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: 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: 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.

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: 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.

Obituary: Barbara Frances Strickland Bailey, 84, The Dalles

Barbara Frances Strickland Bailey (84), of The Dalles, Oregon, died on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2026, at her home.

She was born in 1941, to Rex Strickland and Lorena Matthews Strickland in Seattle, Washington. Barbara grew up on Magnolia in Seattle before moving to Edmonds, Washington where she attended high school, trained her Appaloosa horse “Palouse”, and water skied on Puget Sound. Although she spent her freshman year of college at Washington State University, she graduated from University of Puget Sound where she was a member of the Alpha Phi Sorority.

She met her future husband on a blind date, and made him wait for her while her father made sure he was acceptable. She married Bob Bailey in 1963. She moved to her husband’s cherry farm in The Dalles, Oregon and had two children, Brenda Frances and Bridget Suzanne.

Barbara was married for 62 years, and lived a life centered around farming, traveling, and trying to make the world a better place. Her work was as varied as teaching 6th graders at Dry Hollow Elementary, and later, serving as President of her family real estate business. Barbara’s advocacy as a “Concerned Citizen” resulted in the relocation of a planned Zirconium plant away from the Columbia River Gorge. She also testified before Congress to create the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Later, Governor Roberts appointed Barbara to serve on the initial Columbia River Gorge Commission. She beautified her community as a Master Gardner, and by creating a public green space along Mill Creek, where the Fort Dalles US Army horses were tethered and cared for.

Barbara backpacked in the Wallowa Mountains and the Three Sisters Wilderness. She trekked the Himalayas with her brother Tom, guided by her friend Tenzing Norgay. She purchased a beach house on the Oregon coast and lovingly renovated it to share with friends and family. She studied dressage, Italian cooking, and gardening techniques in Britain and France. She loved all animals, and especially her corgis.

Barbara is survived by her husband Bob (The Dalles, Oregon), daughters Brenda (Thomas) and Bridget (Nisley Bailey), son-in laws Sterling Thomas (The Dalles Oregon), Eric Nisley (Madras, Oregon), grandson Augustus Thomas (Chicago, Illinois), grand-daughter Elizabeth Nisley Bailey (San Francisco, California), sister Nancy (Port Townsend, Washington) and brother Tom (Edmonds, Washington). She was preceded in death by her sister Lorena. Memorials or donations may be made to Friends of the Columbia Gorge or Columbia Gorge Humane Society.

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

Death Notice: Penny Sue Deurwaarder, 79, Wamic

Penny Sue Deurwaarder, age 79, a resident of Wamic, OR, passed away at home on May 20, 2026.,

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

Obituary: Leonora “Lee” B. Repp, 91, Hood River

Leonora “Lee” B. Repp, cherished mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on May 14, 2026, at the age of 91. Born on May 20, 1934, in Brush, Colorado, Leonora was the fourth of William and Hazel Thornsby’s six children. She grew up in a loving, close-knit home, enjoying roller skating, singing, and reading—often finding peaceful moments reading in the branches of the tree in the family’s front yard. Lee’s vibrant personality shone through her involvement in theater, choir, and cheerleading during high school.

In her senior year, Lee’s friend Shirley introduced her to Shirley’s brother, Edgar “Ed” Repp, a student at Colorado A&M. Their friendship blossomed into love, and after Lee turned 18 and graduated, the couple married in August 1952. Ed’s Army ROTC commitment soon took them to Germany, where Lee embraced the adventure of living abroad before returning to Colorado and becoming a farmer’s wife.

Lee enjoyed life on the farm and working alongside Ed and his family. After several challenging years farming, Lee and Ed chose a life of service with the Army, which brought them to posts across the United States and Europe. In 1957, while stationed in Texas, they welcomed their first child, Craig, followed by Curtis in Washington (1960), Lorie in Oklahoma (1962), and Beth in New Jersey (1963). Lee managed twelve moves and countless school and church transitions, supporting Ed’s military career while providing stability and love for her family. Even during Ed’s yearlong assignments away from the family in Turkey and Vietnam, Lee’s resilience and leadership was evident, as she continued to create a nurturing home wherever they lived.

Upon Ed’s retirement in 1977, the couple settled in Hermiston, Oregon, where Lee once again became a farmer’s wife. In 1986, they moved to Carlsbad, California, and Lee found immense joy in her new role as grandmother. Ed passed away in 1992. Lee relocated to Hood River, Oregon in 2000, to be closer to her daughters and became an active member of her church and community, further expanding her circle of love and support.

Lee’s Christian faith guided her throughout life, and she served as a Sunday School teacher, choir member, and senior outreach minister. Her kindness, warmth, and determination touched all who knew her.

Lee was preceded in death by her husband Ed (1992), daughter Beth (2013), and grandson Kevin (1992). She is survived by her sister Evelyn; her children Craig (Mary), Curtis (June), and Lorie (Joe), son-in-law Roy, grandchildren Tyler (Lindsey), Anna (Sam), Grace, Andrew (Shri), Katie, Emily (Ken), Amy (Brooks), Daniel, Nathaniel, and Logan; and eleven great-grandchildren. Her legacy of love, strength, and unwavering support remains in the hearts of her family and friends.

Lee’s family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Brookside Manor for the wonderful care and love they provided to our mom and grandmother.

There will be a memorial service to honor Leonora 1:00 p.m., July 18, 2026, at Anderson Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Ave., Hood River, Oregon). She will be interred with Edgar at Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California.

If you wish to give a memorial gift in Lee’s memory, consider one of the following organizations:

• The American Red Cross: Lee supported the Red Cross as a regular blood donor for many years. Learn more about the American Red Cross at this link: (https://www.redcross.org/) and make a gift in memory of Lee at this link: (https://www.redcross.org/donations/ways-to-donate/tributes.html).

• Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome Foundation: Lee’s granddaughter Grace has LGS and has had a special place in her heart. Learn more about the Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome at this link: (https://www.lgsfoundation.org/) and make a gift to the LGS Foundation in memory of Lee at this link: ( https://secure.everyaction.com/v-BKhcomekOVfxBVti8XNA2).

 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: Mavis J. Ruddell, 98, The Dalles

Mavis J. Ruddell passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026, at the age of 98. She was born on July 14, 1927, in The Dalles, to Harry and Myrtle (Byers) Wickman.

Following World War II, Mavis graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 1947. In 1949, she married her beloved husband, George I. Ruddell, an Air Force fighter pilot. Together, they embarked on a life filled with travel and adventure, living in numerous states and countries throughout George’s military career. Among their favorite assignments were their years in Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

Mavis formed lifelong friendships with fellow Air Force pilots’ wives, offering steadfast support through the unique challenges of military life. A gracious host and exceptional cook, she frequently organized luncheons and gatherings that created a warm sense of community among the pilots’ families.

Raising her family as an Air Force wife became Mavis’s true calling. After 33 years of service, George retired from the Air Force, but his love of flying soon led them to a new chapter in the Virgin Islands, where he flew seaplanes for a commercial airline. They spent 18 wonderful years there before returning to The Dalles to enjoy retirement surrounded by family and friends. Mavis especially cherished family visits and reunions.

To know Mavis was to feel loved. A devoted family woman, she was nothing short of extraordinary. She had an innate ability to make everyone feel seen, cherished, and special—whether through a home-cooked meal, a warm embrace, or the thoughtful way she listened and cared for others. Her love was never passive; it was intentional and ever-present, woven into the everyday moments her family will carry with them always. Mavis was the kind of person whose presence made every room feel warmer and every gathering feel complete.

Mavis was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Myrtle Wickman; her husband, George; her son, Jeffrey; and her sisters, Shirley (Bud) and Evelyn (Ralph).

She is survived by her sons, Gregory (Cheryl) and Kenneth; her granddaughters, Tiffany (Tyler) and Caitlyn; her step-grandson, Cyrus (Miranda); her great-grandchildren, Mayson, Irelynn, and Daxton; and her step-great-grandchildren, Kassidy, Zachary, and Bryson.

Arrangements are in the care of Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home.

Death Notice: Wanda Ive Willis, 91, Maupin

Wanda Ive Willis, age 91, a resident of Maupin, OR, passed away at Canyon Rim Assisted Living on May 12, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Charles Daniel Parker, 84, Hood River

Charles Daniel Parker passed away on May 16th, 2026, at his home in Hood River, Oregon.   Charles was born on November 28th, 1941, and was 84 at the time of passing.  

Memorial Services & Reception are planned for 1:00 p.m., Monday, June 8th, 2026 at 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: Barbara Mae Schuppe, 91, Hood River

Barbara Mae Schuppe passed away on May 11, 2026, in Hood River, Oregon. She was born on March 16, 1935, and was 91 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.