Obituary: Gabrielle A. Jacobsen, 104, The Dalles

Gabrielle A. Jacobsen was born in Freyming, France, on August 7th, 1922, and passed away in The Dalles on August 29th, 2026.  Gaby married Boyd Jacobsen following WWII in Freyming, France, on November 17th, 1945.  Gaby returned with her husband, Boyd, to his hometown in Logan, Utah, and following Boyd’s dental school, they settled in The Dalles, Oregon, in 1951.

Gaby’s claim to fame was her great cooking ability with a flair from her French background.  Late into retirement, Gaby continued to cook every day until moving into Assisted Living at The Springs in The Dalles.

Boyd passed away in The Springs in 2020 at the age of 97.  Gaby continued to live at The Springs Assisted Living, and family visited her in The Dalles at age 100 on August 7th of 2026.  Gaby was sharp and alert on her 100th birthday, although very weak from a recent fall, and passed away weeks later in The Dalles Health & Rehabilitation facility.

Gaby is survived by son Robert of Pleasanton, CA, daughter Patricia Jacobsen McGowan of Santa Barbara, and youngest daughter Kathy Jacobsen Gross of The Dalles.  Gaby also has four grandchildren, of whom Karl Bonner (formerly Eric Gross) also attended Gaby’s 100th Birthday.

At both Boyd’s and Gaby’s request, there will be no Memorial Service, and Gaby’s ashes will be interred at the family gravestone in Odd Fellows Cemetery in The Dalles. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.

Obituary: Raymond Terry “Butch” Thomas, 62, The Dalles

Raymond Terry “Butch” Thomas, 62, of Dufur, Oregon, passed away on September 15, 2026.

Butch was born on June 23, 1964, in Goldendale, Washington, to Joan Della Brown and Terry Thomas Sr. He grew up in Roosevelt, Washington, and Maupin, Oregon. He spent his adult career working as a rigger in steel construction.

Butch loved riding horses, helping his sons with their projects, and being involved in the lives of his grandchildren. His family will remember the time he gave them and his willingness to lend a hand whenever something needed to be done, as well as being at his grandkids’ events.

He is survived by his sons, Ray (Amanda) Thomas and Justin (Kylie) Thomas, all of Dufur; grandsons Anthony, Brody, and Hank Thomas; granddaughter Austin Thomas; brothers Terry Thomas and John Thomas of Coos Bay; sisters Amy and Lucy of New York; and other extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Joan Della Brown, his father, Terry Thomas Sr., and his brother, Eddie Runyon.

Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements. Details regarding a memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Obituary: Eldon William Eaton, 91, The Dalles

Eldon William Eaton, age 91, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2026, at the Oregon Veterans’ Home in The Dalles, Oregon.

Eldon was born in Yakima, Washington, to W.A. and Clara Eaton. He was a graduate of Grandview High School. Shortly after graduation, Eldon—affectionately known as “Sonny” to many who knew and loved him—joined the United States Air Force, where he served as an airplane mechanic. During his military career, he served several tours of duty in Vietnam and Thailand and earned numerous commendations for his service.

Eldon remained in the Air Force until a debilitating injury led to his retirement.

In his younger years, Eldon enjoyed riding motorcycles and working on cars. In his later years, he especially enjoyed playing cards with fellow veterans at the Oregon Veterans’ Home. He cherished the friendships and camaraderie he found there.

Eldon will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his son, Daniel Eaton; his sister, Janet Hallman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Oregon Veterans’ Home for the loving care and kindness they gave Sonny.

A military service and celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Death Notice: Christa L. Downing, 69, The Dalles

Christa Lynn Downing, age 69, a resident of The Dalles, Oregon, passed away peacefully at home on August 26, 2026.

No formal service will be held. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Christa’s memory may make a donation to the Oregon Humane Society in memory of Christa L. Downing:
Oregon Humane Society
In Memory of Christa L. Downing

Obituary: Harvey D. Prouty “Harv”

Harvey D. Prouty “Harv”

Harvey D. Prouty “Harv”, age 87 and former “mayor” of 3rd and Washington, passed away September 5th, 2021 at his home in The Dalles surrounded by family.  

He was born in Osawatomie Kansas June 12, 1934, to Father Harvey Prouty and Mother Sadie Lenthicon, they both preceded him in death.  He had 4 brothers and 2 sisters. Sister Geraldine, brothers Wesley, Victor, Fred, Tony, and sister Dot. 

His family moved to Nampa, Idaho when Harvey was very young, and he spent most of his childhood there with his brothers and sisters running the streets of Nampa.  

He served in the United States Navy in the Korean War from 1952-1955 and was stationed on the U.S.S Essex CUA-9.  After leaving the Navy, he went to barber school. Upon graduating, he worked with his great friend Jim Kelly at “Kelly’s Barber Shop” at 300 E. Third Street, The Dalles.

He bought the barber shop when Jim passed, and he kept the Kelly name in honor of Jim.   Kelly’s Barber Shop is where he spent 40 plus years and made lots of great friends until he retired in 2010.  

He was married to Kaye for 25 years. She precedes him in death.  They loved to travel together and had a great love of life with friends and family.  

He was a member of the Elks lodge and trustee for 9 years.  He was also a member of The Fort Dalles Rodeo Association where he served as president from 1990-1991. He took many trips to Las Vegas for the National Finals Rodeo with his buddies: Milt, Steve, and Greg.  

He is survived by his son Stan Prouty and his daughter Stephanie Ryan (husband Chris); his grandkids, Marshall Thompson (wife Keli), Jessica Canady (husband Ryan) and Caitlyn Rivas (husband Javier).; great-grandkids; Bayli, Jersey, Adeline, Lincoln, Cruz, and baby girl Rivas.; his brothers Wes, Fred and Tony; sisters Geraldine, and Dot, as well as many nieces and nephews in Idaho. 

Harvey loved his family very much.  

His Celebration of Life will be October 2, 2021, at Spencer, Libby, and Powell at 2 pm. Please join his family to celebrate his life.