Death Notice: Donna Marie Meengs, 84, The Dalles

Donna Marie Meengs passed away January 3rd, 2025 in The Dalles, Oregon. Donna was born September 29th, 1940 and was 84 years of age at the time of her 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: Thomas William Murphy, 61, The Dalles

Thomas William Murphy, age 61, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on December 13, 2024.

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

Obituary: Kathleen Maude (Schreiber) Olson, 80, The Dalles

Kathleen Maude (Schreiber) Olson, 80, passed away at her home on March 10, 2024. Katie was born on May 4, 1943, to Lawrence Joseph Schreiber and Waive Mildred (Martin) Schreiber in The Dalles, OR. She grew up on her family’s farm on Juniper Flat and attended school in Maupin. She was very active in 4H–raising steers, cooking, sewing, and entering her projects in the Wasco Co. and OR State Fairs.

In 1961 she graduated from Maupin High School, then attended Western Business University in Portland, moving on to various jobs in Portland and Salem. After a few years she moved back home, got a job as the Secretary at Dufur School, and married Ronald Ratcliff in 1964. They were married for ten years and lived in Friend, OR.

In 1975 Katie met Robert W. Olson while fishing in Blaine, WA, and they were married in Oak Harbor, WA soon after. They moved to Whidbey Island, WA where they fished, sold herring, milled logs, remodeled an old hotel, and started their family–Thomas L. Olson and twins Martin P. Olson and RoseAnna L. (Olson) Hertel. Katie would take her young children fishing in the Puget Sound nearly every morning, catching everything from salmon to bottom fish to red snapper and cod. She was a master fisherman and line detangler.

After five years Bob and Katie returned to Dufur, purchased a farm, and had their 4th child, Albert K. Olson. While raising their children and helping Bob farm, Katie loved growing a huge garden from which she harvested and canned all kinds of fruits and vegetables. They even kept a milk cow and she would make butter, yogurt, ice cream, and everything in between. 

After her children were older, Katie worked as a bus driver for Dufur School for many years in the 1990s. When her husband Bob of 28 years died in 2003, Katie became active in a plethora of activities and clubs including quilting, and porcelain painting, the Butterfly Chairman and Treasurer of the OR State Garden Club, as well as President and member of the Dufur Valley Garden Club. She took classes to become an official flower and vegetable judge at the county fairs, was a lifelong member of the Ramsey Park Grange, and was Secretary and member of the White River Christian Fellowship Church in Tygh Valley. 

Katie loved her flower and vegetable garden up until the day she died, and she became known to some as the ‘Tomato Lady’. She would involve herself in all the community fundraisers–selling pie and ice cream to benefit the Dufur Fire and Ambulance, making jam and cooking at the Ramsey Grange Hunter’s Breakfasts and Threshing Bee Breakfasts, setting up and organizing the Dufur Hometown Christmas Bazaars, and making countless amounts of pies for the Jam Sessions at the Ramsey Grange Hall. To many, she was known as the ‘Pie Lady’. True to her German origins, she was also very well known for her amazing homemade sauerkraut. Katie had so many talents and hobbies and was constantly researching ways to make what she did better–for herself, others, and all the living creatures that she loved–birds, bees, butterflies, bats, and flowers. In her later years, Katie slowed down a bit but continued to enjoy cooking, gardening, painting, quilting, and playing cards. 

But most of all Katie loved and lived for her children and grandchildren, teaching them all she knew, to work hard, to love others, and to be patient and kind to all living things. She had a kind word and a loving heart for all and could find something special or some hidden talent in everyone.  Preceding her in death were her husband Robert W. Olson and her brother David L. Schreiber. 

She is survived by her sons Thomas L. Olson and wife Sydney, Martin P. Olson and wife Moryah, Albert K. Olson and wife Shilah, and daughter RoseAnna L. (Olson) Hertel and husband Travis, all of Dufur, and her five grandchildren: Caleb B. Olson, Morgan M. Olson, Nolan J. Olson, Lucinda R. Hertel, and Catherine (Kitti) W. Hertel, all of Dufur. Katie's Celebration of Life was held at the Dufur City Park on Sunday, August 25, 2024.

Death Notice: Marvin Allen Pohl, 75, The Dalles

Marvin Allen Pohl, age 75, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away December 30,2024.

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

Death Notice: Rick Dale Martinson, 67, The Dalles

Rick Dale Martinson, age 67, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on December 24, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Spencer, Libby and Powell is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Curtis Ray Campbell, 61, The Dalles

Curtis Ray Campbell, age 61, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on December 28, 2024.

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

Death Notice, Diane Elizebeth Newson, 75, The Dalles

Diane Elizebeth Newson, age 75, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on December 28, 2024.

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

Obituary: Ruth Anne Welle, 77, The Dalles

Ruth Anne Welle passed away peacefully December 21st, 2024. Born in The Dalles in 1947, to Dude & Dora Bailey, Ruth is survived by her son Ray of Castle Rock, CO, siblings Jim & Sharon Bailey of The Dalles, Carol & David Yakish of The Dalles, Mike & Joey Bailey of Albany, OR and Bob & Laurie Bailey of Bend, OR, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. 

She also leaves behind her treasured dog Ruby, her constant companion for many years.  Graduating from the Dalles High School in 1965, Ruth went on to receive her RN degree from Emanuel School of Nursing in Portland, OR and later a BSN degree in Colorado. Ruth went on to work in New York, and Denver, CO with a nursing career lasting 34 yrs. 

Ruth met and married her husband Bill in Colorado in 1983.  Son Ray was born in 1985.  They enjoyed many years of camping, hunting and fishing with their good friends Joanie & Barry Eylar of Colorado who introduced Ruth & Bill to each other.   

Ruth was a skilled quilter and spent many hours with her quilting buddies.  Ruth moved back to The Dalles in 2021 and resided at The Springs Assisted Living at the time of her passing. She will be missed by many friends, both in The Dalles and Colorado. At her request, no service will be held. Family will place her remains in the Pacific Ocean on the Oregon coast, a favorite destination of Ruth’s. 

Remembrance donations can be made to Columbia Gorge Humane Society, to honor Ruth & Ruby. 

Death Notice: Ruth Anne Welle, 77, The Dalles

Ruth Anne Welle, age 77, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on December 21, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Daniel Wai Lewis-Hong-Allen, 24, The Dalles

Daniel Wai Lewis-Hong-Allen, age 24, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on December 20, 2024.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, December 28, 2024, 10:00 AM at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home 1100 Kelly Ave, The Dalles, OR 97058. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: James Woodrow Vogt, 89, The Dalles

James Woodrow Vogt, age 89, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on December 6, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Clifford Eugene O’Dell, 76, The Dalles

Clifford Eugene O’Dell, age 76, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on December 4, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Ervin Alvin Ortmann, 92, The Dalles

Ervin Alvin Ortmann, age 92, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on December 7, 2024.

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

Death Notice: William A. Sugg, 87, The Dalles

William A. Sugg, age 87, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on December 5, 2024.

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

Obituary: English Teacher Walter Earl Smith, 95, The Dalles

"Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher."

- Japanese Proverb

Walter Earl Smith

Walter Earl Smith, 95, a resident of The Dalles, passed away on December 6th, 2024.  

Walt was born to Walter and Francis Smith in Myrtle Point, OR in 1929.  He was the youngest of 10 children.  Walt was an excellent student and served as president of the student body.  He graduated from Myrtle Point High School before enrolling at Oregon State University. After two years of studies, Walt transferred to the University of Oregon to enroll in their education program.  There he met his future bride, Beth, in 1950.  

Walt was active in ROTC and while working on his master’s degree, he was called to service following the outbreak of the Korean War.  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 and soon after, traveled back to California for more military training.  Walt served in the Army honorably in the Korean War and was awarded the Bronze Star for his acts of bravery.  

After returning home, Walt and Beth immediately returned to the University of Oregon to complete Walt’s graduate program in 1953.  That summer, while working on a dairy farm with his brother, Walt received a call from the superintendent of schools in The Dalles, OR offering him a job.  The young couple packed up and headed to their new home for what they intended to be a five-year stay.  In 1954, Walt and Beth welcomed their first child, and later, three more children.  During this time, Walt’s passion for teaching grew and the family decided to make The Dalles their permanent home.  

Walt went on to teach English at The Dalles High School for 36 years.  He was a quiet man at home and outside of the classroom, but once he stepped foot in that classroom, he came alive.  He was full of charisma, told the best stories, and had an amazing sense of humor.  He and Les Jensen, a fellow English teacher, were always pal-ing around and joking with the students.  While all his children attended The Dalles High School, none of them opted or dared to attend his class.

Walt worked the ticket booths for all three sports seasons at the high school, where he got acquainted in a different setting with his students and their parents.  He was known as the “man at the booth.”  He spent most summers working at Stadelman Fruit processing cherries and making ends meet to support his family.  Walt retired from teaching in 1989.

In his long retirement years, Walt loved traveling with Beth to Reno, making stops at every casino along the way.  He also enjoyed playing golf, although he was never very good at it.  Many locals would also remember his daily morning walks around the neighborhood from his home on Jordan Street.  Walt was also a lifelong Ducks sports fan; you could find him in his recliner watching every game possible.  

Walt was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and extended family, as well as his grandson, Andy Nelson. 

Walt is survived by his devoted wife of 73 years, Beth; children Debbie, Laurie, Kathy, and Gary; grandchildren Melissa and Kayla; and great-grandchildren Trynity, Orion, Jaxson, and Charlotte.  

At Walt’s request, the family will not be holding a service.  

In lieu of flowers, Walt’s family requests memorials be made in his name to the North Wasco County School District Education Foundation.

Obituary: Lillian Clara Brewster, 86, The Dalles

Lillian Clara Brewster, age 86, passed away December 3, 2024, at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge in The Dalles, Ore., with her loving family by her side.

Lillian was born in Los Angeles, California on July 23, 1938 to Frank & Clara Stowers.

Lillian attended and graduated from Baldwin Park High School. Lillian was an only child, thus made her always want many children of her own. 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.
When Lillian wasn’t caring for her children, grandchildren or others’ children, you would find her in the yard, manicuring beautiful roses or enjoying her dogs or cats, who she deeply loved and cherished as well.

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.
Lillian and Don spent the remainder of their lives living at The Springs, in The Dalles, Oregon.

Lillian’s love for God, her family, children and animals, made a lasting impression on so many and will be greatly cherished and remembered.

Lillian is preceded in death by her Husband of 44 years, Donald and her Father and Mother. She is survived by her 4 children, Robin Brewer, Allyson Struzan, Ted Brewster and Victoria Bustos. 11 Grandchildren, Troy, Paul, Nikki, Donald, Trinity, Wyatt, Brian, TJ, Harper, Avery & Lillian and 5 Great-Grandchildren.
She will be greatly missed.

Death Notice: Lillian Clara Brewster, 86, The Dalles

Lillian Clara Brewster, age 86, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on December 3, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Laurence “Dino” Arcuri, 84, The Dalles

Laurence “Dino” Arcuri, age 84, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on November 28, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Robert De Lee Rolen, 97, The Dalles

Robert De Lee Rolen, age 97, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on November 28, 2024. The Funeral service will be on December 10, 2024, 11 am at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home, 1100 Kelly Ave, The Dalles, OR.

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

Death Notices: Allen Brent Van Gilder, 47, Rufus; Marilyn K Daggett, 88, The Dalles

Allen Brent Van Gilder age 47, a resident of Rufus, OR, passed away on November 24, 2024. A viewing will be held December 6, 2024, from 1 pm to 2 pm at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home, 1100 Kelly Ave, The Dalles, OR. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Marilyn K Daggett age 88, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on November 20, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held December 14, 2024, at 2 PM in the Fireside Room at the Civic Auditorium, 323 E 4th St, The Dalles, OR. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.