Obituary: Vernon E Dearden, 94, Trout Lake, Wash.

Vernon E Dearden was born December 2, 1929, in Martinez, California. He spent much of his childhood hunting and fishing with his older brother in the San Francisco Bay close to his house. He often talked of hunting along the railroad tracks close to the bay and running into homeless camps as he grew up during America’s Great Depression.

As he entered high school, he enjoyed playing football and basketball. He graduated from Alhambra High School in 1947 and 3 years later married 17-year-old Mary Davis. He would be married for 71 years before Mary passed away 3 years ago. —- Shortly after marriage Vern got a job at Union Oil Company Refinery as an operator, which he kept for 37 years until he retired at 58.

Along the way he raised 3 boys, David, Doug, and Brad, passing on to them the things he loved: hunting, fishing, sports, and eventually his love of Jesus. At the age of 34, his life made a dramatic turn as he gave his life to Jesus Christ. He spent the rest of his life serving in a number of churches as well as sharing his faith with others.

In his 40’s my dad took up running and golf. He enjoyed running in the hills surrounding his home in Martinez, sometimes putting in as many as 40 miles per week. After running became difficult he walked daily, even walking 2 miles per day, into his late eighties. As a retired person, he enjoyed golfing 3 times a week at the Oroville Golf Club. There he met numerous friends. He enjoyed playing golf with friends and the love of his life Mary. When Mary developed cancer, he spent many years caring for her, making sure that she was taking the appropriate medications and helping around the house. Together they made an excellent team, each using their strengths to benefit the other!

Vernon is survived by his son Doug, six grandchildren (Elizabeth, Alexandra, and Rachel Dearden, Matthew, Timothy and Luke Dearden), and eight grandchildren. In his final years in assisted living, he continued to tell others about his faith and had a positive outlook on life until his passing to heaven on August 30, 2024, at the age of 94.

A short burial service will be held on Friday, September 13 @ 10am at the Wyandotte Cemetery in Oroville, California.

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

Obituary: Lorraine "Rainy" (Elmer) Hill, 101, Trout Lake

Lorraine "Rainy" (Elmer) Hill, born on March 19th, 1923, in Trout Lake, Washington, passed away peacefully on June 1st, 2024. She spent her formative years in Trout Lake and White Salmon, graduating from Columbia High School in 1941.

Rainy's love story with her high school sweetheart, Eugene "Bugs" Hill, began during their senior year. In a charming twist, they exchanged vows across the street from their school at the Methodist church during a lunch break. Thus, wedding bells turned into school bells, and they returned to class as husband and wife. 

For three decades, Rainy and Bugs worked side by side in the grocery business, eventually taking over Hill's Red & White store from Bugs' father. In the mid-70s, seeking a change, they transitioned to custodial roles at Trout Lake School, where they continued to serve their community. 

Rainy's heart belonged to the outdoors. She reveled in rock hunting, skiing, bird-watching, and gardening, but her true passion lay in hiking and camping on Mt. Adams. The mountain held not only scenic beauty but also cherished memories with family and friends. Rainy and Bugs instilled this love for nature in generations of their family. Summers always included camping at Bird Lake and exploring Bird Creek Meadows, Crooked Creek, and Hellroaring Overlook, with a gaggle of children in tow. Rainy was inspiration personified, as she continued out-hiking any newcomers to the family well into her 80s.  

The family was paramount for Rainy and Bugs. Their home became the hub for Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas gatherings. Rainy's culinary talents shone during these events, and her secret Watergate Salad recipe remains a family tradition, now lovingly prepared by her granddaughters. 

Rainy's grandchildren delighted in her whimsical tea parties. They sipped tea, nibbled graham crackers with frosting, and selected delicate teacups and saucers from her collection. Dressing up in fancy clothes, hats, and jewelry added to the magic of Grandma’s tea parties on those clear blue sky summer days.  

Beyond her immediate family, Rainy made a lasting impact on the local community. Her distinctive white curly hair and warm smile became familiar sights during her morning walks. Rainy engaged in friendly conversations with the local coffee group, and their camaraderie was celebrated with a dedicated "Coffee Group Float" during a Trout Lake Fair parade. Rainy's commitment extended to the youth of Trout Lake. Her volunteer efforts for the yearly foundation sale demonstrated her care and dedication. Through these small acts of kindness and community involvement, Rainy left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew her. 

Preceded in death by Bugs, her parents (Fred and Marie), brothers (Bob and Jim), daughter (Sherry), and great-great-grandson (Kody), Rainy is survived by her son (Dennis), sister (Joyce), five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Funeral Services & Reception will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 13th at Anderson's Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031). 

Visit www.gardnerFH.com to share a story or leave a note for family.    

Death Notice: Kevin Gross, 55

Kevin Gross passed away June 11th, 2024. Kevin was born May 19th, 1969 and was 55 years of age at the time of passing.

A party will be held 4:00 p.m., Saturday, June 22nd, 2024 at 78 Trout Lake Creek Road, Trout Lake, WA 98650 to honor and celebrate his life.

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.