Obituary: Wanita “Nita” Griffith, 90, The Dalles

Wanita “Nita” Griffith

Wanita “Nita” Griffith passed away on March 22, 2023, at home in The Dalles, Oregon.  Nita was born on March 29, 1932, and was 90 years of age at the time of passing.  The below life story was written by Nita.

“We are here today to pay tribute to the life of Wanita Ellen (Sherrell) Griffith, Nita was the ninth child out of ten, father, Charles Sherrell and mother, Nettie Belle (Crapper) Sherrell.

Nita attended Oak Grove School grade first through eighth grade and graduated from Hood River High School in 1951. She worked at Eby’s Food Store as a checker while in high school and a while after graduating. She then worked for Oregon Equipment as a bookkeeper until she married Bill Griffith on March 22, 1953.  In June of 1953, they moved to Corvallis while Bill finished his college education.

Nita worked for Days Supermarket as a checker until they relocated back to Hood River. Bill then joined the Air Force and they moved to the Yaak Airforce base in Montana, and then Othello, Washington during his two years of active duty, after his discharge they returned to Hood River.

Nita and Bill had three sons; Gary, born December of 1953, Rich, born November of 1955, and David, born September of 1957. Bill and Nita bought her sister’s house in Oak Grove. Bill taught school while Nita took care of their home until the boys were a little older. She worked for Safeway as a head checker until her former boss asked her to work for him as a head checker at Brookside Market. Before retiring Nita worked for 10 years as manager of Franz Bread Store. She received both the manager of the year and store of the year during her time there.

Bill and Nita chaperoned many high school dances during Bill’s time as a teacher, they both loved to dance and were very good. Rich and Diana attended a fiesta in Mexico with Nita and Bill. People were dancing so Bill and Nita went out and danced a waltz, the floor cleared out for them as they danced. When the song was over people gave them an ovation… they were a big hit.

Nita was room mother at Oak Grove school for the boys and loved to bring treats. Nita and Bill never missed any of the boys’ sports or school events. She was also PTA president for Oak Grove and Barrett for one year. Bill and Nita always welcomed the kid’s friends to their home. They played cards, shot pool, or went sledding and Nita always provided treats.

Bill was an active member of the Elks, and they would travel to many Elks events together. Nita was on the serving crew at the Elks with Don and Kathy Durr, after Don decided to travel more Nita took over. She had a great crew helping her and she received Volunteer of the Year two years in a row.

Nita and Bill loved to camp and fish with their boys. Nita did not like to be chased around the yard by David with worms, but we thought it was funny.

Later in life, Nita and Bill went on two cruises one to Alaska and the other to the Caribbean. They went on a trip to Mexico and lots of trips to the Beach.

Nita was a great cook and always had a big buffet for holidays and the Sherrell family reunions.

After the boys were all married, Bill and Nita moved to B Street in Hood River and lived there together until Bill’s passing in 2012 Nita continued living on B Street until 2016 when she moved to Down Manor. Although she was unsure about leaving her home, but once she moved in at Down Manor, she met many friends both new and old. She played Penuckle, Bingo and Rummikub. Always Busy. She had many special friends to laugh and have fun with, and that she did.

Nita is survived by; her sons, Gary (Susan) Griffith of Hood River, Oregon, Richard (Dianna) Griffith of The Dalles, Oregon and David (Heidi) Griffith of Trout Lake, Washington; grandchildren, Cody (Alison) Griffith, Kyle (Morgan) Griffith, Kelsey Griffith, Kacie Griffith, Blake Griffith and Rachel Huerta, Great-Grandkids, Ivet Huerta, Jimena Huerta, Nya Griffith and many very close nephews and nieces and she loved every one of them.

In addition to her parents and husband, Nita was preceded in death by her brothers, Ralph Sherrell (Lodan), Frank Sherrell (Tilly), Donald Sherrell (Betty), Wilbur Sherrell (Audrey), Robert (Toby) Sherrell (Lucille), and Howard Sherrell at age 8; sisters, Marie Campbell (Harry) and Marian Hill (Web), Howard Sherrell at age 8, and  Shirley at only two months.

A Funeral & Reception for Nita is planned for 3:00 p.m., Saturday, April 15th, 2023 at Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Private entombment will be at Idlewild Mausoleum.

Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Obituary: Craig Allen Starnes, The Dalles

Craig Allen Starnes
October 27, 1968- October 26, 2022

Craig Starnes, age 53 of The Dalles, Oregon died on Wednesday October 26, 2022 at Oregon Health & Science University Hospital in Portland, Oregon.

Craig was born on October 27, 1968 in Grinnell, Iowa, to Larry and Shirley Starnes (Emmert). He was raised on the family farm in Chester Township and educated in Grinnell, Iowa.

Craig worked many years making double hung windows for Wenco Windows (Jeld-Wen) in Grinnell. In 2005 Craig moved to Hood River, Oregon where he worked for several years at Cardinal IG Glass in the shapes department. Craig loved the Pacific Northwest. He had a passion for mountain biking. He enjoyed water sports and fishing on the Columbia River. He enjoyed visiting Mt. Hood and the Pacific Ocean. Craig also enjoyed hunting; deer and raccoon amongst other critters. He got his first deer when he was 13 years old.

Craig had a grand passion for music. He was a pretty good singer! He took 2nd place in the Colgate Country Music Showdown in The Dalles, Oregon singing one of his favorite songs “Boot Scootin’ Boogie”, of Brooks and Dunn. Craig loved karaoke and could get any party started. Craig was a friend to all.

Craig was a member in Faith of The First United Methodist Church in The Dalles, Oregon.

Craig is survived by his father Larry Starnes of Lake Havasu City, AZ, his son Ryan Starnes of Colfax, IA, his siblings Sara Vega (Starnes) of Hood River, OR, and Matthew Storm of Portland, OR,. two nieces; Emma and Natalia Vega, one aunt, two uncles and cousins.

Craig was preceded in death by his Grandparents; Don & Ida Starnes, Lee & Mary Emmert, and his mother Shirley Starnes (Emmert) in November 2020, also uncles Marvin and Willard Emmert.

Memorial services to be determined at a later date in Grinnell, Iowa.

Out in the country past the city limit sign… may you Rest in Peace.

Any memorials can be made to Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell, Iowa (1103 Broad Street, Grinnell, IA 50112 to help pay for Craig’s interment expenses.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.

Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Obituary: Jeffrey Cunningham Krier

Jeffrey Cunningham Krier

Jeffrey Cunningham Krier March 24, 1950 – March 22, 2021

Always a force, Jeff’s life is summed up best in the words of his daughter Samantha: “My dad left this earth and went to sing with the angels in heaven. My dad was such a gentle, kind soul, with a personality as big as the state of Texas. He was loud, funny, goofy, a sports fanatic—Giants, 49ers, UO Ducks—were his favorite—he loved to sing, to watch and talk sports with anyone, loved food, was always dressed in a suit and tie, he was very religious and a devoted Episcopalian, a friend, a grandpa, a brother, an uncle, a cousin and father. He never missed a sporting event and sang the national anthem at just about every one of Josh’s and my games and was probably the loudest in the stands yelling “Hubba Hubba!” If you knew my dad, you knew his zest for life. Due to physical and mental difficulties, the last few years were incredibly hard for him and he fought as hard as he could. It was his time, and he is no longer in pain, but in peace.”

Born in The Dalles to Dorothy Jean Cunningham and Malcolm Sampson Krier, he graduated from The Dalles High School and Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon.

In 1977 he married Debbie Tooley.

He was in sales most of his professional career at Meadow Outdoor Advertising, and he volunteered in many community activities, using his powerful tenor voice in musical theater, the Cascade Singers, River City Dudes barbershop quartet, and sports announcing.

He was a cradle Episcopalian, actively involved in St. Paul’s throughout his life.

He is survived by son, Joshua Krier (Rachel) and daughters Samantha Tenneson (Andrew) and Katee Krier, five grandchildren, brother James Krier (Margey) and sister Patricia Krier (Tom) and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Malcolm and Jean.

When we can once again gather, hopefully in the summer or fall, there will be a celebration of life service at St. Paul’s with time to sing, share stories, and celebrate Jeff’s goodness and humor. Donations may be made in Jeff’s name to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in The Dalles, Oregon.

Obituary: Tia Marie Bailey

Tia Marie Bailey

Tia Marie Bailey

Marie Bailey, a resident of The Dalles, Ore., died at her home Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, under the care of Heart of Hospice. She was 67 years old.

Tia was born in Lubbock, Texas, on May 7, 1953, and moved to The Dalles from Amarillo, Texas, in 1990. Tia was an RN and employed at Mid-Columbia Medical Center for 26 years until her retirement in 2016.

Tia is survived by her husband, Scott Bailey, and her daughters, Angel Steinke of Springfield, Ore., and Theresa Watson of Medford, Ore., and two stepchildren, Brandon Bailey and Amanda Bailey of Corpus Christi, Texas. Survivors also include siblings Mollie Lynch and her husband Jerry Lynch of The Dalles, Buddy Christenson of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Cheryl Nemmar of Waco, Texas.  Tia had eight grandchildren that she loved dearly.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Heart of Hospice. Tia was a devoted member of Gateway Presbyterian Church of The Dalles and had served as an elder. She also loved and enjoyed all the ladies at Calvary Baptist Church Women’s Bible study.

On behalf of Tia’s husband Scott and her family, friends and co-workers of Tia’s are invited to share in a memorial service at Gateway Presbyterian Church in The Dalles, OR, Saturday, March 27, 2021, at 1 pm PCT. Given ongoing COVID concerns, it is understandable some may not feel comfortable gathering. Gateway has graciously offered to live stream the service as well as keep it up for an extra day. Navigate to: www.gatewaypc.org, click on ‘Sermons’ and you will see the stream.

Social gathering at the church after the service is to be determined pending future guidelines on social distancing.

Again, on behalf of Scott and Tia’s family, thank you, everyone, for the outpouring of love, care and concern; it is much appreciated. Let’s remember this amazing woman who gave all of us so many years of life, love and laughter.

Obituary: Thomas Edward Foley

Thomas Edward Foley

Feb. 12, 1928 - Feb. 13, 2021

     Thomas Edward Foley passed away at his home on Feb. 13, 2021, with his 4 children by his side. He was born on Feb. 12, 1928, in the Foley House on 4th Street in The Dalles, formerly known as The Colonial Building.  He was the youngest of 5 children to parents Pat and Mercedes Foley.  His father had moved the family from La Grande to The Dalles in 1920 and purchased Hotel Dalles where The Dalles Inn is located today.  

     Some of Tom’s early work experience started at the family’s Foley Lakes Dairy at the age of 13 or 14.  He started his own business career in the restaurant industry, launching the original Dairy Queen at Fourth and Union Streets in 1953.  Through his career, he owned a number of burger and ice cream places, including the Irish Treat where Big Jim’s is today and the Hand-Out, now the home of Holstein’s Coffee.  He also owned restaurants in Hood River.  He enjoyed feeding people and frequently brought his grill to local parades, rodeos, fairs and livestock shows where he served the famous “Hefty Henry” sandwich.

     In 1966 Tom built Spooky’s Pizza, which he and his family owned and operated until 1984.  He leased the restaurant to other pizza companies until 1999 when Bob and Joana Stanek leased the business, revived the original name, and brought back many of Spooky’s original menu items including the “Hefty Henry”.

     In 1954 Tom met Marjory Claire Bush, a junior high and high school English teacher whom he married on Oct. 3, 1954.  Tom and Marjory raised 4 children while being actively involved in many civic organizations.  Tom was president of the local chamber of commerce when he helped convince the board to change the name from The Dalles to The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce in recognition of the role of rural agriculture in the community’s economy.  He was a long-time Kiwanis member and to this day they hold weekly meetings at Spooky’s.  He also coached Little League, served on the city planning commission and the school board.

     Tom was an active member of the Catholic Church in The Dalles.  He was one of the original individuals who helped save Old St. Peter’s Landmark, serving as vice president on that board for a number of years.  He was a board member of the local branch of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, which seeks to help people in need.  

     Tom and Marjory purchased a cherry orchard in The Dalles in 1981 and expanded the orchard to Dallesport Washington in 1984.  In the orchard off-season, he and Marjory enjoyed travel and took many cruises around the world.

Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Marjory who died January 14, 2021.  He is survived by sons, Tim (Wendy) of Hood River, Bill of White Salmon, John (Sheri) of Dallesport, and Annette Byers of The Dalles; three grandsons, Clint Foley (Kelley) of Eugene, Grayson Byers (Shelby) of Stanfield and Tanner Byers of Bend; three great-grandchildren, Dylan and Ruby Foley of Eugene and Hays Byers of Stanfield. 

     The family wishes to extend their deep appreciation to Heart of Hospice and Bobbi’s Way for the great care and compassion they extended to Tom and his family.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be sent to Old St. Peter’s Landmark or St. Vincent de Paul.  A celebration of life will be held for Tom and Marjory Foley at a future time.  A Rosary will be held 5:00 pm Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, at Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home.  A funeral mass will be held for Tom Foley 11:00 am Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in The Dalles. 

Obituary: Bryan Forrest Peters

Bryan Forrest Peters

 Bryan Forrest Peters

Bryan Forrest Peters (Forrest after his beloved grandfather) was born February 8, 1969, to Bill and Forest Peters in The Dalles, Oregon. 

He grew up in Sherman County and graduated from Sherman County High School.  While a student there, he was a member of Sherman FFA, Band and lettered in Football, Basketball and Baseball.  He was student body vice president in 1986 and student body president his senior year.  Bryan attended Oregon State University and was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, where he served as vice president for two years.  He was also a member of the OSU Rugby Team.  He graduated in 1992 with a degree in Agricultural Resource Economics.

After graduation, Bryan moved home to farm with his dad until Bill’s passing in 1993. He continued to farm with his mother and brother and together they formed Peters Ranches.  He married Heather Williams in 1997 and they had two children Delaney and Garrett.  

Bryan loved music and as he would tell you “I was a drummer in a rock ‘n roll band”.  He was very active in the Sherman County community.  He umpired, refereed, coached, was the “voice of the Huskies Football Team”, served on the weed board and acted in many of the Barnstormer Theater plays, all the while rarely missing any of his children’s events.  He was a lifelong Oregon State Beaver Fan and a highlight for him was taking his kids to see the Beavers win the 2018 College World Series in Omaha.

He leaves behind his children, Delaney Marie and James Garrett; brother, Scott (Kari); nieces, Kaelex and Kiara; aunt, Sallie Albright; uncles, Nick and Jim Peters; mother, Forest.

Bryan died at his home on January 31, 2021, and will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

Memorials may be sent to Sherman County Athletic Foundation, PO Box 191, Moro, OR 97039 or Sherman County Education Foundation, PO Box 68, Moro, OR 97039. 

There will be a gathering on the Sherman football field, to share stories and laugh.

Obituary: Robert "Bob" Fraley

Robert Fraley

April 26, 1933 - Jan. 24, 2021

Robert Wayne Fraley, known to all as Bob, was born April 26th, 1933 in Bend, Ore., to Cyril
and Marie (Schilling) Fraley. 

Bob grew up in Maupin, Ore., with his 2 brothers, Donald and Darrell. The Fraley Family
settled in Maupin in the early 1900s and owned a market, garage, gas station and The
Rainbow Cafe (now Rainbow Tavern). 

In 1942, Bob moved with his family for one year to Virginia while his father was in boot
camp during WWII. When his father left for active duty in the Navy, his Mother moved
her boys to The Dalles, Ore. After the War, Bob’s sister, Sandra was born. 

Bob married Dawn Bryan in 1955, and they had 2 daughters, Charla and Karen.
In July 1955, Bob was hired to The Dalles Police Department as a Police Officer and
worked there until 1964.  He was recruited by Ray Schultens and worked for him as a
Sales Manager until he became an Insurance Agent for Farmers Insurance.  Eventually,
he became an independent Insurance Broker and Owner of Columbia Gorge Insurance
Agency. 

Bob still owned three commercial properties downtown The Dalles. The buildings are all
located on West 2nd Street. They are Columbia Gorge Insurance Office, Qwik-Change Lube
Center, and Zim’s Restaurant and Sports Bar.

Bob was a pilot and owned two airplanes for several years. He was also an accomplished
water skier. In his early years, he raced stock cars. He took up snow skiing in his mid-40s.

He met Susan Robert’s in 1992, and she became his long-term partner until he
passed.  Bob and Sue enjoyed dancing, traveling in their motorhome and went on
several cruises. They lived in Lyle, Wash., on High Prairie until 2019 where they both
enjoyed the peaceful prairie with their beloved dogs. Bob built a huge shop there and
enjoyed tinkering with his tractors and projects in his retirement years.

In November of 2019, he and Sue moved to The Dalles to be closer to family. On
January 24, 2021, Bob passed away with his family by his side.

He is survived by his brother Donald and sister Sandra; his daughters, Charla Fraley
(Rick Farris), Karen Frank (Brian Frank); grandchildren, Jackie Tharp (Leroy Tharp),
Carrie Herman (Seth Gray), Oscar Farris (Jordan Flores), and Max Farris; great-grandchildren Kirsten Dawson (Bruce Dawson), Madison Troutt, Abigail Cummings, Jamusin Gray, Samuel Gray, Isaiah Farris.

Bob is also survived by Sue Roberts and her two sons Troy, Ryan and Ryan’s wife Sarah and their twins Josh and Sadie.

 Per Bob’s request, any service will be private.

Obituary: Edwin Fred Anghilante

Edwin Fred Anghilante

Edwin Fred Anghilante was born on August 11, 1942, in St. Louis MO and passed away on November 28, 2020.

Ed moved to The Dalles when he was five years old with his mom and dad and younger brother, Dennis. He attended St. Mary’s Academy and graduated from The Dalles High School in 1960. He went on to attend the University of Oregon on a track scholarship and was coached by Bill Bowerman.

He was on the 1962 NCAA Track and Field Championship Team and was inducted into the U of O Sports Hall of Fame in 1992.

Ed earned a Bachelors in Sociology from U of O and went on to earn a Masters in Social Work from the University of Utah. Ed worked for the State of Oregon as a caseworker, supervisor and Branch Manager for Adult and Family Services, Children’s Services Division, and Senior and Disabled Services.

He retired when his children were in high school and was able to be very involved during their teen years. Ed loved cars and would often help family and friends locate the perfect vehicle to meet their needs. Ed also loved to play golf and joined The Dalles Country Club in 1974, the same year that he married Mary. He would often tell her, “I think I’ve finally figured out the golf swing”. He worked hard at his golf game and had three holes in one over the course of his golfing life.

Ed cared about his family, friends and helping others. He was out-going and friendly with a big personality that included everyone. He is best remembered for his kind and tender heart.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, his children, Lisa Carol Anghilante, Erin Dray (Travis), Blake Anghilante (Randi), and Caitlin Pederson (Barry); four grandsons, Sawyer and Thatcher Dray, Archer Anghilante, and Remy Pederson. He was preceded in death by his brother, Dennis Anghilante, his mother and stepfather, Alice and Fred Fax, and his father, Fred Anghilante.

There will be a celebration to honor Ed in August 2021. Please remember Ed by embracing your own kind and tender heart.

Obituary: Charles “Chuck” Edward Wallace

Charles “Chuck” Edward Wallace

Charles “Chuck” Edward Wallace was born in Healy, Kansas on Sept 16, 1932 to Glenn and Ida.  Chuck moved to Wasco, Oregon when he was 2 years old.  He was in the Korean War from 1952 to 1954.

He came home and married Marlene Faye Beem on Jan 12, 1955.  They have three children, Kenneth Wallace, Kathryn Elliott, and Keith Wallace; five grandchildren Taner and Shane Elliott, Chase and Kandis Wallace, Preston Wallace; seven great-grandchildren Pheobe and Olivia Wallace, Riley and Rozlyn Elliott, Kellen and Easton Elliott and Conley Clark.

Chuck belonged to The Dalles Elks, Mid Columbia Car Club (he owned a few classic cars), American Legion and Columbia Gorge Power Sledders snowmobile club.

Chuck retired after owning Wallace Oil for 40 years.

He loved to fish and hunt, especially with his kids, grandkids, siblings and friends.

Siblings are Erma (Dave) Bryan, Dave (Neila) Wallace, Glenna (Ken) Almer, Jim (Jeanette) Wallace, the late Jack (Mary) Wallace and the late Bill (Babe) Wallace.

Chuck had a place in Salome, Arizona for the last ten years. He enjoyed life there with lots of friends and family exploring the desert and riding side by sides.

Chuck enjoyed life to the fullest.  Chuck will truly be missed by all of us!

Obituary: E. Martin Richelderfer

E. Martin Richelderfer

Earl Martin Richelderfer, beloved father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend, died Monday, October 19, 2020, at his home in Wasco, Ore. He was 67. His voice, his kindness and his wealth of knowledge will be deeply missed by all who knew him well.

Martin was born June 11, 1953, in The Dalles, Ore., to Malcolm Earl Richelderfer and Edwina “Bunny” Breshears Richelderfer. He was the sixth of eight children. Martin spent his childhood in The Dalles and graduated from Wahtonka High School in 1971.

In 1978, he met and later married Chadine Rae Pavek, and together they had two daughters, Jessica and Coral Richelderfer.

Martin was owner and operator of Richelderfer Sweeping Service, serving The Dalles area with its commercial and residential power sweeping needs for more than 35 years. He also worked the family wheat farm with his uncle for many years, raising cattle and driving truck, tractor and combine. Martin was the great-grandson of homesteaders and lived on the family's original homestead for more than half his life.

He was an active member of the Sherman County community and served on countless volunteer boards and committees over the years. At the time of his death, he was serving on the boards of the Wasco Cemetery Association and the Wasco Community Library and was chairman of North Sherman Rural Fire Protection District's board of directors.

Martin had a bright and curious mind and was an avid conversationalist. He was the type of person who'd drop everything to lend a hand if you needed it. He never missed the chance to stop and chat with an old friend in the grocery store. He enjoyed trips to the coast, camping in Mount Hood National Forest, and sunset drives through the wheat country. He loved his family dearly and was always there for their biggest milestones and important days. He also carried on the family businesses for both his father and his uncle.

Martin is survived by his daughter Jessica Richelderfer Wheeler and husband Brian Wheeler of Wasco; daughter Coral Richelderfer and partner Amy Davis of Portland; sister Mary Zachariasen of The Dalles; brother Charles Gibson and wife Hiroko Gibson of California; sister Georgia Benson and husband Wilbert J. Benson of The Dalles; 14 nieces and nephews; and two grandsons.

He was preceded in death by his father, Malcolm; his mother, Bunny; his uncle, Theron Richelderfer; his ex-wife, Chadine; three brothers, Brian Richelderfer, Paul Gibson and Michael Gibson; and one sister, Sally Groce.

Arrangements are under the direction of Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in The Dalles. A small graveside service is planned for noon Sunday, November 8, at Sunrise Cemetery outside Wasco. A celebration of life will follow at 1 p.m. at North Sherman Fire Hall in Wasco.

- Jessica Richelderfer Wheeler and Family