Obituary: Lorene Merz Murray, 92, Hood River

Lorene Merz Murray, born on December 18, 1933, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2026.  She was born in Woodland, WA, to John A. Merz and Luella Eaton Merz. She lived a life marked by dedication, quiet strength, and unwavering commitment to her family, her work, and her community.

She married the love of her life on September, 13, 1951, and they were married for 60 years before his passing in 2011. To this marriage, 2 daughters were born. Evie in 1952 and Kathie in 1954.

Lorene was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Albert William “Bill” Murray; her brother, John A. “Scooter” Merz; and her step‑siblings Joanne Godfrey Bader, Joe Godfrey, and Joyce Godfrey Cannon.

She is survived by her daughters Evie Hasty (Rod) and Kathie Alley (John) of Hood River, Oregon. Lorene leaves behind her grandchildren Rod Hasty of West Linn, Oregon; Mike Hasty (Rachelle) of Warrenton, Oregon; Mathew Alley (Heather) of Hood River, Oregon; and Katie Alley Breshaers (Bob) of Hood River, Oregon. She is also survived by her great‑grandchildren Taylor Plummer, Lilly Hasty, Tanis Hasty, and Niko Alley, each of whom brought her tremendous joy. She also leaves behind her sisters Melody Smith of Woodland, Wash., and RosAnne Merz of Ecuador and her brothers Ron Merz of Hood River, Ore., and Steve Merz of Lebanon, Ore.

Throughout her life, Lorene was dedicated to service, craftsmanship, and community. She worked at Kaiser Hospital in Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon, where her reliability and compassion were deeply valued. She later shared her extensive knowledge of plants at the Lake Grove Garden Center in Lake Grove, Oregon. Lorene also played an essential role as a partner with her husband, Bill, in operating Murray’s Bakery in West Linn, Oregon, helping build the bakery into a beloved local institution.

Lorene’s personal interests reflected her creativity, intelligence, and gentle spirit. She found great joy in floral and vegetable gardening, tending her plants with remarkable knowledge and care. A talented seamstress, she crafted clothing and household items with skill and precision. She cherished music, singing faithfully in the church choir and holding a lifelong appreciation for classical music. Lorene was also an exceptional cook, contributing her talents to the warm, welcoming atmosphere of Murray’s Bakery.

Lorene will be remembered for her kindness, her steady presence, and the deep love she carried for her family. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the traditions she nurtured, and the quiet strength she shared with all who knew her.

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: Nikki Jo Amoss, 79, White Salmon

Nikki Jo Amoss, age 79, a resident of White Salmon, WA, passed away at home on October 15, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Lenora Maude Parke, 88, The Dalles

Lenora Maude Parke, age 88, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the Oregon Veterans Home on October 14, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Sherry Phillips, 86, Hood River

Sherry Phillips passed away on October 17th, 2026, at Hood River Providence Hospital in Hood River, Oregon. Sherry was born on September 22nd, 1940, and was 86 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.

Death Notice: Jeanine Mae Jacobson, 85, Hood River

Jeanine Mae Jacobson passed away on October 15, 2026, at Hood River Care Center in Hood River, Oregon.  Jeanine was born on October 22, 1940, and was 85 at the time of her passing.

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

Obituary: Winifred Mary Schecter, 80, Dufur

Winifred Mary Schecter passed away on October 12, 2026, at the age of 80. Born Winifred Isseks on May 27, 1946, in Portland, Oregon, Winifred was an author, wife, mother, proud grandmother, world traveler, and teacher who lived in Friend, Oregon. Winnie, as she was called by all who knew her, passed away peacefully at home after a battle with Glioblastoma.

In 1970 Winnie and her husband Bob Schecter left Portland for Friend, Oregon, a rural area in the foothills of the Eastside Cascade Mountains, where in Winnie’s words they, “planted trees, built houses, and turned 36 acres of scrub pine into a home”. Bob and Winnie formed a group of tree-planters that planted over a million trees in Wasco and Hood River County forests. They built a small cabin that after several additions became Winnie’s dream home. They raised their two sons and spent most of the next fifty-seven years in Friend. Winnie was the secretary/treasurer of the Friend Community Club that maintains the Friend School House and Friend Cemetery for over twenty years.

Winnie had over a dozen books published under her pen-name Winifred Morris. Her writing career began in 1985 with the young adult novel With Magical Horses to Ride followed by The Jell-O Syndrome and Dancer in the Mirror. She went on to write numerous award-winning children’s books including David and the Ice Elf, Just Listen and What if the Shark Wears Tennis Shoes, and later moved to romantic comic thrillers like The Sometime Burglar and Bombed.

Winnie never stopped writing. Her first science-fiction story Narcopia was published in September 2026 by Amazing Stories Magazine.

Winnie graduated from Portland State University with a Master of Arts in English in 1970. She taught Math and English at Jefferson and Lincoln High Schools in Portland. Later, in the 1990s, she taught English and Creative Writing at Portland State University, Portland Community College, and Mount Hood Community College.

Winnie’s travels took her to India, China, Japan, Poland, Italy, Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and across the United States and Canada. She saw a good portion of the American West from the back of a motorcycle on the numerous road trips she took with Bob. She liked to ride fast on curvy roads.

Winnie was an avid skier who skied Mt. Hood until she was seventy-nine years old. She loved cats, walking in the woods, riding her mountain bike, reading on the porch, and watching the turkeys and deer gather at the pond.

She is survived by her husband of fifty-nine years, Bob Schecter, two sons, Jess and Steve Schecter, grandchildren Colin and Evelyn Schecter, daughters-in-law Varina and Amanda Schecter, and brother Nathan Isseks.

Winnie brought her own unique light to this world, inspiring many through her writing, adventures, and passion for learning. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A memorial service for Winifred Schecter will be held at The Friend School House on Saturday November 7th at 2pm. Friend School House, 80060 Friend Rd, Dufur, OR 97021.

Death Notice: Ross Brown, 72, Hood River

Ross Brown passed away on October 13, 2026, at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital in Hood River, Oregon.   Ross was born on November 22, 1953, and was 72 at the time of his passing.

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

Obituary: Richard Adams Lyon, 83, The Dalles

With heavy hearts, we share that Richard Adams Lyon passed away and crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on July 13, 2026.

Born September 23, 1942, Richard grew up the middle of three brothers in small towns near the shore of Long Island, NY. Athletic, outgoing, and highly intelligent, Richard graduated as Valedictorian of Oyster Bay High School in 1960. Rather than follow the family tradition at Cornell, Richard enrolled in the prestigious Williams College, graduating with honors as a varsity swimmer and member of St. Anthony’s (Delta Psi) in 1964. Richard was described by classmates as brilliant and friendly (and very admired by the women of Bennington College). Richard was a scholar and lifelong learner, earning multiple degrees and certificates in his life, including a Master of Arts from Western Washington University and Master of Theology from Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado.

After Williams, Richard spent a year abroad in Rio de Janeiro, enjoying a life-enriching experience living with a Brazilian family. In 1965, Richard voluntarily enlisted in the US Army during the Vietnam War. A member of the 101st Airborne Division, he earned many recognitions and was honorably discharged in 1967. Tragically, his deployment to Vietnam and the horrors he experienced there had a lasting impact on his life, causing him to suffer anxiety, PTSD, and depression throughout life. In a journey to reclaim his love of life and spirit, he spent all his life seeking wisdom, spiritual grace, and the presence of forgiveness, redemption, and love in the world.

After spending several years in the late 1960s California hippie counterculture with his brothers Alex and Matthew, Richard’s insatiable quest to learn and grow, as well as explore the mysteries of the spiritual realm, led him to the ministry. He spent several decades as the Reverend Richard Lyon, an ordained Minister of the United Methodist Church, in Nevada, California, and ultimately, Aspen, Colorado. The Roaring Fork Valley high in the Colorado Rockies, the peaks that surround it, and especially the community in it became the great love of Richard’s life, where he felt more at home there than anywhere in the world. It was there he participated in and honed many of his great passions: stage acting in local theater; skiing and climbing mountain peaks; painting and mask making; storytelling and exploring spirituality.

As the Minister at Aspen Community Church, Richard was adored, and his sermons were known as exceptional and provocative. He was particularly proud to have performed marriage ceremonies for same sex couples even when condemned by the more conservative wing of the church. Always interested in the more mystic side of Christian tradition, such as the gnostics or the divine feminine, Richard left the church after retirement and became very keen to learn and practice shamanic traditions from various cultures for the rest of his life. He became a strong elder presence in a spiritual group that met weekly in Carbondale.

Richard was a well-known character around the Roaring Fork Valley. As an Associate Artist of Thunder River Theater Company, he performed in many roles, renowned for his powerful stage presence. He told stories to children at the public libraries and schools, attended local festivals, walked in parades, always bringing theatrical flair with expressive costumes customized for each event. He was easily recognizable in his cherry red hard top Porsche Carrera 911. An adventurous soul, he loved to travel and went all over the world, including Southeast Asia, China, Brazil, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Mexico, and even a successful climb to the peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. He earned a PADI Open Water SCUBA diving certification, and even won a Jalapeño pepper eating contest (by eating 27 peppers!). He loved classic Rock ‘n ' roll and played guitar for a time in a rockabilly band. Richard was a man who lived life as fully as he could, always seeking forward momentum to keep his troubled soul engaged with meaningful living!

In the final years of life, Richard moved to Oregon to be near his nephew and niece, and passed away being well cared for at the Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles. His niece Melanie was bedside and comforting him as he crossed over. Richard was predeceased by his mother, Agnes Drysdale Milliken, his father, Robert Newell Lyon, his older brother, Alexander Lyon, and his younger brother, Matthew Lyon. He is survived by his niece Melanie Lyon and nephew Benno Lyon, who will miss him dearly.

Death Notice: Pearl Lucille Munsen, 98, The Dalles

Pearl Lucille Munsen, age 98, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on October 11, 2026. A Funeral Service will be held on October 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home, 1100 Kelly Ave., The Dalles, OR 97058; the Graveside Service will follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery on Cherry Heights Road.

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

Obituary: David Alexander Avila Graves, 30, The Dalles

David Alexander Avila Graves of The Dalles, Alex to his friends, passed away on October 12, 2026, at OHSU Hospital in Portland.

Alex was born in The Dalles on December 5, 1995, to Diana Mary Graves and Raul Avila. He and his siblings attended St. Mary’s Academy in The Dalles in their early school years. Alex completed his GED and some college-level classes at the local community college. As a youngster, he enjoyed Cub Scouts, soccer, and basketball. He really enjoyed longboarding and playing Xbox as well as hanging out with some of his good friends.

Alex enjoyed cooking as a kid and gardening. He imagined himself becoming a world-class chef. As it turned out, he did become a culinary expert with a BBQ grill! Alex was also an outstanding fisherman and absolutely loved fishing.

He had many jobs throughout his life but ultimately enjoyed his time at the Sinclair gas station where he worked his way up and became the manager for several years. As an adult, he enjoyed spending time with his children as well as fishing and barbecuing often. He loved taking his kids on weekend outings, with a favorite destination being the Oregon Coast.

His humor was an acquired taste; he was always cracking jokes and in a good mood. His positive attitude always shone through no matter what the circumstances. Even in his hardest times of life, he was always the one cheering other people up.

He is survived by his estranged spouse, his children Vanessa and David Jr., Father, Raul Avila; Grandfather, Ron Graves; brothers, Aaron Graves and Adrian Graves; Aunt, Rebecca Tobias; Uncle, Mike Graves; many great aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, and many friends who were truly like family. Alex was predeceased by his mother, Diana Mary Graves, in 2009, and grandmother, Catherine Mary Graves in 2026.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, October 14, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in The Dalles, Oregon.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 15, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church in The Dalles, followed by a graveside service and a reception in the Parish Center.

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

Obituary: Dawn Elaine Moore, 78, The Dalles

Dawn Elaine Moore was born on September 24, 1948, in McMinnville, Oregon, to Vern and Florence Markee. Dawn’s family moved to Portland, Oregon, and then to Goldendale, Washington, where she met the love of her life, Tom, in December of 1965. Tom and Dawn were married on July 2, 1966.

Dawn set out on a big adventure, flying to Germany alone to be with Tom while he served in the US Army and was stationed in Würzburg. During the two years they were in Germany, a daughter was born, Wendy Lee. When Tom completed his service, they returned to The Dalles and purchased their first home. In 1970, a son, Michael Edward, was born, and their little family was complete.

Dawn was able to stay at home with Mike and Wendy while keeping the books for their property management company. When Wendy graduated high school, Tom, Dawn, and Mike moved to Joseph, Oregon, to ranch for Tom’s Uncle Frank. Dawn saw a need for a clothing store in the community, and with that, Dawn’s Dud’s was born. You could see Dawn loved being her own boss and making a difference in her community.

Tom and Dawn eventually moved back to The Dalles, where they managed Beaverton Lodge in Beaverton, Oregon. They were home in The Dalles for half a week, giving Dawn time to work in her yard and tend to her garden. She really enjoyed having a nice yard just like her father.

Tom and Dawn didn’t retire well, and they both went to work for the school district. Dawn worked as a lunch lady and enjoyed visiting with the school kids every day.

Dawn was a loving daughter, sister, wife, and mother. She will be dearly missed. Dawn was preceded in death by her parents, Vern and Florence Markee, sister Beverly, and sister Dianne. Dawn is survived by her brother Tom, sister Yvonne, husband of 60 years, Tom, daughter Wendy (Richard) Perecz, and son Mike (Alaina) Moore. Grandkids: Johnny, Luke, Jeremy, Justin, and Mallory. Great-grandkids: Amaia, Aidan, Devin, Asher, Asuna, Asura, Oakley, and one on the way.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.

A Celebration of life for Dawn will be held at Anderson’s Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Ave, Hood River, Oregon 97031) at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24th, 2026, with a reception to follow.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com

Obituary: Patricia Seneker Strle Watson-Mack, 90, The Dalles

Patricia Mack, 90 Years old

Patricia Seneker Strle Watson-Mack was born January 24, 1936, in Joliet, Illinois. Died October 8, 2026, at Hood River Post Acute Care Center in Hood River, Oregon. She was surrounded by family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her daughter Linda Strle, parents George and Margaret Seneker, and her brother Leon Seneker. She is survived by her children Rich (Mary) Strle, Terry (Steve Ferree) Strle, Ron (Donald Skillestad) Strle, and Robert (Brenda) Strle. Her sister-in-law Rita Seneker. Eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Patricia was a true Roaming Catholic. Moving from Joliet, Patricia lived in Fairbanks, Alaska; Las Vegas, Nevada; Long Beach, California; and Sedona, Arizona; and settled in The Dalles, Oregon, 12 years ago.

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

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

Obituary: Kenneth “Ken” Wayne Nierman, 98, The Dalles

Kenneth “Ken” Wayne Nierman passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by a lifetime of love, just days before his 99th birthday.

Ken was born in October 1927 and raised on a farm near Osmond, Nebraska. It was there that he learned the value of hard work and developed a lifelong talent for growing just about anything—although his family would tell you that his corn and potatoes were particularly hard to beat.

After graduating from high school near the end of World War II, Ken answered the call to serve his country. His military service ultimately took him to the US Navy, where he served as a Yeoman First Class. Following his active-duty service, he continued serving in the Naval Reserve.

In 1952, Ken married the love of his life, Norma Kenny. Their marriage became the foundation of a family and a life they built together over more than seven decades. Just this September, Ken and Norma celebrated an extraordinary 74 years of marriage—a testament to a love and partnership that endured nearly a lifetime.

Ken was happiest outdoors, especially when he was hunting, fishing, tending a garden, or simply spending time with the people he loved. Above all else, family was at the heart of his life.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Norma; his son, Doug Nierman; and his daughter, Janna Hage, and her husband, Garry.  His legacy continues through his grandchildren,  Jason Hage and his wife, Nickie;    Nicole Ryan and her husband, Nick; and through his four great-grandchildren, Maggie Ryan, Eames Ryan, Brody Hage, and Gunner Hage. He is also survived by his younger sister Joan Schulz of Norfolk, Nebraska, and numerous nieces and nephews in Nebraska.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Laura and Elmer Niermann, and his younger brother, Norman, who surely were there to greet him at the pearly gates.

Nearly 99 years is a remarkable amount of time to spend on this earth, and Ken filled those years with service to the church, faith in his Lord, love of family, friends and laughter. He lived long enough to see generations of his family grow around him, to celebrate 74 years beside the woman he loved, and to leave this world peacefully knowing just how deeply he was loved.

He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to Faith Lutheran Church in Ken's name.

A Memorial Service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 2810 W 10th St., The Dalles, OR 97058, on October 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Kenneth Wayne Niermann, 98, The Dalles

Kenneth Wayne Niermann, age 98, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at The Springs at Mill Creek on October 4, 2026. A Memorial Service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 2810 W 10th St., The Dalles, OR 97058, on October 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM.

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

Death Notice: Jesse James Fox, 87, Wasco

Jesse James Fox, age 87, a resident of Wasco, OR, passed away at home on October 7, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Rose Anna Dorzab, 82, The Dalles

Rose Anna Dorzab, age 82, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Flagstone Assisted Living on October 6, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Dawn Elain Moore, 78, The Dalles

Dawn Elain Moore passed away on October 5, 2026, in The Dalles, Oregon. She was born on September 24, 1948, and was 78 years old at the time of her passing. A Celebration of Life for Dawn will be held at Anderson’s Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Ave, Hood River, OR 97031) on October 24th, 2026, at 1:00 P.M., with a reception to 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: William Edward Hardy, 72, The Dalles

William Edward Hardy, age 72, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at OHSU on October 2, 2026.

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

Obituary: Nancy Weigelt Hitzemann, 85, The Dalles

Nancy Weigelt Hitzemann was born on March 23, 1941, in The Dalles, Oregon, to Gus and Lily Weigelt. An only child, she grew up surrounded by books and stories in her family’s bookstore, “Weigelt’s Bookstore & Stationers,” reportedly the longest privately owned bookstore “West of the Rockies.” Nancy grew up to be quite independent.

At The Dalles High School, Nancy was crowned Sweetheart at the Valentine’s Ball, played the bugle with the Booster Girls and was a member of the Ushers. Summers were spent at the “Nat,” where she swam on the Elks Swim Team. She won numerous trophies—and she was good— really good!

After high school, Nancy and her friends, Sally and Glenda, discovered that the University of Idaho had a favorable ratio of men to women. Naturally, they headed to Idaho. Nancy earned a degree in elementary education and won an award for having the best legs on campus— a distinction she surely would have wanted remembered.

In 1982, Nancy married Jim Hitzemann and became stepmother to Deric and Krista (Todd).

After brief stays in Bellevue, Washington, and Rancho Bernardo, California, where Nancy became a substitute teacher for the Poway School District, Nancy and Jim made their final home in Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii. She volunteered with AdvoCATS, a rescue organization dedicated to saving, spaying, and neutering feral cats. Nancy and Jim had three cats of their own, and fostered many, many more. Their love of cruising also benefitted their friends, who were frequently recruited to cat sit.

Fun, adventurous, independent, generous and warm-hearted, Nancy lived fully on her own terms. Her life included swimming, teaching, travelling with Jim, family, lifelong friendships, laughter, books and more cats than anyone can reasonably count.

Nancy returned to The Dalles and moved to The Springs, where she passed away on September 21, 2026. Her ashes will be scattered, together with Jim’s, off the beach in Kona, Hawaii, returning them together to a place they loved. Donations in Nancy’s memory may be made to Columbia Gorge Humane Society, 200 River Road, The Dalles, OR 97058, and indicate in memory of Nancy Weigelt Hitzemann.

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