Death Notice: B. Fred Richardson, 96, The Dalles

B. Fred Richardson passed away on April 5, 2023, at Flagstone Assisted Living in The Dalles, Oregon. 

Fred was born October 21, 1926, and was 96 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. 

Obituary: Wanita “Nita” Griffith, 90, The Dalles

Wanita “Nita” Griffith

Wanita “Nita” Griffith passed away on March 22, 2023, at home in The Dalles, Oregon.  Nita was born on March 29, 1932, and was 90 years of age at the time of passing.  The below life story was written by Nita.

“We are here today to pay tribute to the life of Wanita Ellen (Sherrell) Griffith, Nita was the ninth child out of ten, father, Charles Sherrell and mother, Nettie Belle (Crapper) Sherrell.

Nita attended Oak Grove School grade first through eighth grade and graduated from Hood River High School in 1951. She worked at Eby’s Food Store as a checker while in high school and a while after graduating. She then worked for Oregon Equipment as a bookkeeper until she married Bill Griffith on March 22, 1953.  In June of 1953, they moved to Corvallis while Bill finished his college education.

Nita worked for Days Supermarket as a checker until they relocated back to Hood River. Bill then joined the Air Force and they moved to the Yaak Airforce base in Montana, and then Othello, Washington during his two years of active duty, after his discharge they returned to Hood River.

Nita and Bill had three sons; Gary, born December of 1953, Rich, born November of 1955, and David, born September of 1957. Bill and Nita bought her sister’s house in Oak Grove. Bill taught school while Nita took care of their home until the boys were a little older. She worked for Safeway as a head checker until her former boss asked her to work for him as a head checker at Brookside Market. Before retiring Nita worked for 10 years as manager of Franz Bread Store. She received both the manager of the year and store of the year during her time there.

Bill and Nita chaperoned many high school dances during Bill’s time as a teacher, they both loved to dance and were very good. Rich and Diana attended a fiesta in Mexico with Nita and Bill. People were dancing so Bill and Nita went out and danced a waltz, the floor cleared out for them as they danced. When the song was over people gave them an ovation… they were a big hit.

Nita was room mother at Oak Grove school for the boys and loved to bring treats. Nita and Bill never missed any of the boys’ sports or school events. She was also PTA president for Oak Grove and Barrett for one year. Bill and Nita always welcomed the kid’s friends to their home. They played cards, shot pool, or went sledding and Nita always provided treats.

Bill was an active member of the Elks, and they would travel to many Elks events together. Nita was on the serving crew at the Elks with Don and Kathy Durr, after Don decided to travel more Nita took over. She had a great crew helping her and she received Volunteer of the Year two years in a row.

Nita and Bill loved to camp and fish with their boys. Nita did not like to be chased around the yard by David with worms, but we thought it was funny.

Later in life, Nita and Bill went on two cruises one to Alaska and the other to the Caribbean. They went on a trip to Mexico and lots of trips to the Beach.

Nita was a great cook and always had a big buffet for holidays and the Sherrell family reunions.

After the boys were all married, Bill and Nita moved to B Street in Hood River and lived there together until Bill’s passing in 2012 Nita continued living on B Street until 2016 when she moved to Down Manor. Although she was unsure about leaving her home, but once she moved in at Down Manor, she met many friends both new and old. She played Penuckle, Bingo and Rummikub. Always Busy. She had many special friends to laugh and have fun with, and that she did.

Nita is survived by; her sons, Gary (Susan) Griffith of Hood River, Oregon, Richard (Dianna) Griffith of The Dalles, Oregon and David (Heidi) Griffith of Trout Lake, Washington; grandchildren, Cody (Alison) Griffith, Kyle (Morgan) Griffith, Kelsey Griffith, Kacie Griffith, Blake Griffith and Rachel Huerta, Great-Grandkids, Ivet Huerta, Jimena Huerta, Nya Griffith and many very close nephews and nieces and she loved every one of them.

In addition to her parents and husband, Nita was preceded in death by her brothers, Ralph Sherrell (Lodan), Frank Sherrell (Tilly), Donald Sherrell (Betty), Wilbur Sherrell (Audrey), Robert (Toby) Sherrell (Lucille), and Howard Sherrell at age 8; sisters, Marie Campbell (Harry) and Marian Hill (Web), Howard Sherrell at age 8, and  Shirley at only two months.

A Funeral & Reception for Nita is planned for 3:00 p.m., Saturday, April 15th, 2023 at Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Private entombment will be at Idlewild Mausoleum.

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

Obituary: Dorothy Marjean Norman, Odell

Dorothy Marjean Norman

Dorothy Marjean Norman was born on September 3, 1940, in Cameron Montana to Burley and Mary Covey. She passed away suddenly at her home on March 24, 2023. She lived in Montana until she was around 15 years old. Then her family moved to Odell, Oregon where she attended Wy’ East High School.

From there, her only desire was to be a wife and mother. The Lord blessed her and fulfilled that desire with five children Lynn, Sherry, Jimmy, Mark, Jon and three stepchildren Gary, Barbara and Roy.

Dorothy was an amazing servant of our Lord Jesus and had a great love for all her family and friends. She loved her garden of dahlias and the beautiful Mt. Hood on Trout Creek Ridge where she resided.

She was preceded in death by her husband Chuck Norman, her parents, her brother Dean, two sons Jimmy and Jon and her stepson Gary. Dorothy is survived by three sisters Jessie, Mary Martha and Becky, sister-in-law Renee, numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She will be greatly missed and forever loved by all who knew her. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

Mathews 25:23; Her Lord said unto her, well done good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things. I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the JOY of the Lord!

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 Notice: Lynn F. Levine, 92, Hood River

Lynn F. Levine passed away on March 24, 2023, in Vancouver, Washington. 

Lynn was born October 11, 1930, and was 92 years of age at the time of passing.  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.

Remembrance: James Mark Kahoe, Hood River

James Mark Kahoe

February 5, 1964 – March 30, 2023

I’d like to write a few words about my dad, Mark. He was so many things to all of us.  He was the person who helped raise me, taught me to drive, and never missed an opportunity to “steam roll” me and my brothers. To others, he was a boyfriend, ex-husband, father, son, brother, in-law, grandpa, uncle, nephew, cousin, friend, coworker, fellow poker player, neighbor, or the guy that worked on your HVAC system. Whoever he was to you he always made an impact.

Outside of the day-to-day stuff he enjoyed hunting, camping, playing poker, fishing and a nice glass of whiskey. He was mostly a quiet man but he loved to tease and make people laugh. He always joked that he was the Tinman from The Wizard of Oz because he said he had no heart. In reality, though, that was so far from the truth. He loved his loved ones so deeply. He gave great life advice and was always willing to help out whenever someone asked. He was definitely one of the hardest-working humans I know.

Mark always talked about how he never wanted a funeral. We will respect his wish, but instead, if people want to pay their respects, they can do so by telling a story or a fond memory you have of him on the Anderson’s Tribute Center website and raising a glass of your finest whiskey.

We would like to thank everyone who has reached out, stopped by, sent flowers, and helped in any way. Hood River has a strong community, and we greatly appreciate everything.

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

Death Notices: Tiffany Kaye Funk, 34, The Dalles; Charles Theodore Gibbs, 93, The Dalles

Charles Theodore Gibbs, age 93, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed on away April 1, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Tiffany Kaye Funk, age 34, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on April 1, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.   

Obituary: Gale T. May, 92, The Dalles

Gale T. May of The Dalles died, March 26, 2023 at the age of 92.

He was born October 17th, 1930 in Maysville, Arkansas to Harvey and Eva Lou (Tucker) May, the 6th of 7 children. The family moved to Oregon during the Depression, living in Estacada and eventually settling in Hermiston where Gale graduated from high school in 1948.

While working in the Artemisia fields, he met Gloria Newman and they were married 6 weeks later on August 1, 1949.

They said it wouldn’t last, but they celebrated 73 years last summer.

Gale worked at McNary Dam, the Ordinance Depot and in farming before joining Pacific NW Bell in 1955. He transferred to The Dalles in various departments, including storeroom, installer, lineman, serviceman and switchman. He retired in 1984.

During his tenure, Gale served as President of the Communication Workers of America, Local 9211 for several terms. Following retirement he was active in the Telephone Pioneers, completing the signage and a boardwalk for the First Wasco County Courthouse before it moved to its final location. During his working years and retirement he was active in the Eagles, Elks and was an avid league bowler and card player. Gale and Gloria became snowbirds and for the past 30 years split their time between Bouse, AZ and their home in The Dalles.

Survivors include his wife, Gloria, and their four children: Darlien France (Darrell), Galen May (Laura), Keith May (Christina) and Kerry Benson (Jim); 10 grandchildren, Mitch France, Chad Walter (Patty), Todd Walter (Melisa), Valerie May, Evan May (Nikki), Arthur May (Kate), Chuck May, Andrea Benson-Reed (Lamar), Marisa Benson, Morgan Benson (Sean); and 6 great-grandchildren, (plus one more in July); and Gale’s sister, Opal Dee Miller Timmel and sister-in-law Millie May and numerous nephews and nieces.

Graveside services will be held at Parklawn Cemetery, 2565 Three Mile Road on April 7th at 11 a.m. with a Celebration of Life following at the Eagles Lodge, 2006 W. 7th St., The Dalles.

Death Notice: Thomas Charles Crippin, 67, The Dalles

Thomas Charles Crippin, age 67, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on March 17, 2023.

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

Death Notices: Philip Merriam, 93, The Dalles; James Leroy Turner, 79, The Dalles

Philip Merriam, age 93, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on March 20, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

James Leroy Turner, age 79, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on March 26, 2023.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Church of the Latter Day Saints 1815 E 15th St. The Dalles, OR, on March 31, 2023, at 1:00 pm. With a Private Family Burial at Odd Fellows Cemetery. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.   

Obituary: Henry (Hank) Norman Kempton, 73, BZ Corner

Henry (Hank) Norman Kempton

Henry (Hank) Norman Kempton, 73 years old of BZ Corner, WA passed away suddenly on March 21, 2023 in an excavating accident.

Service will be held on Friday, April 7, 2023, at 10:00 A.M.,  at Grace Baptist Church, 1280 SW Jewett Blvd., White Salmon, WA, potluck to follow the service. 

Gardner Funeral Home will be handling the funeral arrangements.

Hank was born in Wenatchee, WA to Albert and Mildred (Jane) Kempton on July 25, 1949.   The family moved to Mosier in 1960 and Hank graduated from Wahtonka High School in 1969.  He was an avid cross-country runner.  He ran 5000 miles in his high school years.  He ran over the hill from Mosier to Wahtonka every morning and evening.  In 1966 he received the Boy Scout Merit Award.  In 1968 he received a certificate at the Lake Oswego Kiwanis Road Run.

He married Paula Demeter in 1971 at Rhododendron, Oregon.  They moved to White Salmon and in 1973 moved to BZ Corner.  They had two children, Chris, and Gretchen.

Hank enjoyed playing with his grandkids, hunting with his nephews, steaks on the grill at every family function and keeping his yard green and groomed.   

He worked at SD&S, drove log truck, and then started his own excavation business. He passed doing what he enjoyed doing, excavation.

Hank is survived by his wife of 52 years, Paula, son Chris, wife Cresta, daughter Gretchen, and Mother-in-Law Doris Demeter.  His grandchildren Kierstyn, Ian, Kyle, Zach, Calen, Carys, Maiya, Kayden, Lettie, and Micah.  His siblings Etta Hepner, husband Don, Trudy Kempton, Fern Sibert, and Judy Harrington.  Paula’s siblings, Gene Demeter, wife Patty, Allen Demeter, wife Chris, Rhonda Vice, husband Joe, and Sammy Demeter.  As well as numerous nieces and nephews on the Kempton and Demeter sides along with great nieces and great nephews, and a great-great nephew.  Also, there are many friends and neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Mildred (Jane), brother Jim, Father-in-Law Sam Demeter. 

Service will be held on Friday, April 7, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Grace Baptist Church, 1280 SW Jewett Blvd, White Salmon, WA. A potluck will follow the service. The internment of ashes will be later.  Gardner Funeral Home is handling the funeral arrangements.

The family wishes to extend their thanks to Grace Baptist Church for hosting the service, the firemen, the police, EMS, the numerous responders, friends, and neighbors who arrived at the scene of the accident.

Death Notice: Gale Thrift May, 92, The Dalles

Gale Thrift May, age 92, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on March 26, 2023.

A Graveside will be held at the Odd Fellows Three Mile Cemetery on April 7, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. A Celebration of life will be held at the Eagles Club in The Dalles, OR March 7th, 2023 at 12:00 pm. Spencer, Libby & Powell is in care of arrangements.

Date set for Ron & Dewanda Clark Celebration of Life

Celebration of Life Announcement

for

Ron & Dewanda Clark

J. Ronald Clark: DOB - 03/13/1928 // DOD - 12/21/2022

Dewanda J. Clark: DOB -  05/31/1932 // DOD – 11/29/2022

The family of Ron & Dewanda Clark would like to invite you to attend a celebration of life service in their honor. 

The family will take great comfort in connecting with all that attend on May 13, 2023. It will be held at  St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1805 Minnesota St., The Dalles, OR  97058 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Dewanda served The Dalles community for over 68 years as a volunteer in city, regional and national positions and her life’s work was improving the lives of others.

Ron was born and raised in The Dalles and returned after college to become a partner in a CPA firm and volunteer his financial prowess for several organizations. Nothing gave them more joy than being a part of this community and enjoying all the friendships they made over the years. A luncheon, slide presentation and time to share your favorite stories about them will follow the church ceremony in Tayler Hall.

They both loved the flowers that spring brings, so please wear bright colors to contribute to the celebration. 

In lieu of flowers, a scholarship has been established in their memory that will allow TDHS graduates to further their career aspirations. Send donations to the Clark Memorial Fund, North Wasco County School District No. 21, Scholarship Foundation, 220 East 10th Street, The Dalles, OR 97058

Death Notice: Thomas Greg Burns, 69, The Dalles

Thomas Greg Burns, age 69, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on March 23, 2023.

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

Death Notice: Donna L. (Wallace) Parker Everett, 89, Hood River

Donna L. (Wallace) Parker Everett passed away on March 17, 2023, at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital in Hood River, Oregon.  Donna was born on April 1, 1933, and was 89 years of age at the time of passing.   

Services are pending and will be updated with a life story. 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. 

Obituary: Ellen Maureen Gorman McCarty, 62, Hood River

Ellen Maureen Gorman McCarty of Hood River, Oregon, passed away on March 18, 2023, at the age of 62 after a long struggle with cancer.

Ellen was born in Everett, Washington on December 10, 1960, to the proud parents of Gordon Gorman (Deceased) and Esther Gorman (Deceased). She is survived by her 5 Siblings Cindy Pruiett, Brian Gorman, Sandy Wright, Terry Smith and Carol Witt.

Ellen was a 1979 graduate of Hood River Valley High School and enjoyed getting together with her schoolmates as much as possible. She attended Mount Hood Community College where she met Keith McCarty and they were married on November 14, 1981, at the Hood River Church of the Nazarene.  Ellen is survived by her children Malerie Ray and her husband Casey, Nathan McCarty and his wife Skye and their children Del and Vera, and her daughter Taylor McCarty.

Ellen received her Bachelor’s Degree from Portland State University.  Ellen enjoyed spending time with her family members, writing, traveling, sewing, gardening, and crocheting hats.  Ellen’s hats have traveled the world with those she has met during her travels.

Ellen was a sensitive, shy, compassionate woman, especially towards those less fortunate or ill and would give up her coat to someone in need.  Ellen volunteered at the Hood River warming shelter and during her last few years made hats for women with ovarian cancer. Ellen enjoyed making people smile.

Please consider donating to the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Oregon and Southwest Washington in her honor.

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 Notice: Beverly Ann Carrillo, 84, Hood River

Beverly Ann Carrillo passed away on March 20, 2023, at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital in Hood River, Oregon. 

Beverly was born July 1, 1938, and was 84 years of age at the time of passing.  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 Notice: Alicia Michelle Williams, 38, The Dalles

Alicia Michelle Williams passed away unexpectedly on March 17th, 2023 at home in The Dalles, Oregon. 

Alicia was born August 5th, 1984 and was 38 years of age at the time of passing.  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 Notice: Ruth Bruns, 81, Goldendale

Ruth Bruns of Goldendale, Washington passed away on March 16th, 2023 in Hood River, Oregon.  Ruth was born December 9, 1941, and was 81 years of age at the time of passing. 

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. 

Obituary: James Lynn “Jim” Holycross

In Loving Memory of James Lynn “Jim” Holycross
August 28, 1951-March 2, 2023

James Lynn “Jim” Holycross, first child & only son born to Harvey & Donna Holycross, was born on August 28th, 1951, in Goldendale, Washington.

Succumbing to his long battle with MS, from related complications, Jim passed peacefully with God, the morning of March 2nd, 2023, while residing at Columbia Basin Care in The Dalles Oregon. Jim was 71 years of age.

Jim is survived by his father & mother, Harvey N. & Donna M. Holycross; sister, Nancy A. Wageman & her two daughters, Jessica N. & Sarah E. Wageman; his youngest sister, Susan E. Ortmann, & her two daughters, Christine E. & Kimberly Ortmann.

Jim was a man of many interests & accomplishments, who loved to travel, hike, rock climb & fly fish. Two of Jims great accomplishments were, hiking The Pacific Crest Trail, & graduating from Portland State University with a Master’s Degree in City Planning, at the age of 41.

Admired for his strength & unwavering courage, & great adventuresome spirit, Jim will be missed by many.

“Death leaves us a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves us a memory no one can steal”

-An Irish Blessing for our beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin & friend.

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: William "Frank" Wesley, Goldendale

William “Frank” Wesley passed away March 19, 2023 at his home in Goldendale, Washington surrounded by family. Frank was born April 5, 1931 and was 91 years of age at the time of passing. At Frank’s request there will be no formal service. Arrangements under the direction of Columbia Hills Memorial Chapel • 300 W. Broadway, Goldendale, Washington (509) 772-2636 ~ www.GardnerFH.com.