Death Notice: Judy Kay Roberts, 83, Hood River

Judy Kay Roberts passed away on November 15, 2024, in Hood River, Oregon. Judy was born December 12, 1940, and was 83 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: Carol Estelle Williams, 93, Stevenson

Carol Estelle Williams of Stevenson, Washington passed away on November 9th, 2024 in Vancouver, Washington.

Carol was born February 22nd, 1931 and was 93 years of age at the time of passing.   Services are pending with arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  

Carol will be laid to rest with her husband Jack at the Lanark Cemetery (Lanark, Illinois).  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Robert Peleshok “Rob”, 61, Hood River

Robert Peleshok “Rob” passed away on October 24, 2024, in Hood River, Oregon. Rob was born August 24, 1963, and was 61 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: Jimmy Dale Drennan, Sr., 82, The Dalles

Jimmy Dale Drennan, Sr. passed away October 29th, 2024 at Columbia Basin in The Dalles, Oregon. Jimmy Drennan Sr. was born October 20th, 1942 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and was 82 years of age at the time of passing.  

Services are planned for 1:00 P.M., Saturday, November 9, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (1825 May Street, Hood River, OR 97031). Jimmy will be laid to rest at Idlewilde Cemetery (980 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: Constance E. Blasie, 80, Hood River

Constance E. Blasie passed away on October 16, 2024, in Hood River, Oregon. Constance was born on April 14, 1944, and was 80 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.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Renée Anne Clarke, 42, Parkdale

Renée Anne Clarke passed away October 10th, 2024 at her home in  Parkdale, Oregon. Renée was born December 5th, 1981 and was 42 years of age at the time of passing.  

Hello, World!

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.

Hello, World!

Obituary: Conrad Nielsen, 83, Hood River

Conrad Nielsen passed away on September 25th, 2024, two days before his 84th birthday. He was at home in Hood River, Oregon surrounded by family and loved until the very end. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Conrad Chris Nielsen was born at home on his family farm, in Hurley, South Dakota on September 27th, 1940. He was the firstborn of four to Harold and Ruby Nielsen. Conrad spent many of his early days with his beloved grandmother Emelia Nielsen who immigrated from Denmark to the United States for a better life, in fact, Conrad spoke only Danish until he was 6 years old. Conrad, Ralph, Charlotte, and Jane all worked on the farm with their parents.

From his early days, he dreamt of designing cars for the automobile industry. He was recruited to go to college but left before graduating to help his parents on the farm. His first dream of designing cars eventually evolved into rebuilding cars and culminated with his opening Nielsen Auto Body, which served the Hood River Valley for 25 years. 

Conrad had two sons born in South Dakota, Warren and Lance, from his first marriage in 1962. In the early 1970’s he moved from South Dakota to Oregon in search of a new start where he found the love of his life Christina Nielsen. His two daughters, Heidi and Julie were born in Hood River, Oregon.

He loved playing softball and bowling and a good game of cards. He taught his children how to play cribbage, letting them win until they won on their own. He was a formidable player of Hearts — running the table nearly every time. 

He was a lifelong fan of the Denver Broncos and the Portland Trail Blazers, Monday Night Football, and CNN News Hour.

Over the last few years of his life, he still loved tinkering in his shop but spent most of his time calling and texting his children and his grandchildren to make sure they were okay and that they knew he loved them — and feeding table scraps to Molly the Dog.

There is not a person who met Conrad who didn’t feel his light and his love. His smile lit up the room. His hug made you feel like the world was alright. He was a father, a friend, and a steadfast foundation for so many throughout his life. He had an extraordinary ability to make everyone he met feel deeply cared for.

Conrad is survived by his wife, Christina Nielsen; his children Warren Nielsen, Lance Nielsen (and spouse Leahanne Nielsen), Heidi Nielsen (and spouse David Combe), and Julie Nielsen (and spouse Kent Craford); his grandchildren Tyler, Timothy, Ruby, Conrad, Olivia, Nora, Lela, Astrid, Holden, Carissa and Connor; his siblings Ralph and Charlotte.
A private family memorial was held on October 7th.

Death Notice: Deborah Ann Larsen, 68, Battleground

Deborah Ann Larsen passed away September 17th, 2024 in Battleground, Washington. Deborah was born December 25th, 1955  in Redmond, Oregon  and was 68 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: Leota Elaine Lariza “Lee”, 92, Hood River

Leota Elaine Lariza “Lee” passed away on October 1st, 2024 in Hood River, Oregon. Lee was born on August 1, 1932, and was 92 years of age at the time of her passing.  

Lee was born in Pierre, South Dakota to Aleta & Ralph Harvey.  She moved with her family to Bremerton, Washington where she attended  Western Washington University and received her Masters in Education.  She met Frank Lariza and soon thereafter the couple were married.

Lee and Frank moved to Eugene, Oregon where she taught elementary at Junction City, Oregon while Frank received his Doctorate from the University of Oregon.  They then moved to Hood River, Oregon where Frank became Superintendent and Lee taught at Chenowith Elementary.  She then taught 3rd grade at Mosier Elementary.  At this time both her and Frank bought their first orchard in Hood River.  Some years later both Lee and Frank retired and traveled together and had all sorts of adventures together.  Frank passed away in 2003.

Lee is survived by children; Michael (& Debbie) Lariza; Don (& Kris) Lariza; grandchildren, Matt, Crystal, Angela, Chase and Trevor.

Private family services are planned and Lee’s urn will be placed with Frank at the family’s orchard.

Education was important to Lee and her family suggests that any donations made be to either the Hood River Library or Hood River Education.

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: Laurene Lou (Hayzlett) Sallee, 85, The Dalles

Laurene Lou Hayzlett

Laurene Lou Sallee, born February 16, 1938, in Portland, Oregon, to Marietta Cross-Hayzlett and Andrew Hayzlett, passed peacefully on September 21, 2024.

Laurene’s family moved to The Dalles around 1949, where she graduated from The Dalles High School in 1954. In 1970, she married Bill Sallee, the love of her life, and together they shared 54 wonderful years. While raising her four children, Laurene balanced various jobs and activities, though her true passion lay in caring for her family.

A dedicated gardener, Laurene spent countless hours cultivating her garden, experimenting with different plants and landscaping ideas. Her beautiful garden was featured in a local garden tour, a proud moment for her. Laurene also had a knack for creating beautiful flower arrangements, once transforming the woodshed into a flower shed where she sold dried arrangements and rustic benches made by Bill.

Family was at the heart of Laurene’s life. She loved hosting gatherings, holidays, and celebrations, cherishing the time spent with her children, grandchildren, and extended family, including her brothers and the many reunions with the Hayzlett and Sallee families. She also had a special fondness for the Oregon Coast, where countless joyful memories were made.

Laurene loved to travel. Her and Bill went on many road trip adventures across the United States and Canada, often meeting up with her best friend, Dawn Galliano, and her husband, Bruno, along the way.

She is survived by her four children: son Paul Sallee and daughters Tina (Brett) Kaseberg, Dawn (Jeff) Sallee-Justesen, and Nancy Sallee; her grandchildren Stephanie, Stacey, Casey, Cody, Corin, Shelby, Hollee, Maggie, Hunter, Nathan, and Lilly; ten amazing great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart.

Laurene was preceded in death by her brothers Dick, Roland, Wesley, Winston, and Frank; her parents; her grandson William Justesen; and her cherished friend Dawn Galliano.

A memorial gathering will be held on October 4th at 1 PM at the Bargeway Pub Event Space.

Death Notice: Lynde Sue Fink Curtis, 70, White Salmon

Lynde Sue Fink Curtis

Lynde Sue Fink Curtis of Klickitat, Washington passed away September 21st , 2024, in White Salmon, Washington with her daughter and granddaughter by her side.

Lynde was born January 29th, 1954 in White Salmon, Washington, she was 70 years of age at the time of passing. Memorial Services in Klickitat are pending and will be announced soon.

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

Death Notice: Alan Winans, 88, Hood River

Alan Winans passed away on September 19th, 2024 in Hood River, Oregon. Alan was born August 3rd, 1936, and was 88 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: Stephen Kelly Ford, 66, Hood River

Stephen grew up in Edgecliff, Texas (a small community outside Fort Worth) and was the oldest of three brothers. Adventure, Life Experiences, and Family were always a top priority in the Ford house; every summer, the family would road trip to new destinations, which always included visiting extended family.

Stephen preferred to spend most of his free time outdoors, making friends and creating adventures wherever possible. Whether riding his motorcycle or trying to teach the family walking horse to buck, Stephen was an instigator of fun and a lover of animals.

 From a young age, Stephen was drawn to alternative sports like rock climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, rodeo, hockey, rugby, and windsurfing. During college, Stephen joined the pro rodeo circuit as a rough stock rider, where he attempted, sometimes successfully, to stay on bucking broncos bareback and riding bulls. Success meant bringing home a few belts, several knocked-out teeth, and usually just enough money to get him to the next event. Through rodeo, he made lifelong friends Stephen would always refer to as family.

 During his early years, Stephen learned the value of hard work. Whether bucking hay, working in construction in the Texas heat, or driving heavy machinery, Stephen never shied away from the tough jobs, and he always found a way to “cowboy up and git R done!”

 Stephen attended Texas Tech University, where he was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity; the University of Wyoming, where he earned a Bachelor of Science with a major in Geology; and Texas Christian University, where he studied Real Estate, Finance, and Accounting. An opportunity to take on a foreign assignment with General Dynamics prevented him from completing his master’s degree.

 As a global logistics manager on F-16 programs at General Dynamics, Stephen helped families relocate to overseas positions successfully. His work took him to Taiwan, Korea, and Israel. These experiences profoundly shaped his perspective and deepened his appreciation for his U.S. citizenship.

 Once back in the United States, Stephen took a "walkabout" in his truck camper, seeking new adventures and the perfect place to begin the next phase of his life. He found it in Bend, Oregon, where he settled down with his first wife, Marsha, whom he met while mountain biking in Utah. In Bend, he embarked on a remarkable career in commercial real estate.

 In 2003, Stephen met his second wife, Karen, through a mutual friend and mentor. Their relationship led to the most epic adventure of his life: raising their son, Parker. The family moved to Hood River in 2005, where Stephen became a vibrant and committed community member. Though they divorced in 2020, Stephen and Karen's dedication to co-parenting Parker in the family home led to a strengthened relationship, marked by mutual respect and friendship that has endured to this day.

 Stephen was known by many of his colleagues as a compassionate person who happened to be a commercial broker. His motto in or outside work was always "treat others as you want to be treated." Therefore, he approached most interactions with empathy, honesty, politeness, and respect. He even gave random telemarketers the courtesy of his time before politely declining their call while offering them feedback and ideas.

 Stephen earned the CCIM designation, demonstrating his expertise in commercial real estate, investment, market, and financial analyses. He mentored many in the Portland and Columbia Gorge communities and was a valuable resource for discussing potential commercial investments.

 Forever grateful to be a part of this community, Stephen was always eager to give back. He did so through his various affiliations, such as the Rotary Club, where he served one term as Hood River Chapter President, as a Lego League Robotics Coach, as a multi-year trail guide at Mountain Bike Oregon, and by working to improve mountain bike trails and elk habitat.

 Once Parker reached high school, Stephen vigorously pursued his burgeoning passions for fly fishing and bow hunting. He eventually bought a camper and began planning his retirement, which included cruising around the US to hunt, fish, and mountain bike with friends.

 In early June of this year, just one year into semi-retirement, Stephen received the shocking news of metastatic bladder cancer. He faced this diagnosis head-on with determination. His due diligence in investigating treatment options led him to join an immunotherapy trial at MD Anderson in Houston before cystectomy. Three days after his first infusion, Stephen fell ill and began to decline quickly. While many believed his discomfort was due to an adverse reaction to the therapy, a scan eventually revealed radical metastasis, including bone cancer.

 Through his swift decline, Stephen was surrounded by love. His dear friends in Houston, Karen, younger brother Roger, Parker, his deeply committed sister and brother-in-law, and the expert team at Providence Hospice supported him. It should be noted that before entering hospice, Stephen received the most loving and professional care from the 2nd-floor nurses and CNAs at Providence Hood River, a nurturing experience for which his family is forever grateful.

 Here are a few of Stephen's favorite things: family, Tex Mex, Texas BBQ, a top-shelf margarita, live music, playing guitar, hitting the trails on his mountain bike or with a ruck, tracking elk, archery, trap shooting, fly fishing, smoking meat, camping with friends, and the Dallas Cowboys.

 Stephen is survived by his loving son, Parker; his ex-wife and life partner, Karen; his younger brother, Roger; his nieces and nephews, Raegan, Romy, Ryan, Johnny, Jessica, and Jake; his in-laws, Gordie, Mike, Cathy, Crystal, and Sandy; numerous awesome cousins and his sweet dog, Migo. Our hearts mourn, but we know Stephen is finally pain-free and conjuring another adventure from heaven while reuniting with his deceased parents and brother, Larry.

 SERVICE

 Private family services will be held in Hood River, Oregon, and Fort Worth, Texas. Throughout the year, celebrations of life will be planned for Stephen's community of close friends, colleagues, and extended relatives.

 Instead of flowers, please consider donating to the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund in honor of Stephen. The fund invests in projects that connect youth and families in diverse and underserved communities to the outdoors, as well as programs that restore healthy ecosystems to benefit Oregon's fish and wildlife and improve the health of our environment for future generations.

 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.

Service Announcement: John P. Wright, 84, Hood River

John P. Wright, of Hood River, Oregon died September 4, 2024. John was born October 12, 1939 and was 84 at the time of his passing.

A viewing and time to visit with family will be from 4:00-6:00 P.M., on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at Anderson’s Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Ave, Hood River, OR 97031).

John’s burial will take place at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Great River Natural Burial, 2350 Carroll Road, Mosier, OR 97040.

A memorial service is pending in November and will be announced later with John’s life story.

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: Jack Edward Lorts, 84, The Dalles

Jack Edward Lorts passed away on September 4, 2024, at OHSU Hospitals and Clinics in Portland, Oregon. Jack was born September 4, 1940, and was 84 at the time of passing. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • Celilo Chapel 204 E. 4th Street, The Dalles, Oregon 97058.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Obituary: Darold LeRoy Arrington, 90, Parkdale

Darold LeRoy Arrington

Darold LeRoy Arrington came into this world on June 7, 1934 in Medford, Oregon. He was an only child to his parents Lloyd W Arrington and Bertha C. Whiteley Arrington.

In his early years, his father worked in logging camps around Oregon, but when it came time to settle down and go to school, Darold’s father cleared a place in Canby, Oregon and built a home with no indoor plumbing, but it had a well with an indoor pump. Over the years the family moved to Yreka, Portland and then to Jacksonville to be near family. Darold’s father passed away when Darold was only 15, and he and his mother moved to Portland before eventually settling in Long Beach, California.

In 1957 Darold was drafted into the US Army where he served honorably for three years. When he got out of the Army, he went to work for North America Aviation & Autonetics in Santa Ana, California. There he met Jenna Lee Coady on a blind date, and they were married on September 23, 1961. They moved to Orange, California and had five children.

In 1970, Darold moved his family to Roseburg, Oregon for a short time before settling in Parkdale, Oregon in 1971 where he resided for 52 years. Over the years, Darold showed his handy side by his ability to fix anything from plumbing, electronics, and mechanics while he worked for Ted Hackett’s TV and repair, Paul Henny as well as Paddock’s fixing CB radios. In 1979 he was hired on at The United Telephone Company as a Central Office Technician until he retired in 1999. Darold was a hard worker and made sure Jenna Lee was able to maintain her dream of keeping horses and a small farm. He was always bucking hay even though he had hay fever.

Throughout his life, Darold played the guitar and sang for the community and his church. Those who knew him will tell you that his voice rang out with a beautiful clarity. He even continued to sing for residents and staff at Brookside during his last year there. We will miss that voice very much.

Darold was adventurous, and he traveled the world with Jenna Lee by his side. They visited Hawaii, The Caribbean, Bahamas, Cook Islands, Fiji, Alaska, Canada, and took a three-month trip to Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania as well as a total of 6 months across the United States!

Darold was wonderful husband and father as well as a faithful man, serving his church as a Deacon, teacher and singer.

Darold is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jenna Lee Arrington; His children Bryon (Dixie); Bruce (Hope); Brad; Julie (Tony) Clark; and Justine (John) Andersen. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 6 great -grandchildren.

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1

A memorial service for Darold will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Faith Bible Church, 1889 Belmont Drive, Hood River, Oregon 97031.

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

Death Notice: Sidney Allen Miller, 77, Hood River

Sidney Allen Miller passed away on August 14, 2024, in Hood River, Oregon. He was born May 18, 1947, and was 77 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.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Obituary: Mona Nell Longmore Wilson, 79, Odell

Mona Nell Longmore Wilson from Odell, Oregon passed away at the age of 79, due to a long illness, she was born February 23, 1945, in Blackfoot, Idaho to Hyrum Jesse Longmore and Irene Wanda Smith. She returned to her heavenly home into the Lord’s loving arms on July 28th, 2024.

Mona was raised in South-Eastern Idaho in different little communities around Idaho Falls, Idaho. With her 1st marriage to Rick Lee, she lived in Las Vegas, NV for several years. They later divorced and she moved back to Idaho Falls, ID and worked at an Electrical Company. Mona & Ralph Wilson were married in the Idaho Falls temple and they moved to Ogden, UT, where she worked for several different doctors. When they retired, they moved to Odell, OR.

Mona was a very loving, kind, and generous person to everyone she came in contact with, she loved spending time with her family and friends playing games and visiting. Everyone always felt welcome in her home, she would always make sure you didn’t go away hungry. Mona was always giving you homemade zucchini bread or homemade jam, at Christmas she made lots of candies to be given out. She was the picture taker for years at our yearly family reunions and was always very organized. Some of her hobbies were reading, sewing, puzzling, diamond art and tri-chem.

Mona was very active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She loved teaching in the Nursery, the Sunbeams as well as the older children. Mona loved doing genealogy and keeping track of all her siblings and their families’ history records. She enjoyed going to the temple and doing work for her ancestors. Everyone loved receiving little notes in the mail with a message of encouragement.

She is survived by her husband Ralph Wilson, and children Sonya Stewart (Wayne), Jay B Owen Lee, Robin Gajefski (Aubrey), Heather Hosking (Jon), David Wilson (Melanie), and Jody Wilson (Kari). Nineteen grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and two great, great-grandchildren. Siblings are Anita Cottrell, Lois Meikle (Val), Elna Loa Hale (Jim), Susan Brandt (Roy), Wayne Longmore (Chris).

Preceded in Death by her parents, Hyrum Longmore, and Irene Elliott, and 3 brothers Jim Shane, David Longmore, Doyle Longmore, and brother-in-law Bill Cottrell, and daughter-in-law Lydia Lee.

A celebration of life for Mona will be held at 1:00 P.M., Thursday, August 8th, 2024 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (1825 May Street, Hood River, Oregon 97031) with a reception to follow. Mona will be laid to rest at White Salmon Cemetery following her services.

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: James Wayne Rugemer, 68, The Dalles

James Wayne Rugemer passed away on July 10th, 2024 in The Dalles, Oregon. James was born May 26th, 1956 and was 68 at the time of his passing. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • Celilo Chapel 204 E. 4th Street, The Dalles, Oregon 97058.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Rickie Robert (Rick) Sherrell, 71, Hood River

Rickie Robert (Rick) Sherrell passed away on July 22nd, 2024, at his home in Hood River, Oregon.

Rickie was born December 3rd, 1952 He was 71 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.