Death Notice: Steven “Steve” Reynolds, Hood River

Steven “Steve” Reynolds lifelong resident of the Hood River Valley and retired Deputy Sheriff passed away April 13th, 2022 at Columbia Basin Care Facility in The Dalles, Oregon.

Steve was born May 20, 1953 and was 68 years of age at the time of his 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.

Death Notice: Jeri Davis Ruefer-Hore, The Dalles

Jeri Davis Ruefer-Hore passed away on April 10, 2022, in The Dalles, Oregon. Jeri was born on June 17, 1945, and was 76 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.

Death Notice: Mary Lois Taylor, White Salmon

Mary Lois Taylor passed away on April 4, 2022 in White Salmon, Washington. Mary was born on February 11, 1926 and was 96 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.

Death Notice: Jessy Leroy Sutton, The Dalles

Jessy Leroy Sutton, age 82, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on April 11, 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: Laura Ann Sparks, The Dalles

Laura Ann Sparks, age 85, a resident of The Dalles, OR passed away on April 13, 2022. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Obituary: Michael George Poseley, Hood River

Michael George Poseley

September 17, 1941 – April 8, 2022

A cowboy, a dad, a grandpa, a poet and one tough sonofabitch with all the catchphrases to go along with that: my personal favorite “life’s tough, but it’s tougher If you’re stupid”. Well, he sure wasn’t stupid. Full of confidence and common sense that he passed on to his daughters and then on to his grandchildren, Mike made the most of his 80 years. His confidence came with and was earned as an older brother, star athlete, and later on dogged cowboy, hunter, and mountain man; however, it was as a husband and father that Mike was able to most profoundly impact those around and grow into the quintessential wise old man that he was in his later years.

Mike met Kathy the summer before their senior year of high school and began what would be a 64-year adventure; showing each other, themselves, their children, and all their loved ones what “for better or for worse” truly means. A significant step in this adventure: packing up their four young daughters and moving far from their ranch, families, and lives in Minnesota to Colorado to fulfill dreams of ranching, roping, and riding horses through the mountains. Mike thrived in and loved the mountains and Colorado. In Gunnison, Mike and Kathy established themselves and their family as ranchers and realtors: allowing them to meet just about every family in town and enshrine a small-town celebrity status that still lingers to this day.

Mike and Kathy raised their four girls to be tough, hardworking, star athletes that assuaged any thoughts that Mike might need a son to whom to pass these traits down. Sunday family horseback rides along mountain trails, weekends spent skiing, cheering on their two youngest at swim meets, hunting and camping trips, and hard work around the ranch, Mike was able to raise his daughters to be strong, independent, and principled women and to become amazing parents in their own rights. As Mike and Kathy’s family continued to grow, Mike took on his new role as a grandfather – and as the family was rocked by successive losses, Mike took on the role of a father figure to those of his grandchildren who were suddenly in need of one.

Through his later years in Hood River, Oregon, and as his tough edges softened, Mike continued to be a supportive husband, father, grandfather and friend. Mike wrote often of his life, thoughts, and experiences, and took joy in sharing these writings with his friends and grandchildren alike. Mike was also eager to share his tapes of the Colorado Mountain wildlife that he faithfully tracked, filmed, and portrayed, specifically the mountain goats and big horned sheep that migrate through the Rocky Mountains.

Through his wise words, enduring demeanor and attitude towards life, Mike has left a lasting impact of all who knew him and given his family the example of fortitude needed to navigate this life. Another favorite phrase of his, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going” and he lived up to that right to the end.

Samantha Clay Smith

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

Obituary: Tylor Eldon Huxel, The Dalles

Tylor Eldon Huxel, 38, a resident of The Dalles, OR passed away on Tuesday, March 29th, 2022. He was born on October 16, 1983, in The Dalles, OR.

Tylor was the youngest of two sons of Kurtis Emil and Valerie Dawn (Jones) Huxel.

He was raised in The Dalles and attended Chenoweth High School district and graduated from Watonka High School class of 2002. He enjoyed playing football and baseball while in school.

Tylor worked for Evans Orchard during and after high school. He later went to work for MTS Wireless where he traveled across the U.S. building towers. When he came back home, he worked for a few contractors before going to work for Sapa and then Hydro Extrusions.

Ty enjoyed the outdoors as reflected in all his paintings. He loved to spend time on the river in his boat. He liked any type of fishing. Ty hunted just about everything you could think of. It didn’t matter if he filled his tag or not, he just liked to be out there in nature. One of his favorite places was at our cabin in the mountains with family.

Tylor is survived by his parents Kurtis and Valerie Huxel of The Dalles; his brother Kevin and his wife Shyla Huxel; three nieces, Kristi, Lili, and MaKenna Huxel all of The Dalles; grandparents Lawrence and Judy Jones of Amity; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A potluck with family and friends will be held May 1st, 2022, at 1:00 pm at The Dalles Eagles Lodge at 7th and Walnut Streets. 

Death Notice:Virgil Dewey Knight, The Dalles

Virgil Dewey Knight, age 68, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on April 5, 2022. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Betty Jane Ervin, The Dalles

Betty Jane Ervin, age 71, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on April 10, 2022. A celebration of life to be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Obituary: Eugene John Uczen, Hood River

Eugene J Uczen, Jr

Feb 28, 1943 - April 7, 2022 

Gene Uczen died of natural causes early on April 7th, 2022. He was 79 years old and surrounded by his family. 

Gene is survived by his wife Joyce and his three children and their families; David Uczen, wife Jannette, and daughter Hallie; Carol Harris, husband Trenton, son Hunter, and daughter Heather; Pamela Hegemann, husband Rob, daughters Lindsey and Lauren, and their son Luke. Also, survived by his younger sister, Alice Uczen Hladon, of Arizona, and his brother-in-law, Larry Cline, of Illinois. 

Gene has lived in Hood River since December of 2011 when he retired from a career in the telecommunications industry. 

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: Harold “Bud” Joseph Bickford Jr., Hood River

Harold “Bud” Joseph Bickford Jr. passed away on April 8, 2022, in Hood River, Oregon. Harold was born on May 16, 1929, and was 92 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. 

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

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.