Death Notice: Dean Harvey McAllister, 75, The Dalles

Dean Harvey McAllister, age 75, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on November 4, 2026.

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

Death Notice: John A. Olson, Sr, 86, The Dalles

John A. Olson, Sr. passed away on November 1st, 2026, in The Dalles, Oregon. John was born on October 23rd, 1940, and was 86 years of age at the time of passing.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Edwin Ritchie, 85, The Dalles

Edwin Ritchie, age 85, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on November 2, 2026.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Bonnie M. Palmer, 69, The Dalles

Bonnie M. Palmer, age 69, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Columbia Basin Care Facility on October 18, 2026.

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

Death Notice: James Edward Heitkemper, 84, The Dalles,

James Edward Heitkemper, age 84, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on October 24, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Shelly Denice Easton, 58, The Dalles

Shelly Denice Easton, age 58, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on October 24, 2026.

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

Obituary: Robin Lynne Wagenblast, 76, The Dalles

Robin Lynne Wagenblast was born in The Dalles, Oregon, on July 26th, 1950, to Robert “Bob” Harold Wagenblast and Shirley Louise Wagenblast (née Martin). Robin was the second of two children to the couple, as she had an older brother, Phillip. She had many fond memories of her childhood digging for clams on the Washington coast, traveling with her family while her father sold heating oil, and spending time at her grandmother’s home. Yet none were more precious to her than the summer of 1955 when her family visited Disneyland in its opening summer. Her love for Disneyland and Disney productions was later passed on to her three daughters, as they watched new releases in the cinema and had multiple birthday cakes based on Disney characters. Robin attended school in The Dalles, ultimately graduating from The Dalles High School. She was passionate about theatre and participated in multiple productions while attending high school.

After graduation, she attended the University of Oregon in Eugene. She majored in Education and minored in Theatre, pursuing her artistic passion but with a keen eye towards the future. At U of O, she met Joan Dube, who would become her lifelong friend. While attending university, she worked multiple jobs to pay for her education and was able to graduate early as a result of her fastidious dedication to her goals. After graduation, she completed her student teaching in Dufur, Oregon, accepting a position at the elementary school after completing her training. Robin was passionate about education, striving to find fun and creative ways to teach her students about multiple subjects. Robin cared deeply about her students and their families, a trait that permeated all aspects of her life. She also enjoyed traveling to expand her mind and worldview, and took a memorable trip to Europe, visiting several places including Hungary and Yugoslavia.

After teaching at Dufur for several years, Robin had the opportunity to move abroad, as Australia was seeking international teachers. She moved to South Australia, accepting a job in the suburb of Para Hills in Adelaide. While at this position, she chose to live on the coast, as she had always wanted to live at the beach. Robin enjoyed working with the families of her students and the added challenge of cultural and linguistic barriers that were sometimes present. Always seeking understanding, she took great care to learn about the families to help find the best approach to teaching individual students. While at this position, she became friends with a fellow teacher, Lee, who would eventually lead her to a man who would change the rest of her life.

While cooking an extensive meal for Lee & the dinner party guests one evening in 1980, Robin met Carl Edward Smith, a man who she later described as her soulmate. Though Carl lived in Smithton, Tasmania, he and Robin maintained a long-distance relationship until they could finally be wed on January 9, 1982. The couple wed at St. Bede’s Anglican Church in Semaphore, South Australia; they were married by Reverend Robert Niehus. Since the wedding was held at the height of the Australian summer, Robin’s bouquet was made of pink and apricot carnations to withstand the 40-degree Celsius heat. The flowers matched the ethereal dresses of the maid of honor, bridesmaids, and flower girls, and complemented Robin’s beautiful gown. The wedding was attended by several of Robin’s family members from the U.S., including her parents, brother Phil, and maternal grandmother Isabel. Much of Carl’s family was also in attendance, including his son Brett, mother Phoebe, and several siblings, nieces, and nephews. Carl & Robin honeymooned in Aotearoa/New Zealand, enjoying stunning locations such as Dunedin and Rotorua.

After the honeymoon, Robin & Carl settled down in Smithton, Tasmania. Soon after, Robin became pregnant with their first child, Christina Lynne, who was born on April 13th, 1983. About two years later, they had their second daughter, Melinda Susan, born on July 24th, 1985. Their third daughter, Tameka Ann, was born on March 8th, 1988. Their family was now complete, with four children: Brett, Christina, Melinda, and Tameka. The Smith family lived on Havelock Street in Smithton, in a quirky historical house that Robin adored. Robin made every holiday and event special, cooking feasts, decorating, and inviting loved ones into her home to celebrate together. While living here, Robin raised her children with lots of affection and a focus on their education. Her daughters were encouraged to read, create, and learn about their world through travel. Robin & Carl took the girls on many trips throughout their time in Australia, visiting big cities and small communities alike. The focus on combining joy and education as they traveled was persistent, as Robin was always an educator at heart. The girls participated in a variety of extracurriculars, including dance, theatre, and sports; no matter the activity, Robin was always there to support her children and encourage them to succeed. The girls grew up in the Havelock Street house until the family decided to relocate to The Dalles, Oregon to be closer to Robin’s parents.

In October of 2000, Robin and her family packed up their lives and made the long trip from rural Tasmania to the United States. In order to obtain her substitute teaching license, she started taking classes at Columbia Gorge Community College. She started art classes with local artist Jeff Stewart, and fell in love with oil painting (specifically landscapes). Robin had always been a skilled cook and baker, but her talent for oil painting was a surprise to her. Robin also attended St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in The Dalles, where she was a member of the choir and a steadfast attendee. Robin valued her church community and enjoyed her time with them immensely.

While living in The Dalles, Robin also learned the family business and eventually took over The Dalles Marble & Granite from her mother when Shirley retired. Robin was also the primary caregiver for Carl and both of her parents, demonstrating her love and dedication to her family under all circumstances. Robin lived in The Dalles the rest of her life, creating art, sharing her love of food, and showing kindness and compassion to her loved ones and strangers. Robin is preceded in death by her parents and her husband Carl. She is survived by her son Brett and his wife Merle in Casino, New South Wales; her daughter Christina and her husband Rick in Houston, Texas; her daughter Melinda in Bend, Oregon; and her daughter Tameka, her husband Morgan, and their son Luke in Portland, Oregon. She is also survived by her brother Phil and his wife Nancy in Lithia, Florida, in addition to many cousins, nieces, nephews, and other loved ones across the United States and Australia. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Rowena Wildlife (with a note “for the cats”), or contributing time, money, or food to your local food bank.

Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of Robin Smith on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

Viewing

• 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

• Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home

• 1100 Kelly Avenue

• The Dalles, OR

Funeral Service

• 1:00 p.m.

• St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

• 1805 Minnesota Street

• The Dalles, OR

Graveside Service

• 3:30 p.m.

• IOOF Oddfellows Cemetery

• Cherry Heights Road

• The Dalles, OR

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

Family and friends are welcome to join in honoring Robin’s life and memory.

Obituary: Jean Marie Neuberger, 88, The Dalles

Jean Marie Neuberger, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on October 16, 2026, at Callaway Gardens in Kennewick, Washington. She was born on January 17, 1938, in Hazen, North Dakota, to David and Emma Pischel.

Jean graduated from Hazen High School in 1957, and that same year, on July 26, she married the love of her life, Allen Neuberger. Together, they shared 40 years of marriage, building a life filled with family, friendship, and many cherished memories. Their family grew with the arrival of their two sons, Carlyle in 1958 and Kevin in 1961. In 1960, the family moved from North Dakota to The Dalles, Oregon, where they made their home and built their life together.

Jean worked at J.C. Penney, Downey Furniture, and Temple Distributing throughout her career. She was also an active member of Faith Lutheran Church and Gateway Presbyterian Church, where she found community and fellowship.

Jean found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved playing pinochle, dancing to polka music, and traveling to new places. Above all, she treasured the time she spent with Allen. Whether enjoying a favorite pastime or simply being together, those moments were an important part of her life. Her love for her family and the memories they shared will continue to be treasured by those who knew and loved her.

Jean is survived by her son, Kevin, of Kennewick, Washington; her granddaughter, Carly (Travis), of Portland, Oregon; her grandson, Will (Megan), of Dufur, Oregon; and five great- grandchildren, who carry forward her family’s legacy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, David and Emma; her beloved husband, Allen; her sister, Ruth; and her son, Carlyle.

Jean’s life was one of family, lasting love, and the everyday joys that make a life meaningful. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A graveside service will be held on October 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Odd Fellow Cemetery on Three Mile Road in The Dalles, Oregon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Spencer, Libby & 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: Richard Adams Lyon, 83, The Dalles

With heavy hearts, we share that Richard Adams Lyon passed away and crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on July 13, 2026.

Born September 23, 1942, Richard grew up the middle of three brothers in small towns near the shore of Long Island, NY. Athletic, outgoing, and highly intelligent, Richard graduated as Valedictorian of Oyster Bay High School in 1960. Rather than follow the family tradition at Cornell, Richard enrolled in the prestigious Williams College, graduating with honors as a varsity swimmer and member of St. Anthony’s (Delta Psi) in 1964. Richard was described by classmates as brilliant and friendly (and very admired by the women of Bennington College). Richard was a scholar and lifelong learner, earning multiple degrees and certificates in his life, including a Master of Arts from Western Washington University and Master of Theology from Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado.

After Williams, Richard spent a year abroad in Rio de Janeiro, enjoying a life-enriching experience living with a Brazilian family. In 1965, Richard voluntarily enlisted in the US Army during the Vietnam War. A member of the 101st Airborne Division, he earned many recognitions and was honorably discharged in 1967. Tragically, his deployment to Vietnam and the horrors he experienced there had a lasting impact on his life, causing him to suffer anxiety, PTSD, and depression throughout life. In a journey to reclaim his love of life and spirit, he spent all his life seeking wisdom, spiritual grace, and the presence of forgiveness, redemption, and love in the world.

After spending several years in the late 1960s California hippie counterculture with his brothers Alex and Matthew, Richard’s insatiable quest to learn and grow, as well as explore the mysteries of the spiritual realm, led him to the ministry. He spent several decades as the Reverend Richard Lyon, an ordained Minister of the United Methodist Church, in Nevada, California, and ultimately, Aspen, Colorado. The Roaring Fork Valley high in the Colorado Rockies, the peaks that surround it, and especially the community in it became the great love of Richard’s life, where he felt more at home there than anywhere in the world. It was there he participated in and honed many of his great passions: stage acting in local theater; skiing and climbing mountain peaks; painting and mask making; storytelling and exploring spirituality.

As the Minister at Aspen Community Church, Richard was adored, and his sermons were known as exceptional and provocative. He was particularly proud to have performed marriage ceremonies for same sex couples even when condemned by the more conservative wing of the church. Always interested in the more mystic side of Christian tradition, such as the gnostics or the divine feminine, Richard left the church after retirement and became very keen to learn and practice shamanic traditions from various cultures for the rest of his life. He became a strong elder presence in a spiritual group that met weekly in Carbondale.

Richard was a well-known character around the Roaring Fork Valley. As an Associate Artist of Thunder River Theater Company, he performed in many roles, renowned for his powerful stage presence. He told stories to children at the public libraries and schools, attended local festivals, walked in parades, always bringing theatrical flair with expressive costumes customized for each event. He was easily recognizable in his cherry red hard top Porsche Carrera 911. An adventurous soul, he loved to travel and went all over the world, including Southeast Asia, China, Brazil, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Mexico, and even a successful climb to the peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. He earned a PADI Open Water SCUBA diving certification, and even won a Jalapeño pepper eating contest (by eating 27 peppers!). He loved classic Rock ‘n ' roll and played guitar for a time in a rockabilly band. Richard was a man who lived life as fully as he could, always seeking forward momentum to keep his troubled soul engaged with meaningful living!

In the final years of life, Richard moved to Oregon to be near his nephew and niece, and passed away being well cared for at the Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles. His niece Melanie was bedside and comforting him as he crossed over. Richard was predeceased by his mother, Agnes Drysdale Milliken, his father, Robert Newell Lyon, his older brother, Alexander Lyon, and his younger brother, Matthew Lyon. He is survived by his niece Melanie Lyon and nephew Benno Lyon, who will miss him dearly.

Death Notice: Pearl Lucille Munsen, 98, The Dalles

Pearl Lucille Munsen, age 98, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on October 11, 2026. A Funeral Service will be held on October 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home, 1100 Kelly Ave., The Dalles, OR 97058; the Graveside Service will follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery on Cherry Heights Road.

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

Obituary: David Alexander Avila Graves, 30, The Dalles

David Alexander Avila Graves of The Dalles, Alex to his friends, passed away on October 12, 2026, at OHSU Hospital in Portland.

Alex was born in The Dalles on December 5, 1995, to Diana Mary Graves and Raul Avila. He and his siblings attended St. Mary’s Academy in The Dalles in their early school years. Alex completed his GED and some college-level classes at the local community college. As a youngster, he enjoyed Cub Scouts, soccer, and basketball. He really enjoyed longboarding and playing Xbox as well as hanging out with some of his good friends.

Alex enjoyed cooking as a kid and gardening. He imagined himself becoming a world-class chef. As it turned out, he did become a culinary expert with a BBQ grill! Alex was also an outstanding fisherman and absolutely loved fishing.

He had many jobs throughout his life but ultimately enjoyed his time at the Sinclair gas station where he worked his way up and became the manager for several years. As an adult, he enjoyed spending time with his children as well as fishing and barbecuing often. He loved taking his kids on weekend outings, with a favorite destination being the Oregon Coast.

His humor was an acquired taste; he was always cracking jokes and in a good mood. His positive attitude always shone through no matter what the circumstances. Even in his hardest times of life, he was always the one cheering other people up.

He is survived by his estranged spouse, his children Vanessa and David Jr., Father, Raul Avila; Grandfather, Ron Graves; brothers, Aaron Graves and Adrian Graves; Aunt, Rebecca Tobias; Uncle, Mike Graves; many great aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, and many friends who were truly like family. Alex was predeceased by his mother, Diana Mary Graves, in 2009, and grandmother, Catherine Mary Graves in 2026.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, October 14, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in The Dalles, Oregon.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 15, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church in The Dalles, followed by a graveside service and a reception in the Parish Center.

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

Obituary: Dawn Elaine Moore, 78, The Dalles

Dawn Elaine Moore was born on September 24, 1948, in McMinnville, Oregon, to Vern and Florence Markee. Dawn’s family moved to Portland, Oregon, and then to Goldendale, Washington, where she met the love of her life, Tom, in December of 1965. Tom and Dawn were married on July 2, 1966.

Dawn set out on a big adventure, flying to Germany alone to be with Tom while he served in the US Army and was stationed in Würzburg. During the two years they were in Germany, a daughter was born, Wendy Lee. When Tom completed his service, they returned to The Dalles and purchased their first home. In 1970, a son, Michael Edward, was born, and their little family was complete.

Dawn was able to stay at home with Mike and Wendy while keeping the books for their property management company. When Wendy graduated high school, Tom, Dawn, and Mike moved to Joseph, Oregon, to ranch for Tom’s Uncle Frank. Dawn saw a need for a clothing store in the community, and with that, Dawn’s Dud’s was born. You could see Dawn loved being her own boss and making a difference in her community.

Tom and Dawn eventually moved back to The Dalles, where they managed Beaverton Lodge in Beaverton, Oregon. They were home in The Dalles for half a week, giving Dawn time to work in her yard and tend to her garden. She really enjoyed having a nice yard just like her father.

Tom and Dawn didn’t retire well, and they both went to work for the school district. Dawn worked as a lunch lady and enjoyed visiting with the school kids every day.

Dawn was a loving daughter, sister, wife, and mother. She will be dearly missed. Dawn was preceded in death by her parents, Vern and Florence Markee, sister Beverly, and sister Dianne. Dawn is survived by her brother Tom, sister Yvonne, husband of 60 years, Tom, daughter Wendy (Richard) Perecz, and son Mike (Alaina) Moore. Grandkids: Johnny, Luke, Jeremy, Justin, and Mallory. Great-grandkids: Amaia, Aidan, Devin, Asher, Asuna, Asura, Oakley, and one on the way.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.

A Celebration of life for Dawn will be held at Anderson’s Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Ave, Hood River, Oregon 97031) at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24th, 2026, with a reception to follow.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com

Obituary: Patricia Seneker Strle Watson-Mack, 90, The Dalles

Patricia Mack, 90 Years old

Patricia Seneker Strle Watson-Mack was born January 24, 1936, in Joliet, Illinois. Died October 8, 2026, at Hood River Post Acute Care Center in Hood River, Oregon. She was surrounded by family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her daughter Linda Strle, parents George and Margaret Seneker, and her brother Leon Seneker. She is survived by her children Rich (Mary) Strle, Terry (Steve Ferree) Strle, Ron (Donald Skillestad) Strle, and Robert (Brenda) Strle. Her sister-in-law Rita Seneker. Eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Patricia was a true Roaming Catholic. Moving from Joliet, Patricia lived in Fairbanks, Alaska; Las Vegas, Nevada; Long Beach, California; and Sedona, Arizona; and settled in The Dalles, Oregon, 12 years ago.

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

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

Obituary: Kenneth “Ken” Wayne Nierman, 98, The Dalles

Kenneth “Ken” Wayne Nierman passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by a lifetime of love, just days before his 99th birthday.

Ken was born in October 1927 and raised on a farm near Osmond, Nebraska. It was there that he learned the value of hard work and developed a lifelong talent for growing just about anything—although his family would tell you that his corn and potatoes were particularly hard to beat.

After graduating from high school near the end of World War II, Ken answered the call to serve his country. His military service ultimately took him to the US Navy, where he served as a Yeoman First Class. Following his active-duty service, he continued serving in the Naval Reserve.

In 1952, Ken married the love of his life, Norma Kenny. Their marriage became the foundation of a family and a life they built together over more than seven decades. Just this September, Ken and Norma celebrated an extraordinary 74 years of marriage—a testament to a love and partnership that endured nearly a lifetime.

Ken was happiest outdoors, especially when he was hunting, fishing, tending a garden, or simply spending time with the people he loved. Above all else, family was at the heart of his life.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Norma; his son, Doug Nierman; and his daughter, Janna Hage, and her husband, Garry.  His legacy continues through his grandchildren,  Jason Hage and his wife, Nickie;    Nicole Ryan and her husband, Nick; and through his four great-grandchildren, Maggie Ryan, Eames Ryan, Brody Hage, and Gunner Hage. He is also survived by his younger sister Joan Schulz of Norfolk, Nebraska, and numerous nieces and nephews in Nebraska.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Laura and Elmer Niermann, and his younger brother, Norman, who surely were there to greet him at the pearly gates.

Nearly 99 years is a remarkable amount of time to spend on this earth, and Ken filled those years with service to the church, faith in his Lord, love of family, friends and laughter. He lived long enough to see generations of his family grow around him, to celebrate 74 years beside the woman he loved, and to leave this world peacefully knowing just how deeply he was loved.

He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to Faith Lutheran Church in Ken's name.

A Memorial Service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 2810 W 10th St., The Dalles, OR 97058, on October 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Kenneth Wayne Niermann, 98, The Dalles

Kenneth Wayne Niermann, age 98, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at The Springs at Mill Creek on October 4, 2026. A Memorial Service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 2810 W 10th St., The Dalles, OR 97058, on October 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM.

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

Death Notice: Rose Anna Dorzab, 82, The Dalles

Rose Anna Dorzab, age 82, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Flagstone Assisted Living on October 6, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Dawn Elain Moore, 78, The Dalles

Dawn Elain Moore passed away on October 5, 2026, in The Dalles, Oregon. She was born on September 24, 1948, and was 78 years old at the time of her passing. A Celebration of Life for Dawn will be held at Anderson’s Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Ave, Hood River, OR 97031) on October 24th, 2026, at 1:00 P.M., with a reception to follow.

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: William Edward Hardy, 72, The Dalles

William Edward Hardy, age 72, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at OHSU on October 2, 2026.

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

Obituary: Nancy Weigelt Hitzemann, 85, The Dalles

Nancy Weigelt Hitzemann was born on March 23, 1941, in The Dalles, Oregon, to Gus and Lily Weigelt. An only child, she grew up surrounded by books and stories in her family’s bookstore, “Weigelt’s Bookstore & Stationers,” reportedly the longest privately owned bookstore “West of the Rockies.” Nancy grew up to be quite independent.

At The Dalles High School, Nancy was crowned Sweetheart at the Valentine’s Ball, played the bugle with the Booster Girls and was a member of the Ushers. Summers were spent at the “Nat,” where she swam on the Elks Swim Team. She won numerous trophies—and she was good— really good!

After high school, Nancy and her friends, Sally and Glenda, discovered that the University of Idaho had a favorable ratio of men to women. Naturally, they headed to Idaho. Nancy earned a degree in elementary education and won an award for having the best legs on campus— a distinction she surely would have wanted remembered.

In 1982, Nancy married Jim Hitzemann and became stepmother to Deric and Krista (Todd).

After brief stays in Bellevue, Washington, and Rancho Bernardo, California, where Nancy became a substitute teacher for the Poway School District, Nancy and Jim made their final home in Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii. She volunteered with AdvoCATS, a rescue organization dedicated to saving, spaying, and neutering feral cats. Nancy and Jim had three cats of their own, and fostered many, many more. Their love of cruising also benefitted their friends, who were frequently recruited to cat sit.

Fun, adventurous, independent, generous and warm-hearted, Nancy lived fully on her own terms. Her life included swimming, teaching, travelling with Jim, family, lifelong friendships, laughter, books and more cats than anyone can reasonably count.

Nancy returned to The Dalles and moved to The Springs, where she passed away on September 21, 2026. Her ashes will be scattered, together with Jim’s, off the beach in Kona, Hawaii, returning them together to a place they loved. Donations in Nancy’s memory may be made to Columbia Gorge Humane Society, 200 River Road, The Dalles, OR 97058, and indicate in memory of Nancy Weigelt Hitzemann.