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 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; Matthew 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, Niko Alley and Mark Peleshok, each of whom brought her tremendous joy. She also leaves behind her sisters Melody Smith of Woodland, Wa and RosAnne Merz of Ecuador and her brothers Ron Merz of Hood River Or and Steve Merz of Lebanon, Or

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.

Obituary: Patricia (Pat) Sutherland Kenslow, 80, The Dalles

Patricia (Pat) Sutherland Kenslow passed away peacefully at her home in The Dalles on October 16, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and her devoted companion, her blonde Labrador, Gabe.

Pat was born on August 18, 1945, to George and Pearl (Preston) Sutherland in The Dalles and was the youngest of three sisters. 

Pat married Daniel Harold Kenslow in March 1967, beginning a loving partnership that would span 54 years until Daniel's passing in 2021.

Early in her career, Pat worked in banking and later worked for Chenowith School District 9, choosing a position that allowed her to prioritize time with her family. Her greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren. She was their biggest cheerleader, attending every sporting event she could, always in the stands with an encouraging smile.

Pat cherished the outdoors and created countless treasured memories with her family on weekend adventures—skiing on Mt. Hood, camping and hunting in the mountains, and salmon and steelhead fishing on the Deschutes River. She also loved to travel, enjoying trips with friends to New Orleans and Arizona, and special getaways with her sister Judy to Victoria and Leavenworth. Her warmth and dedication shaped a close-knit family that will forever carry her love.

Pat is survived by her sons Eric (Eila) Kenslow of Beaverton and Jay (Tiffany) Kenslow of The Dalles; granddaughter Jamie (Cody) Sellers of Lyle; and grandsons Reese and Bodee Kenslow of The Dalles.

There will be no formal service. 

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

Death Notice: Kathleen, Grace Wickman, 69, Klickitat

Kathleen Grace Wickman, age 69, a resident of Klickitat, WA, passed away on October 18, 2024.

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