Death Notice: Rick Joe Kapicka, 70, The Dalles

Rick Joe Kapicka, age 70, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on July 4, 2026.

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

Obituary: Chris Rachel Sumner, 75, Sandy

Chris Rachel Sumner

Chris Rachel Sumner, 75, a longtime resident of The Dalles, died Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at her apartment in Sandy.

She was born March 27, 1951, in Casa Grande, Arizona, to Amelia Melendez and Margarito Rodriguez. She grew up in Phoenix and graduated from high school in 1969.

After settling in The Dalles, Sumner built a 31-year career with the State of Oregon. She took great pride in her work with the Oregon Employment Department and the Department of Human Services, formerly known as Adult and Family Services.

She was active in the community and served on the boards of several organizations, including the Mid-Columbia Housing Authority and the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District. She also worked as a Spanish interpreter and recorded Spanish-language public service announcements for local radio stations.

She married the late Robert Victor Sumner in July 1978 at the MGM Grand Hotel in Reno, Nevada. During their 35-year marriage, they raised two children, made their home in The Dalles and enjoyed traveling together.

In 2003, three months before her planned retirement, Sumner suffered a severe brain aneurysm. She was flown by Life Flight to Portland, where doctors said she was not expected to survive beyond 24 hours. She recovered and returned home about 2½ months later. Despite the lasting effects of the aneurysm, she remained determined to participate in the activities she enjoyed for many years afterward.

Survivors include her daughter, Sandra Remsburg of The Dalles; her son, Robert Sumner of Arlington, Virginia; and three grandchildren, Sofia, Brandon and Rachel. She was preceded in death by her husband, her mother and her stepfather, Manuel Lyles.

At her request, no service will be held. Those wishing to honor her memory are encouraged to enjoy a nice meal and offer a toast in her remembrance. Memorial contributions may be made to a local animal rescue organization.

Obituary: Kenneth “Kenny” Catlin, 61, The Dalles

Kenneth “Kenny” Catlin was a huge man with an even bigger heart—a larger-than-life presence who spent his days ensuring no one around him ever went hungry, felt unloved, or stood without a friend. On June 13, 2026, at 4:51 p.m., Kenny was summoned home too soon after a fierce, courageous battle with ALS. As he took his last breath, a powerful gust of wind swept through the garden, carrying his legendary spirit home to the family awaiting him, leaving a world that will never quite be the same without his light.

A Journey of Passion, Hard Work, and Flavor

Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and 400 pounds, covered in tattoos, Kenny could easily command a room, but it was his profound kindness and booming laugh that truly captured it. In his younger years, Kenny worked the sawmills and braved the open ocean as a galley cook and fisherman on commercial fishing boats sailing to Alaska. It was during those rugged maritime days that he earned the affectionate moniker ‘Kenny Foo Yuk,” given to him by his brother Bobby, a testament to a lifelong passion for feeding people that started long before he ever owned a business.

In 2015, Kenny realized his ultimate dream and ambition by opening the Beachwood Eatery. The restaurant became his absolute pride and joy. Despite the endless trials of running a business, Kenny was always in his element there—happily greeting customers with a smile, sharing a story, and pouring his soul into his cooking. He used his kitchen not just to serve food, but to care for and uplift his entire community.

A Love Story and an Ever-Growing Family

The true anchor of Kenny’s life was his family. He met the absolute love of his life, Nancy, when she was just 13 years old. They shared a beautiful, rollercoaster romance filled with highs and navigating the lows together for many years, culminating in their marriage on June 25, 2006. Though they faced many seasons, Kenny’s heart always brought him right back to his beloved Nancy. His brother-in-law, Terry, beautifully noted the depth of this bond, sharing: “Let me tell you about a man. Not just any man…. The man with the largest heart I ever have met. Kenny would do anything for you if you were friends or family... today was his anniversary to my beautiful sister Nancy. He fought hard to make it, but in the end had to say goodbye early. He was giving to his last breath.”

To Kenny, family was never defined strictly by blood; it was defined by love. He proudly claimed three sons: Austin, Cody, and Billy. From day one to his very last breath, Kenny never saw Billy as anything less than his own son. As his boys grew, Kenny welcomed their significant others—Katelyn, Gabriella, and Jessi—with open arms and instant compassion. When Jessi joined the family and came to work alongside him at the Beachwood Eatery, they formed an unbreakable bond. He became a mentor, teaching her not only the art of cooking but the true meaning of community stewardship, leaving behind lessons that will be carried forward forever. Among the proudest moments of his life was the day he became a grandfather. Kenny was the very first person to ever hold his grandson, Johny—fondly known to him as “JJ”—and he cherished him with a fierce, protective love from that exact moment.

A Lasting Legacy

Kenny would do absolutely anything for anyone at any time. To list every life he touched, every mouth he fed, and every person who considered him an “adopted” father, brother, or friend would fill an entire book. He accepted people exactly as they were, and if his children loved someone, Kenny loved them instantly too. Kenny was preceded in death by his beloved mother, father, brothers, and sisters, who were called home before him. He leaves behind a massive, heartbroken, but deeply grateful village, including his loving wife, Nancy Catlin; his three sons, Austin Catlin(Gabriella), Cody Catlin (Katelyn), and Billy Byram(Jessi); his cherished grandson, JJ; his brother, Bobby(Diane);his brother Jeff (Connie) his sisters, Vickie and Nina; his mother-in-law Virgina Mckay; his father-in- law Frank Mckay; his brother-in-laws, Terry Mckay (Carey),Frankie Mckay and David Helms (Lana) and countless nieces, nephews, extended family, and community members.

Celebration of Life

In true keeping with Kenny’s explicit wishes, his family will not be dwelling only on the sorrow of his departure, but rather throwing a gathering worthy of his memory. A Celebration of Life will be held on July 18, 2026, where stories will be shared, his memory will be honored, and a life incredibly well-lived will be celebrated. In honor of Kenny’s giving spirit, his family asks that you take a moment today to hug your loved ones a little tighter, say a prayer for Nancy and the family during this transition, and live as Kenny did: with an open heart, a ready laugh, and a kindness.

Obituary: Richard Edward Trevis, 89, The Dalles

Richard Edward Trevis (1937–2026)
Richard passed peacefully on June 25, 2026, in The Dalles, Oregon, at the age of 89.

Born on January 27, 1937, in Hollister, California, Richard lived a full and meaningful life defined by service, craftsmanship, and deep devotion to his family and community.

Richard proudly served in the United States Navy, retiring as a Master Chief after a distinguished career in submarine service as a sonarman. His time in the Navy reflected his dedication, discipline, and commitment to something larger than himself—qualities that he carried through every part of his life.

In 1961, Richard married his beloved wife, Patsy, who preceded him in death in 2016. Their marriage was a lifelong partnership built on love, loyalty, and shared memories.

Richard was known for being outgoing and friendly, someone who genuinely enjoyed meeting new people and making conversation wherever he went. He took great pride in working around the house and could often be found in his workshop, building and woodworking—always happiest when creating something with his hands.

He enjoyed simple but meaningful pleasures in life—playing cribbage, attending church, and spending time with his grandchildren, who brought him great joy and pride. He would never turn down ice cream—whether a bowl or a milkshake.

He was proceeded in death by parents, Robert and Opal; wife, Patsy; brothers, Jim Trevis and Michael Johnson.  Survived by his children, Kathleen Schwarzer and her children Elisha and Oran, Debbie Trevis and her children Trevor and Tanner, Robert Trevis (Catherine) and his children Laureen and Kyle and his loyal dog Gidget along with numerous nieces and nephews, sisters, Marilyn and Barbara and five great grandchildren.

Richard will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His legacy lives on through the family he loved, the values he lived by, and the many lives he touched along the way.

In lieu of flowers or money please donate to Wounded Warriors Fund.  The family would like to Thank Dr Grissom, Providence Hospice and caregiver Donna Troxel, Pastor Aaron for your dedication and care.
Burial will be at Willamette National Cemetery on July 16, 2026 at 1:30 pm.

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

The soul is now at peace, embraced by eternity.

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. 

A Service of Remembrance is planned for 4:00 p.m., Thursday, July 30th, 2026, at 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: June Marie Thompson, 73, The Dalles

June Marie Thompson, age 73, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge on June 23, 2026.

A Graveside Service will be held July 11, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Lone Pine Cemetery in Wamic, OR. Spencer, Libby, and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Obituary: Phil Brady, 70, The Dalles

From Anderson's Tribute Center:

The Dalles, Ore., June 26, 2026 — Wasco County lost a beloved community leader, science teacher, friend, and family member with the death of Phil Brady. On May 19th, 2026, Phil took his bike out for a ride, as he did so many mornings of his life. He experienced symptoms, was taken to the local hospital, and died of aortic dissection. By the day’s end, he led his re-election bid for Wasco County Commissioner, a testament to the service he gave to a place he loved dearly. 

Philip Leonard Brady was born the day after Christmas in The Dalles, 1955. His parents, Eileen and Minor Brady, owned Brady’s Market on 3rd Street. He enjoyed his childhood in The Dalles skiing, fly fishing, and working in the orchards.

He attended Gonzaga University where he studied physics. After college, he joined the Jesuit Order. This time broadened his worldview -from studying philosophy to serving people experiencing homelessness, and even exploring astronomy at the Pope’s summer palace. 

He credited marrying Mary Jo Commerford as one of his wisest decisions, his dearest companion of over 40 years. His eldest Sarah shares his passion for politics, community organizing, and outdoor adventures such as circumnavigating Mt. Adams. Maza carries his interest in technology and science, building rocket launchers and raising goats together. He was beloved by his 4 grandkids, with his gift for entering their world through imaginative play.

From 1994 to 2003, Phil and family joined Maryknoll Lay Missioners in Venezuela. He was shaped deeply by the people he lived with who nicknamed him Indiana Jones for his signature hat. He helped form an ecology group that protected spring water and inspired people to nurture their connection with the desert landscape. He was beloved there, as he was here, for sharing his passion for the universe with his homemade telescope. One of his signature lessons is that we are made of stardust

Upon returning to the US, Phil spent 18 years teaching in the North Wasco School District. He spent the longest stretch as a teacher for incarcerated youth at NORCOR. His classes were full of fun explosions and hands-on learning that drew many into a shared love of science.

In 2022 he was elected to serve as Wasco County Commissioner. He was known for showing up, being kind, weighing tough decisions with curiosity, and having a big vision for the future.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Erin Conry. In addition to his wife, daughters and grandchildren, he is survived by his sister Coleen Connolly (Jim), brother Kevin Brady (Kerry Jo) and many nieces and nephews.

For his family, he will be missed as a loving constant, someone we all relied on to steady us through life. His belief in community was as expansive as the stars.

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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.