Obituary: Lowell Edward Smith, 78, Grass Valley

Lowell Edward Smith of Grass Valley had a passion for photography and captured some amazing photos such as this one that highlights our Milky Way Galaxy in the standing shadow of this Aermotor windmill and pump.

Lowell Edward Smith, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, son, and cherished member of the Sherman County community, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2024. Born on August 11, 1946, in The Dalles, Oregon, Lowell lived a life filled with love, kindness, curiosity and an adventurous spirit.

Lowell grew up on the family farm east of Grass Valley with his parents and brother. This established deep roots in the community; making many life-long friends through elementary and high school. After graduating from Sherman High, he departed for Oregon State University, where he graduated with a degree in Agricultural Production.

After graduating from OSU, he eventually returned to his family’s farm in 1975, where he dedicated himself to the family business and raising a family with his wife, Nancy. He cherished spending time with his family, especially trips to the Oregon Coast and camping excursions in the Cascade Mountains.

Lowell was deeply involved in his community, from coaching Little League Baseball to serving on the School Board and later the Sherman County Library Board. One of Lowell’s favorite pastimes was taking photos of the beautiful landscapes around him. He shared this passion as an active participant in the local photography club, joining in many field trips and sharing tips with his fellow ‘togs.

Lowell was preceded in death by his wife of 30 years, Nancy Lois (Alberty) in July 2001, his father, Myrle Edward in May 2016 and his mother Emma Jean in February 2022. He is survived by his brother, Gordon of Rathdrum, Idaho; his children, Melanie (Smith) Morris and her spouse, Phillip, of The Dalles, Oregon, and Jason Smith and his spouse, Michelle, of Tualatin, Oregon; and his beloved grandchildren, Kayla (20) and Sydney (18).

Lowell will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the community he so dearly loved.

We invite you to join us for a Celebration of Life to honor Lowell Smith on Saturday, April 26th at 12pm at the 4-H/Home Economics Building, Sherman County Fairgrounds; 66147 Lone Rock Road, Moro, OR 97039. In the spirit of community and sharing, we will be having a potluck, so, if able, please bring a dish to share as we gather to remember and celebrate Lowell’s life. For those wishing, donations can be made in memory of Lowell to either the Sherman County Historical Museum or the Sherman County Education Foundation - two charitable organizations deeply meaningful to Lowell and his family.

Obituary: Richard “Rick” Lively, 80, The Dalles

Richard “Rick” Lively of The Dalles, Oregon was granted the peace he desired on the evening of March 13, 2025, at the age of 80. The second child and first-born son of Helen & Gene Lively, originally of Wallowa, Oregon.

That’s about all the room there is for a standard obituary if you knew him at all!

The independent black sheep in our family for sure, but in his case this carried an endearing and loving connotation. All would agree: He wore his heart on his sleeve every day of his life no matter the cost. He lived life his way, as his sister would say!

Always kind and generous to others down on their luck and quick to stick up for the underdog. He was also known for the special fondness he reserved for the many (many) stray critters who found their way into his care over the years.

His accomplishments were many, but what mattered most were the relationships he cherished. Probably none more so than his lifelong best friends and hunting “crew”; always his lifelines, the original ride-or-dies, bear tags or not. They perhaps knew him better than anyone else and would gather to tend to a private service, according to his wishes, in the Catherine Creek Unit in Eastern Oregon.

Unwaveringly loyal to family, he imparted many life lessons we each pass along to our own families now. Children, grandchildren, precious siblings, and beloved nieces and nephews are all beneficiaries of his unique perspective on life.

Preceded in death by his wife of twenty-five years, Dena Irene Lively. Forever his mother’s son he will be.

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

Death Notice: Richard Gene Lively, 80, The Dalles

Richard Gene Lively, age 80, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at a local care facility on March 13, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Deloris Ruth Cox, 88, The Dalles

Deloris Ruth Cox, age 88, a resident of Arizona, passed away on March 8, 2025. Saturday, March 15, 2025, a viewing will be held starting at 10 AM, with the Funeral Service to follow at 11 AM at the Life in Christ Church, 3095 Cherry Heights Rd, The Dalles, OR 97058, burial will follow the service at the IOOF cemetery on Cherry Heights Rd.

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

Death Notice: Marieum Kay Havig, 83, The Dalles

Marieum Kay Havig, age 83, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at an assisted living facility on March 9, 2025. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

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

Death Notice: Billy Ray Jones, 94, The Dalles

Billy Ray Jones, age 94, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on March 7, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Lawrence James Berry, 44, The Dalles

Lawrence James Berry, age 44, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the hospital on February 26, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Keith Alton Wolfer, Tygh Valley

Keith Alton Wolfer, a resident of Tygh Valley, OR, passed away on February 23, 2025. A Graveside Service will be held at the Lone Pine Cemetery, 27260 Smock Rd, Wamic, OR 97063, on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 2 p.m.

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

Death Notice: Jeremy Edward Price, 43, The Dalles

Jeremy Edward Price, age 43, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on February 28, 2025. Spencer,

Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Robert Hart Barlow Sr, 95, Wamic

Robert Hart Barlow Sr, age 95, a resident of Wamic, OR, passed away at home on March 3, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Betty Lucille Bright, 87, The Dalles

Betty Lucille Bright, age 87, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on February 13, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Elizabeth Ann Taylor, 74, The Dalles

Elizabeth Ann Taylor, age 74, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at a local care facility on February 25, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Tamara Lynn Feriante, 58, The Dalles

Tamara Lynn Feriante, age 58, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on February 25, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 8, 2025, 1:00 PM at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home.

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

Death Notice: Susan Carole Notter, 77, The Dalles

Susan Carole Notter, age 77, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the hospital on February 19, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Mary Ann Erickson, 82, Maupin

Mary Ann Erickson

Mary Ann Erickson, age 82, a resident of Maupin, OR, passed away at home on February 18, 2025.

Viewings will be Friday, February 28, 2025, from 2 to 6 PM and Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 8 to 11 AM at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home. Graveside Service is Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 1 PM at the Lone Pine Cemetery in Wamic, OR. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Community Center in Wamic at 2 PM. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Vera Darlene Erlenbush, 87, Dallesport

Vera Darlene Erlenbush, age 87, a resident of Dallesport, WA, passed away at home on February 15, 2025.

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

Obituary: George William Stephens, Jr., 83, The Dalles

George William Stephens, Jr., 83, of The Dalles, OR, passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, after a long battle with cancer.

George was born in Butte, MT, on November 1, 1941, to George William and Helen Frances (Smith) Stephens. He was joined by two brothers: Walter John in 1944 and Daniel Edward in 1947. The family moved to Libby, MT, in 1948, where George grew up and attended school, graduating Libby High School in 1959.

During his high school years, he was manager of the football team, a member of the Lettermen’s Club, intramural basketball and class plays, and he also worked at Sleizer’s Grocery Store. He attended Western Montana College in Dillon MT, graduating in 1963 with a Bachelor of Education with majors in math and history. In 1971, George graduated from Southern Oregon University with a master’s degree in mathematics.

On August 11, 1963, George married the love of his life Tanis Gatten at the Methodist Church in Libby, MT. To this union, their sons Lance and Lane completed their family.

George started his 35-year teaching career in Browning, MT where he taught math and coached football, basketball and track for 1 year. They moved to Lake Bronson, MN and George took a teaching and coaching position there for the next 3 years. Wanting to move closer to family, George took a teaching position in The Dalles, OR, where he taught until his retirement in 1998. While teaching in The Dalles, George was honored to be selected as “Teacher of the Year” two separate times.

George also taught courses at Columbia Gorge Community College, in The Dalles.

Throughout his life in The Dalles, George was an active member of FUMC. He also took pride in his later love of running by taking part in the “Hood to Coast” 195-mile relay run multiple times, the Cherry Festival run and the Seaside Marathon.

George is survived by his wife Tanis of 62 years, sons Lance (Juana) and Lane (Sue), both of The Dalles, grandsons Ethan, Payton and Noah and granddaughter Jordan (Kyle) McDonnell; brothers Walter (Linda) Buffalo, SD and Dan (Kathy Wheeler) Libby, MT, numerous nieces and nephews. He is proceeded in death by his parents, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, sister-in-law Dixie Smart, brother-in-law Mike Gatten, and sister-in-law Cynthia Stephens.

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

Death Notice: Ariya Noelle Poasa, 6, Vancouver, Wash.

Ariya Noelle Poasa, age 6, a resident of Vancouver, WA, passed away at Randall Children’s Hospital on February 12, 2025.

A viewing will be held on February 26, 2025, from 2-6 pm, at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home, a Funeral Service will be held on February 27, 2025, starting at 11 am at The Dalles Seventh-Day Adventist Church. A reception will follow the Funeral Service at The Dalles Civic Auditorium in the ballroom. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Obituary: Raleigh Bradford (Brad) O'Blenes, 82, The Dalles

Raleigh Bradford (Brad) O'Blenes

Raleigh Bradford (Brad) O’Blenes, born on April 27, 1942, in Lynn, Massachusetts, passed away on February 2, 2025, in The Dalles, Oregon, at the age of 82.

Brad honorably served in the United States Air Force. In 1974, he married Shirley Jean (Jeannie) Henson, and they celebrated 50 years of marriage. He worked at the aluminum plant and C.H. Urness Motors in The Dalles. Throughout his life, he resided in Coos Bay, Oregon, and Maine before returning to The Dalles in 2009.

Known for his exceptional barbecue skills, he earned the affectionate nickname "Bar-b-que Man" and took great joy in cooking for others and seeing them enjoy his food. In his final days, he entered hospice care and passed away peacefully at home with his beloved wife Jeannie by his side.

Brad is survived by his devoted wife Jeannie; his children, Kelly Pullins and Scott O’Blenes, both of Washington; his grandchildren, Jill Neil and Amanda Piper of Colorado, and Jeffery Pullins of Washington; and his great-granddaughters, Autumn and Hazel Neil. He cherished and loved his family deeply.

Brad will be remembered for his love, kindness, and culinary talents. His family and friends will hold his memory close to their hearts.

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

Death Notice: Ruth Elaine Sargeant, 88, The Dalles

Ruth Elaine Sargeant, age 88, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at a local care facility on February 3, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held on February 22, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the First Christian Church, 909 Court St., The Dalles, OR.

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