Death Notice: George Benson, Sherman County

George Benson, age 87, a resident of Sherman County, OR, passed away on February 21, 2022. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Obituary: Ora Iola Cantrell, Hood River

Ora Iola Cantrell passed away on March 1st, 2022, in Hood River, Oregon. Ora was born February 1, 1923, and was 99 years of age at the time of her passing.   

Services are planned for 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 12th, 2022, at Anderson’s Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.   

Ora was born in Jirah, Wyoming to Oscar and Agnes (Brahms) Lincoln the eldest of six children.  She moved to the Hood River Valley living in the Rockford area with family in 1935 and attended school at Barrett, middle school at May Street and graduated Hood River High School Class of 1941. 

After high school, Ora was working in Dee at the Oregon Lumber Company and during this time and before World War II she met Cleatus Benjamin Cantrell and August 24, 1945, they married in Stevenson, Washington and made their home in Hood River. 

Shortly after their marriage, the family started to expand with the birth of Patty, followed by Mike and then Timmy.  Family camping trips almost every weekend from Viento to the coast are fondly remembered.  Ora was very active as a secretary for many local businesses before taking the position Chief Civil Deputy at the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office where she retired after 22 years. 

Cleatus passed away in 1974 and Ora took on the responsibilities of leading her family.  Of all of her accomplishments her favorite was her family, as her kids grew, she welcomed grandchildren (seven of them), and later great-grandchildren (sixteen of them), she took great pride in all of them. 

Ora is survived and will be dearly missed by her three children; Patty (& Rick) Routson of Parkdale, Oregon, Mike (& Julie) Cantrell of Hood River, Oregon and Tim (& Kim) Cantrell of Hood River, Oregon; seven grandchildren, Jason, Darrin, Emily, Zach, Maggie, Sarah & Chuck; sixteen great-grandchildren; her brother, Bobby (& Kay) Lincoln of Hood River, Oregon; and numerous nieces, nephews. 

The family thanks Parkhurst Place and Hospice of the Gorge for their care. 

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

Death Notices: James David Frakes, Ben Adam Munoz, The Dalles, Wamic

James David Frakes, age 65, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on March 2, 2022. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements

Ben Adam Munoz, age 74, a resident of Wamic, OR, passed away on March 2, 2022. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notices: Clifford Sidney Baker, Laura Hollzner, The Dalles

Clifford Sidney Baker, age 91, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on March 3, 2022. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Laura Hollzner, age 58, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on February 14, 2022. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Obituary: Larry Thompson, Sherman County

Larry Thompson, known to many as LT, passed away on Thursday, February 3, 2022, at the age of 82. Larry was born to Harvey Thompson and Frances Ross Thompson on March 15, 1939. Larry grew up on a ranch east of Moro, Oregon with his parents and his younger sister, Janet Thompson Moulds.

Larry grew up playing basketball and cheering on the University of Oregon Ducks. He graduated from the University of Oregon where he met his wife, Carol Tonele Thompson. Larry and Carol returned to the family farm after graduation, where they farmed and raised their two children, Angie Thompson and Ty Thompson.

Larry was known to many people for his love of gardening and his ability to get anything to grow. He hunted and fished his entire life - even winning the local Wasco Fishing Derby at one time. In the latter half of Larry's life, he became quite the chef - cooking for family and friends. Larry was also known for his famous cocktail sauce, which is still served at the Sherman County Athletic Foundation Annual Crab Feed. Larry will be remembered by all for his sense of humor and his ability to tell a story.

The family suggests donations be made to the Sherman County Athletic Foundation."

Obituary, Phyllis Elena Gracias Farner, The Dalles

Phyllis Farner

November 30, 1933- November 21, 2021

Phyllis Elena Gracias Farner went to sit at the feet of our Lord on Sunday, November 21, 2021. Her final days were spent surrounded by her family. She lived a godly life that was vibrant and remarkable.

She expressed her God-given talents through her devotion to God, her family, her passion for teaching music and ministry. She was truly interested in everyone she met. She hated to think of anyone being alone and sought to get as many as she possibly could involved in anything she did. One of her best qualities is that she simply saw the good in others. 

Phyllis was born on Thanksgiving November 30, 1933, on the island of Curacao, Netherland Antilles near the tip of Venezuela. Her parents, Elmer and Esther Paulson were missionaries and later pastored churches in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. She perfectly fit her role as their greeter with her passion for people & ministry.  She graduated from Westmont College in 1955 with a BA in Music Theory & Organ. Phyllis married Ken Farner in Caldwell, Idaho on August 28, 1955. Together, they had four children, (Ramona, Nancy, Dan & Jim) and were involved in farming, community and church activities.

Musically, Phyllis also taught private piano and directed youth choirs. She gained her music teaching certificate in 1982, the year she and Ken moved to The Dalles. She passionately taught music at Chenowith Elementary and Mosier from 1985-1998. She enjoyed singing with “Cascade Singers” under Lloyd Walworth and joined her cousin, Elinor to tour Europe singing with the “Palouse Choir Society”. Retirement could not keep her away from school and she accompanied her daughter, Ramona's programs for the past thirteen years. She thoroughly enjoyed directing the "Young at Heart" Senior Center Choir, coordinating for the Warming House, serving at Community meals and participating in the Gateway Mission Commission.

 It was a must for her to be with family during the holidays and this became a highlight of all their lives. Dementia could not subdue her musical bones! She could play by ear on the piano for hours and there was always a song in her heart that may come out anywhere and at any time. 

Her husband, children and family are blessed to have had her in their lives. Remaining are her husband; Ken Farner, her four children; Ramona Harwood, Nancy Farner, Dan & Sheron Farner and Jim & Heidi Farner, her eleven grandchildren; Corby Harwood, Larissa Poppen, Judah Harwood, Kenny Harwood, Michaela (Farner) Dutscheck, Zach Farner, Anna Farner, Adon Farner, Wesley Farner, Josh Farner, Rachel Farner,  and her six great-grandchildren; Zoe Poppen, Elsa Harwood, Isaiah Poppen, Christopher Harwood, Isabelle Poppen and Sarah Farner.

Her celebration of life will be on April 2nd at 2 p.m. at the Gateway Church of The Dalles. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Habitat for Humanity or a charity of your choice.

Obituary: Charles Francis “Chuck” Evans, Hood River

Charles Francis “Chuck” Evans died at home in Hood River, Oregon, on February 11, 2022, with his family at his side. Chuck was nearly 85 when he went on to Glory.

Chuck was born March 15, 1937, in Washington D.C. to Catherine and Charles Francis Evans. He met his wife Diane at Canoga Park High School,CA. They were engaged before Chuck entered the U.S. Navy in 1955 and married in 1956. Chuck proudly served as an aviation mechanic; following honorable discharge, he used his military skills in research and development for Marquardt Aircraft.

Within five years, Chuck and Diane were blessed with three daughters, Kim, Kathi, and Karin. Shortly after their fourth daughter Kristine was born in 1967. The family moved from California to central Oregon. In 1973, the family moved to Mt. Hood, where their fifth daughter Joelena was born.

After a brief stint in Iowa, the family returned to Mt. Hood, where they lived for 25 years. Chuck built a log home for his sister and maintained the family farm, raised a variety of livestock and had a huge garden. He also worked for Lava Nursery as a heavy equipment mechanic.

In 2003, Chuck and Diane were ready to retire at their property in Goldendale, WA. There they delighted in welcoming grandchildren to their home, watching them experience wide-open spaces, sleep in Grandpa’s Tipi, and learn safe marksmanship on Grandpa’s shooting range.

In 2016, Chuck and Diane moved back to Hood River to be closer to loved ones. Throughout their marriage, they remained devoted to each other and to their ever-growing family and were especially blessed to celebrate a landmark 65th anniversary in September 2021.

Chuck rejoiced in his daily relationship with God. Through his life as well as through his teaching and worship music, he influenced many to know and experience the Lord personally. Chuck was happiest when he and Diane gathered with their five daughters for special occasions, joined by grandchildren to love and enjoy! Music was his language, and he would often break into song. He loved to fix things and tinker in his workshop. Chuck was a dedicated reader of everything from Bible to biography; he was a true patriot and boldly declared his love of God and country.

Chuck is survived by his beloved wife, Diane; five daughters: Kim (Gary), Kathi (Dave), Karin (Bill), Kris (Tom), and Joelena (Mark); and his brother, Kevin Evans. Chuck also leaves for his wife Diane the blessings of 17 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren (plus one due in August), and three great-great-grandchildren. Chuck was preceded in death by his father Charles Evans Sr., mother Catherine Garrett, stepfather Jack Wyckoff, sister Charlene Stoltz, sister Lydia Evans, and granddaughter Elyssa Montgomery.

For information on services, please contact tntsodad@juno.com.

If you wish to leave a message of remembrance for family, please visit AndersonsTributeCenter.com.

Death Notices: Dalles Vestal Denton, Jason Paul Weaver, The Dalles

Dalles Vestal Denton, age 79, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on February 24, 2022. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Jason Paul Weaver, age 51, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on February 22, 2022. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Emma Jean Smith, Grass Valley

Emma Jean Smith, age 97, a resident of Grass Valley, OR, passed away on February 22, 2022. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Mark Baehm, The Dalles

Mark Baehm, age 86, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on January 27, 2022. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Janice Dahl, Naches, WA

Janice Dahl of Naches, Washington passed away February 19, 2022, 2022 at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital in Hood River, Oregon.  Janice was born on January 25, 1934, and was 88 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. 

Death Notice: Joan Carol Swett, The Dalles

Joan Carol Swett, age 83, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on February 14, 2022. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Glen Monroe Cunningham, The Dalles

Glen Monroe Cunningham, age 86, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on February 19, 2022. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Obituary: Linda Kay Hilton, Hood River

Linda Kay Hilton (74) passed away on February 15th, 2022 at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital. Linda was born April 21, 1947, to parents Wint and Gyneth (Hankins) Roberts. Linda grew up in the Hood River area with siblings Joann, Johnny and Randy. She graduated from Hood River High School in 1965. 

Linda and Larry first met when they were next-door neighbors and later married on July 18, 1965. Together they had 4 children: Luther Alan born in 1966, Tony born in 1969, Todd born in 1970, and Christina born in 1978. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother, Honorary Chapter FFA Degree, DFG Credit Union Board. Linda started working at the Diamond Fruit Cannery in 1965. Then in 1970, she started working in the office at Diamond Fruits Pinegrove Pre-size. In 1981 she moved into the administrative office at Diamond Central and stayed there until retiring in 2012. Also, during the 701s and 801s, she worked at Hackett1s TV and Appliances. From 1988 to 2016, Linda did the bookkeeping for Hilton Orchards. 

She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great­grandchildren. She enjoyed gambling and traveling. Some of her favorite trips were taking her grandkids to Disneyland. Linda also spent lots of time with horses and going to her granddaughter’s and great-granddaughter’s horse shows. Later in life, she became a fan of NASCAR and found delight in going to races. 

Linda is survived by her husband Larry of 56 years, children Alan (Melody), Tony (Danielle), Todd (Tenille) all of Hood River, and Christina of The Dalles. Grandchildren Justin, Tyler, Zackery, Hailey, Tanner, Kaesha, Toby, Joshua, Aspen, Dylan, Lily, and Skye. Great-grandchildren Presley, Kennedy, Wyatt, Isaiah, Noah, Brielle, and Jaylin. 

She is preceded in death by her brothers Johnny and Randy Roberts, her father Wint Roberts, her sister Joann (Roberts) Wols, and her mother Gyneth Roberts. 

Obituary: Richard E. “Dick” Yecny, The Dalles

Richard E. “Dick” Yecny, 89, a resident of The Dalles, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 28th, 2022.

He was born April 3, 1932, in Madera, California, the youngest of four children born of Bessie and Ernest Yecny.  His father died before he was born.

His early life was spent in Fresno, California, where he attended both public and parochial schools through the second grade.  His mother then remarried, and Dick moved to Oregon, where he lived first in Scappoose and then St. Helens.  He attended St. Frederic’s elementary school in St. Helens.  Upon completing the eighth grade he attended and boarded at Columbia Prep High School on the University of Portland campus during his freshman and sophomore years.  Dick then moved back to Fresno, California, where he completed his junior and senior high school years at Roosevelt High School.  He played football for Roosevelt and was selected to the Fresno All City football team his senior year.  Following high school graduation in 1950, Dick served with the United States Marine Corps in Korea.  He married his high school sweetheart, Pat (she conveniently lived across the street) in 1953.  

Dick continued his education at Fresno City College where he played football and was inducted into the college’s “Wall of Fame”.  He and Pat then moved to Eugene where their first son, Rick, was born and where Dick played football and graduated from the University of Oregon.  They then moved to Prineville, where their second son, Ken, was born. In addition to teaching, Dick was the assistant football coach, and head coach for both wrestling and golf.  Their third child, Terry, was born in The Dalles, and Dick and Pat decided not to move again.

Dick earned his Master’s Degree at Oregon College of Education, Monmouth Oregon.  While with The Dalles Public Schools, Dick taught biology and P. E., and coached football, wrestling, and golf.  He later became Director of the Resource and Media Center (RAM Center) where the centralized ordering, processing, and repairs of the district’s library media materials and equipment occurred. The RAM Center also provided graphics and printing services to The Dalles Public Schools and surrounding districts.  Dick concluded his educational career as principal of Colonel Wright Elementary School, The Dalles.

Dick was a past member of The Dalles Lions Club, the Elks, The Dalles Master Gardeners, Afternoon Tea Group, an active member of The Dalles Country Club, and was an original and active board member of St. Vincent de Paul, The Dalles.  In addition, he and his wife Pat served as Eucharistic Ministers, representing St. Peter Catholic Church in ministering to occupants of The Dalles Veterans Home. Dick was a second generation American, and enjoyed reconnecting with his relatives in the Czech Republic in his later years.

Dick is survived by his wife of 68 years, Pat Yecny of The Dalles, children Rick Yecny (Jane) of Florence, Oregon, Ken Yecny of Livermore, California, Terry Carlson (Dave) of Seattle, Washington and daughter-in-law Debbie Koch.  He is also survived by his grandchildren Laurel Ferguson (Alex), Ellen Huntingdon (Christopher), Eric, Phillip, Ryan, and Jason Yecny, Brian Carlson (Annie), Terence Carlson and great-grandchildren Maren and Graeme Ferguson, Kieran and Olivia Carlson.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Teresa, Bess Louise, Rose, his daughters-in-law Lisa Carlson Yecny and Diane Candelario and his grandson, David Carlson.

Date and time for a mass of Christian burial at St. Peter Catholic Church, The Dalles, and a celebration of life will be determined on a future date.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Home At Last, The Dalles, or a charity of your choice.

Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Bobby Dale Walker, Hood River

Bobby Dale Walker passed away on February 15, 2022, at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital in Hood River, Oregon. Bobby was born on January 30, 1955, and was 67 years old 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: Charles Francis Evans “Chuck”, Hood River

Charles Francis Evans “Chuck”

Charles Francis Evans “Chuck” passed away February 11, 2022, at his home in Hood River, Oregon, with family by his side. Chuck was born March 15, 1937, and was 84 years of age at the time of his passing.

A natural burial with military honors is planned for 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 12th, 2022, at White Eagle Memorial Preserve Cemetery (401 Ekone Road, Goldendale, WA 98620).

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: Leonard (Leo) A. Rankin, Wasco

Leonard (Leo) A. Rankin, age 78, a resident of Wasco, OR, passed away on February 15, 2022. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: John Houston Grant, Shaniko

John Houston Grant, age 62, a resident of Shaniko, OR formally of The Dalles, OR, passed away on February 14, 2022. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: William (Buck) Wayne Henderson, The Dalles

William (Buck) Wayne Henderson, age 69, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on February 12, 2022. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.