Obituary: Fredrick 'Ray' Raymond Edwards

Fredrick Raymond Edwards

Fredrick Raymond Edwards

Fredrick Raymond Edwards, known as "Ray," passed peacefully through the veil on Friday, June 4, 2021, at his home in Hood River with his family by his side. He was 84 years old. On June 26, 1936, Ray was born to James Theodore and Anne Elizabeth (Hammer) Edwards in Huston, Idaho. Ray was their second child; his brother James was six years older. When Ray was two and a half years old, his little sister Sylvia was born. He adored her.

At four years of age Ray would ride on a horse to school with his brother, James, and return home with the horse. Later the same day, he would ride the horse back to school to pick up James. In 1940 Ray's mother moved to Hood River; Ray traveled back and forth from Idaho to Hood River, half-time with father and half-time with mother. When Ray was in grade school in Idaho, he spent time working at the Auction House and his dad's riding academy. He enjoyed riding his horse to the movie theater. Ray’s mother remarried and had three more children: Jerry, Bill, and Julie Winheim. He loved little ones then and throughout his life. As a teenager, Ray worked for Edwards & Sons Logging Company in Idaho with his dad and brother, James. Ray played football while attending Hood River High School. After a football injury, he became the school photographer. Ray was very talented and taught a photography class in high school. He also helped design and take most of the photographs for the school yearbooks.

Ray met Nancy Califf at the roller-skating rink at Barret School. Ray was quite the show-off, and he boldly asked Nancy, “Why haven’t I ever seen you here before?”. The rest is history. Ray and Nancy continued to date through high school, and then got married on Halloween, October 31, 1954, in White Salmon, Washington. He teased her about using her broomstick instead of the car to go on their honeymoon. They lived in an apartment in Hood River while Ray went to work for Sun Publishing Company. Nancy would proudly make her husband breakfast every morning. He would eat it, then throw it up on the way to work. He didn’t have the heart to tell her eating breakfast made him sick. After roughly three months of this, he finally had to tell her, “I cannot eat breakfast.” They soon had three children: Fred, born 1955; Judy, born 1956; and Nancilee, born 1957. They moved to Avalon Drive where he lived throughout his life.

In 1956, Ray participated in training at Smith Corona to learn to fix typewriters. Then in 1960, he went to a trade school to learn New Edge Litho plate printing. By 1962, Ray worked for the Hood River News and started his own business, Ray's Typewriter Service, where he sold and repaired typewriters. Their fourth child, Sandra, was born that same year. He worked long hours at his two jobs. Still, he always had the time and energy to take his family on adventures: fishing, camping, the Portland Zoo, OMSI, and, if nothing else, always a Sunday drive in the mountains after church and before watching the family's favorite show, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom. He loved spending time with his family and teaching them the value of hard work. Ray made everything FUN! Together they would cut and stack wood, paint the house, plant and weed the garden, and pick fruit in the fall. He could fix anything and passed his abilities on to his children. He taught his family to be do-it-yourselfers and to have a strong work ethic. They went on great family vacations traveling and camping: The Oregon Caves, Redwoods, Vancouver B.C., Cannon Beach, Crater Lake, and many more lakes and reservoirs.

In 1967, Ray received the contract to service Hood River County and Klickitat County school typewriters. He was the leader, but it was a family affair. Everyone pitched in to help. Ray’s fifth child, Jason, was born in 1973, completing the family. The years 1973 - 1978 were a busy and expensive time with teenagers in and out of the house, four graduations, three church missions, and three weddings. Then in 1986, Ray’s home on Avalon Drive burned to the ground. It was a time for much growth and new beginnings. In May of 1989, Ray took his family to the Seattle, Washington Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be sealed together as a family. Ray served faithfully in the church as a stake missionary, Sunday School president, Elder’s Quorum president, and temple ordinance worker at the Portland Oregon Temple.

Ray is survived by his wife, Nancy, and his children: Fredrick (Anna-Kare) Edwards of Kaysville, Utah; Judy (James) Moses of Pinegrove, Oregon; Nancilee Edwards of Odell, Oregon; Sandra Edwards and Jason Edwards of Hood River, Oregon. He has 20 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Sylvia Shaw, Bill Winheim, and Julie Sim.

A service for Ray will take place at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1825 May St, Hood River, OR 97031) on Saturday, June 12th, 2021 at 11:00 A.M.

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.

Death Notice: Ronald Wayne Morgan, Jr.

Ronald Wayne Morgan, Jr. passed away on June 2, 2021 in Parkdale, Oregon. Ron was born on Dec. 30, 1968 and 52 years of age at the time of his passing.

A committal service for Ron is tentatively planned for 1:00 P.M., Monday, July 12th, 2021 at Pine Grove Butte Cemetery of Hood River, Oregon.

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.

Death Notice: Robert Lee Brenden

Robert Lee Brenden, age 72, resident of The Dalles, Oregon passed away June 9, 2021. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Ronald "Ron" Morgan

Ronald Wayne Morgan, Jr. passed away on June 2, 2021 in Parkdale, Oregon. Ron was born on December 30, 1968 and 52 years of age at the time of his passing.

A committal service for Ron is tentatively planned for 1:00 P.M., Monday, July 12th, 2021 at Pine Grove Butte Cemetery of Hood River, Oregon.

Death Notice: Robert Tobias Renouard

Robert Tobias Renouard, age 19, resident of Portland, Oregon passed away June 3, 2021. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Gary Lee Brooks

Gary Lee Brooks, resident of the Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles, Oregon passed away on June 3, 2021. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notices: Donna Jean Farrar, Ryan John Schlattman, Mary Kathryn Holt

Mary Kathryn Holt, age 79, resident of The Dalles, Oregon passed away June 3, 2021. Graveside Services will be held in Idaho, details will be posted on Spencer, Libby & Powell Website once finalized.

Ryan John Schlattman, age 42, resident of The Dalles, Oregon, passed away June 1, 2021. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Donna Jean Farrar, age 89, resident of Grass Valley, Oregon passed away at home, June 4, 2021. There will be no services at her request. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Jose Ochoa

Jose Ochoa passed away on May 31, 2021 at Portland Providence Medical Center in Portland, Oregon. Jose was born on September 10, 1954 and was 66 years of age at the time of his passing.

Death Notice: Bernice Ada Miller

Bernice Ada Miller passed away May 30th, 2021 at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital of Hood River, Oregon. Bernice was born December 24, 1932 and was 88 years of age at the time of her passing. A committal service is planned for 2:00 p.m., Thursday, June 3, 2021 at Willamette National Cemetery.

Death Notice: Gregory Hollister

Gregory Hollister passed away on May 30, 2021 at his home in Hood River, Oregon. Gregory was born on September 19, 1947 and was 73 years of age at the time of his passing.

Obituary: Randy Hargrave

Randy John Hargrave, 63, died of natural causes at 4:30 PM on May 27, 2021, at his home in Ontario CA, where he had lived for more than 10 years. He was with a friend at the time of his passing. Randy was predeceased by his brother, Robert, and his mother and father.

Randy was born in Poughkeepsie NY on May 3, 1958, to Edna and Russell Hargrave II. He had two older brothers, Russell and Robert, all growing up together at Kidbrooke, on Rombout Road, in the house their father built.

Randy graduated from Oakwood Friends School and went to Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie NY. He had extensive training in the air force and became a lineman then an electrical engineer. He served in the US Army Reserves and the Air National Guard in San Bernardino, California and ended his career around 2010 at Stewart Airforce Base in Newburgh NY. He lived and traveled all over the United States, and made one trip to England.

Randy was a sweet, kind, shy person with a very original, innovative way of thinking. He loved country dancing, and he was industrious and enthusiastic about life. He loved doing projects and riding his bicycle. He would cycle from Newburgh to New York City and back in all kinds of weather.

Randy’s funeral service will be held at 11:00 PST on Saturday June 5th, at Great River in Mosier Oregon (the family's private land) and can be viewed on the Anderson’s Tribute Center’s Facebook page.

As Randy departs this world he leaves behind a brother, Russell, seven nieces and nephews, and a lot of dear friends. We will all miss Randy very much.

Death Notices: Elizabeth J. Hartmann, Deniese L. LeMarr

Elizabeth J. Hartmann, age 94, a resident of The Dalles passed away at her home on June 2, 2021. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Deniese L. LeMarr, age 68, a resident of The Dalles, Oregon passed away on June 1, 2021. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Steven James Shewey

Steven James Shewey passed away on May 26, 2021 in Hood River, Oregon. Steven was born on May 18, 1973 and was 48 years of age at the time of his passing.

Death Notice: Jennifer Donnelly

Jennifer Donnelly passed away on May 22, 2021 in her home in Hood River, Oregon. Jennifer was born on December 18, 1968 and was 52 years of age at the time of her passing.

Death Notice: David Carl Pratt

David Carl Pratt passed away on May 21, 2021 in The Dalles, Oregon. David was born on January 12, 1948 and was 73 years of age at the time of his passing.

Death Notice: Glenda Sue Jackson

Glenda Sue Jackson passed away on May 20, 2021 at Ashley Manor Senior Living in Hood River, Oregon. Glenda was born on October 31, 1934 and was 86 years of age at the time of her passing.

Death Notice: Madeline Adell Edwards

On the evening of Saturday, May 15, 2021, at about 5pm, Madeline Adell Wells Edwards, a piece of Hood River Valley history, left this earth to be with her Lord and Savior. Thanks to the loving and dedicated care of her son Thomas Edwards, who was at her side, she was able to peacefully depart this world from the beloved home that she and her husband shared. She will be missed by so many.

Madeline was the last of the true pioneer stock and a descendant of some of the earliest settlers to arrive in the Hood River Valley. Her life spanned 98 years and 241 days – she was a mere 4 months short of her 99th birthday.

Madeline Adell Wells was the second of three children born to Clifford and Dorothy (Taylor) Wells. She had an older brother named Merwin Clifford “Jim” and a younger sister, Adrienne “Addie.” She was born September 16, 1922 in Portland, at Mrs. Poyfair’s Maternity Home. She was raised in Hood River where she attended Barrett Grade School. She later graduated 10th in her class of 115 students from Hood River High School in 1940.

Madeline grew up on a 50-acre fruit farm on Alameda Way just off of Belmont Road. In her own words, “On the northeast corner of Alameda at Belmont was a large grove of pine trees, around each of them there grew a climbing rose, named Dorothy Perkins, very pretty small pink blossoms. We always thought they were so lovely and everywhere grew purple crocus.”

Madeline’s childhood on the farm was full of family, friends, and fond memories. Triumph and heartache. Extended family and friends gathered often at the farm for picnics, reunions and holidays. Madeline was close with her many, many cousins. When the farm chores were complete, which included cooking and cleaning since her mother worked nights at the cannery, she recalled playing games like Run Sheep Run, Kick the Can, Annie Over (throwing the ball over the house roof) and Mother May I? Again, in her own words, “Indian Creek ran through the middle of the farm and we children had fun playing in it, fishing and catching crawdads, which Mother cooked for us. The creek was dammed up into a pond and beside it there was a building in which people could change clothes when going swimming.”

Madeline described her family environment growing up in four words. “Reading. Music. Dancing. Singing.” Her earliest childhood memory, from the age of about 4, was singing “Love Lifted Me” with her sister at church in Portland while visiting her grandparents. This would be the start of a long life of singing and duetting with her sister Addie and their friends. Another favorite tune was “Neapolitan Nights.” She came from a musical family and, to go along with her wonderful singing voice, she learned to play the piano, organ, saxophone and acoustic guitar. “We always had music in the family,” she remembered, “We all sang and played instruments. We were all quite faithful practicing music lessons.”

She was also a faithful Christian with a lifelong relationship to Christ. Another of her fondest childhood memories was attending the Valley Christian Church, which sat at the north end of Alameda Way along Barrett Road. This is where she was baptized and where she participated in the first Sunday school classes. Bible stories were some of her favorite things to read and she recalled, “Mother and Grandmother read to us often and we all developed the desire to read.”

After graduating from high school in 1940 it was a huge disappointment for Madeline that she was unable to attend college due to “lack of money.” She always wished to be a doctor or a scientist of some kind. “I wanted to become a doctor and was always interested in anything that related to medicine or care of the body.” Despite the fact that she wasn’t able to attend college and train as a doctor or scientist, she was always passionate about reading and self-education, especially later in life, and could even be found reading her old set of encyclopedias in recent years.

Since she could not attend college Madeline began a job with the National Youth Association where she enjoyed working for the Public Health Nurse. She was also proud of her attendance at church music workshops from 1965-69 at the University of Puget Sound. “I learned much about directing choir and playing organ and piano.”

In June of 1941, at the age of 18, Madeline was married in Hood River at her beloved Valley Christian Church to Maynard “Chris” Christensen. Directly after their marriage the couple moved to Monmouth, where Chris was studying at Oregon College of Education. Then, to assist in the war effort, the two put their lives on hold and moved to Portland. Chris eventually got a job in the Vancouver shipyards while Madeline got bookkeeping work - first for the George H. Buckler Company, then at the Terminal Flour Milling Company - until the war ended. After the war was over they moved back to Monmouth so Chris could complete school. Then the couple resettled in Hood River with Chris working as a teacher and principal at Pine Grove School. Together they had two daughters - Eileen Adrienne was born in 1945 and Jeanne Adell in 1948.

In May of 1952 Madeline married the love of her life, Charles “Charlie” Edwards in Fresno, California. Their marriage was an incredible partnership. They would go on to be married for 53 years parted only by his death in June of 2005. Together they built a home for themselves and her daughters in Fresno. Their son, Thomas Charles, was born in 1955. The family of five lived in Fresno for nearly a decade before returning to Hood River in 1961 to take up farming on the east side of the valley just off of Dethman Ridge Road near the area of Pine Grove. Charlie learned from his father-in-law Cliff how to successfully tend orchard. He and Madeline ran Edwards Orchards as a team for years, and were eventually joined by their son. Madeline was always especially proud of her job as the company’s bookkeeper. They remodeled a home on the family property, next door to her parents, for themselves. This was the home they shared for the remainder of their lives and where they both passed away. Madeline’s favorite part of the house, something she enjoyed until the very day she died, was the view North from the living room of the Hood River Valley and Mount Adams.

Madeline and Charlie were active in the Hood River Valley Church, helping to build the church itself, teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, and attending Bible Study. Madeline even played piano and organ at times, and for 14 years she was the choir director. The two were also active and involved in the rest of the community and had a large circle of friends with whom they golfed, played games, and went out dancing. She reconnected with her high school classmates upon her return to Hood River, relished attending her high school reunions, and met up regularly for lunches with her classmates. Madeline joined flower arranging groups and gardening clubs. She loved to cook, bake, and entertain. She was a talented seamstress, made many of her children’s clothes, and also enjoyed knitting caps for newborns to donate to the hospital. Madeline and Charlie traveled together all over the world, with annual winter trips to Maui being a highlight each year.

She loved animals, especially cats, and adored watching the Weather Channel. She faithfully watched Jeopardy until the day Alex Trebek died (it just wasn’t the same without him, she said). But until then, the family knew not to call her when the show was on. She loved sweets, strawberries, and cinnamon raisin bread. She credited her mother for her sewing and cooking skills, while she said her love of gardening and flowers came from her father. She could identify every bird and flower. Madeline liked crosswords and Sudoku puzzles, listening to her favorite hymns on her iPad, and always wanted to learn something new.

In addition to her love of art, (especially photography), crafts, and hobbies, Madeline was a dedicated member of the State Christian Women’s Fellowship Board, the Rebekahs Lodge, the Order of the Eastern Star, the Back Acre Garden Club, the Hood River Community Concert Board, the Mid-Columbia Chamber Chorus, the Pioneer Association, the Hood River County Museum Board (20 years), and the Daughters of the American Revolution. She had a lifelong passion for researching family ancestry. She loved not only her ancestors but also her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews very much. Through her love of family history she created a profound moment of connection for one of her grandsons between himself and his ancestors. He follows in her footsteps as the family historian. The two shared many hours over the years discussing her thorough, precise research and pouring over the family records, photographs, and memorabilia that Madeline had so patiently and painstakingly collected.

Madeline Edwards was an incredibly tough, determined woman who lived life on her own terms, and with Jesus by her side. In her own words, “I have had a strong faith in God and His purpose for my life ever since I was baptized at age fourteen.”

Services are planned for 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 27th, 2021 at Valley Christian Church (975 Indian Creek Road, Hood River, Oregon 97031). Graveside committal services will follow at Pine Grove Butte Cemetery of Hood River, Oregon at a later date.

Death Notice: Catherine Ann Hickman

Catherine Ann Hickman, age 64, a resident of The Dalles, Oregon passed away at her home on May 25, 2021. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements

Death Notice: Lynnora O'Meara

Lynnora O'Meara, age 72, resident of The Dalles, Oregon passed away May 24, 2021. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements. A family-directed memorial will be held at a later date, information will be posted on the Spencer, Libby & Powell website once details are finalized.

Death Notices: Lawrence Goudy Jr., Edward Lee Stone, Robert Anthony Wojtecki III

Lawrence Goudy Jr., age 53, resident of The Dalles, Oregon passed away at a local hospital May 19, 2021. Services were held and he was laid to rest at Toppenish Creek Cemetery, White Swan, Washington. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Edward Lee Stone, age 61, resident of Eugene, Oregon passed away at a local hospital May 21, 2021. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Robert Anthony Wojtecki III, age 20, resident of The Dalles, Oregon passed away May 20, 2021. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements. A family directed candlelight vigil will be held 8:00 Friday May 28, 2021 at Sorosis Park, The Dalles, Oregon. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date details will be on Spencer, Libby & Powell Website once finalized.