Death Notice: Thomas Gregory Elmer, 71, Hood River

Thomas Gregory Elmer passed away on January 13, 2026, in Hood River, Oregon. He was born on February 17, 1954, and was 71 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: Patricia Anne Alfson Hartley (“Trish”), 56, The Dalles

Patricia Anne Alfson Hartley, lovingly known as “Trish,” passed away on January 8, 2026. She was born on January 25, 1969, in Madison, South Dakota, to Terry and Dee Alfson.

Trish spent her early childhood in Madison before her family moved to Aberdeen, South Dakota, where she began her elementary education. In 1981, she relocated to The Dalles, Oregon, where she attended The Dalles Middle School and later graduated from The Dalles High School in 1987.

Trish continued her education at Western Oregon State College, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Business in 1992. Her strong work ethic and dedication began early—while still in high school, she started working for Edward Jones in 1987 alongside her father. After college, she built a long and respected career with Edward Jones, serving as a Branch Office Administrator in Canby, Oregon, and later moving to McMinnville, where she spent the remainder of her career as a Senior Branch Office Administrator.

Trish married Mike in 1996, and together they built a life centered around family and love. She was a devoted mother to her two daughters, Hannah (born in 1997) and Madeline (born in 2000), and she was incredibly proud of the women they became.

In addition to her career and family, Trish gave back to her community through years of service as a board member for Care for Kids, an organization she supported with time, dedication, and heart.

Trish’s personality filled every room she entered. She enjoyed NASCAR, football (especially cheering on her favorite team, the Seattle Seahawks), and had a deep love for the USA and patriotism. She also loved playing Pokeno, watching movies and TV, and most of all, spending meaningful time with friends and family.

Trish is survived by her husband, Mike Hartley; daughters Hannah Hartley and Madeline Esparza (and son-in-law Andres Esparza); her parents, Terry Alfson and Dee Alfson; brother Christopher Alfson (and sister-in-law Heather Lostrom); sisters Tara Donivan (and brother- in-law Ben Donivan) and Heather Runyon (and brother-in-law JR Runyon); niece Olivia Steadman (and nephew-in-law Connor Steadman); nieces Emma Alfson, Morgan Donivan, and Sadie Runyon; nephews Nolan Donivan and Logan Runyon; and great-niece Oaklee Steadman.

Service Details

A Funeral Mass Service will be held on January 16, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Saint Peter’s Catholic Church in The Dalles, Oregon, with Father Rene officiating.

A Celebration of Life will also be planned for late spring or early summer. Additional details

will be shared once a date has been confirmed. All are welcome to attend both the Funeral Mass and the Celebration of Life as we gather to honor and remember Trish.

In Trish’s memory, and because her favorite color was purple, guests are encouraged to wear purple if they wish.

Trish will be cremated, and her remains will be distributed among family in places that meant the most to her—Hawaii during our family trip, as well as The Dalles and McMinnville, Oregon.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home, The Dalles, Oregon.

The family would like to extend a special and sincere thank you to the entire Providence Medical Team, especially the staff in the ICU and on the 5G floor. Their exceptional care, kindness, and compassion truly made a difference during an incredibly difficult time. They fought right alongside us as we prayed and hoped for Trish’s life, and their unwavering support will never be forgotten. We cannot thank them enough.

Trish will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her love, loyalty, and the joy she brought to everyone who knew her. Trish lived her life with a selfless and giving spirit, always putting others before herself. She was an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her and being in her presence. With her warm smile and contagious laugh, she had a way of lighting up every room she entered. Her strength, courage, and unwavering love for those around her will never be forgotten.