Death Notice: Gladys Elma Castle, Hood River

Gladys Elma Castle passed away on April 7, 2022, at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital in Hood River, Oregon. Gladys was born on September 7, 1922, and was 99 years old 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: Earlene Marie Roberts, Hood River

Earlene Marie Roberts, center

Earlene Marie Roberts passed away and went to be with our Heavenly Father on April 2nd, 2022 at her home in Hood River, Oregon.   Earlene was born September 5th, 1942 and was 79 years of age at the time of her passing.

Earlene was born in Hood River, Oregon to Earl and Ivy Marie Phelps.   Earlene was the oldest of three siblings; Rhonda and Sheri followed. Earlene was welcomed into Heaven by her dad, Earl and mom, Ivy Marie and granddaughter, Oliva Hepner.

Earlene is survived by her oldest daughter, Marquita Veloz and husband Victor Veloz; her son, Perry Redmon and great-grandson Levi Redmon; her daughter,  Tama Lynn Roberts Hepner and husband Darin Hepner and grandson Brian Smith and his wife Jeseca and their daughters, Aubri and Evelyn; granddaughter, Courtney Jo Smith Anderson and her husband Pete and their daughter Maci Jo; grandson, Colton Smith and his wife Rebekah and their daughter Madison; grandson, Judah Hepner; her son, Duane Roberts and his wife Sharon and children; daughter, Natasha Roberts and her two sons, Gage Teeter and Brayden Roberts; son, Devyn Roberts; Erica Clevidence and her children Emma and Woodrow Mauer; her daughter, Nancey Lane and her husband Joshua their kids Mercedes Hollenberry and her husband Justin and their son Theodore, Grandson Michael Lane and his son Matthew, Grandson Max Lane and granddaughter Martika Lane.  

Earlene worked at The Cherry Growers, Duckwall Pooley, Walmart and throughout the valley until her retirement. Earlene touched many people's lives in her 79 years. She was a follower of the Lord and led many people to Christ. Her love for her children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren was like no other. Her hobbies included sewing clothes for her kids and wedding dresses for family and friends. She loved to get on the phone and pray with her sisters which sometimes lasted for hours. Earlene followed her father's vision praying for the Hood River Valley and the residents that lived here. Earlene loved to go on the yearly family camping trip where she would be so excited to spend time with her family. One of her favorite things to do was during the holidays when she would go to her grandkid's schools and read Cranberry Thanksgiving and hand out homemade cranberry bread to their class. It became such a tradition teachers would call her to make sure she was coming.

Earlene’s legacy in the Hood River Valley will live on forever. The lives she touched and the lives she led to the Lord in her 79 years will live on forever. Earlene will be greatly missed by her family and friends and the residents of Hood River Valley. Earlene without a doubt will always be praying for her family and friends and the Hood River Valley from her heavenly home. 

Services are planned as follows;

Viewing & a time to visit with family is set for 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, April 8th, 2022 at Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. 

Funeral Services & Reception 2:00 p.m., Sunday, April 10th, 2022 at Covenant Church, 455 Frankton Road, Hood River.

Graveside Committal Service 4:30 p.m., Sunday, April 10th, 2022 at Idlewilde Cemetery, 980 Tucker Road, Hood River.

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

Death Notice: Nancy Jean Worthen, Hood River

Nancy Jean Worthen passed away on April 1, 2022, at Parkhurst Place in Hood River, Oregon. Nancy was born May 19, 1933, and was 88 years of age at the time of her passing.

At Nancy's request, there are no services planned.  Memorials are encouraged to honor Nancy to Hukari Animal Shelter - all who knew Nancy know how important animals were in her life.

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: Rolland William Taskey, The Dalles

Rolland William Taskey, age 87, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away April 5, 2022. A Rosary service will be held at the St. Peter Catholic Church on April 23, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. with a Burial Service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Obituary: "David “Dave” Howard Conlee, Moro

"David “Dave” Howard Conlee

"David “Dave” Howard Conlee passed away peacefully on April 5, 2022, surrounded by his three children, after a short battle with lung cancer.  He was born May 7, 1942 in Portland, Oregon to Virgil and Flora Conlee, and was raised on a wheat ranch outside of Moro with his only sibling, Nancy.

Over the years, David wore many hats including grain warehouseman, mobile home toter, mechanic, farmer, tool salesman, and circling back to his ag roots as a grain truck driver for Mid Columbia Producers, where he officially retired in January 2021.  Because of his great love for his MCP work family, he continued doing odd jobs for them until the end.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his second wife, Carol (Donahue) Conlee, and stepson Bill Meyer.  He is survived by his sister Nancy (Gary) Schrader, his son Chris (Shashana) Conlee, his daughter Jill (Trent) Harrison and their children Andie and Jed, and his youngest daughter Paula (Greg) Costanzo and their children Brooke, Chance, Jennika and Jace.  He is also survived by his stepchildren David Meyer, Debbie Snodgrass and Kathy Frisbey, along with their children and grandchildren.  Last, but far from least, he leaves behind his beloved dogs and cat Cindy, Teddy, Scooter and Dude, as well as faithful family friend Teresa Farmer.

David loved spending time with his kids, especially over a cold Coors Light.  He had also enjoyed boating, riding motorcycles (including his famous red scooter), spending hours tinkering in his yellow school bus shop that he designed himself, raising foster children with Carol, adopting rescue animals, and Sunday morning breakfasts with lifelong friends.

A Celebration of Life luncheon will be held at the Moro Senior Center on Sunday, June 26, at 1pm.  Please bring your stories of David, and possibly an outdoor chair.  Donations in David’s memory can be made to Home At Last Humane Society in The Dalles.

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

Death Notice: Michael Dennis Packer, The Dalles

Michael Dennis Packer, age 71, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away on April 1, 2022. A celebration of life to be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notices: Earlene Marie Roberts, Nancy Jean Worthen, Hood River

Earlene Marie Roberts passed away on April 2, 2022, at her home in Hood River, Oregon.   Earlene was born September 5, 1942, and was 79 years of age at the time of her passing.  Services are pending 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. 

Nancy Jean Worthen passed away on April 1, 2022, at Parkhurst Place in Hood River, Oregon. Nancy was born May 19, 1933, and was 88 years of age at the time of her passing.  Services are pending 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. 

Obituary: Ray Ferns, Stevenson

Ray Ferns

Ray Ferns transitioned from this life suddenly and peacefully on March 27th, 2022, at his home in Stevenson, Washington. He was born on July 20th, 1952 in Medford, Oregon to Leonard and Barbara Ferns. He was 69 years of age at the time of his passing.

He met his spouse Kathleen Ferns in Eugene, Oregon in 1980 and they recently celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary. 

Ray was proud of his service in the Navy aboard the USS Kitty Hawk, which enabled him to pursue a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminology at Southern Oregon College (SOC), and a Master’s of Science in Correctional Planning and Development at the University of Oregon. 

Professionally, Ray was instrumental in the field of Corrections. His career began with the Oregon Department of Corrections where he received several awards for his leadership and dedication over his twenty-year tenure coordinating services and support for a range of people involved in the justice system. One of his many accolades from that time included Probation Officer of the Year. In 1988 he was promoted to a position overseeing state parole and probation for a five-county region in Oregon, which brought his family to the Columbia River Gorge. He retired from the state of Oregon in 1999, and the second half of his career was spent as a trainer and organizational consultant in the coordination of correctional service agencies spanning state and local jurisdictions in over two dozen states. In this work, he was known as an agent of change and a gifted consultant on cognitive-behavioral interventions and organizational change. He held credit among the many professionals he trained, as he had been ‘in the trenches’ of the work for many years. 

He loved his work and was extremely dedicated to his fervent belief in the power of the human condition −that all people maintain the capacity for change. Just a month ago in a project, he was working on with his daughter Meghan, Ray explained: “From a professional perspective the creation of Restorative Correctional Services and the correctional training products Effective Communications and Motivational Strategies (ECMS) I consider my greatest professional contributions and achievements. Knowing that the material I crafted helped to change correctional cultures in a way that improved the lives of staff within correctional institutions and people receiving services within those agencies is a legacy that I am proud of and confident in. Certifying over 1000 people in the ECMS material and creating a process to “train trainers” in the material has helped me have at least some confidence that this material/approach will outlast my lifetime.” Ironically, Ray lost two of his most precious mentors, University of Oregon Professor Kenneth Viegas, and University of Cincinnati Professor Doctor Edward Latessa this past year −two men who also left powerful legacies as innovators in criminal justice reform. 

Ray was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing, hiking, 4-wheeling, boating -he found his understanding of God in nature. Ray was also a lifelong athlete. His favorite sports as a young man included football, wrestling, and track all of which he was accomplished at. 

During his middle years, while raising a family in the Gorge, Ray also enjoyed his time and community at the Hood River Sports Club where he was affectionately known as “the train” for his feats in weightlifting. He may still hold some records for his squats, cleans, and bench presses. In his retirement, he relished opportunities for deep-sea fishing in Manzanillo, Mexico. This past January he caught a Marlin that he was quite proud of. Recently, he found great joy and camaraderie in Pickle Ball, which he played daily in Stevenson. 

Ray is survived by his spouse Kathleen Ferns, his children Levi Ferns (Larry) of Portland, OR, Justin South (Hellen) of Janesville, WI, Gabriel South of Belmont, CA, Meghan Perry (Robb) of Stevenson, WA; his grandchildren Emma Ferns of Flagstaff, AZ, Hope Ferns of Portland, OR, Breyden South and Aaliyah Housely of Janesville, WI, Opal Perry of Stevenson, WA; his father Leonard Larson Ferns of Medford, OR, and siblings Mark Ferns (Betsy) of Baker City, OR, Susan Truly (John) and Alan Ferns of Medford, OR. Ray is also survived by a large, loving extended family including his brother and sister in-laws and nieces and nephews whom he adored. He is predeceased by his mother Barbara Ferns, and his granddaughter Aila Nova Perry. 

Many of Ray’s close friendships included people he knew since childhood, like his friend Mike Wolfe who he enjoyed while hunting for caribou in Alaska. In more recent years, he developed deep friendships with a great many people whom he dialogued with regularly about opportunities to heal a deeply divided nation. Many people have and continue to share how Ray helped them to think differently, expand understanding, build curiosity and compassion, and to look again. As his friend and editor Scott explains, “when we felt like giving up on talking to people with whom we disagreed, Ray always saw the silver lining -the opportunity- and would encourage us to be more understanding and empathetic. He was quite the optimist, consummate professional, and master at his craft!” 

Ray’s family will hold a celebration of his life in southern Oregon later this Spring on his family property, a place of deep spiritual significance to him.  

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

Obituary: Susan L. Huntington, The Dalles

Susan L. Huntington

Susan L. Huntington died of cancer on March 31, 2022, at home, surrounded by family. She was 68 years old.

Susan is preceded in death by her parents, J. Harvey and Florence A. Bones, and is survived by her husband of 48 years, David, and her children Alix, Ryan, and Spike (David), Spike’s husband, Nick Huntington-Klein, and grandchildren Jordan Huntington, Jasper Huntington, Milo Huntington, Emry Seal, Uli Huntington, and Joan Harvey Huntington-Klein.

However, her definition of ‘grandma’ did not always take genetics into consideration, and she would be quick to include Andres, Adan, Cruz, and Enzo Magana and Alaina and Zoe Casady among her grandkids.

She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.

Susan retired after 23 years as Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, serving the Oregon communities of The Dalles, Newport, and Seaside.

Asked recently what she was most proud of she replied: her work on the team that created The Dalles Community Meals, feeding those in need; her work to get the Oregon Veterans Home built in The Dalles; and her political lobbying with The Dalles Community Outreach Team, garnering support for projects such as the fiber-optic network loop which helped bring Google and other new industries to the area.

Susan served in many positions of leadership. In addition to her work with the Chamber, she also served as State President of both the Oregon Jaycee Women and the Oregon Jaycees. As Vice President of US Jaycee Women, she traveled extensively in her assigned states of Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, Montana, Alaska and Arkansas, whose then Governor, Bill Clinton, bestowed upon her the honor of “Arkansas Traveler” for her work in his state.

Celebration of Life will take place at The Dalles United Methodist Church at 2:00 PM on April 9, 2022 with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Dalles Community Meals would be most appreciated.

Death Notice: Walter Lewis Hanna, Dufur

Walter Lewis Hanna, age 85, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away on March 29, 2022. There will be a Celebration of Life potluck on Saturday, April 9, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. at Dufur Park. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Bradley Steven Baughman, Dallesport

Bradley Steven Baughman passed away on March 30, 2022, at his home in Dallesport, Washington. Bradley was born on July 25, 1953, and was 68 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. 

Celebration of Life: Phyllis Elena Gracias Farner, The Dalles

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. 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.

Death Notice: Denise Ernestine Riggs, Wasco

Denise Ernestine Riggs, age 67, a resident of Wasco, OR, passed away on March 29, 2022. A graveside service will be held April 2, 2022, at the Wasco Sunrise Cemetery at 1 p.m. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Tylor Eldon Huxel, The Dalles

Tylor Eldon Huxel, age 38, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on March 29, 2022. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Ruth Medhaug, The Dalles & Hood River

Ruth Medhaug

Ruth Medhaug formerly of Hood River and The Dalles, Oregon passed away on March 27th, 2022 in Alexandria, Louisiana.   Ruth was born November 1, 1929, and was 93 years of age at the time of her passing.   

Services are pending at this time but will be at Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  A graveside committal service with vault interment will be at Idlewilde Cemetery of Hood River, Oregon. 

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

Death Notice: Bob D. Thomas, The Dalles

Bob D. Thomas, age 76, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on March 24, 2022. A service will be held at Spencer, Libby and Powell Gathering Hall on April 9th, 2022 at 2 p.m. Mingling and remembering will immediately follow at the Riv, 410 E 10th St. The Dalles, OR. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Obituary: Jason Michael Bullard, The Dalles

Jason Michael Bullard

Jason Michael Bullard, 42, of The Dalles, passed away on March 15 after a two-year battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Jason was born on July 18, 1979, to Michael Edward and Lorena Lynn Bullard in Flint, Michigan. After graduating from Bendle High School in 1998, Jason enlisted in the US Army and was stationed in Ft. Lewis, WA. After his Army service, Jason enlisted in the US Coast Guard and was stationed in Bellingham, WA and Port Angeles, WA.

Jason married Tria Bullard in 2004 and gained a beautiful daughter, Sydney, who he had an immediate close bond and connection with. He and Tria have two sons, Jaeden and Ryan. The greatest joy of Jason’s life was being a father to his three children.

In 2005, Jason sustained a life-changing back injury. Unable to pursue his dreams of becoming a rescue swimmer, he was medically retired from the US Coast Guard in 2007.

After his injury, Jason found his passion through coaching and by sharing his love of fitness and health. He was a big kid at heart and had a special way of connecting with people. He could talk to anyone and was most often one of the loudest in the room, to which his family often remarked, “He’s a Bullard.” Whether on the field or the court, he was there supporting his kids and countless others.

Jason was extremely competitive and passionate about sports and would often lose his voice by the end of a game, either from coaching or by “conversing” with the refs. As a personal trainer, he found ways to push his clients further than they ever thought physically possible, and they loved him for it. Through the groans and resistance of “You want me to do WHAT?!” he formed many close friendships and is responsible for getting people into the best shape of their lives, an accomplishment he was very proud of. 

Being a soccer coach was Jason’s true love and the families he met through the sport became his own family. He dedicated many years to coaching and many kids still call him ‘Coach’ to this day. In addition to soccer, he coached Little League, middle school basketball, and was a PE teacher.

As a father, Jason instilled in his kids a love of 90’s rap and alternative music, a competitive spirit, an ethos of giving to others, and the importance of laughter. He was the playful parent, always up for shooting some hoops, taking the boys fishing, or being the instigator of some sort of prank or joke. In addition to sports and fitness, he loved science, peanut butter, dogs, babies, hiking, and being outdoors. He cherished his time growing up on the family farm in Michigan and the close bond he had with his family back there.

Jason is survived by his parents Michael and Lorena Bullard of Flint, MI, his sister Shannon (Jordan) Gill, a niece and two nephews (Jared, Lilliana, and Everett) of Holly, MI, his children Sydney (21), Jaeden (16) and Ryan (13), and his girlfriend, Jen Bartholomew of Tualatin, who beautifully cared for him until he took his last breath.

In lieu of flowers, the family has set up a scholarship fund at Gorge Soccer Academy to enable Jason to continue having an impact on kids in the Gorge who want to pursue their love of soccer. A celebration of life is being planned for Saturday, April 2nd at Bargeway Pub followed by a memorial soccer game at Wahtonka Field at 4 p.m.

Obituary: Warren Corbett Wols, Hood River

Warren Corbett Wols

Warren Corbett Wols was a caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He left this world peacefully on March 22nd, 2022, at the age of 82.

He was born to Karl Wols and Betty Jane Miller on February 19th , 1940 in Hood River, OR. He met his loving wife Judy Wols at a High School football game in 1954 and they were married on December 26th, 1959. They were married for 62 years.

Together they had two children. Daughter Charleen Wols and Son, Kelly Wols. Warren Proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1957. He served two tours in Vietnam before being honorably discharged as a Gunnery Sargant in 1987.

He Continued to work in construction for over 20 years before retiring. He was a very hard working, caring, giving, loving man who enjoyed fishing, watching the news, and spending time with his family.

Warren is survived by his wife Judy Wols; daughter Charleen Wols; son-in-law William Doty; brother Karl (Lani) Wols; grandchildren Kristina and her husband Pedro Solorio, Whitney Herrera, Tyler Doty, and great grandchildren Isaac, Ian, Imelia, and Anastasia. Also his cat Smokey, his best friend.

Ask Me What I Was

I’ll reply with what I’ve done.

Those things others would not do, I did;

Those rivers others would not swim, I swam;

Those hills others would not climb; I conquered;

Those bridges others would not cross, I crossed;

I have celebrated. I have mourned.

I have smiled and I have frowned.

I have seen death and felt its warm breath. I did not faze me,

For I was different. I was a warrior.

You ask me what I was? It was my destiny,

Until my last breath,

To be a United States Marine.

And my spirit shall live forever.

Semper Fidelis

For I was, am and shall forever be a

United States Marine

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: Carrie Jean Weathers, Hood River

Carrie Jean Weathers

Carrie Jean Weathers of Hood River passed away on March 18, 2022, in Hood River, Oregon. She was born November 9, 1950, To Larry and Laura Young of Hood River. She graduated from Wy’East High School in 1968, graduated from The Dalles Beauty School in 1969, and later opened her own salon in Odell.

 She was married to Mike Weathers until his death in 2006.

She is survived by her pilot Ken Shute of Odell; daughter Darcie (Richard) Ahrendt of Oregon City; grandson Payton Ahrendt of Dover, New Hampshire; Sisters Barbara (Kirk) Stein of Oregon City and Mary (Steve) Stiles of Nevada; and many nieces and nephews, and life-long friends.

She enjoyed gardening and camping with Ken, and always had a good time visiting with her friends.

A celebration of life for Carrie will be held at 12 p.m. on April 23, 2022, at Anderson’s Tribute Center,1401 Belmont Ave, Hood River, OR

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carrie’s name to Hood River EMS (C/O Anderson’s Tribute Center - 1401 Belmont Ave, Hood River, OR 97031)

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Helen Clara Pahlke

Helen Clara Pahlke

Helen Clara Pahlke passed away on March 23, 2022 in Hood River, Oregon. Helen was born on September 1, 1932 and was 89 years old 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 ofcondolence for the family.