregon, and Luanne and Doug Mason of Naches, Wash.; sons Jeffrey and Jason (Candi); grandchildren Travis (Hillary), Toby (Luke), and Alex; great-grandsons Lincoln, Jackson, and Turner; and her animals Tilly and Tucker. 

She was predeceased by her mother Elaine, father Joe, and her beloved animals Alfie, Niche, Scooter, Bob, Roxy, Seamus, Bella, Henry, Rosy, and Daisy. 

Karen requested no memorial but rather a celebration of life that will take place at Mt. Hood Organic Farms on May 17, 2025. If you wish, please honor Karen by donating to the Alzheimer's Association for dementia and Alzheimer's research.

Death Notice: Vera Darlene Erlenbush, 87, Dallesport

Vera Darlene Erlenbush, age 87, a resident of Dallesport, WA, passed away at home on February 15, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Ingrid Settje Sherman, 89, Burbank, Wash.

Ingrid Settje Sherman of Burbank, Washington passed away February 15th, 2025 at her daughter’s home surrounded by family in Hood River, Oregon. Ingrid was born October 19th, 1935 and was 89 years of age at the time of passing.

Services to honor and celebrate Ingrid’s life are planned for 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 21st, 2025 at Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELS) located at 1107 Pine Street, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Ingrid will be laid to rest at Mountain View Memorial Cemetery of 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 or to access the livestream of Ingrid’s funeral service.

Obituary: George William Stephens, Jr., 83, The Dalles

George William Stephens, Jr., 83, of The Dalles, OR, passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, after a long battle with cancer.

George was born in Butte, MT, on November 1, 1941, to George William and Helen Frances (Smith) Stephens. He was joined by two brothers: Walter John in 1944 and Daniel Edward in 1947. The family moved to Libby, MT, in 1948, where George grew up and attended school, graduating Libby High School in 1959.

During his high school years, he was manager of the football team, a member of the Lettermen’s Club, intramural basketball and class plays, and he also worked at Sleizer’s Grocery Store. He attended Western Montana College in Dillon MT, graduating in 1963 with a Bachelor of Education with majors in math and history. In 1971, George graduated from Southern Oregon University with a master’s degree in mathematics.

On August 11, 1963, George married the love of his life Tanis Gatten at the Methodist Church in Libby, MT. To this union, their sons Lance and Lane completed their family.

George started his 35-year teaching career in Browning, MT where he taught math and coached football, basketball and track for 1 year. They moved to Lake Bronson, MN and George took a teaching and coaching position there for the next 3 years. Wanting to move closer to family, George took a teaching position in The Dalles, OR, where he taught until his retirement in 1998. While teaching in The Dalles, George was honored to be selected as “Teacher of the Year” two separate times.

George also taught courses at Columbia Gorge Community College, in The Dalles.

Throughout his life in The Dalles, George was an active member of FUMC. He also took pride in his later love of running by taking part in the “Hood to Coast” 195-mile relay run multiple times, the Cherry Festival run and the Seaside Marathon.

George is survived by his wife Tanis of 62 years, sons Lance (Juana) and Lane (Sue), both of The Dalles, grandsons Ethan, Payton and Noah and granddaughter Jordan (Kyle) McDonnell; brothers Walter (Linda) Buffalo, SD and Dan (Kathy Wheeler) Libby, MT, numerous nieces and nephews. He is proceeded in death by his parents, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, sister-in-law Dixie Smart, brother-in-law Mike Gatten, and sister-in-law Cynthia Stephens.

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

Death Notice: Ariya Noelle Poasa, 6, Vancouver, Wash.

Ariya Noelle Poasa, age 6, a resident of Vancouver, WA, passed away at Randall Children’s Hospital on February 12, 2025.

A viewing will be held on February 26, 2025, from 2-6 pm, at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home, a Funeral Service will be held on February 27, 2025, starting at 11 am at The Dalles Seventh-Day Adventist Church. A reception will follow the Funeral Service at The Dalles Civic Auditorium in the ballroom. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Obituary: Raleigh Bradford (Brad) O'Blenes, 82, The Dalles

Raleigh Bradford (Brad) O'Blenes

Raleigh Bradford (Brad) O’Blenes, born on April 27, 1942, in Lynn, Massachusetts, passed away on February 2, 2025, in The Dalles, Oregon, at the age of 82.

Brad honorably served in the United States Air Force. In 1974, he married Shirley Jean (Jeannie) Henson, and they celebrated 50 years of marriage. He worked at the aluminum plant and C.H. Urness Motors in The Dalles. Throughout his life, he resided in Coos Bay, Oregon, and Maine before returning to The Dalles in 2009.

Known for his exceptional barbecue skills, he earned the affectionate nickname "Bar-b-que Man" and took great joy in cooking for others and seeing them enjoy his food. In his final days, he entered hospice care and passed away peacefully at home with his beloved wife Jeannie by his side.

Brad is survived by his devoted wife Jeannie; his children, Kelly Pullins and Scott O’Blenes, both of Washington; his grandchildren, Jill Neil and Amanda Piper of Colorado, and Jeffery Pullins of Washington; and his great-granddaughters, Autumn and Hazel Neil. He cherished and loved his family deeply.

Brad will be remembered for his love, kindness, and culinary talents. His family and friends will hold his memory close to their hearts.

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

Death Notice: Ruth Elaine Sargeant, 88, The Dalles

Ruth Elaine Sargeant, age 88, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at a local care facility on February 3, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held on February 22, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the First Christian Church, 909 Court St., The Dalles, OR.

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

Death Notice: Roy Harrison, 77, Hood River

Roy Harrison passed away February 8, 2025 at Oregon Veterans Home in Hood River, Oregon. Roy was born July 17, 1947 and was 77 years of age at the time of 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: Steven Lee Smith, 65, The Dalles

Steven Lee Smith, age 65, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on February 4, 2025.

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

Death Notice: John David Warkentin, 53, The Dalles

John David Warkentin, age 53, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on January 26, 2025.

A Celebration of Life will be held on February 22, 2025, from 11 am to 2 pm at the Rivers of Grace Church, 1122 Oak Street, The Dalles, OR. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Cynthia James, 83, The Dalles

Cynthia James passed away February 8, 2025, at Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles, Oregon. Cynthia was born on April 18, 1941, and was 83 years of age at the time of 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: Maureen “George” Francis Lappen, 84, Maupin

Maureen “George” Francis Lappen, age 84, a resident of Maupin, OR, passed away at a care facility on February 9, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Jessie “Jess” Groves, 74, Hood River

Jessie “Jess” Groves passed away January 29th, 2025 at Providence Portland Medical Center in Portland, Oregon.

Jessie was born September 14, 1950 and was 74 years of age at the time of 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: Michael Gary LaCroix, 39, The Dalles

Michael Gary LaCroix, age 39, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at a local hospital on December 31, 2024.

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

Death Notice:Teri Shane Wiles, 65, The Dalles

Teri Shane Wiles, age 65, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at a local care facility on February 2, 2025.

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