Obituary: Christopher Coppa Gardner, 75, Underwood

Retired Fire Captain Christopher Coppa Gardner passed away peacefully on October 28, 2026, at the age of 75, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Chris was born and raised in California, the son of a local physician and the middle of five boys. From an early age, he had a natural instinct to care for others and a deep love of adventure. Whether playing competitive soccer, diving for abalone in the ocean, or caring for his pet owl, Chris embraced life with energy, curiosity, and a spirit of exploration.

In 1976, his adventurous spirit led him and his wife, Gwynne (1974–1983), north to Seward, Alaska, where he spent the next two decades devoted to protecting and serving his community. A true first responder, Chris wore many hats throughout his career, serving as a Harbor Master Patrol Officer, rescue diver, EMT, certified fire instructor, and ultimately Captain of the Seward Fire Department. He ran toward emergencies when others ran away, bringing courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication to every call.

Alongside his demanding careers, Chris raised his four daughters, two biological daughters and two stepdaughters, with his second wife, Elizabeth (1988-2009), with the same strength and devotion he brought to his work. In his spare time, he could often be found tackling construction projects or riding horses through the Alaskan wilderness.

In 1996, Chris and his family moved to Parkdale, Oregon, and eventually settled in Underwood, Washington. His commitment to public service continued as he volunteered as a firefighter and fire instructor while building a business as a local contractor and handyman. One of his proudest accomplishments was helping construct the new Underwood Fire Station—a lasting testament to his dedication to the community he served.

In retirement, Chris traded flashing lights and sirens for quieter days overlooking the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. With his loyal Great Pyrenees, Icy, by his side, he enjoyed the simple pleasures of life and sharing laughs with close friends at his favorite dive bar—the Red Carpet in Hood River.

In September 2026, Chris was diagnosed with an aggressive small cell lung cancer that had spread to his brain and spine. Though his life was cut far too short, the impact of his courage, service, and generosity will live on in the many lives he touched.

Having joined his parents, Maria & Alfred Gardner, former spouses Gwynne & Liz Gardner and stepdaughters Melissa & Jessica Thorsen in Heaven, Christopher is survived by his brothers, Steve, Zach, Greg (Suzanne), and Jeff Gardner; his daughters, Alder McKenzie and Melisse Gardner (Jesse McAllister); his grandchildren, Addie McAllister (Jesus Castillo), Joshua McKenzie, Derrick Humble, Elexis McAllister, Mihaila McKenzie (Marco Vazquez), and Maria McKenzie; and his great-grandchild, Cleo Castillo.

In keeping with Chris’s final wishes, he will be cremated, with no formal funeral service. His ashes will be scattered at some of his favorite places. However, his family is planning a celebration of life gathering for late spring 2027.

Condolences may be sent to P.O. Box 33, Underwood, WA 98651.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Chris’s honor may be made to either of the fire departments he proudly served:

Seward Fire Department
P.O. Box 167
Seward, AK 99664

Underwood Fire Department
P.O. Box 156
Underwood, WA 98651

Chris leaves behind a legacy of service, adventure, and love—a life measured not only by the years he lived, but by the countless lives he touched.     

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.

Obituary: Rose Marie Schwinge, 86, Underwood

Rose Marie Schwinge of Underwood, WA. passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

Rose was born May 11th, 1940, in Oyer, Missouri. She was born to Burrell (Red) Stockstill and Emma Lorriane (Smith) Goodwin. She lived in El Dorado Springs, Missouri, until the age of 15. She moved to White Salmon, WA, in 1955. Rose married James (Jim) Robert Schwinge on December 24, 1985.

Rose worked many jobs throughout her life. She worked at Columbia Materials Co., Town and Country Restaurant, and Heidi's. Rose also sold Avon for many years. She was a volunteer firefighter and also the secretary for the Skamania County Fire Department. Rose worked as a Postmaster Relief at the Underwood Post Office until her retirement.

Rose enjoyed sewing, cooking, trying new recipes, and collecting cookbooks. She also put together a cookbook for the Underwood Fire Department for a fundraiser.

Rose is survived by her husband, Jim Schwinge of Underwood, WA. Sisters: Nita Reeves of Goldendale, WA. Linda Dills of Marysville, WA. 

Children: Laura (Dan) Mack of Lyle, WA. Rosalie (Ken) Henderson of Underwood WA. Diana (Mike) Solomon of Murdock, WA. Debbie (Rios) of The Dalles. OR.

Stepchildren: Karen (Brian) Anderson of North Carolina. John (Lori) Schwinge of Hood River, OR.

Rose has numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents, Burrell (Red) Stockstill, Emma (Lorraine) Goodwin, and stepfather Buck Goodwin.

Son Merle (Dean) Vezina. Stepson Keith (Alyn) Schwinge. 1st husband Frenchie Vezina.

There will be a graveside service at the White Salmon Cemetery at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of Gardner Funeral Home (156 NE Church Ave., White Salmon, WA 98672). Visit www.GardnerFH.com to share a story or leave a note for the family. 

" Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure." 

Death Notice: Rose Marie Schwinge, 86 Underwood

Rose Marie Schwinge passed away on August 5th, 2026, in Underwood, Washington. Rose was born on May 11th, 1940, and was 86 years of age at the time of passing.

Services are under the guidance of Gardner Funeral Home. Visit www.GardnerFH.com to share a story or leave a note for the family.      

Death Notice: Wayne Douglas Lease, 78, Underwood

Wayne Douglas Lease passed away on February 16th, 2025, at his home in Underwood, Washington with family by his side. Wayne was born February 14th, 1947 in The Dalles, Oregon, and was 78 years of age at the time of passing.

Celebration of Life & Reception is planned for 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 15th, 2025 at Anderson’s Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon).

Arrangements are under the direction of Gardner Funeral Home (156 NE Church Avenue, White Salmon, Washington). 

Death Notice: Jim Howard, Underwood Wash.

Jim Howard of Underwood, Wash., passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, May 16th, 2024.

A viewing will be held on May 21st at Gardners Funeral Home at 156 NE Church Ave., White Salmon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A Celebration of Life will follow on May 22 at the Elk’s Lodge in White Salmon, Wash.
For more information, please contact Terrah Howard (360) 710-4033

Obituary: Bonnie Faye Stubbs Ternahan, 96, Underwood

Underwood, WA. Sep. 6, 2023- Bonnie Faye Stubbs Ternahan was born on December 5th, 1926, in Boswell, Oklahoma, to her loving parents, Katie Mae and Charles Duncan Stubbs.  She had nine brothers and sisters. Bonnie passed away on September 4th, 2023, under hospice care at home in Underwood, Washington.  

Bonnie grew up on a farm, attending a one-room primary school. She was a good student, “promoted one grade early.” She walked two miles to school. Her mother bought her a woolen coat by mail order for cold weather.

She lived in town to attend high school, working as a housekeeper. After graduating from high school, she attended Southeastern State University in Durant, Oklahoma. She met her future husband Harley on a blind date set up by a girlfriend. In May 1946, they married in Durant after Bonnie’s sophomore college year.  They drove to Washington via California in Harley’s 1939 Oldsmobile. She was amazed to see snowcapped Mount Shasta, having grown up in Oklahoma’s flatland. 

Harley and Bonnie had four children and farmed for over sixty years on “The Home Place.” They raised Angus cattle, hay, and pears. As a mother, she was involved in her children’s education and social development:  all her children went on to college. Bonnie was the epitome of gracious Southern hospitality, urging second helpings at the dinner table on visitors and family members alike.   

Besides raising her family, Bonnie worked off the farm. Jobs included packing pears at Underwood Fruit and had 14 years at the Western Fish Nutrition Lab at Willard followed by 17 years at McCoy-Holliston Insurance. She retired to care for Harley who passed on at age 99 in 2012. She bowled in leagues and made many bowling trips to tournaments until age 94.  After retirement, her flower garden was her special joy. 

Bonnie’s special friends and neighbors at Underwood are The Ziegler family, the Hubers, the Koch family of Mill A, and the Halver family (Nancylee Halver Hadley and Mike Hadley in recent years) as well as her very good friend Verna Smith who assisted Bonnie in many ways. 

Bonnie Faye Ternahan was predeceased by her husband Harley and daughter Kathie Holter, son-in-law Ervin Holter and grandson Brian Holter, as well as seven brothers and sisters. She leaves to mourn her surviving children, Philip (Lucille), Jeanne (John Pino), and Sally (Richard Gallagher), as well as her grandchildren Coriolana DeVine (Derek Van Wycoff), Patrick Ternahan, Mathew Holter (Devon), Kevin Gallagher (Vanessa), Brenna Steed (Tristan), Kristin Bielskis (Barnaby) and Adam Pino. Great-grandchildren include Octavia, Daniela, and Cheyenne DeVine, Kellen and Meara Gallagher, Paisley, and Asher Bielskis, and great-great-grandchildren Angelica Devine, Elijah Devine, Grayson Cramer, and Nolan Steed. Bonnie leaves her sister, Mattie Payne of Aztec New Mexico, and brother John Stubbs of Oklahoma. 

The family is grateful to the Heart of Hospice caregivers and Drs. Samuels and Gingrich who treated her during her illness. A graveside service will be held at a future date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donate to a cancer-focused charity or one of your choice. 

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: Robert Burchill Myers “Rob”

Robert Burchill Myers “Rob” passed away at his home in Underwood, Washington with family by his side on November 24th, 2021. Rob was born June 29, 1946, in Norfolk, Virginia and was 75 years of age at the time of his passing. Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031).