Columbia Community Connection was established in 2020 as a local, honest and digital news source providing meaningful stories and articles. CCC News’ primary goal is to inform and elevate all the residents and businesses of the Mid-Columbia Region. A rising tide lifts all boats, hop in!
All tagged Obituary
Sherman County Stalwart Passes: In 1970, Larry founded Wheatacres Irrigation, supported by the younger generations in the family. His passions included flying his plane, managing a 30-year cattle lease on Miller Island, and hosting OSU crop trials and soils classes. He volunteered for scouting, 4-H, Little League and the Sherman County Historical Museum.
Obituary: Michael Joseph Sampson, 38, Lyle
While in training at Fort Benning, GA, his bride defied her parents and hopped there on a train from California. Walt and Beth were wed in 1951. Walt Smith was a quiet man at home and outside of his profession, but once he stepped foot in that classroom at TDHS, he came alive. He was full of charisma, told the best stories, and had an amazing sense of humor. He was beloved by his students and selected by them numerous times to give speeches at their graduations.
Lillian and her husband Don, married in 1976 and moved from California to Oregon in 1979. Hood River was their home for over 25 years. Eventually, they downsized and relocated in 2005 to a smaller beautiful home, in The Dalles. She adopted 4 children. First at age 24 and last at age 50! Her love for children lead her into doing daycare out of her home for over 2 decades.
William “Bill” Fredick Moffat, III passed away November 12th, 2024 at home in Cascade Locks, Oregon. Bill was born October 10th, 1970 and was 54 years of age at the time of passing.
John earned a commercial and private pilots license and was hired as a crop duster. Despite setbacks, including a crash resulting in a broken neck, John built the business he owned and operated starting in 1950.
In 1985, Cathie opened the Wine Sellers, with help from her daughter Jean. For more than 25 years she offered wine, coffee, conversation, and warm welcomes to customers, family, and friends.
Obituary: June Jeanette (Johnson) (Carter) Vroman, 95, The Dalles
She was a successful high school athlete and during her summers at home, Renée worked for the US Forest Service at Multnomah Falls as a groundskeeper and learned to love hiking. She achieved her doctorate in Clinical Psychology and her social work led her to multiple adventures in the US. She passed on Oct. 10.
She provided a home and family life which fostered a determination for success and settled for no less. She appreciated the beauty in the little things, just like her mother and grandmother did. Like her garden roses, she was beautiful yet delicate and protected herself as well as those she loved with the metaphoric thorns she wore.
After high school, he joined the military serving 6 years in the Air Force Reserves. He moved and settled in The Dalles in 1989. Wes spent his working years as a mechanic and specializing as a Diesel Mechanic. He owned and operated Wes’s Automotive which he loved. Wes worked for CH Urness for 23 years until retirement.
Andy grew up and graduated from high school in The Dalles, OR. He went on to have a long career with several incredible NASCAR organizations and drivers. He worked as an interior mechanic and tire specialist and traveled for several years with the ARCA Series. He won championships with Brandon Jones, Justin Haley, Ty Gibbs, Sammy Smith, and most recently with a talented young man named William Sawalich.
Obituary: Diane Rosalie (Monagan) Bungum, 79, The Dalles
Obituary: Barbara Ann Fridley, 96, The Dalles
Obituary: Guadalupe Robledo, The Dalles
Obituary: Jason Doyle, 56, The Dalles
They moved to Hood River, Oregon where Frank became Superintendent and Lee taught at Chenowith Elementary in The Dalles. She then taught 3rd grade at Mosier Elementary. At this time both her and Frank bought their first orchard in Hood River.
As a young teen, Marty’s favorite military base was in Hawaii, Schofield Barracks. Marty enjoyed recalling her escape from the base to climb Sacrifice Mountain. Upon successfully reaching the top, she removed her shoes and sat down to enjoy the tropical flowers, birds and the view. However, Marty was unable to get her shoes back on her swollen, blistered feet for the trip back!
Obituary: Manuel “Manny” Escobar Tactay Jr., 87, Hood River
She graduated from The Dalles High School in 1954. In 1970, she married Bill Sallee, the love of her life, and together they shared 54 wonderful years. While raising her four children, Laurene balanced various jobs and activities, though her true passion lay in caring for her family.
