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.

Obituary: Dianna Mae Martin, 80, The Dalles

Dianna Mae Martin, born Dianna Mae Tiller, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2026, at the age of 80, after a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer.

Dianna was spicy, full of life, a little ornery, and unapologetically herself. She was strong-willed, fiercely independent, and extraordinarily hardworking. She was the kind of woman who believed there was always something that needed doing. Sitting still simply wasn’t in her nature. Even near the end of her life, she could be found worrying about the things that mattered to her—sometimes as important as whether someone had remembered to vacuum under the couch.

She was also a storyteller and lifelong explorer of the unexplained. Drawing upon decades of experiences and stories from Oregon, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond, Dianna wrote The World Is Thinner Here: True Encounters of the Unexplained in the Pacific Northwest and Other Places. The book is a collection of 24 stories about unexplained encounters, strange creatures, ghosts, messages from beyond the dead, unusual lights, and other experiences that challenged the boundaries of what we think we understand about the world.

Perhaps fittingly, as Dianna approached the end of her own life, she told her family that she had seen an angel.

Dianna began her fight with cancer in 1973. She faced it again in 2000 and 2018, and ultimately endured a second battle with lung cancer in 2026. Through every chapter, she remained determined, resilient, and unmistakably Dianna.

Dianna is survived by her life partner, Klindt Kendall; her younger brother, Wayne Tiller; her younger sister, Debbie Johnson; her son, Troy Lee Martin; her daughter, Melissa Wilde; seven beloved grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and numerous family members and friends whose lives are considerably less spicy without her in them.

Dianna worked hard, loved hard, and lived on her own terms. Even as her body began to fail her, her personality remained unmistakably hers. In her final days, when her family asked whether she would come visit them, Dianna assured them that she was already “on her way.”

Her family likes to think that she will arrive exactly as promised—in her dancing shoes.

And because Dianna deserved the last word, she left her family one final recorded farewell, a message they will carry with them forever:

“Adios Amigos.”

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and never forgotten.

Death Notice: Wanda Marie Scott, 83, The Dalles

Wanda Marie Scott, age 83, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on September 21, 2026.

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

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

Death Notice: Robb Alan Frickey, 58, The Dalles

Robb Alan Frickey, age 58, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on September 18, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Eldon William Eaton, 91, The Dalles

Eldon William Eaton, age 91, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the Oregon Veterans Home on September 12, 2026.

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