Death Notice: Viola Hutson, Milwaukie

Viola Hutson passed away November 4th, 2022 in Milwaukie, Oregon. Viola was born April 10, 1925 and was 98 years of age at the time of passing.

Services are pending and arrangements are in care of Anderson's Tribute Center located at 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.

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

Death Notice: James Edward Duvall, Mosier

James Edward Duvall passed away on November 3, 2022 in Mosier, Oregon. James was born on August 7, 1938 and was 84 years old at the time of his passing.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) located at 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon  97031. 

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

Death Notice: Amy JoAnn Holmes, age 35

Amy JoAnn Holmes passed away on September 2, 2022 in Saint Clair, Michigan. Amy was born on January 20, 1987 and was 35 years old at the time of her passing.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) located at 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon  97031. 

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

Death Notice: Pamela Dawn Perkins, Redmond

Pamela Dawn Perkins, age 68, a resident of Redmond, OR, passed away on November 6, 2022.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Arthur V. Braun, The Dalles

Arthur V. Braun, age 76, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on October 27, 2022.

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

Death Notice: JoAnn Franklin, Maupin

JoAnn Franklin passed away on November 1, 2022, at Canyon Rim Assisted Living in Maupin, Oregon. JoAnn was born on February 17, 1961, and was 61 years of age at the time of passing.

Services are pending with arrangements 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: James Charles Kasmer, Mosier

James Charles Kasmer, age 69, a resident of Moiser, OR, passed away on October 30, 2022.

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

Death Notice: Harold Aloise Hausinger, Hood River

Harold Aloise Hausinger passed away on October 27, 2022 at his home in Hood River, Oregon. Harold was born on May 15, 1938, and was 84 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: John Arthur Decker, Madras

John Arthur Decker, age 85, a resident of Madras OR, passed away on October 31, 2022.

A graveside service will be held at Kent Cemetery on Nov. 7 at 10 am. A Celebration of Life will follow at First Baptist Church in Grass Valley OR, at 11 am. Lunch will be held thereafter at the Grass Valley pavilion. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Janet Irene Harrington, Dufur

Janet Irene Harrington, age 78, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away on October 28, 2022. Services will be held at the Dufur Christian Church, November 12, 2022 at 10 a.m.

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

Obituary: Craig Allen Starnes, The Dalles

Craig Allen Starnes
October 27, 1968- October 26, 2022

Craig Starnes, age 53 of The Dalles, Oregon died on Wednesday October 26, 2022 at Oregon Health & Science University Hospital in Portland, Oregon.

Craig was born on October 27, 1968 in Grinnell, Iowa, to Larry and Shirley Starnes (Emmert). He was raised on the family farm in Chester Township and educated in Grinnell, Iowa.

Craig worked many years making double hung windows for Wenco Windows (Jeld-Wen) in Grinnell. In 2005 Craig moved to Hood River, Oregon where he worked for several years at Cardinal IG Glass in the shapes department. Craig loved the Pacific Northwest. He had a passion for mountain biking. He enjoyed water sports and fishing on the Columbia River. He enjoyed visiting Mt. Hood and the Pacific Ocean. Craig also enjoyed hunting; deer and raccoon amongst other critters. He got his first deer when he was 13 years old.

Craig had a grand passion for music. He was a pretty good singer! He took 2nd place in the Colgate Country Music Showdown in The Dalles, Oregon singing one of his favorite songs “Boot Scootin’ Boogie”, of Brooks and Dunn. Craig loved karaoke and could get any party started. Craig was a friend to all.

Craig was a member in Faith of The First United Methodist Church in The Dalles, Oregon.

Craig is survived by his father Larry Starnes of Lake Havasu City, AZ, his son Ryan Starnes of Colfax, IA, his siblings Sara Vega (Starnes) of Hood River, OR, and Matthew Storm of Portland, OR,. two nieces; Emma and Natalia Vega, one aunt, two uncles and cousins.

Craig was preceded in death by his Grandparents; Don & Ida Starnes, Lee & Mary Emmert, and his mother Shirley Starnes (Emmert) in November 2020, also uncles Marvin and Willard Emmert.

Memorial services to be determined at a later date in Grinnell, Iowa.

Out in the country past the city limit sign… may you Rest in Peace.

Any memorials can be made to Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell, Iowa (1103 Broad Street, Grinnell, IA 50112 to help pay for Craig’s interment expenses.

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: Taefu Samoauatasi Taisi Heka, Jr. (Sam), The Dalles

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Taefu Samoauatasi Taisi Heka, Jr. (Sam) Age 51, formerly of the Bay Area (SF, CA) as well as The Dalles (OR), passed away October 15, 2022.

Sam was born in American Samoa on October 18, 1970. He passed away October 15, 2022, in Kent, WA doing and working with what he loved, Asphalt. 

Sam is a graduate of McAteer (J. Eugene) High School (1989 CA). 
After graduation, it was per his mother's request to stay close to home and honor their religious 7th day Sabbath, that Sam made a choice to turn down a sports scholarship to UCLA. Sam went on to pursue another path in education with Chabot College.

In 1992, Sam took on the most challenging, but rewarding job a man can have, he became a father for the 1st time.

Soon Sam found himself with 4 very handsome mini-me's. Sam loved all his boys, with his main focus now on the youngest of the 4, Alo Dawson. 

Taefu Samoauatasi Taisi Heka, Jr. was known by his loved ones, friends, and cohorts as 'Sam' and or Sammie.

While he had a dormant dragon-like disposition, those who captured his heart knew Sam to be kind, empathetic and generous.  He was his mother's gentle giant.

Sam is preceded in death by his sister, Alao L. Heka, and Grandmother Valelia Auva'a A'eau Su'a Matiseni.
He is survived by his Parents, Mr. Taliaoa Taisi Heka & Mrs. Fa'atamali'i Su'a Matiseni, 4 sons, (Daniel, Matthew, Moises & Alo), 4 honorary brothers (2 adopted cousins Tui Tago and Su'a Fa'aiu, brother-in-law James Steele, Uncle Joseph), 5 sisters, and several loving nephews and nieces.

Letters of endearment and or floral arrangements may be sent to:
Mr. & Mrs. Heka
In C/O
Spencer Libby & Powell Funeral Home
1100 Kelly Ave, The Dalles, OR 97058

Services will be November 3 & 4th, 2022

Family Viewing
Date: November 3rd, 2022, at Spencer, Libby and Powell gathering hall
Time 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Eulogy, Testimonials 2:00-3:30pm
Reception to follow w/slide show, meet and greet @ Civic Center

Second Service
Date: November 4, 2022
Service Time & Eulogy:  10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Burial: 1:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Formal reception to follow @ 2pm Civic Center, 2nd floor (elevator available for handicap and elderly). Final farewell

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

Death Notice: Stefan Eric Lovewell, age 32, Grass Valley

Stefan Eric Lovewell, age 32, a resident of Grass Valley, OR, passed away October 26, 2022. A Memorial Service will be held at the Emmanuel Baptist Church November 5, 2022 at 11:00 am in The Dalles, OR.

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

Death Notice: Louise Ione Hexum, The Dalles

Louise Ione Hexum, age 94, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on October 25, 2022. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Obituary: Jeannie Rae Justice, The Dalles; nurturer, librarian, Sonrise Principal

Jeannie Rae Justice was welcomed into the loving arms of  Jesus on October 10, 2022. She was born to Bea & Willet Justice on January 14, 1947.

She graduated with a master’s degree in Library Science from Geneseo, NY. She was a librarian at Roberts Wesleyan College for ten years. In 1979 moved to The Dalles, OR, to become a librarian at Judson Baptist College until 1985. She followed this as Secretary of Calvary Baptist Church until 1996 where she was a member until her death. At that time she went back to Rochester to assist with her nephew with autism. In 1999 she returned to The Dalles to be Principal of Sonrise Academy retiring in 2018.

Her faithful service to Lord included AWANA program, teaching Sunday school, VBS, Missions committee, Welcome table, Good News Club, Community Bible study, KRHP TV camera, baking communion bread, and being available. She had a servant’s heart. She was gifted and talented artistically and was an avid reader and loved the Scriptures.

She was preceded by her parents, brother & sister. She is survived by siblings Ray, Bea (Ger) Teal, LouAnne Thompson, Pattie (Bob) Peter, Brian (Kyle), Laura (Jim) Bowen, lifelong friend Joyce Lee, many nieces, nephews, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Child Evangelism Fellowship The Dalles OR, or to  Gideons International.

Obituary: Susan Claire Willis, Hood River: She put her all into "Leadership for Youth"

Susan Claire Willis, a lifelong resident of Hood River, Oregon, gained her Angel wings on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at the age of 69, surrounded by loved ones at her home. She remained strong throughout her battle with cancer, knowing her faith would sustain her.

  Sue was born on February 15, 1953, in Portland, Oregon, and at 10 weeks old, was lovingly adopted by Walt and Jewel Pegg of Parkdale, Oregon.

Sue attended Parkdale Elementary, Dee Primary, Wy'East High School, and was in the first class to graduate from the newly-built Hood River Valley High School in 1971. The following year, she attended Mt. Hood Community College, and then in July 1972, married her high school sweetheart, Gary Willis. This past July, 2022, Sue and Gary joyfully celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary as friends and family gathered to express their love.

Sue's young life was filled with the love of her parents growing up on the family farm harvesting pears and apples and even learning to drive a tractor.

Sue had a great love and respect for her parents and the life lessons they taught her about the rewards of hard work and the value of kindness to others. As a teen, Sue was chosen to be a 1970 Hood River Valley Blossom Festival Princess, and the following year, as the first Prom Queen of Hood River Valley High School.

Sue's most important priority was her family. She and Gary were blessed with two children they adored. Robert Ryan Willis was born in 1975, and Marcie Melia Willis in 1977. Sue was a stay-at-home mom until her children started middle school, but she was very active in her children's lives, being a room-Mom, serving on various PTO committees, attending Pine Grove skate nights, and served on the Wy'East local committee. She passed on to her children the value of kindness, honesty, hard work and a strong faith. 

Sue was employed at GS Long (spray shed) from 1988-1993, at which time she began to work for the Hood River Co. Chamber of Commerce. Her most rewarding assignment was in 1994, when she coordinated the creation of the "Leadership For Youth" program, partnering with HRVHS and many local businesses to teach leadership skills to inspire, encourage and motivate Hood River youth. Sue's passion for this program enabled her to touch many lives with her upbeat personality, positive attitude, wisdom and encouragement to teens. 

Sue also kept very involved with the Hood River community by her membership in Alpha Chi Sorority in the 1980s and the Orchard Lanes bowling league.  Her most enjoyable hobby was her way of showing joy and emotion through music as a member of the Sweet Adelines singing group, where she was also part of the Quartet, "Girlz From the Hood".

Though Gary and Sue spent time traveling to many vacation destinations, when Gary introduced Sue to his old hunting community at Wallowa Lake, it became their most loved place to spend time.  After many camping years at the Lake, they purchased their retirement home in Lostine, Oregon and spent the past years building their friendships and church community there.

As a life-long member of the Hood River Church of Christ, Sue lived her life as a true example of a Christian believer who always made those around her feel special. Her kindness, honesty, generosity, humility and positive attitude are a great testimony to her strong faith in God.  Sue was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and a true friend who will be dearly missed but always remembered for her contagious smile that left a lasting impression on many hearts.

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Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Walt and Jewel Pegg.  She is survived by her husband, Gary; son, Ryan; daughter, Marcie Zorza (Kris); Grandchildren, Makena and Kyla Zorza, Blake, Grace and Tatum Willis; Sister Sherry of Hermiston; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Please help us celebrate Sue's beautiful life on Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at Valley Christian Church, 975 Indian Creek Road, Hood River, Oregon 97031.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Sue's memory can be made to Wallowa Valley Center for Wellness through please mail to; 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: Dee Arthur Richelderfer, Wasco

Dee Richelderfer

Dee Arthur Richelderfer of Wasco, Ore., passed away at a hospice facility in Vancouver, Wash., on October 15, 2022.

He was 64.

Dee was born October 27, 1957, in The Dalles, Ore., the fifth of seven children born to David and Shirley Richelderfer of Wasco.

He attended elementary school at Wasco Grade School and graduated from Sherman High School in 1976.

As a young child, Dee could be found playing baseball, swimming at the family ranch and hanging out with friends. Summer vacations after the wheat harvest were spent at the Oregon Coast with the Pat Macnab family.

Hello, World!

Dee eventually started farming for several local farms. After a few years, he began driving fuel truck, which he continued for the next 20 years. This took him as far as Montana and North Dakota to the oil fields.

In 2012, Dee purchased a Beaver motorhome and began traveling the West and Midwestern states. He spent his winters in Yuma, Lake Havasu City and Parker, Ariz.

Dee was well-known in his community and had a number of good friends in spite of his strong personality and passionate opinions. He will be missed by many.

He is survived by brothers David Richelderfer (Leslie) of Yuma, Ariz., Dick Richelderfer (Sandra) of Wallowa Lake, Ore., Don Richelderfer (Cassie) of Wasco, Ore., Dan Richelderfer of Wasco, Ore., sisters D'Ann Massie (Butch) of Ephrata, Wash., and D'Lynn Richelderfer of Mesa, Ariz., and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Shirley Richelderfer.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, October 27, at Sunrise Cemetery in Wasco.

Donations can be made in Dee's name to Heimbigner Hospice Care Center, 3102 NE 134th St., Vancouver, WA 98686, or to a local charity of your choice.

Obituary: Alfred Arthur Carlson, The Dalles

Alfred Arthur Carlson was born on August 11, 1922, in the tiny fishing community of Chignik, Alaska.

Alfred passed away on October 25, 2022, at the Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles, Oregon with family by his side. 

Alfred’s parents were Peter and Lucy (Stepanoff) Carlson.  Alfred’s mother passed away when he was just a small child.  While his father did his best to raise his five children, hard times fell on Chignik, and the five siblings end up in the Kodiak Baptist Orphanage on Woody Island, Alaska around 1929.  Here, each child shared in the work based on their age and abilities. They were taught to raise livestock, tend gardens, repair buildings and equipment, fish, can, bake, cook, wash and mend, just to name a few things. They were also given religious and character training, so when they left the orphanage at around age 18, they were ready to face the world. The vast majority of these children excelled in life, including Alfred.

Alfred however, left the orphanage at around age 15, transferring to an all-native high school in Wrangell, Alaska.  Alfred learned many new skills at Wrangell and also became acquainted with his future wife Margaret Evans, also a student at Wrangell.  Here he continued his education, and in his spare time, began a lifelong love of commercial fishing and net mending.  Near the end of high school, WW2 had begun and Pearl Harbor had been bombed.  Upon graduation, he immediately joined the US Navy. Alfred received quartermaster training and was assigned to the USS Liscome Bay.  During deployment in the war zone of the South Pacific, he was reassigned to sister ship USS Anzio; both ships were Casablanca Class Escort Carriers.  Two weeks after his reassignment, he watched in anguish as his original ship, the USS Liscome Bay was lost at sea, falling victim to a Japanese torpedo.  Of the 916 sailors aboard the USS Liscome Bay, 644 perished in the 20 minutes that it took to sink.

After the War, Alfred ran into his high school acquaintance Margie (Margaret) Evans in Seattle.  This time around, it was love at first site.  They began dating, and it wasn’t long before the two were married.  Margie convinced Alfred to attend Central Washington College in Ellensburg and get a teaching degree. He hitchhiked back and forth from Seattle to Ellensburg for three years, balancing work, home and schooling. While he and Margie never had children of their own, they both had long careers as grade school teachers in Tacoma, Washington. This allowed them to influence the lives of hundreds of children in an incredibly positive way over the years, not to mention becoming real live folk heroes to all of their many nieces, nephews and extended family members in their spare time. Alfred taught at six different grade schools in the Tacoma area throughout his career.

Alfred dovetailed commercial fishing activity and net mending with everything else that was going on in his life, always falling back on the fishing industry. He fell into a pattern of teaching school, then fishing commercially in the summers for many years.  Always near the saltwater, he also did a couple of stints at Foss Tugboats, both before and after the Navy.  That and the GI Bill helped pay his way through college. Alfred fished commercially everywhere from Bristol Bay, Alaska, all through the panhandle of Alaska, and throughout Puget Sound in Washington, owning different boats throughout his life. The last fishing trip he completed was at 91 years of age, on his own boat the “Margie”.  Alfred has taught numerous individuals the art of net mending, and actually wrote a book on the subject that graces the shelves in many libraries, and also found online (alsfishnetrepair.com).  During his retirement years, Alfred would seek out high schools in the Puget Sound area to teach after school net mending classes to the kids, and also mended nets for other fishermen.

When wife Margie suffered a brain aneurysm, Alfred took up knitting, as a way to teach her how to connect her brain to her hands once again.  Mission accomplished. True to his heritage, Alfred went on to create Scandinavian fisherman-style sweaters, and many relatives were lucky recipients of the finely crafted, intricate gifts.  Alfred was always up for a challenge.   He took Russian language lessons while in his 70’s.  As a volunteer at his church, Alfred was teaching Russian children how to speak English.  He believed it would be helpful to learn their native language first.  Alfred was truly a lifelong learner and teacher. 

Alfred loved to entertain folks by singing and playing his guitar, banjo or ukulele, whether it would be with the Tacoma Banjo Club, or entertaining at a local retirement home. There are many great memories of him playing at family gatherings. He carried on the tradition all the way to his own assisted living facility, where he insisted on owning six ukuleles.  This allowed him to give lessons to the other residents or employees that expressed an interest in learning to play.

Alfred was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Margie of over 60 years, and his four sisters, Helen, Elsie, Minnie and Mary.  His contributions to making the world a better place cannot be overstated.  He leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, and other family and friends, all who feel blessed to have known this extremely talented, compassionate, great man.

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: Phyllis Irene Muth, The Dalles

Phyllis Irene Muth, age 95, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on October 22, 2022. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Marion Arthur Wright, The Dalles

Marion Arthur Wright passed away on October 21, 2022, at the Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles, Oregon. Marion was born on August 17, 1923, and was 99 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.