CORRECTION - Death Notice: Grant Elden Mead

Editor’s Note - the incorrect memorial location was given in the original posting. We apologize for any inconvenience - Tom Peterson

Grant Elden Mead, age 89, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away on January 3, 2022. A memorial will be held on May 7, 2022, at 2:00 pm at the Dufur Christian Church. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Jerrilyn Jean Taylor

Jerrilyn Jean Taylor, age 58, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away December 30th, 2021. A celebration of life is to be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Obituary: Veterinarian Laura Makepeace

Veterinarian Laura Makepeace

The world of animals lost one of its most passionate and dedicated advocates with the death of veterinarian Laura Makepeace, age 57.  She died of breast cancer, on December 19, 2021, in Hood River, Oregon.  

During her childhood in Kansas, she had many pets, including cats, a Guinea pig, mice, and a skunk.  Her passion for protecting animals was clear from an early age, when she rescued baby birds, sprayed water on a dried-out slug to resuscitate it, and carried spiders outside to save them.  

She often quoted from James Herriot’s book All Creatures Great and Small.  After earning her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University, she ultimately moved to Hood River.  There, at Tucker Road Animal Hospital, she spent the rest of her life focusing on her goal of helping to heal the pets that were companions to their owners.  She was, indeed, a friend to all creatures. 

Laura Makepeace was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Jan. 4, 1964.  Her parents are Mary M. McCoy Makepeace and Jack G. Makepeace.  Laura grew up in Lawrence, Kan., with her mother.  She attended elementary through high school there and then enrolled in Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan.  She completed an undergraduate degree in biology, and she earned a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1989.  

Laura moved to Portland, Ore. in 1989.  There she met Thomas Gilliom, DVM, and they married on Feb. 19, 1991.  They subsequently had two daughters, Leah Cascade Gilliom, and Natalie Jessie Gilliom.  They moved to Hood River, Ore. in 1992 and acquired Tucker Road Animal Hospital, where they both worked as veterinarians for many years.   

In Hood River, a colleague at the Animal Hospital described Laura as the type of person who would stop for an injured skunk by the side of the road and would then take it to the clinic to try to save it.  With thirty years of working as a veterinarian, Laura helped vast numbers of dogs, cats, rats, birds, and rabbits recover from their many afflictions.  She did surgeries, pinned broken bones, sutured, performed Caesarians, delivered offspring, and counseled their owners in mourning.  She made phone calls to check on patients and sent hand-written cards.  When she couldn’t save an animal, she often went to its home and gently ended the pet’s life in its familiar haunt, surrounded by its loving owners.  She also saved many animal lives and enabled their owners to have their companions a little longer.   

Laura was active in two book clubs with many good friends.  She also loved gardening and created a wildlife sanctuary in her yard, which was filled with blooming roses and other flowers festooned with insects and birds.  She was a devoted and loving mother and daughter and a loyal friend.  She was known for her persistent smile, gentle spirit, good sense of humor, and boundless empathy.  During the last year of her life, she spent much time with her new grandson Eric Thomas, Jr.  These were moments of pure joy and intense happiness for her.    

Laura is survived by her daughter Leah Rojas, PharmD, Leah’s husband Eric, her grandson Eric Thomas, Jr.; her daughter Natalie Gilliom; and her former husband Thomas Gilliom, DVM.  She is also survived by her mother, Mary M. McCoy, Ph.D., of Lawrence, Kan.; her aunt, Marion Wright, and her cousin, Sarah Cox, both of Seattle, Wash.; her aunt, Kathy Kiser, Kansas City, Mo, and cousins John, Eric, and Holly Kiser.  She is predeceased by her close friend Amy Sudlow; her father, Jack G. Makepeace, of El Paso, Tex.; her paternal grandparents, Gibbs and Katharyn Makepeace; her maternal grandparents, Pulitzer Prize-winning political reporter Alvin S. McCoy and Marion G. McCoy, with whom she was close; and many, many pets. 

A memorial celebration in Hood River will be held for Laura at a later date.  Please watch for an announcement on the Anderson’s Tribute Center website and the Columbia Gorge News. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Laura’s name to: 

• The Next Door, Hood River, Ore.

• The Nature Conservancy

Her family wish to thank Laura’s many close and valued friends in the Hood River community, her wider family members, the staff and clients of Tucker Road Animal Hospital, and the numerous creatures on earth that gave her happiness and contentment. 

All things bright and beautiful
All creatures great and small
All things wise and wonderful
'Twas God that made them all 

(Source:  Anglican hymn, 1848, Mrs. Cecil Alexander, Hymns for Little Children) 

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: Everardo Horta De La Torre

Everardo Horta De La Torre, age 94, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on December 30th, 2021. Celebration of life will be held at the St. Peter Catholic Church, January 8th, 2022. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Obituary: Nilsa Jane Nippolt

Nilsa Jane Nippolt

Nilsa Jane Nippolt was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico on April 4, 1963, the fourth of five daughters.

Her sunny smile and sweet nature made her a family favorite. The family moved to Southern California where Nilsa‘s love of tennis and of horses began. Nilsa‘s beloved pony Marty was her frequent companion and they were seen all around Laguna Beach, once even in a very tony Newport Beach mansion. The family moved to The Dalles and then to Hood River in 1973 where Nilsa continued to ride and play tennis.

She was also known for her crazy pranks and her love of fashion. A natural athlete, she skied and did gymnastics and danced in several musicals. Any open space, including the living room, was a good spot for a cartwheel or back walkover. Nilsa graduated in 1981 from Hood River Valley high school and then the University of Oregon in 1985. After graduation Nilsa moved to California to work on The Tonight Show at NBC and at Kbig and KJOY radio stations where she worked in PR and met such dignitaries as Barbara Bush.

She married Mike Zeman in 1988 and moved to Hood River.

Nilsa worked in sales for Sprint and later Cisco foods. One year she was Cisco foods top National sales person. Her son Sebastian Z Zeman was born in 2003.

Still riding horses, playing tennis and charming many, she built a log home in Parkdale that she eventually ran as a Bed and Breakfast called Bigfoot Lodge. Nilsa met many people who became her friends. Her fun-loving, gregarious and glamorous personality attracted many people to her.

She traveled and went on a lot of great vacations and adventures. She had horses that she loved and she played on several tennis teams. She was incredibly proud of her son, and spent a lot of time watching him play sports.

Nilsa sold her bed-and-breakfast this year and had planned a future of more travel and recreation. She played and won a tennis tournament the weekend before she had surgery for ovarian cancer. Nilsa unexpectedly died of complications of her illness on December 23, 2021.

Her broken-hearted family includes her mother Sharon Koehlor Nippolt, her son Sebastian Zeman, sisters Teresa Nippolt, Kate Huttemann (Mark ), Annie Bryant (Clark) and a huge family who adored her and are devastated by her death. Nilsa was predeceased by her father Robert John Nippolt and her sister Ellen Nippolt. Life will not be the same without her.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Obituary: Terry Jo Montavon

Wife, mother, grandma, great-grandma and aunt, Terry Jo Montavon passed away December 25th, 2021 at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital with family by her side.
Terry was born on August 3, 1946, and was 75 years of age at the time of her passing.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Memorials are encouraged to be made in Terry's name to Hood River Adopt a Dog
Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Zandyn Taylor Morris

Zandyn Taylor Morris, age 15, a resident of Salem, OR, passed away December 28, 2021. Spencer, Libby and Powell in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: David Kenneth Warren

David Kenneth Warren, age 80, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away December 30, 2021. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Obituary: Ronald “Ron” Joe Gehrig

Ronald “Ron” Joe Gehrig lifelong resident of Hood River, Oregon passed away on Monday, December 20, 2021, at age 73, in Hood River, Oregon. 

Born December 18, 1948, in Hood River, Oregon to Theodore “Ted” George Gehrig and Bernita Ann (Williams) Gehrig. Ron was the eldest of three siblings, Brother Dennis "Den" Minard Gehrig and sister Vicki Ann Putnam. He married Sherryl Nadine Bailey on October 27th, 1971, in Hood River, Oregon.

He graduated from Wy’east High School class of 1966. Ron was hired by the Union Pacific Railroad on August 2, 1973, and retired after 35 years of service. 

He had a love of all animals and guns. He enjoyed camping, motorcycle/ATV riding, hunting, fishing, crabbing, reading, listening to talk radio, mushroom picking, gardening, attending church, and spending time visiting with his family and friends.

Ron is survived by;  his wife of 50 years, Sherryl Gehrig resident of Hood River, Oregon; children, Amy Gehrig & husband Chris Jones of The Dalles, Oregon, Erin Gehrig of The Dalles, Oregon, Ronna Canady & husband Jason Canady of Wasilla, Alaska; grandchildren, Caleb Gehrig & wife Judy Gehrig, Kylie Turner, Kelly Mix, Ally Mix, Laramie Murphy, Lilaina Murphy, Wyatt Canady, Landen Gehrig, Theodore Jones, Grant Canady; numerous great-grandchildren; sister, Vicki Putnam & husband Gordon Putnam;  dogs, Cocoa, Sadie, Bailey, his chickens the “girls “and his red tail boa “Snakey Poo”.

He was preceded in death by; his brother, Dennis Gehrig in 1984; his father, Ted Gehrig in 2000; his mother, Bernita Gehrig in 2002; and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

Private Church Services will be held for the immediate family Friday, January 7th, 2022, in Parkdale, Oregon. Graveside Services welcome to all family and friends will be held on Friday, January 7th, 2022, at Idlewilde Cemetery at 1 pm.

“Do not stand by my grave and weep. I am not there -I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain; I am the gentle, autumn rain. As you awake with morning’s hush, I am the swift, up-flinging rush of quiet birds in circling flight; I am the day transcending night. Do not stand by my grave and cry—I am not there, I did not die.”

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: Lyle Griffon DeOss

Lyle Griffon DeOss, age 92, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away December 23, 2021. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notices: Nilsa Jane Nippolt, Ronald Joe Gehrig

Nilsa Jane Nippolt died unexpectedly on December 23, 2021, at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center, from complications from ovarian cancer.  Nilsa was born on April 4, 1963. She was 58 years old. 

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.

Ronald Joe Gehrig passed away on December 21, 2021, in Hood River, Oregon. Ronald was born on December 18, 1948, and was 73 years of age at the time of his passing.
A graveside service is planned for 12 noon, Friday, January 7th, 2022 at Idlewilde 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.

Obituary: Graciela “Gracy” Dominguez Viramontes

Graciela “Gracy” Dominguez Viramontes

Graciela “Gracy” Dominguez Viramontes passed away December 19th, 2021, at the age of 61, in Hood River Oregon.  Gracy was born November 27th, 1960, in Tijuana Mexico one of 15 children to Antonio and Juana Dominguez. 

Gracy was a loving wife of 40 years to Jose Valente Viramontes, they married on March 7th, 1981.  To their union were blessed with four children; Jaime, Jessica, Joel and Jasmine.  

She was a cancer survivor; along the years of her children, she was deeply involved with their scouts. Gracy was a very passionate grandmother of 6. Gracy was a co-founder with her family; Dominguez Family Enterprises (Juanita’s Fine Foods) in 1977. Gracy enjoyed the outdoors (fishing, coast trips) she also enjoyed dancing, singing and trips to the casino. Along with yard selling with her sisters and spending time with her granddaughters. 

She is survived by; her husband, Jose Valente; children, Jaime and wife Judy, Jessica and husband Samuel, Joel and significant other Lirio; granddaughters, Alexis, Nekaila, Kristina, Jazlyn, Julissa, Izelah; her first great-granddaughter on the way; five sisters, Virginia, Rosemary, Lena, Carmen, Maggie and Christy; six brothers, Luis, Joe, Al, Tony, Rey and Freddie; and many other distant family and many, many friends she has collected over the years.  

She is preceded in death by; her father, Antonio; mother, Juana; sister, Celia “Sally”; brother-in-law, Santos Sr.; brother, Gonzalo; and daughter, Jasmine.   

Gracy’s sincere smile and infectious laugh were captivated by all, her words were so funny but kind. She had a strong work ethic and loyalty. She had a big heart for others, and she was always willing to give a helping hand or advice.  Even with all the obstacles she had in her life, she always managed to put a smile on her face. She will be deeply missed by all.  

CATHOLIC FUNERAL RITES ARE AS FOLLOWS; 

Vigil & Rosary: 10:00 – 7:00 p.m. vigil & viewing with 5:00 p.m. Rosary, Sunday, December 26th  @ Anderson's Tribute Center,1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. 

Funeral Mass: 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 28 @ St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1501 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. 

Graveside Committal will immediately follow Mass at The Pine Grove Butte Cemetery of Hood River. 

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 or to access the ZOOM links for her Rosary and Mass. 

Death Notice: Laura Marion Makepeace

Laura Marion Makepeace passed away on December 19, 2021, in Hood River, Oregon.  Laura was born on January 4, 1964, and was 57 years of age at the time of her passing.    Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon  97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family. 

Obituary: Janine Yvette Maxwell

Janine Yvette Maxwell

Janine Yvette Maxwell passed away on December 17, 2021, in Seattle, Washington. Janine was born February 16, 1947, and was 74 years of age at the time of her passing.   

Janine was born in Fall River, MA, the daughter of Joseph H. and Yvette G (Audette) Roberge. She graduated from Somerset High School in 1964 and Bridgewater State College in 1968. She moved to Washington, D.C. and trained as a computer programmer with IBM, and then worked at the Pentagon. she married Alasdair Maxwell in June of 1973 and lived in England where she continued to work for IBM as a Customer Engineer traveling across Britain, solving problems. They returned to the USA in 1977 and settled in Seattle, WA. 

Survived by: daughter, Kathleen and husband, Efrain Betancourt, granddaughter, Mikayla Betancourt, all of New Market, MD, and granddaughter, Natasha Betancourt of New York City. Siblings: Elaine Roberge, Karen Dill of North Port, FL and Roger Roberge & his wife, Denise. Three nieces: Rachel, Jennifer & Jessica and three nephews: Matthew, James and Christopher. Predeceased by: her parents and brother-in-law, Steven Dill. 

Survived by: spouse, Tom Rhoades, sons and daughters in-law, Ted, Tim & Jessica, Tyler & Erika Rhoades, Sharla & Jon Rubesh. Siblings: Karen Dill, Elaine, Roger & Denise Roberge. 8 grandchildren, 6 nieces & nephews 

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: Michael “Mike” Mauzey

Michael “Mike” Mauzey passed away December 13, 2021, in Hood River, Oregon. Michael was born February 13, 1958, and was 63 years of age at the time of his passing. 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: Marie Brown

Marie Brown

Marie Brown passed away December 18, 2021 in Warren, Oregon. Marie was born March 25, 1921 and was 100 years of age at the time of her passing.   

A private burial service will be held at The Upper Valley Parkdale Cemetery where Marie will be laid to rest beside her husband, John. 

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 Notices: Wanda Maryetta Olson, Paul Herold Kaser

Wanda Maryetta Olson, age 71, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on December 16, 2021. A celebration of life to be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Paul Herold Kaser, age 98, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on December 17, 2021. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notices: Gerald Wilbur Tripp, Sr. Larry Michael Baker

Gerald Wilbur Tripp, age 67, a resident of Tygh Valley, OR, passed away on December 18, 2021. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Sr. Larry Michael Baker, age 72, a resident of The Dalles OR, passed away on December 16, 2021. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Loren Lee Harnar

Loren Lee Harnar passed away on December 15, 2021, in Portland, Oregon. Loren was born February 2, 1963, and was 58 years of age at the time of his passing.  Services are pending at the time with arrangements 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: Steffanie Carter

Steffanie Carter passed away December 15, 2021 in The Dalles, Oregon. Steffanie was born January 6, 1954 and was 67 years of age at the time of her 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.