Death Notice: Joan (Wilkins) Stone, Goldendale

Joan (Wilkins) Stone of Goldendale, Washington passed away February 11, 2024 in The Dalles, Oregon.  Joan was born October 21, 1933 and was 90 years of age at the time of passing.  A Funeral & Celebration of Life is planned for 1:00 p.m., Sunday, February 18th, 2024 at Columbia Hills Memorial Chapel • 300 W. Broadway Street (Post Office Box 134), Goldendale, Washington 98620 • (509) 772-2636.  Committal Ceremony will follow at Mountain View IOOF Cemetery of Goldendale, Washington.  Visit www.gardnerFH.com to share a story or leave a note for family.      

Obituary: Dorothy Lois Maw, The Dalles

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Dorothy Lois Maw passed away on February 2, 2024 in The Dalles, OR. She was born on April 6, 1933 in Chewela, WA to Alice (Cooley) Rieckers and Richard Rieckers. She grew up on a farm as an only child until she was 10 years old, when her sister Shirley was born. The family moved to Goldendale, WA when Dorothy was in grade school and she graduated from Goldendale High School in 1951. She then went on to attend college at Eastern Washington University where she studied business.

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Dorothy was featured in the Columbia Basin Care newsletter.

Dorothy married Elvis “John” Clary in 1953 and the couple welcomed three sons, Richard, Robert and Randall. Dorothy loved her sons with her whole heart, always doting upon them and ironing their clothes each day before school. Dorothy and John eventually parted ways and Dorothy worked hard raising her boys in Goldendale, with the help of her parents and sister, Shirley. In those years, Dorothy was briefly employed as a waitress at the Oasis and then as the lead checker at Safeway. Later on, Dorothy worked as the Deputy Treasurer for the Klickitat County Courthouse and remained in that position until her retirement. In 1972, Dorothy married William “Bill” Saunders. Bill and Dorothy had a loving and fun-filled marriage, traveling to Hawaii and also to various states while Bill represented the Klickitat Sawmill as their Union President. They loved to camp and spend time with their children. Bill passed away in 1982 and eventually Dorothy was swept off her feet by another man, “Vernie” Maw, whom she met at the Oasis in Goldendale. They later married and were together until Vern’s passing in 2012.

With Vern, Dorothy was able to experience the world through travel and visited China, Mexico, Hawaii, New Zealand, and Australia. One of Dorothy’s favorite memories in life was visiting the Great Wall of China. Dorothy also visited Romania in 2006 with her granddaughter Shelby and Dr. James Ogden of Goldendale, where they offered free eye exams and glasses for those in need. In her later years, Dorothy and Vern owned a timeshare and also had homes in Ocean Shores, WA and Mesa, AZ but always considered Goldendale and the Simcoe Mountains her home.

Dorothy was a dedicated grandmother to six granddaughters, one grandson and many beloved step-grandchildren. After raising three boys, she relished in the experience of being a grandma to so many girls. Dorothy was very talented at crocheting and knitting and was constantly making blankets, sweaters and hats for her grandchildren. Her grandkids have many fond memories of visiting her at her home in Goldendale while they were growing up and can still hear the clinking of her crochet needles. She loved putting them in cute outfits and taking them around town to show them off to her friends. She was an immensely proud grandma and deeply loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Dorothy thrived in social settings and made many wonderful friends over the years. You could often find her at the Legion in Goldendale. She wasn’t a drinker but she loved to chat and be around people. Dorothy was an amazing baker and fed her family delicious pies, cookies, and fudge. She was involved in the senior citizen community in Goldendale and was a proud member of the knitting club “The Yarn Benders”. Dorothy had a firecracker personality and will be remembered for her humor, honesty and her beautiful smile.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her three husbands; son Randie; and sister Shirley.

A memorial service will be held at Columbia Hills Memorial Chapel, 300 W. Broadway St. Goldendale, WA, on Saturday, February 17th at 1:00pm. Graveside following at Mt. View Cemetery IOOF, also in Goldendale. A celebration of Dorothy’s life will then be held at The American Legion, 108 N. Grant St. Goldendale, WA, where all are welcome to join.

Arrangements are under the direction of Columbia Hills Memorial Chapel • 300 W. Broadway Street (Post Office Box 134), Goldendale, Washington 98620 • (509) 772-2636.  Visit www.gardnerFH.com to share a story or leave a note for family.

Death Notice: Antonio Gallegos de Luna, 66, Hood River

Antonio Gallegos de Luna passed away January 20, 2024 at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland, Oregon. Antonio was born October 20,1957 and was 66 years of age at the time of passing.

The rosary for Antonio will be held on Friday, February 9, 2024 from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Andersons Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Ave, Hood River, OR 97031)

Mass for Antonio will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (1501 Belmont Ave, Hood River, OR 97031)

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: Margaret Kahler, 89, Hood River

Margaret Kahler, 89, of Hood River, Oregon, peacefully passed away on January 31, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on May 8, 1934, in Hood River, Oregon, to her loving parents Clarence and Ora Hausinger. Margaret was a quiet, giving, classy, strong, and loving individual.

Margaret graduated from Wy’East High School in 1953. She married Richard Kahler Sr., June 4, 1955. They were happily married for 60 years. Margaret dedicated many years of her life to her career at Stadelman Fruit Company as a longtime fruit packer. She took great pride in her work and was known for her diligence and commitment.

Outside of work, Margaret had a passion for gardening, particularly roses and dahlias. She was a master gardener and took joy in tending to her beautiful plants. Additionally, she enjoyed preserving fruits and was an avid orchardist. Margaret also found solace in caring for her tropical fish, creating a peaceful and serene environment for herself.

Margaret will be dearly missed by her surviving family members, including her daughter, Debbie Aylett, and son-in-law, Earl Aylett. She is also survived by her son, Richard Kahler Jr., and daughter-in-law, Kathy Kahler, as well as eight grandchildren and multiple great-grandchildren. Margaret is also survived by her siblings, Gary and LaRae, and her best friends, Elva and Ray Lane.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Richard Kahler Sr., her siblings John and Mary, her son Robert Kahler, and her grandson Brent Kahler.

A viewing service will be held on February 8th at Anderson's Tribute Center in Hood River from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The burial will take place at Idlewild Cemetery at the mausoleum on February 10th at 1:00 p.m. Victor Settje will serve as the celebrant for the ceremony. Please note that there will be no reception following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Meals-on-Wheels (https://www.hrvac.org/donate) or the Dementia Society of America (https://www.dementiasociety.org/donate) in Margaret's memory.

The family would like to thank Adventist Health Columbia Gorge Visiting Health, Providence Hospice of the Gorge and The Springs Footsteps Memory Care Unit.

 Anderson's Tribute Center in Hood River, Oregon, is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements.

Obituary: Elizabeth Jane Kollas “Betty”, 95, Hood River

Elizabeth Jane Kollas, “Betty” to most, passed away Saturday, January 27, shortly after her 95th birthday at the Hood River Care Center. Born in Rush City, MN, Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Fred & Freda Peterson, twin brother at birth, and her sister Jeanette Johnson.

After living for a brief time in Los Angeles, Betty moved to Hood River in 1951 where her parents had retired. There she met Alphonse “Bud” Kollas, Jr. whom she married in 1954. They raised their 4 children on the family farm atop the hill overlooking the valley where she remained for the next 69 years.

Betty loved music: a fan of Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Marty Robbins. She played guitar, piano, organ, and accordion by ear. She often accompanied her father and uncles at Polkas in her youth. She also was a passionate crafter and had numerous sewing, knitting, crocheting, and other projects going at any time.

Betty was deeply involved in the Hood River Adult Center, working diligently to move the old Senior Center to its new location off Brookside Dr and serving on the Board for many years. She volunteered a tremendous amount of time ensuring the meal programs and thrift store were well established to support the community. Her grandchildren often accompanied in these efforts and embrace her commitment to community service and a passion for thrifting to this day.

A real “people-person”, Betty was also very involved in the local Rebekah Lodge and embraced the Odd Fellow's commitment to reach out to her community in Friendship, Love, and Truth.

Betty is survived by extended family including her children; Keith “Lennie” Kollas, Ken (and Darlene) Kollas, Linda (and Peter) Shames, and Michelle (and Jose) Calderon, grandchildren; Karen (and Jaime) Loomis, Nicole (and Justin Griffeth) Shames, Danielle Shames, Ana (and Greg) Kolberg, Raquel Calderon, Gabriella Calderon, and Vicente Calderon, and her great-grandchildren Dillon Loomis and Piper & Leah Griffeth.

Memorial contributions could be made in Betty’s name to the Hood River Adult Center and an Open House celebrating her life will be held Sunday, January 11 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 3381 Kollas Rd, Hood River, OR 97031

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: Tristin Cole Baker, 15, Hood River

Tristin Cole Baker was born February 24, 2008, at 3:35 p.m. at Hood River Memorial Hospital to Scott Lawrence Baker and Chelsey Mae Elliott. Tristin has been a fighter since birth, having been born nine days late, delivered by emergency C-section after 19 hours of labor, with his cord wrapped around his feet. Tristin passed Monday, January 22, 2024, in Hood River, OR.

     In all areas of his life, Tristin used his talents and abilities to be the best he could be.  He was a loving and respectful son to his parents and his brothers Tysen and little Tate, but he also loved being a "Big Brother" while working at the Chalk School of Movement the past 3 summers as a youth leader.  There he spent time with young people swimming, hiking, and finding new adventures. Tristin knew no strangers and loved to meet new friends.  He lit up the room he walked into with his smile and his contagious laugh. He entertained friends with his love of music, his dance moves, and his creative song lyrics. His many nicknames, "Big Tree" (from his dad), "T", "Tris",  "Javi", and "TBake",  show the affection his friends and family had for him.  His personality made him the true "Life of the Party". Many friends and family have described him as "kind, polite, respectful, generous, and full of leadership qualities". These leadership qualities served him well in the many sports in which he participated.

     The first sport Tristin excelled in was Wrestling, where he was coached by his Father, Scott, and his Uncle Sean Baker at Elite Edge Academy from ages 5-8. His record was 121 wins and 2 losses. Tristin's leadership skills were beginning to emerge as he encouraged his teammates by setting a good example. In his first year of competition, he took 2nd at the State Tourney. In his 2nd year, he took 1st at State, and then Tristin won all four tournaments statewide in the Tour of Oregon, pinning his way through.  During 6th grade, he placed 4th at Regionals and was the only 6th grader from both HR Middle School and Wy'East Middle School to qualify for State. He continued to compete through 8th grade for Wy'East Middle School, where he won 2nd in Regionals and 3rd in State.

     Tristin was a true natural for playing Football...working hard, staying focused, determined to do well, and encouraging his teammates to do the same. From age 5 through sixth grade, Tristin was coached by his father. He was an excellent Quarterback and could read Defenses very well as a young player.  He loved staying outside past dark while he and his Dad practiced passing the ball. While in the eighth grade, he was the first player ever from HRVHS to be selected to play in the Oregon All-Stars Game in Corvallis. As a Freshman on the HRVHS team, he stood out among all Freshmen from all schools as a player with passion and talent to go with it.  In his position as Outside Linebacker on Defense, he sometimes played as a Defensive End and was able to excel there despite being undersized for the position. In his Sophomore year, Tristin played on the Varsity team as a "2-way Starter" at Free Safety on Defense and a Receiver on Offense. He also turned out to be a great Kicker.

     Baseball playing filled in many summers for Tristin. He started at age 5 with the Hood River Little League Coach Pitch team, playing until age 12. At the age of 10, Tristin's All-Stars team won the District Championship, then went on to play in the State Playoffs, coming in 3rd in the State of Oregon.  From the age of 9 to age 14, Tristin played Travel Ball and Whitecaps Ball.  As a Freshman at HRVHS, Tristin lettered in Varsity Baseball. He started in left field for 17 games, including the State Playoff game, where he went 2-3 with an RBI. He was an outstanding Defense outfielder with excellent speed and a strong throwing arm, as well as an encourager to all his teammates.

Services for Tristin are planned for 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 10th, 2024 at the Hood River Valley High School Gymnasium (1220 Indian Creek Rd, Hood River, OR 97031 ).

Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note for Tristan’s family or upload special pictures.

Donations for family can be made at  https://www.gofundme.com/f/tristin-baker-celebration-of-life

Obituary: Michael Woodside, 80, The Dalles

On January 23, 2024, The Dalles community lost one of its brightest stars that shone light everywhere he went. Michael Woodside, 80, passed peacefully with family at his side at his home in The Dalles.

Michael was born October 10, 1943, in The Dalles, Oregon to Vern Woodside and Jean (nee Woodcock) Woodside. His parents preceded him in death.

Mike made this community his lifelong home and embodied a welcoming approach. It was not uncommon to see how everyone he met became a fast friend when greeted by his big smile and huge personality.

He has always been a genuine person who stopped and listened when he asked how someone was doing, rarely talking about himself. One of his driving mantras has always been to live by the integrity of one’s character. He saw a person’s word as their bond. His mother taught him these principles, and Mike used them to grow into who he became as an ethical, caring person who touched many lives throughout the Gorge.

After graduating from Maupin High School, Mike earned an Associate degree in Accounting at the Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls, where he played baseball. He pressed on with his education at Oregon State University, where he continued his love of baseball by serving as scorekeeper for the team.

Upon returning to the Gorge, he launched his first career in The Dalles within the banking field. Mike then transitioned into the real estate industry after discovering his love for this field. Since then, he has been a Real Estate Broker for more than 50 years. He started his career with Kargl, Elwood, and Geiger. When they closed, he went to work at Windemere Real Estate Columbia Gorge until his retirement.

Over the years, Mike has become known as a cherished community icon. Many people whose lives were touched by his generosity and kindness will gladly tell you that he has been a most loved and respected person within the community, and Mike often was the first person to step up and take care of others.

Living every day to the fullest, Mike shared his enthusiasm for the joy of life by meeting up with his beloved morning Coffee Group, cooking for others (including his famous meatloaf or cheesecakes), hand-making cradles for expectant co-workers, family, and friends, and happily acting as “Papa’s Taxi” for his beloved grandchildren, shuttling them between sports and school.

Mike is survived by his daughters Summer Woodside and her children Jameson Woodside and Keevan Kochis and daughter Tiffany Woodside and her children Lulu and Kaia Grasa, as well as several cherished nieces, nephews, and a beloved sister-in-law.

He is also survived by his former wife Marilyn (nee Brisbine) Woodside - they divorced in 1986. Mike was preceded in death by his brothers Tom Woodside and Bob Woodside.

A celebration of life will be scheduled at a date TBD in March; for details, reach out to Summer Woodside who is coordinating the service. Interment of ashes was done.

Contributions in Mike’s memory can be made to The Dalles’ American Legion Hustlers Baseball Group, in which he had been involved for 30 years, or the Annual Pig Bowl, another cause that Mike held near and dear to his heart.

The family extends a special thank you to all of Mike’s friends who visited him during his illness. They provided comforting support during his final weeks. Additionally, many thanks are given to his caregiver Ashley Brace and Windemere Real Estate Columbia Gorge.

Mike’s legacy to everyone is to continuously be inspired to live every day fully, find a path for being of service and helping others, and live by the strength of one’s ethical character.

As Mike would always say "Be a one-hundred percenter". His daughter encourages everyone to live every day like Mike Woodside did.

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: Donald Thomas McDermott, Jr., 70, Murdock

Donald Thomas McDermott, Jr.

Donald Thomas McDermott, Jr., 70, of Murdock, Washington, crossed the silver glass on May 15, 2023. He withstood cancer for two years and defeated it by crossing at home, listening to poetry read by his wife and son.

Born on May 7th, 1953, in Winchester, Massachusetts, he was the son of Mary and Donald T. McDermott, Sr. He is survived by his wife, Sarah Delano, who said “I do” on the shores of Little Pleasant Bay in 1989. His aunt, Barbara, his stepmother JoAnne, his siblings, David and Anne Marie, their children, and his son Connor also celebrate his memory.

Don, or “McD” as he was affectionately known, loved the Columbia River Gorge. In summer, you could find him sailing or kitesurfing until sunset, coming in off the river with a gleaming grin just as the light dipped below the hills. In winter, he would be up in those same hills, skiing down the slopes and grabbing a quick peanut butter sandwich—on his classic homemade bread—before hitting the slopes again.

In the shadow of the Columbia’s basalt cliffs, he and Sarah put down roots, and together carved Scorched Earth Vineyards out of the desert. They were active members of the Columbia Gorge Winegrower’s Association, which grew this region into a full-blown American Viticultural Area.

Although multi-talented, Don’s final career was as a real estate agent. He specialized in large parcels and loved hiking property lines with the many bird dogs he raised and trained. As part of this work, he brokered deals that helped many local businesses bloom.

Don was also a public servant. As president of the Dallesport-Murdock Community Council, he stood up for the people whenever they needed a voice and worked late into the night researching and debating the best pathways for his community.

Don McDermott was a scholar, a hooligan, and a daring dreamer.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made in Don’s memory to the Southern Poverty Law Center.

The family will be hosting a traditional Irish Wake on March 17, 2024, time and place to be determined. Please come and celebrate McD with us.

Kindly RSVP to mcdswake@gmail.com mcdswake@gmail.com

Death Notice: Michael Woodside, 80, The Dalles

Michael Woodside passed away on January 23, 2024, at home in The Dalles, Oregon. Michael was born October 10, 1943, and was 80 years of age at the time of passing.  

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: Carole Laughlin, Hood River

Carole Laughlin passed away on January 21, 2024, in Hood River, Oregon. Carol was born on December 9, 1947, and was 76 years of age at the time of her passing.  

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: Russell Ray Collie, 57, Hood River

Russell Ray Collie, age 57, passed away in his Hood River home on December 9, 2023. Russ was born in Hood River, Oregon on March 6, 1966, to Colonel Collie and Nancy (Ward) Steele.  

As a youngster, Russ enjoyed cars and airplane models. He loved spending 􀆟me with his grandfather, Maynard Ward, who introduced him to the exciting world of electronics. It wasn’t long before Russ received his Ham Radio License and was talking to people all over the world! Russ was also a talented musician and enjoyed jamming on the piano and guitar.  

During Russ’s adolescent years, he began playing team sports. Russ excelled in basketball, football and track. Russ even performed as Danny Zuko in the High School Drama Play “Grease” which was a huge success. He had an intelligent mind and was quite accomplished in academics. Russ loved the outdoors; during summer breaks he worked as a white-water rafting guide in White Salmon and a deckhand at Lost Lake where he met his true love Raelynn (Smith) Collie.  

Following High School, Russ pursued his passion for electronics, eventually graduating from the Oregon Institute of Technology. Then Russ and Raelynn were married and went on to build a beautiful family together. Russ enjoyed family immensely. He especially enjoyed long summer camping trips up at Lost Lake where they would meet up with extended family, swim, go fishing, build campfires, and make lifelong memories. Russ and his family resided in the Portland area for many years. He was employed as a senior engineer for Vidco of Beaverton, designing equipment for the medical field, for over 25 years and would often be seen pulling into work on his motorcycle; another fun hobby of his.  

Russ was preceded in death by his daughter, Emma Collie, and his mother, Nancy (Ward) Steele. He is survived by his children Taylor, Ella, and Trenton Collie; his grandsons Levi Collie, August Martinez V, and Maze Martinez; his father, Colonel Collie, and stepmother, Tina Collie; his sister, Annette Collie and two nieces, Nicole (Herman) Phelps and Jessica (Herman) Linton, in addition to numerous well-loved relatives, in-laws and friends.  

Russ truly enjoyed visiting with people, and he had a big heart! May he rest in peace.  

A celebration of life for Russ will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Tucker Road Baptist Church (1455 Tucker Rd, Hood River, OR 97031). 

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

Death Notice: Carol Ann Berry, 72, Hood River

Carol Ann Berry passed away on January 19, 2024, at home in Hood River, Oregon. Carol was born October 18, 1951, and was 72 years of age at the time of passing.   

Services are planned for Carol as follows;  

A time to visit with family, view and watch a special tribute video created by family  

10:00 a.m. to noon Friday, February 2, 2024 at Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.    

Graveside Committal  

2:00 p.m., Friday, February 2, 2024, at Mountain View Memorial Cemetery of Hood River, Oregon. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family. 

Death Notice: Miranda “Mandy” Archer, 36, Goldendale

Miranda “Mandy” Archer of Goldendale, Washington passed away tragically on January 6, 2024 in a car accident in Hood River, Oregon. Mandy was born August 22, 1987 and was only 36 years of age at the time of passing.

Mandy’s passing leaves much heartache with family, gifts to assist family can be made at this gofundme.

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: Louis “Butch” Mohr, 65, Hood River

Louis “Butch” Mohr passed away on January 10, 2024, at Columbia Basin Care Facility in The Dalles, Oregon. Butch was born on February 12, 1958, in Hood River, Oregon, and was 65 years of age at the time of passing.

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: Brandon Daniel Slack

Brandon Daniel Slack

December 8, 1981  -  January 1, 2024

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: Alma Rosa Campos Nolasco, 45, Hood River

Alma Rosa Campos Nolasco passed away on January 1, 2024, at home in Hood River, Oregon.

Rosa was born on November 1, 1978. She was 45 years of age at the time of passing. 

A time for viewing will be held 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Friday, January 5, 2024, at Anderson’s Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Ave, Hood River, OR 97031). Funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 6, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (1501 Belmont Ave, Hood River, OR 97031) with burial to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery (1225 Tucker Road, Hood River, OR 97031).

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: David Warnock, 66, The Dalles

David Warnock passed away December 30, 2023, at home in The Dalles, Oregon. David was born on June 5, 1957. He was 66 years of age at the time of passing.

Services are pending with arrangements 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: Esther Marie Green Socolofsky, 93, Hood River

Hood River Ore. Jan. 4, 2024 — Esther Marie Green Socolofsky, a long-time resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and a more recent resident of Scottsdale, Arizona, died after a brief illness on Friday, December 22, 2023, in Hood River, Oregon. She was 93 years old.

Born December 19, 1930, in Pittsburg, Kansas, to Hallie (Hutcheson) Green and Finis M. Green, she was the younger sister of Ruth. During her formative years in Kansas, she studied piano and voice, sang in choirs, sketched, painted, and developed a love of leading groups of people in activities involving the arts. In her senior year of high school, when her father joined the faculty of Kansas State University, she moved with her family from Pittsburg to Manhattan, KS, where she met her lifelong sweetheart, Marion David (Soc) Socolofsky.

There was a strong attraction between the two from the moment they first saw each other, his dark eyes dancing as he whistled at her in Sunday School (where his older brother Homer was their teacher), teasingly complimenting her and acknowledging that she was dressed more formally in her Pittsburg-style than was the norm in Manhattan. When in the coming weeks she heard his beautiful tenor voice, she was smitten.  

An education major with concentrations in Art and English, Esther graduated from Kansas State University in 1953, where she was a member of Mortar Board (leadership honorary), Phi Kappa Phi (academic honorary), Delta Delta Delta sorority, and the K-State advanced choir. She and Soc married on June 28, 1953, at First United Methodist Church in Manhattan and enjoyed 59 years of partnership and love as a married couple. Their connection was so strong that one person commented that they were like the tree and the barbed wire that grew together: it was difficult to tell where one stopped and the other started. After living in Texas and Florida (as Soc completed his Ph.D. at the University of Texas and served in the Air Force), they became deeply involved in their university and church communities in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where Soc was an LSU professor and chaired the Microbiology department and Esther worked across the community and state in music, the arts, and education, with particular emphasis on working with young people. 

As a teacher and choir director, Esther utilized art and music in interdisciplinary approaches and fulfilled her great passion for helping young people develop by directing the University United Methodist Church Chapel Choir (a youth choir for grades 7-12, singing for the 8:30 a.m. service every Sunday) for over thirty years. She and Soc were mentors to over 1,000 young people who performed in Chapel Choir elaborate productions that toured across the United States, with the final tour to the Grand Canyon State of Arizona presaging where she would live after Soc’s death. Esther utilized her visual and musical art in all aspects of the productions, including scene and costume design as well as musical direction. She engaged choir parents to utilize their talents in every aspect of production, from lighting, and sound, to set design and costume production. She found a special role for every member of the choir in each production, playing to their unique talents and abilities.

One of the highlights of Esther’s career was producing a gathering of more than 10,000 United Methodists in Baton Rouge, drawing from her theatrical background and capacity to engage volunteers to creatively use the space for preaching-in-the-round by some of the most noted United Methodist preachers of the time, with a large-scale fountain built by volunteers serving as the centerpiece of the stage, a mass choir singing, and all groups among the 10,000 people processing in with colorful banners they had made. 

Esther supported Soc’s career and activities, with active engagement and leadership in the LSU Campus Club, hosting epic parties for the LSU Microbiology department faculty and graduate students, attending American Society for Microbiology meetings across the country with Soc across five decades, and participating in the Dean’s Circle of the LSU College of Science. Together, they shared a love not only of music but of sports, having season tickets to LSU football and basketball games for years and attending men's and women's basketball games up until the time of Soc’s death. 

After Soc’s death, Esther moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, to be near family, where she resided for almost 11 years at McDowell Village, a wonderful community of seniors and tremendous staff where she thrived. She spent her final months in 2023 enjoying family in the Pacific Northwest in Hood River, Oregon, where she was able to see more than 20 family members and friends who came to visit, enjoyed excursions, wine tastings, picnics, and the beauty of the mountains, and quickly forged strong relationships with new friends there. 

In the wake of her death, her family has received beautiful messages from friends, family, and choir members about her impact on their lives. The word ‘light’ is repeated through so many of the messages as a descriptor of what she gave the world. Many have referred to her as ‘their other mother.’ For Esther, love was not a limited commodity; love was limitless. When reflecting on her years with her youth choir, she told her daughter, ‘I loved every one of them.’ They felt that, and she was so proud until her death of the way that the alumni of her choir went on to make such positive contributions to the world. 

Esther was a savant with people, a magician who could see the best in people and help them bring their best to the world. She was a creative force who loved life, loved the beauty of the natural world, stayed abreast of current events, continued to cheer for her LSU Tigers (the only time anyone ever heard her raise her voice), reveled in picnics in the beauty of nature and had just enough mischief to make her fun. She died in view of majestic Mt. Adams, of which upon seeing for the first time from her window she said, ‘I lift up mine eyes to the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.’ In the hours before her death, a robin (Soc’s favorite bird) sang beautifully at her window, the clouds lifted and the sun came out, illuminating an enormous rainbow visible from her room, and hundreds of geese flew overhead, honking and calling. She passed gently, surrounded by beauty. 

Esther is survived by her daughters and their husbands, Kathleen Socolofsky and Bob Gregoire (Davis, CA) and Mary Sue and Paul Ingraham (Hood River Oregon), grandson John Ingraham and his wife Miriam Huntley (Cambridge, MA), grandson David Ingraham and his partner Jackie Sreenan (White Salmon, WA) and great-grandson Lev Abraham Huntley Ingraham, whose birth she lived to celebrate and whose first weeks of life she witnessed, thanks to FaceTime. She is survived by beloved nieces and nephews and grandnieces and nephews across the United States.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hallie and Finis Green, her sister and brother-in-law, Ruth (Green) and Alden Stockinger, and sisters- and brothers-in-law Homer and Helen Socolofsky, Mildred (Socolofsky) and John Lindholm, and Dorothy (Socolofsky) Graham. She is preceded in death, also, by her nephews Jimmie Graham and Tom Socolofsky. Dorothy’s husband, Jim Graham, the last of the Socolofskys’ ‘outlaw’ inlaws, died within 24 hours following Esther’s death. 

Memorial arrangements are pending. Contributions may be made to the Esther Socolofsky Memorial Fund at University United Methodist Church, 3350 Dalrymple, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, or a charity of your choice. A special thank you is given from the family to Parkhurst Place and Providence Hospice in Hood River, Oregon, for your loving care and support. 

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: Rosemary Melinda Libby, 72, Hood River

Rosemary Melinda Libby

Rosemary Melinda Libby passed away on December 30, 2023, at home in Hood River, Oregon. Rosemary was born on November 11, 1951. She was 72 years of age at the time of passing. 

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: Jerry Crapper, 73, Hood River

Jerry Crapper

Jerry Crapper passed away on December 28th, 2023, at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital in Hood River, Oregon.

Jerry was born on September 5th, 1950. He was 73 years of age at the time of passing.  

Jerry was born in Hood River, Oregon to William and Flossie (Grogan) Crapper.  He was a lifelong resident of the Hood River Valley, graduated from Wy’East High School in 1968, attended Clatsop Community College, and worked for the Hood River School District for 24 years. He was part of the Hood River Valley FFA and 4H, and he enjoyed sports and being a part of the Projector Club. 

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and survived by distant family and friends. 

Jerry will be laid to rest in the family plot at Idlewilde Cemetery on Friday, January 5th, 2024 at 11 a.m.   

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, OR 97031.   

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