Obituary: Janet J. Kiser, The Dalles

Janet J. Kiser was born July 2, 1946, and passed away on Jan 18, 2023. She is survived by her loving husband, Gerald L. Kiser, and her kids: Jeff, Greg, and Kim Kiser. She leaves behind 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Lung cancer took her breath but didn’t take her spirit.

In her 13-year battle with cancer, she lived her life serving, caring for others, and enjoying her grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. A celebration of life will be in The Dalles Oregon on Feb. 4th , 2023 at 2 p.m. You may reach out to the family via Facebook under Fay & Jeff Kiser.

Ode to our mom: (*Parts by Laurel Atherton)

“Forever is how long I am going to love you. Beyond every season, past every sunrise and each moment of my life. In whatever tomorrow holds, you will be held by me. Warm within my heart. Sweetest of all my memories.

Forever is saying thank you for being a beautiful inspiration, being so strong, for being so wise…” for being the mother who loved unconditionally. Forever is how much you will live within my heart and all that I do, as within me is you. You will always be my rock, my hero, and forever through whatever comes along. Love you mom.

Obituary: Matthew Joe Couch 'Cujo', 40, The Dalles

Matthew Joe Couch ‘Cujo’

Matthew Joe Couch (Cujo) passed away on January 15, 2023, in The Dalles Oregon.   Matthew was born to Brenda Coleman (Couch) and Daren Leazer in The Dalles.   He Had six siblings Michael, Mitchell, Adam, Daniel, Jess, and Joe.

At a young age, he developed a love of music.  At 15 he began playing guitar and quickly followed with drums.  He had a musical ear and taught himself to play many different instruments.  He spent many hours with a close group of friends “jamming”. 

He had a special relationship with his Uncle Larry and they would often go out fishing or playing darts.  Matt’s family as well as friends who became family were very important to him.  He could be seen walking around town with a big smile for anyone he met.  Matt was a tender soul who was loved by many.  He would give you the shirt off his back if he thought you were in need.  His grin brightened up the room whenever you saw it.  

Matt was preceded in death by his grandparents Joe and Jean Couch, grandmother Mona Leazer, Aunt Linda and Uncle Ed Hall.  He is survived by his mother Brenda Coleman, Stepfather Phillip Coleman,  Father Daren Leazer, siblings Michael Couch, Mitchell Jenkins, Adam Leazer, Daniel Leazer, Jess Leazer, Joe Leazer, and step-siblings Amanda Coleman and Nick Coleman.  As well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and special friends.

Matthew was loved by so many and we will all miss him forever.  

Death Notice: Janet J. Kiser, 76, The Dalles

Janet J. Kiser, age 76, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on January 18, 2023.

A Private Celebration of Life is being held for Family and Friends. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Matthew Joe Couch, 40, The Dalles

Matthew Joe Couch, age 40, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on January 15, 2023.

A Celebration of Life will be held by the family at the Moose Lodge in The Dalles, OR February 11, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. with a potluck to follow. The family is asking that you wear your Heavy Metal T-Shirts to honor Matthew. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notices: Doris Joann Meredith, The Dalles; Peter John Brachmann, The Dalles

Doris Joann Meredith, age 92, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on December 29, 2022. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Peter John Brachmann, age 81, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on January 18, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.   

Obituary: Robert ‘Bob’ Pettitt, Appleton

Robert ‘Bob’ Pettitt, former owner/operator of KRHP TV-14, passed away on Jan. 3.

Robert ‘Bob’ Pettitt, longtime Appleton, WA resident and former owner/operator of local Christian television station, KRHP TV-14, passed on into the presence of Jesus after a sudden cardiac event on Tuesday,  January 3rd, 2023.

He was 75.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Diana, their daughters Debbie and Becky and their respective families. He will be missed, but we know he is now full of unspeakable joy, perfect peace and is enduring no more physical pain with his savior in Heaven - where he has longed to be for so many years!

There are no service plans at this time.

Obituary: Jean Ann Mason, Hood River

Jean Ann Mason, Hood River

Jean Ann Mason passed away at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Portland, on January 11, 2023, loved well and surrounded by family.

She was born Jean Ann Keir on April 25, 1942, in Hood River, Oregon, to Harold and Evelyn Early Keir, along with her twin sister, Joan. They were joined several years later, by another set of twins, Susan and Sally. Jean graduated from Hood River High School in 1960. She took part in Campfire Girls, Rainbow Girls, and was one of the only girls in a rifle marksman team her father had her join.  

In January 1959, she married Charles Oliver Mason, who preceded her in death in 2018. The 59-year courtship began when Charles asked Jean if she wanted to “go for a coke” after meeting him on a blind date. They were married at the then Baptist Church on Pine Street, in a double ceremony, along with her twin sister, Joan.

Together, Jean and Charles had three children: Debra Rose (Jeff) of Goldendale Washington, Linda Bolles (Todd) of The Dalles, and Robert Mason (Jennifer) of Monmouth. They also shared seven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.  

Jean worked her entire adult life in many different trades such as a fish market for ODFW fish hatcheries, a dental and medical assistant, and in 1982, she began her career with the United States Post Office. Her first post was in Odell from 1982 to 1988, then as Officer in Charge in Trout Lake until she transferred to the Mt. Hood- Parkdale office where she stayed until she was promoted to Postmaster for North Powder, Oregon. Her time in North Powder was sadly cut short, due to an on-the-job injury that brought her and Charles back to the Hood River Valley, where she served in both the Hood River and Portland offices, until her retirement in January of 2004. During her tenure at the USPS, she also attended college-level Spanish language classes to enhance her ability to meet the needs of the community she served.  

Their early retirement was filled with camping with their grandchildren, snowbirding a year in Arizona, and a few treks to Hawaii. Jean loved to go, explore, and travel.

Charles was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2001, which while placing hurdles on her wanderlust, gave way for a new adventure in small business and harnessing her God-given creativity. Jean was a lifelong learner, who continually searched for ways to express her creative side. Mostly though, it was all about being out and about in the community. Jean spent several years painting and creating beautiful pieces of oil paint art, that hang in many of her family members’ homes today and will be great reminders of her love of both nature and the arts.  

A collector of all things, Jean loved collecting everything from stamps, coins, Beanie Babies, and Waterford crystal, to Hallmark Christmas ornaments, but first and foremost, she collected friendships.

Jean loved people and she was loved by so many who knew her. Through retirement and into the Fall of 2022, Jean met weekly for Sunday morning breakfast at Bette’s Place in downtown Hood River with classmates from Hood River High School.  

Up until only recently, Jean continued being present and taking part in the Saturday Markets, Lavender Festivals, and Holiday Bazaars in the Hood River and Wasco County area. These opportunities were as much for socialization as they were to sell the items that she lovingly created under the banner of her business, Jean’s Creations, a small business she began after retirement. She was a self-taught jewelry and bead artist. She made beautiful hand-beaded jewelry from beads and silver she curated early on in her retirement from Arizona, California, and the hills of Eastern Oregon.

Most recently, she began making sherpa-lined flannel dog coats and added them to her handmade line of products. Jean was an active member of the River of Life Assembly Church where she enjoyed participating in a Wednesday night home fellowship group.  

Jean is survived by her children and their families, as well as her twin sister Joan Keir Smith of Hood River, their twin sisters Susan Keir Shapiro of Florida and Sally Keir Hardenbrook of Bend. She also was well loved by her sisters-in-law: Shirley Thornhill and Charlotte Severns, both of Hood River, and Nancy Shields of Philomath.  

A memorial service and celebration of life will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at River of Life Assembly of God Church in Hood River, Oregon. A private interment time will be set at a later date. While grateful for all condolences, the family wishes that in lieu of flowers or gifts, you be encouraged to make donations, in Jean’s name, to either The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon and SW Washington at www.rmhcoregon.org or to Helping Hands Against Violence PO BOX 441 Hood River Oregon 98031 or at www.helpinghandsoregon.org  

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center (Funerals - Receptions - Cremations) 1401 Belmont Ave, Hood River Oregon 97031.  

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

Death Notice: Linda Lorrain Harmon, Tygh Valley

Linda Lorrain Harmon, age 74, a resident of Tygh Valley, OR, passed away on January 16, 2023.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notices: David Trubachik, Alishia Ranee Jallen, Eugene Kline Ritchie, Richard Jay Zimmerman, All of The Dalles

David Trubachik, age 72, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on January 11, 2023. A Celebration of Life will take place this Sunday at the Bargeway Pub. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Alishia Ranee Jallen, age 35, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on January 4, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Eugene Kline Ritchie, age 89, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on January 15, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Richard Jay Zimmerman, age 73, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on January 12, 2023. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Service Announcment: Jean Ann Mason

Jean Ann Mason
April 25, 1942 - January 11, 2023

Services are planned to Celebrate Jean's life at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 28th, 2023 at the River of Life Assembly of God Church ( 979 Tucker Road, Hood River, Oregon ).  Graveside Committal will be at Idlewild Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center.

Death Notices: Randolph Ingram Deskin, The Dalles; David Lee King, The Dalles

Randolph Ingram Deskin, age 72, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on January 12, 2023.

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

David Lee King, age 75, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on January 10, 2023.

A Family Graveside Service was held at The Odd Fellow Cemetery on January 13, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.   

Obituary: Catherine Patricia Whalen

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Catherine Patricia Whalen passed away on the morning of December 30, 2022.

Catherine was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the oldest of three children to Allen Gene Pasbrig and Frances Clark (Pasbrig). She enlisted in the US Navy at 19, starting an adventurous career that lasted over 32 years. She served in numerous positions, from being a Certified Critical Care Nurse (CCRN) at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland, to setting up various “MASH” hospitals (including one on the ice in Norway), to caring for foreign dignitaries within the White House. She retired as a Navy Captain proud of her long sought-after “Bird” insignia and achieving a life-long goal.

Catherine started working as a surgical nurse at Mid-Columbia Medical Center in 1982 and continued her service over the next 35 years. She held many, and frequently concurrent, director positions including: Infection Control, Nursing Education, Rural Health Clinics, Employee Health, School Nursing and Spanish Interpreters. She was most proud, and perhaps most challenged, in her role as the Director of Community Health Initiatives, a position created in 1993, and lasting until her retirement. She liked being busy, and she was.

She believed in community volunteerism and served on a variety of local boards, including The Next Door, Inc., and Northern Wasco County Parks & Recreation, and was involved in other community programs including the Master Gardener program.

Catherine loved to travel, read and was an adventurous woman loved by many. She was an incredible chef that took recipes and made them her own and had the keen ability to create something from scratch blending whatever she had on hand. She enjoyed hosting charity dinners and creating delicious meals for her family, and loved growing tomatoes in her garden for her famous tomato sauce. 

She will be missed immensely by friends and family members including her husband Shawn Whalen, son Stephen Sessions, daughter Jenna McRae (Rob and granddaughter Teigan Catherine), sister Jen Jones, and step-sons Pierce Whalen and Joe Sessions.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, January 15th at 1pm at the Civic Auditorium in The Dalles, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Next Door, Inc. 1113 Kelly Ave, The Dalles, OR; https://nextdoorinc.org/

Death Notice: Clarice Hazel Knoll, The Dalles

Clarice Hazel Knoll passed away January 5, 2023 at The Dalles Health and Rehab in The Dalles, Oregon.  Clarice was born December 1, 1932 and was 90 years of age at the time of passing.  A Celebration of Life Memorial Service & Reception is planned for 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 18th, 2023 at Valley Christian Church (975 Indian Creek Road, Hood River, Oregon).  Private Committal Service will be at Pine Grove Butte Cemetery.  Arrangements are under the direction 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: Richard Allan Minor, The Dalles

Richard Allan Minor, age 90, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on January 11, 2023.

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

Death Notice: Terry Dale Kaseberg, Wasco

Terry Dale Kaseberg, age 80, a resident of Wasco, OR, passed away January 06, 2023.

A Private Graveside service will be held at Odd Fellows Cemetery, 1100 18th St, The Dalles, OR, on February 4, 2023, at 11:00 AM and a Celebration of Life at The Sherman County School 65912 High School Loop Moro, OR, on February 5, 2023, at 2:00 PM. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Obituary: Teresa Evalyn Fegel, The Dalles

Teresa Evalyn Fegel

Teresa Evalyn Fegel was born on October 13th, 1950, in Wichita, KS to James and Margaret Fegel.

“Tess” was the 2nd youngest of seven children, and said that in such a large, rambunctious family, she often felt she had to stand on a chair and shout in order to be heard— which, for anyone who knew her, sounds like precisely the sort of thing she’d do.

Tess’ childhood in Kansas forged her into a strong, tenacious young woman determined to make an impact and see as much of the world as she could. Earning her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, OR in 1985, Tess lead the charge in developing the first-ever child abuse hotline established in the state of Oregon while employed at Waverly Children’s Home and also later served as the state director for Parent’s Anonymous.

 While a program supervisor at Christie School, an intensive care facility for high-risk Portland youth in the early ‘80s, Tess met fellow counselor and lifelong sweetheart, Scott Osborne. After marrying in 1982, they relocated to The Dalles in ‘88, where Tess accepted a position as a professor of psychology at what was then known as Treaty Oak Community College, later transforming into the Columbia Gorge Community College we all know today. Tess took to the post immediately and was well-known for her personal teaching style and ability to connect with her students. She passionately served in the role for over 30 years, frequently saying she planned to do so until she was well over 100.

 A lover of travel, Tess visited over 13 different countries over the course of her lifetime, including Kenya, China, and almost the entirety of Western Europe. Tess and Scott welcomed their first and only child, Victoria, into the world in 1990, and after serving as coordinator for Mid-Columbia Child & Family Center’s Young Parent Nurturing Program for 25 years, Tess chose to bring Victoria along with her when she was invited to take part in a psychology conference at Manchester College of Oxford University, England in the summer of 2005. She considered this experience one of the highlights of her life and was invited back to Oxford to present again in 2007.

 A beloved wife, mother, sister, and teacher, Tess was a force to be reckoned with and a keenly insightful woman of many gifts. Diagnosed with a rare form of sarcoma in the spring of 2022, she passed away peacefully in the comfort of her own home, surrounded by those who loved her in the early hours of December 19th. She is survived by her husband, Scott, and her daughter, Victoria.

 During her recent battle with cancer, Tess said she would prefer a celebration of life and a gathering of old friends, students, and comrades to a more traditional funeral, and so such a public gathering will take place sometime in the coming spring. If you are interested in attending, please visit the Facebook event page titled, “Tess Fegel - A Celebration of a Wonderful Life,” for more information.

Death Notice: Michael Anthony Cheadle, The Dalles

Michael Anthony Cheadle, age 65, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on January 1, 2023.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notices: J. Ronald Clark & Dewanda Jo Clark, The Dalles

Renowned local golfer and long-time resident of The Dalles, J. Ronald Clark, age 94,  recently a resident of Vancouver, WA, passed away on December 21, 2022. 

His wife Dewanda Jo Clark, age 90, A resident of Vancouver, WA, preceded him in death just weeks earlier on November 29, 2022. 

The couple had recently moved from The Dalles to Vancouver to be closer to family. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Ron Clark

CCCNews Interview with Ron Clark

In July of 2021, CCCNews had the opportunity to interview Ron Clark about his experiences as a golfer both at The Dalles Country Club and in the amateur ranks after playing on the University of Oregon team.

In High School, Clark played in a foursome with Ben Hogan in 1948 in an exhibition at The Dalles Country Club, and scored just a few strokes above the legend. 

That was huge.

Ben Hogan from 1946-1953 won nine major championships in only 16 starts.

And Hogan was so impressed with Clark’s length off the tee and all-around shot-making that he tried to talk Ron’s parents into letting him back Clark on the PGA Tour, according to a story written by Verne Tietjen in 1996 in The Dalles Weekly Reminder.  Clark opted for college instead and became the top-rated college golfer in Oregon and earned a degree in accounting.

He toured in the amateur ranks after college.

“I was playing when Arnold Palmer was,” he said. “We were both on the national college tour down south at the time. In the first qualifying round, we were tied.”

After college, Clark was invited to play in an amateur vs. pro tour and he made some trips around the west coast, noting he played in a tournament hosted by Bing Crosby at Pebble Beach.

Clark remained an avid golfer and was a steadfast accountant for the local community. 

His best score at The Dalles Country Club? 63, according to Tietjen

He remained an avid golfer into his late 80s. 

“I stopped playing a few years ago,” he said in July of 2021. 

Obituary: Lawrence James Steinke, The Dalles

Lawrence James Steinke, age 77, was born November 17th, 1945, and passed away January 4th, 2023.
Lawrence was born in Detroit, Michigan to Otto and Margaret Steinke.

Lawrence got his Bachelor of Science at the Oregon State University in Forrest Service Engineering. He also served in the United States Army from 1968 to 1971 becoming a Vietnam Veteran. 

He married Bonnie Joe Hynd.

Lawrence worked for Western in Pendleton, OR in 1971-1974 then transferred to Pape Redmond, OR in 1977-1979, and retired from Halton-Peterson in The Dalles, OR after working for the company from 1980 to 2015. 

He was influential in bringing AYSO-American Youth Soccer Organization to The Dalles, OR in 1985-1993.

Lawrence is survived by his wife, Bonnie Joe Hynd. His children: Jeff Scott Steinke and Eric Skye Steinke.His Grandchildren: Ashley 29, Tyler 27, Skye 26, Teal 24, Dylan 23, and Jaden 21. Siblings: Ken Steinke,Jim Steinke, Ron Steinke, and Janice Snow (Steinke)

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

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

Death Notice: Evelyn Darlene Gibbs, The Dalles

Evelyn Darlene Gibbs, age 91, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on January 8, 2023.

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