Obituary: Eileen Ruth Gurley, The Dalles

Eileen Ruth Gurley

Eileen Ruth Gurley, beloved mother, nana and granana sadly passed away on Monday, February 6, 2023, in The Dalles, Oregon with her daughter by her side at the age of 89.  She will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved her.

She was born to Kenneth Emmet Cook and Lois Virginia Hines in Mountain Home, Idaho in 1933.  In 1938, her parents divorced, and she lived with her grandparents until her mother married Roy Luther Duncan and the family moved to California, living on Balboa Island.  Her father Kenneth married Lillian Jennie Rogers.  Kenneth and Lillian had four children, Jennie, Phil, Roger and Ron.  Eileen would not meet these siblings until she was and adult and was overjoyed to do so. 

She had many happy memories of her grandparents George and Anna Hines on their farm in Mountain Home and of grandparents Myron and Helen Cook.  She loved to help with chores on the farm and get into mischief, being quite good at the latter.  She once covered the entire floor of her grandpa Hines workshop floor with cat tail fluff, jumping into it off his workbench.  

One day she excitedly told her grandma and grandpa Hines that she was in the school Christmas play and got to hold up one of the letters to spell Christmas. Her grandpa Hines asked her which one and when she told him H, he said that must be for hellion.  Her grandpa Cook always told her that her middle name of Ruth stood for ruthless. 

In the early 1950s, the family moved to Grass Valley, Oregon to be near Roy’s family.  Eileen attended Moro High School, home of the Huskies. While in high school she was on the staff of the Huskey, the school’s newspaper and annual staff, the glee club, student council, Future Homemakers of America, and was in the senior class play as Mrs. Logan in Pure as The Driven Snow.  She graduated in 1953 with a graduating class of 14.

Eileen was a spunky teenager and told stories of her life in Grass Valley. She and her friends kept quite busy in school and in numerous other activities including putting sheep in the high school gym and returning with hay to feed them.  Disassembling a piece of farm equipment and reassembling it in the hotel lobby and painting the town of Wasco red literally, by painting the sidewalks red. 

After high school, Eileen went to work at the truck stop in Biggs Junction, Oregon, where she met the love of her life Clifford Gurley.  They eloped and were married in Goldendale WA. September 22, 1958.  

Clifford worked in road construction and building power lines across Washington and Oregon.  Working in different locations meant that the couple traveled a lot and lived in several cities including Wenatchee, WA., and Baker City and Cascade Locks, Oregon.  They finally settled down buying a small house in Wood Village, Oregon where their only child Wendy was born.  

In the early ‘60s, Eileen and Clifford moved to The Dalles, to settle down and make a home.  Clifford would go on to travel for his job, leaving Eileen and Wendy to stay in The Dalles so Wendy wouldn’t have to change schools while moving around.  Even with working away from home, he was always home on the weekends.

Eileen stayed busy making friends and doing activities.  She was in a bowling league for several years, was the leader of her daughter’s brownie group and spent time with the Home Extension group learning skills including home canning.  However, one of her favorite pastimes was fishing for steelhead on the Deschutes River with her friend Loraine every summer.

Eileen went to work for Stadelman Fruit in the ‘70s and started as a sorter, then became one of their first female forklift drivers which at that time was not well accepted.  She took great pride in her work, finally retiring as a plant supervisor.  Her years spent there were some of the happiest of her life, meeting many of her dearest friends.  

After retiring, Eileen kept busy with yard work and doing projects around the house.  When she wasn’t busy with that she was volunteering in the community.  First as a victim’s advocate for the elderly, CASA, and later helping at Chenoweth Elementary. 

The children all loved her very much for her kind but firm manner and her sense of humor.  However, her biggest joy was loving her family.  Her husband Clifford, daughter Wendy and husband Jim, grandchildren and then great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughter Wendy of The Dalles, OR (husband Jim and daughter Chelsea), brother Ken of Oro Valley, AZ (wife Coleen), sister-in-law Ida Duncan of Eugene, OR, sister Jennie Lane of Clatskanie, Or (husband Dave), brothers Ron, Robert and Phil cook (wife Eliene). Granddaughter Kyra Shoptaw of Milwaukie, OR (spouse J), Grandson Duncan Shoptaw of Vancouver, WA (wife Amanda, sons Jamesen, Andrew, and Fletcher and daughters Chloee and Ella), and many extended family and friends. 

Eileen was preceded in death by her husband Clifford Gurley, older sister Barbara Cantrall, baby brother Harold Duncan, and beloved niece Chrissy Cantrall.  

Funeral arrangements are with Spencer, Libby, and Powell, The Dalles, Oregon.  Memorial service will be at 11 am, Friday February 17th in the chapel.  Private burial will follow.

Potluck gathering for family and friends will follow the burial from 2-5 at Eileen Gurley’s home in The Dalles, Or.   

Death Notice: Roger Jacob LeMieux, 39, The Dalles

Roger Jacob LeMieux, age 39, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on February 12, 2023.

An overnight Viewing will take place on February 15, 2023, starting at 5:00 p.m. at the Spencer, Libby and Powell Gathering Hall. A Memorial Service will follow on February 16, 2023, at 11:00 am at the Spencer, Libby and Powell Gathering Hall. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Obituary: Oleta Fern (Whittenberg) Hackett, 97, The Dalles

Oleta Fern (Whittenberg) Hackett

Oleta Fern (Whittenberg) Hackett, age 97, passed away on January 23, 2023.  A resident of The Dalles for nearly 70 years, Oleta was born in Elk City, Oklahoma to parents William Lester and Essie (Freels) Whittenberg.  At an early age, the family fled the dustbowls of Oklahoma to settle on farmlands near Yakima.  Oleta was the only girl in a family with three brothers.  During World War II, she did her share by working in a military plane factory.

 After the war, Oleta married Lincoln Hackett.  They were married for 72 years until Lincoln’s death in 2019.  They had one child, Gary Hackett, a current resident of Goldendale.

 The family moved to The Dalles in 1954, after purchasing a sheet metal shop.  Until their retirement in the 1990s, they were involved in a number of sheet metal businesses, culminating in Link’s Custom Sheetmetal.  Oleta attended to the business end, while Lincoln operated the shop.  She also held positions in doctor and accounting offices in The Dalles.  She was regularly involved in charitable endeavors helping cancer patients.

 Following retirement, the couple traveled extensively throughout the continent in RV caravans with their friends.  They spent many winters camping in Arizona.

 Oleta valued her family above all else.  She is survived by her son Gary, grandson David Hackett and granddaughter Tamra Greig, as well as six great-granddaughters.  She also kept in regular contact with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Oleta was one of the last of her generation.  She cherished her friends, old and new.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation directly to the Red Cross Cascades Region in Oleta’s memory. You may do so online at https://www.redcross.org/donate. Just below the area where you can choose a designation, you should see a box you can select to “Dedicate this gift to a friend or loved one”, you would then just enter her name there. If you prefer to send a check, you should mail it to: Red Cross – Cascades Region; Attn: Lily Gurnavage, Development Office; 3131 N. Vancouver Ave.; Portland, OR 97227. The family has decided not to schedule a Memorial Service. Her cremains will eventually be located next to Lincoln at the Tahoma Cemetery, in Yakima, Washington.

Death Notice: Jerry Lee Coleman, 95, Rufus

Jerry Lee Coleman, age 95, a resident of Rufus, OR, passed away on February 11, 2023.

A Family Interment will be held at the Methodist Cemetery in Wasco, OR at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Obituary: Kaarin Lind Brown, The Dalles

On Thursday, January 19, 2023, Kaarin Lind Brown was called home to be with her Lord and Savior after a long-fought battle with cancer.

Kaarin was born on May 4th, 1954, in Norfolk, Virginia, to Astrid Lindson-Brown and Frank Brown, joining her older sister Kris. While born on a Naval Base in Norfolk, she would spend several years in Great Lakes, Illinois, before her family was transferred to the housing unit in National City, California as Frank served at the San Diego Naval Base. Kaarin graduated from Sweetwater High School in 1972 and later attended Southwestern College, graduating in 1975.

Following her sister, Kris, Kaarin moved to The Dalles in the late 70s. She worked at Young’s Sporting Goods and Williams Clothing Store before beginning a job at R&R Sytech, staying with the company until it was sold in the early 2000s, and continued working for TerraSpacial Technologies until 2009. Kaarin was an expert AutoCAD operator, often being sent to other states around the country to assist with training.

Kaarin was an active member of Gateway Presbyterian Church, before that she was an active member of Zion Lutheran teaching Sunday School. Kaarin loved life and never knew a stranger. She loved sewing and making crafts with her grandkids and taking care of her “mom” Rosemary.

She is survived by her daughter, Maegin Buchanan and husband Stewart, grandchildren Aela, Arden, and Addy, The Dalles. She is also survived by her extended family, the LeSollens and their spouses. She was preceded in death by her father, Frank Brown and mother Astrid Lindson-Brown, and sister Kris Petroff.

A Memorial service will be held at Gateway Presbyterian Church on Saturday, February 18th at 1:00 p.m.

Death Notice: Molly Ann Mengis, The Dalles

Molly Ann Mengis, age 58, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on February 4, 2023.

Mass Will be held at St. Peter Catholic Church in The Dalles, OR, on February 17, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at The Dalles Discovery Center at 4:30 p.m., 5000 Discovery Dr. The Dalles, OR. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Eileen Ruth Gurley, 89, The Dalles

Eileen Ruth Gurley, age 89, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on February 6, 2023.

A Memorial Service and Graveside Service will be held at a soon date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Katrina Louise Panko, 37, The Dalles

Katrina Louise Panko passed away on January 14th, 2023 at her residence in The Dalles, Oregon.  Katrina was born on August 19th, 1985, and was 37 years of age at the time of passing. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • Celilo Chapel 204 E. 4th Street, The Dalles, Oregon 97058.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family. 

Death Notice: Betty Marie Middleton, 82, The Dalles

Betty Marie Middleton, age 82, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away February 5, 2023.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Spencer, Libby and Powell Gathering Hall on February 11, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Obituary: Fredrick Norman Rowland, 82, Dufur

Fredrick Norman Rowland 82 years of age passed away on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at Mid-Columbia Medical Center in The Dalles, Oregon. 

He was born on May 22, 1940 in Boise, Idaho to Norman and Bertha Rowland. He studied engineering in Portland and went to tax preparation school. He was a veteran of The US Navy. He spent many of his earlier years, traveling all around and never knew a stranger. He was kind to everyone. 

He spent a few years working on a cattle ranch in Tygh Valley Oregon and enjoyed his time as an arborist. He loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing. He was a man of many talents and loved to make things. He was best known for his sense of humor and always had a joke.  

For the last 66 years he lived his life with his life partner Carol White who survives him.  

He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Terrie Bell and a step son Roger Pullen.  

In addition to his partner Carol surviving are his children, Joseph E. Rowland (Lisa), Laurie Huffman (Travis), Jay Jensen, Shanna Pine (Larry); His step-children, Terry Pullen (Elaine) Timothy Pullen (Sherri); Grandchildren, Amarilla Littlejohn, Michael Bowles, Joseph G. Rowland, Dakota Rowland; Step Grandchildren, Haley Peterson, Kelsey Peterson, Lindsey Black, Madison Pullen, Brandon Pullen, Kiara Pullen, Sarah Pullen, Timothy Pullen and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  

Also, a special niece Kimberly Cook who helped take care of him, also Donna Thompson a special sister-in-law and lastly his special fur baby Lily whom he adored. 

A memorial service for Fred will take place at 1:00 P.M. on Febuary 12, 2023 at the Dufur School (802 NE 5th St, Dufur, OR 97021) 

P.S. Fred loved maple bars. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family. 

Death Notices: Clarence Coyne VanderJack, Juneau; Janice Lola Satanus, Tygh Valley

Clarence Coyne VanderJack, age 74, a resident of Juneau, AK, passed away on February 4, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Janice Lola Satanus, age 83, a resident of Tygh Valley, OR, passed away on February 3, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.   

Death Notices; Richard Allen Harmon, Tygh Valley; Siniivao M. Punefu, The Dalles

Richard Allen Harmon, age 78, a resident of Tygh Valley, OR, passed away on January 31, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Siniivao M. Punefu, age 76, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on February 2, 2023. A Viewing will be held on March 9, 2023 at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home at 3:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at Spencer, Libby and Powell Gathering Hall on March 10, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Mary Ruth Lingo, 93, The Dalles

Mary Ruth Lingo, 93, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on January 29, 2023.

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

Death Notice: Joan Ellen Moranville, 79, The Dalles

Joan Ellen Moranville passed away on November 7, 2022, in The Dalles, Oregon. Joan was born on April 7, 1943, and was 79 years old at the time of her passing.

A Memorial Service and reception for Joan will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at Andersons Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Ave, Hood River, OR 97031)

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: Fredrick Norman Rowland, 82, The Dalles

Fredrick Norman Rowland passed away on January 25, 2023, in The Dalles, Oregon. Fredrick was born on May 22, 1940, and was 82 years old at the time of his passing.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center • Celilo Chapel 204 E. 4th Street, The Dalles, Oregon 97058. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Eulalie May Morehouse Welk, 97, Klondike

Eulalie May Morehouse Welk, 97, died Jan. 25, 2023, at her home in Pendleton, Oregon, with daughters and granddaughters at her side. She was born July 31, 1925, at Klondike, Oregon.

A family service was held at Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home. Interment was at Odd Fellows Cemetery in The Dalles. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notices: Hildegard Reinertsen, The Dalles; Clarence Eugene Turner, Wasco; Paula Joyce Wharton, The Dalles

Clarence Eugene Turner, age 91, a resident of Wasco, OR, passed away on January 24, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Hildegard Reinertsen, age 92, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on January 22, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.  

 Paula Joyce Wharton, age 80, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on January 24, 2023. A family Graveside Service will be held at the Kelly Cemetery in Maupin, OR January 28, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. A Memorial Service will be held at the Covenant Church in The Dalles, OR February 11, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Michael David Shinnick Jr., 52, The Dalles

Michael David Shinnick Jr., age 52, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on January 23, 2023.

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

Death Notifce: Wallace Alan Sprenger, 70, Lyle

Wallace Alan Sprenger, age 70, a resident of Lyle, WA, passed away on January 22, 2023.

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

Death Notice: Michael Timothy Antonowicz, The Dalles

Michael Timothy Antonowicz, age 70, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on January 23, 2023.

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