Death Notice: William Elliott Ross, The Dalles

William Elliott Ross passed away on January 9, 2022, at his home in The Dalles, Oregon. William was born on August 10, 1955, and was 66 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.

Obituary: James Archie (Jim) Ramsey

James Archie (Jim) Ramsey passed away on December 30, 2021, at the age of 89.

Jim enjoyed a number of hobbies including fishing, hunting, golfing, and many more, but fishing was his lifetime passion beginning in Panama at an early age catching tarpon. Jim fished in the numerous states where his family lived and also fished in South America, Central America even landing a 776-pound marlin in Panama.

Jim was a United States Navy veteran who served during the Korean War. He attended Case Institute of Technology where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He graduated from Case with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and immersed himself into the Aluminum Industry where he was involved in the management of reduction plants throughout the United States and in Venezuela. Before retiring, he was the Executive Vice President and General Manager of Northwest Aluminum Company in The Dalles, Oregon. Jim grew to love the community of The Dalles where he continued to live after retirement except while fishing and spending time with family and friends in Hot Springs, Arkansas during the winter months.

Jim is preceded in death by; parents, Dorothy and Erwin Ramsey; sister, Nancy Waite; and daughter, Julie Ramsey. He is survived by; his wife of 63 years, Nancy; sons, Michael (Diana) and William (Ronda); five grandchildren, Ben, Lauren, Tyler, Karli, and Kurtis;  brothers, Dan and Steve; and sister, Dee Ahlstrom.

Funeral services will be held at St Paul’s Episcopal Church at a date to be determined later.

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: Harry Earnest Walther

Harry Earnest Walther, age 71, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on January 14, 2022. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Obituary: James "Ed" Martin, Hood River

James "Ed" Martin

James "Ed" Martin passed away peacefully on Jan. 8, 2022, at the age of ninety in his home in Hood River, Oregon.

Ed jumped in his gasser, did a burn-out, and fixed his eyes on the starting-line Christmas tree. When he saw green, he popped the clutch, put the pedal to the metal, and hit the finish line on that great dragstrip in the sky.

Ed was born in Mabelvale, Arkansas on June 30, 1931.

As a child, he milked cows on the family dairy farm until the Great Depression and the dust bowl forced the family to head for California where they settled in Redondo Beach. At a local drag strip, barely able to reach the pedals and see over the wheel, Ed learned to race hot rods. He became a member of the Drifter car club which eventually was featured in Hot Rod Magazine.

While working at Metlox Pottery in Manhattan Beach he met the love of his life, Joyce. Together they spent the next seventy years loving, working, laughing, and arguing. After losing all their savings on a "sure-thing" system for making big money at the horse track and two years in the Army in Germany, Joyce and Ed moved to Alaska and worked at Island Logging Company. A floating camp that did A-Frame logging which pulled trees down to the water to be rafted and tugged to the mill. It was anchored in many bays along the inside passage, primarily in DeGroff Bay.

They lived at the floating camp for several years where Ed worked as a logger and Joyce worked in the kitchen. Ed suffered from cold feet and was undoubtedly the first logger in Alaska to wear electric socks. Eventually, with their son Marty needing to start school and the upcoming birth of their daughter Jamie and in spite of finally having warm feet, Ed and Joyce moved to Sitka and opened Tri-Ways Marina.

It was located between ANB harbor and Sitka Sound SeaFoods. In addition to usual marina activities, they repaired boat engines, sold sporting goods, and the first Whalers, Honda motorcycles, and Schwinn bikes in Sitka.

With the birth of their youngest son Mitchell, Ed and Joyce started a new business venture. A construction company that would champion affordable homes in Sitka bringing the first modular home concept to town. Martin Construction, which eventually became Martin Enterprises, became a successful family venture for over fifty years.

One of Ed's joys was all the trips to Aleutkina Bay aboard his 36 foot Unflite, The Doo-Dah named after a horse racing song. From its stern, he landed a 52-pound King Salmon. He was never happier than when working on cars, and for the last twenty years he restored numerous classic vehicles in his garages in Hood River.

Ed's last words were, "I had an amazing life and am thankful for my family and their love."

Ed is survived by his wife, Joyce, his sister Muriel McElhaney, his children Marty and Liza Martin, Jamie and John Licari, Mitch and Jill Martin. He is also survived by his grandchildren Sydney and Cory Eubanks, Michelle and Scott Jones, Morgan and Mylan Bruno, Vince Licari, Jacob and Aayrn Licari, Xavier Martin, Sofia Martin, and great-grandchildren Safaya Mann, Mason Martin, Joyce Bruno, and Athena Jones.  

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: Robert Otto Melton, Patrick Beaston, David Benedetti

Robert Otto Melton passed away on January 8, 2022, at the Hood River Care Center in Hood River, Oregon. Robert was born on August 26, 1929, and was 92 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.

Patrick Beaston passed away on January 7, 2022, at the Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles, Oregon. Patrick was born on April 27, 1952, and was 69 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.

David Benedetti passed away on December 29, 2021, in Virginia. David was born on October 23, 1943, and was 78 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.

Obituary: Maria de Jesus Nuno, Hood River

Maria de Jesus Nuno passed away on December 29 2021 in Portland, Oregon of heart complications at the young age of 67. 

Maria was born in Jalisco, Mexico on June 4, 1954. It was here that she met and married Rodolfo Nuno Villa. Together with their first three sons, they moved to the United States where they settled in the Hood River Valley in 1975. In Hood River they raised their family of five boys.  

Maria had a passion for her family that was illustrated in her kind and sweet personality.  She took gardening and cooking to another level, but she was happiest spending time with her boys.   

She is survived by her husband Rodolfo Nuno and her five sons Rodolfo, Paulo, Jose Alfredo, Morgan, Gabriel, her brothers and sisters and 9 grandchildren.  

" Mom we love you and will deeply miss you"  

Catholic Funeral Services are planned as follows; 

VIEWING, VIGIL & ROSARY:  

    4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., Saturday, January 8th, 2022 at  Anderson's Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Ave.) 

CATHOLIC FUNERAL MASS:   

    11:00 A.M., Monday, January 10th, 2022 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (1501 Belmont Ave., Hood River, Oregon 97031). 

GRAVESIDE COMMITTAL:   

Mountain View Memorial Cemetery of Hood River, Oregon. 

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: Jessie Alice Weathers, Tygh Valley

Jessie Alice Weathers

Jessie Alice Weathers passed away January 1, 2022, at her home in Tygh Valley, Oregon with family by her side. Alice was born March 3, 1927, and was 94 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.

Obituary: Michael Allen Phillips

Michael Allen Phillips 

Michael Allen Phillips passed away peacefully at his home in Hood River on January 4, 2022, at the age of 58.  

“Mike” was born December 27, 1963, to Carroll and Sharon Phillips. He was born in Italy where the family was stationed for three years for Carroll’s military duties. The family lived in many places during Carroll’s military career. In 1977 Carroll retired from the military and Mike and his family moved back to the family’s hometown of Hood River. Mike graduated from Hood River Valley High School in 1981. 

Mike enjoyed mushroom hunting, hiking, and road trips to the Oregon coast. Mike was a kind, friendly, fun-loving person who enjoyed making people laugh with his wild stories. Mike worked for Stadelman’s and Diamond Fruit for 30 years. He retired in 2019. 

Mike is survived by his parents, Carroll and Sharon Phillips; brother and sister-in-law, Matthew and Linda Phillips; niece and nephew, Rebecca Phillips and Matthew Foster; and great-niece and nephew, Bailee and Bradley Foster. 

Mike will be greatly missed. The family will be hosting a small private celebration of life at a later date. The family will be spreading his ashes out in the wilderness. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Odell Fire Department or Hood River Providence Hospice in honor of Mike. 

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: Dennis Earl Radford, Donna Lee Robertson

Dennis Earl Radford, age 81, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on December 21, 2021. A celebration of life to be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Donna Lee Robertson, age 88, a long-time resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on January 2, 2022. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

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.