Obituary: Toni Kay Cooper, 63, The Dalles

Toni Kay Cooper, 63, of The Dalles, Oregon, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2026.

Born on March 24, 1963, Toni grew up in Stevenson, Washington, where she formed the strong roots and caring spirit that would guide her throughout her life. She later made her home in The Dalles, Oregon, where she became known for her warm heart, hard work, and devotion to family and friends.

Toni dedicated much of her career to cooking in local restaurants, sharing her talent and passion for food with her community. Of all the places she worked, she especially cherished her time at Johnny's Cafe, where she built lasting friendships and many fond memories.

Outside of work, Toni enjoyed cheering on her beloved Seattle Seahawks and could often be found watching WWE. Whether celebrating a Seahawks victory or enjoying an evening of wrestling entertainment, she embraced the things that brought her joy and never hesitated to share that enthusiasm with those around her.

Above all else, Toni loved her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend whose love and support touched countless lives. She is survived by her daughter, Nikki Culver and husband Kyle; her son, Boone Cooper; her cherished grandchildren, Camdon Amin, Callin Abel, and Caysan Averleigh; her mother, Kathleen Cooper; and her siblings, Gary Akerill, Cindy O'Neal, and Jamie Cooper. She also leaves behind many extended family members and dear friends who will forever treasure her memory.

Toni was preceded in death by her beloved son, Travis Cooper; her father, James Cooper; and her grandparents, Ruth and Merle Akerill. Her family finds comfort in imagining her reunited with Travis and the loved ones who welcomed her home.

Those who knew Toni will remember her for her strength, her sense of humor and her will to live. She had a way of making people feel welcome and valued, and her presence brought comfort and laughter to those around her.

Though her passing leaves an immeasurable void, Toni's legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, family, and the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

A celebration of Toni's life will be announced by the family at a later date, where she will be toasted with Pepsi  

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever remembered.

Services are pending with arrangements under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center * Celilo Chapel, 204 E. 4th Street, The Dalles, Oregon 97058. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com

Death Notice: Toni Cooper, 63, The Dalles

Toni Cooper passed away on June 18th, 2026, at Columbia Basin Care Facility in The Dalles, Oregon.   Toni was born on March 24, 1963, and was 63 at the time of passing.

Services are pending with arrangements under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • Celilo Chapel, 204 E. 4th Street, The Dalles, Oregon 97058.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Carol Suzanne Johnson, 69, The Dalles

Carol Suzanne Johnson, a lifelong resident of The Dalles, Oregon, passed away on June 7th, 2026, in The Dalles, Oregon.   Carol was born on July 18th, 1956, in The Dalles, Oregon, to Jerrold and Elnora (Mason) Runyon.  She graduated from The Dalles High School in 1974 and was 69 at the time of her passing.  Services are pending and will be announced soon. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • Celilo Chapel, 204 E. 4th Street, The Dalles, Oregon 97058.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Reece Andrew Miller, 26, The Dalles

Reece Andrew Miller, age 26, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on June 13, 2026.

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

Obituary: Dorothy Hamako Sato, 103, The Dalles

Dorothy Hamako Sato, whose life embodied grace, resilience, and unwavering devotion to family, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026, at the extraordinary age of 103.

Dorothy was born on May 24, 1923, in Carlisle, Washington, the third of five children of Matsu Noda and Nobujiro Suguro, who had immigrated from Heda, Japan, in 1919. Her mother named her Hamako – "by the seashore" – and raised all five children in Seattle's Nihonmachi (Japantown). Dorothy attended Bailey Gatzert Elementary, Japanese school, and Franklin High School, where she graduated in 1940. Her mother scraped together fifty cents a lesson for Dorothy to learn violin, instilling a love for classical music that lasted her lifetime.

She survived the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II, spending over a year in the Minidoka War Relocation Center. She endured the experience with what she would later describe simply as acceptance. Not quiet passivity, but a clear-eyed willingness to bear what could not be changed. "Shikata ga nai" - it cannot be helped - became the spirit of resolve that carried her forward, and was an attitude that stayed with her for the rest of her life. She eventually began sharing her story widely, believing that what happened to her and every other Japanese American should never be forgotten – that it was a lesson belonging to everyone.

After the war, Dorothy spent seven vibrant years in Chicago – going to the opera, working at an eye clinic, being “Auntie Do” to her nieces and nephews, and spending afternoons by Lake Michigan with her sisters. In the summer of 1949, her life took a romantic turn when she met Ray Sato, an orchardist from Parkdale, Oregon. They were married in 1950, and the city girl suddenly found herself living on a farm in the smallest of small towns. But Dorothy soon grew to love the land more than she ever imagined, and most of all, Mt. Hood – "her mountain." She and Ray built a thriving orchard growing apples, and later, pears, and she ran the books for the farm until she was 94, and together they traveled the world.

Dorothy was always the most stylish person in any room. Her colorful St. John’s suits, bright red nails, matching lipstick, and a perm circling her head like a storm cloud were her signatures. She completed the crossword puzzle every day without fail. She held her citizenship with the highest regard, reading the newspaper and following politics religiously, even in her final weeks. She had a green thumb and loved tending to her gardens, coaxing them to spill over with roses, impatiens, and tulips. She knew beauty could be found anywhere, and was always attuned to the small, exquisite details that give life its meaning.

Dorothy's love was expressed in the language of doing. She home-cooked every meal, hand-sewed her children's clothes, and made sure her three children – Gordy, Peggy, and Sally – had every experience she hadn't been afforded: music and sports lessons, travel, and eventually college. She became "Bobbe" to her grandchildren: Madeline, Julianne, and Zach, and she cherished them completely, constantly, and without condition. She was woven into the fabric of her family's lives: a grounding, steady source of care, friendship, and love – and was, until her very last moment, the matriarchal pillar her family leaned on.

Dorothy's life was magnificently full – of joy and hardship, of beauty and hard work, of loyalty and sacrifice, of family and love. She taught us what grace looks like, what resilience means, and what true presence feels like. The love she poured into her family will live on within them and in the generations to come – an enduring presence created by love alone.

And in the place Dorothy cherished the most – on a brick patio lined with windchimes, where the distant rumble of a tractor fades behind a swell of pear trees, where the air smells of cut grass and warm damp earth, where delicate pear blossoms drift as spring turns to summer – her mountain remains at the center of it all. Bright and steady and ever-present.
And we know that's where she'll be.

Dorothy is survived by her children Gordy and Sally (Joe), her grandchildren Madeline (Olivier), Julianne, and Zach, and her great-grandchildren Leo and Gia. She is preceded in death by her husband, Ray, her daughter Peggy, and her siblings, Claire, Kallio, Beth, and Jane.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Gorge Room at the Hood River Inn (1108 E Marina Way, Hood River, OR 97031).

In place of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the organizations Dorothy valued and supported: Japanese American Museum of Oregon, the History Museum of Hood River, Densho, or Friends of Minidoka.
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: Eugene Henry Wright, 98, The Dalles

Eugene Henry Wright passed away on June 1, 2026, in The Dalles, Oregon. Eugene was born on April 19, 1928, and was 98 at the time of his passing. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • Celilo Chapel, 204 E. 4th Street, The Dalles, Oregon 97058.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: MaryRuth Stranz, 73, The Dalles

MaryRuth Stranz, age 73, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on June 6, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Dorothy Sato, 103, The Dalles

Dorothy Sato passed away on June 5, 2026, at Laurel Parc at Bethany in Portland, Oregon.   Dorothy was born on May 24, 1923, and was 103 at the time of passing.

Services are planned for 11:00 a.m., Sunday, July 26th, 2026 at Hood River Best Western Inn (1108 E Marina Way, Hood River, Oregon 97031). Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com

Death Notice: Brenda Sue Gaither, 71, The Dalles

Brenda Sue Gaither, age 71, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Columbia Basin Care Facility on June 1, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held on June 27, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Bargeway Pub, 1535 Bargeway Rd., The Dalles, OR 97058.

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

Death Notice: Daren Wayne Leazer, 63, The Dalles

Daren Wayne Leazer, age 63, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge on May 30, 2026.

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

Obituary: Michael Arthur Johnson, 77, The Dalles

Michael Arthur Johnson, 77, of The Dalles, Oregon, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service, friendship, and devotion to family and community.

Born on September 16, 1948, in Yakima, Washington, Michael was the son of Arthur and Opal Johnson. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, an experience that remained an important part of his life and identity.

For many years, The Dalles was the place Michael called home. A hardworking man who never shied away from a challenge, he worked throughout his life as a truck driver, limousine driver, landscaper, and at John Day Dam. No matter the job, Michael was known for his reliability, determination, and willingness to lend a helping hand.

Service to others was at the heart of who Michael was. He dedicated many years as a volunteer firefighter with The Dalles Fire Department, eventually earning the rank of Volunteer Captain. He took great pride in serving and protecting his community and formed lifelong friendships through his years of volunteer service.

Michael was also a passionate model train enthusiast. His love of trains inspired him to establish a train club at the Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles, where he enjoyed sharing his hobby and bringing joy to fellow veterans and residents. Whether working on a model railroad display or discussing trains with friends, Michael’s enthusiasm was contagious.

When he wasn’t volunteering or working on trains, Michael enjoyed watching movies, especially classic westerns and films starring John Wayne. He appreciated the stories, characters, and values reflected in those timeless favorites.

Above all, Michael cherished his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Marion Johnson; his son, Brad Johnson; his daughter, Danette Johnson; his brother, Richard Trevis; his sisters, Marilyn Kafulides and Barbara Shannon; and his niece, Katrina Kafulides. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Opal Johnson.

Michael will be remembered for his generous spirit, strong sense of duty, and unwavering commitment to those he loved. His kindness, humor, and willingness to help others touched many lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at I.O.O.F. Three Mile Cemetery, 2565 Three Mile County Road, The Dalles, Oregon 97058.

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

Obituary: Barbara Frances Strickland Bailey, 84, The Dalles

Barbara Frances Strickland Bailey (84), of The Dalles, Oregon, died on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2026, at her home.

She was born in 1941, to Rex Strickland and Lorena Matthews Strickland in Seattle, Washington. Barbara grew up on Magnolia in Seattle before moving to Edmonds, Washington where she attended high school, trained her Appaloosa horse “Palouse”, and water skied on Puget Sound. Although she spent her freshman year of college at Washington State University, she graduated from University of Puget Sound where she was a member of the Alpha Phi Sorority.

She met her future husband on a blind date, and made him wait for her while her father made sure he was acceptable. She married Bob Bailey in 1963. She moved to her husband’s cherry farm in The Dalles, Oregon and had two children, Brenda Frances and Bridget Suzanne.

Barbara was married for 62 years, and lived a life centered around farming, traveling, and trying to make the world a better place. Her work was as varied as teaching 6th graders at Dry Hollow Elementary, and later, serving as President of her family real estate business. Barbara’s advocacy as a “Concerned Citizen” resulted in the relocation of a planned Zirconium plant away from the Columbia River Gorge. She also testified before Congress to create the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Later, Governor Roberts appointed Barbara to serve on the initial Columbia River Gorge Commission. She beautified her community as a Master Gardner, and by creating a public green space along Mill Creek, where the Fort Dalles US Army horses were tethered and cared for.

Barbara backpacked in the Wallowa Mountains and the Three Sisters Wilderness. She trekked the Himalayas with her brother Tom, guided by her friend Tenzing Norgay. She purchased a beach house on the Oregon coast and lovingly renovated it to share with friends and family. She studied dressage, Italian cooking, and gardening techniques in Britain and France. She loved all animals, and especially her corgis.

Barbara is survived by her husband Bob (The Dalles, Oregon), daughters Brenda (Thomas) and Bridget (Nisley Bailey), son-in laws Sterling Thomas (The Dalles Oregon), Eric Nisley (Madras, Oregon), grandson Augustus Thomas (Chicago, Illinois), grand-daughter Elizabeth Nisley Bailey (San Francisco, California), sister Nancy (Port Townsend, Washington) and brother Tom (Edmonds, Washington). She was preceded in death by her sister Lorena. Memorials or donations may be made to Friends of the Columbia Gorge or Columbia Gorge Humane Society.

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

Obituary: Mavis J. Ruddell, 98, The Dalles

Mavis J. Ruddell passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026, at the age of 98. She was born on July 14, 1927, in The Dalles, to Harry and Myrtle (Byers) Wickman.

Following World War II, Mavis graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 1947. In 1949, she married her beloved husband, George I. Ruddell, an Air Force fighter pilot. Together, they embarked on a life filled with travel and adventure, living in numerous states and countries throughout George’s military career. Among their favorite assignments were their years in Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

Mavis formed lifelong friendships with fellow Air Force pilots’ wives, offering steadfast support through the unique challenges of military life. A gracious host and exceptional cook, she frequently organized luncheons and gatherings that created a warm sense of community among the pilots’ families.

Raising her family as an Air Force wife became Mavis’s true calling. After 33 years of service, George retired from the Air Force, but his love of flying soon led them to a new chapter in the Virgin Islands, where he flew seaplanes for a commercial airline. They spent 18 wonderful years there before returning to The Dalles to enjoy retirement surrounded by family and friends. Mavis especially cherished family visits and reunions.

To know Mavis was to feel loved. A devoted family woman, she was nothing short of extraordinary. She had an innate ability to make everyone feel seen, cherished, and special—whether through a home-cooked meal, a warm embrace, or the thoughtful way she listened and cared for others. Her love was never passive; it was intentional and ever-present, woven into the everyday moments her family will carry with them always. Mavis was the kind of person whose presence made every room feel warmer and every gathering feel complete.

Mavis was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Myrtle Wickman; her husband, George; her son, Jeffrey; and her sisters, Shirley (Bud) and Evelyn (Ralph).

She is survived by her sons, Gregory (Cheryl) and Kenneth; her granddaughters, Tiffany (Tyler) and Caitlyn; her step-grandson, Cyrus (Miranda); her great-grandchildren, Mayson, Irelynn, and Daxton; and her step-great-grandchildren, Kassidy, Zachary, and Bryson.

Arrangements are in the care of Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home.

Death Notice: Rebecca Ann Bailey “Becky”, 75, The Dalles

Rebecca Ann Bailey “Becky” passed away on May 12, 2026, at The Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles, Oregon.   Becky was born on July 25th, 1950, and was 75 at the time of passing.  A Celebration of Life is planned on Becky’s 76th birthday (Saturday, July 25th, 2026, time yet to be determined) at Bargeway Restaurant, 1535 Bargeway Road, The Dalles, Oregon.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • Celilo Chapel 204 E. 4th Street, The Dalles, Oregon 97058.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Janet Gail Malott, 76, The Dalles,

Janet Gail Malott, age 76, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge on May 5, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Lee Allan Thornton, 72, The Dalles

Lee Allan Thornton, age 72, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away April 24, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Stephen Wayne Wadsworth, 76, The Dalles

Stephen Wayne Wadsworth passed away on April 30, 2026, in The Dalles, Oregon. He was born on May 2, 1949, and was 76 years old at the time of his passing.

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: Linda Lee Bogart, 75, The Dalles

Linda Lee Bogart, age 75, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Columbia Basin Care Facility on May 5, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Charlotte Ann Velador, 64, The Dalles

Charlotte Ann Velador, age 64, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on May 5, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Mavis Jane Ruddell, 98, The Dalles

Mavis Jane Ruddell, age 98, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge on May 3, 2026.

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