Obituary: Karl (Herman) Morse, age 55, Hood River

Karl (Herman) Morse, age 55, passed away on February 16, 2026. He was born on November 30, 1970, in Cortland, New York. He is survived by his brother, Ken Morse (Peggy), and his sister, Ellen Morse. He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth J. Morse; his mother, Elizabeth (Turghetto) Morse; his brother, Eric Morse; his sister, Deborah Morse; and his brother, John Morse.

Karl was known for his adventurous spirit, his intelligence, and his dry sense of humor. A graduate at Cornell University, he worked in several fields throughout his life, including at the Hanford Nuclear Site. After caring for his mother in her final years, Karl traveled across the country— sometimes by hitchhiking—and spoke of the kindness he encountered along the way. He never considered himself “homeless,” but instead described himself as “on an adventure.”

He loved sports, especially baseball, enjoyed Taylor Swift songs, jigsaw puzzles, sushi, and decorating for Christmas. In his final months, Karl lived at Journey House in Hood River and was involved at Hood River Alliance Church through Man Coffee, Celebrate Recovery, and other ministries. He was loved by many and will be deeply missed.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, February 28, 11:00 a.m. at Hood River Alliance Church. 2650 Montello Ave. Hood River, Oregon

Obituary: LeeAnn Stocking (Atkinson), 75, The Dalles

LeeAnn Stocking (Atkinson), age 75, of The Dalles, Oregon, passed away at her home, after a 15-year battle with cancer, on the 24th of February, 2024. Born on the 4th of January, 1949, in Evanston, Wyoming, to Charles Edward Atkinson and Arlene McKinnon Hirst. Both of her Grandmothers, Delceno Atkinson and Minnie McKinnon were a big part of her early life as was her step-father Clair Hirst. She was a woman of great faith and love, whose kindness and warmth touched all who knew her.

LeeAnn was the beloved wife of Robert J. Stocking, Jr. They were married on April 28, 1967, and were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on July 14, 1977. Together they shared 56 years of marriage. She was a nurturing mother to her children, Calvin (Heather), Kevin (Susan), and Darcey Hodges (Jeff), and a doting grandmother to her nine grandchildren: Nikkole, Cordell, Mackenzie, Chandler, Kelsen, Trey, Kyren, Kestley, and Tenley. She attended as many of her grandchildren’s music and sporting events as possible, even streaming them online when she couldn’t make it.

Throughout her life, LeeAnn enjoyed many family activities including trips to Bear Lake, decorating graves every Memorial Day, golfing with family, and pack trips to the Uinta Mountains and Jackson. She enjoyed bowling and running in races, including a 10k in Wyoming. Favorite trips were New Orleans, Cooperstown, New York, and Alabama to watch grandsons play baseball, attend the National Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas, and go to the Oregon coast. A favorite trip was to Branson, Missouri with her husband, siblings, and their spouses.

Her commitment to her faith was evident in her active participation in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she served in various roles. Her love of music was lifelong. She was always found playing piano, directing music at church, and encouraging her children and grandchildren on various instruments. LeeAnn's talents extended to her masterful quilting, which she lovingly shared with family and friends. She also spent a great deal of time making baby blankets, sewing jackets for her grandchildren, and tole painting.

Throughout her life, LeeAnn was dedicated to her work, contributing her skills and compassion as a school aide, secretary, librarian, and employee for 14 years at Rip’s Grocery in Evanston, Wyoming. Her dedication to education and service within her community was a testament to her character.

LeeAnn is survived by her husband Robert, their children, grandchildren, brothers Ron Atkinson (Kathy), and Will Atkinson (Donell), and sister Charlene Berlin (Eric). She was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, and several aunts and uncles.

The family has entrusted Spencer, Libby, and Powell Funeral Home with the final arrangements. A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. Her service will take place at noon on March 2, with a viewing from 10:30-11:45 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in The Dalles, OR. Her spirit will be greatly missed, and her memory will forever be cherished in the hearts of those she loved.

The final resting place with graveside services will be at the Evanston City Cemetery in Evanston, Wyoming on March 16, 2024, at noon.

Obituary: Helen Marie (Spickerman) Elton, 100, The Dalles

Helen Marie (Spickerman) Elton passed peacefully in her sleep on December 1, 2023.  She was born on December 28, 1922, and would have been 101.  Helen was born at home to George and Grace Spickerman in the Dalles, Oregon, and was a lifelong resident.  She had two younger sisters, Shirley Sawyer and Donna Pengra.  In 1940, she was chosen to be the first Cherry Queen, representing the cherry industry of The Dalles. 

Among the highlights of that year was her ride on the float in the Rose Parade of Portland, Oregon.  Locally,  she also attended the dedication of Thompson Park and the burying of the time capsule there.  Helen also had her picture taken on the Queen of Romania’s throne at the Maryhill Museum.  In 1943, Helen married her high school sweetheart, Bill Elton of this city.  They had three children, Shari Thompson, Ronald Elton, and Diane Cates, raising them on the family cherry farm on Pleasant Ridge Road.  In her younger years, Helen had a hobby of detailed and intricate painting of ceramic figurines.  She also enjoyed sewing and trying new recipes.  A dedicated homemaker, Helen was a good housekeeper.  One of her greatest joys in life was to put on the coffee pot and visit with dear friends and family. 

Having grown up in Calvary Baptist Church, she taught Sunday School and served on various committees.  She faithfully continued her Christian service throughout her life, one of which was her dedication to serving her family.  Survivors include her sister Shirley, her three children, twelve grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.  Helen was preceded in death by an infant brother, James Robert, her stillborn baby girl, her parents, her husband, and her sister Donna.   A graveside service and family memorial gathering will be scheduled at a later date.

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