Death Notice: Chester Erwin Johnson Jr., 85, Hood River

Chester Erwin Johnson Jr. passed away on April 7, 2023, at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital in Hood River, Oregon. 

Chester was born November 24, 1937, and was 85 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: Sergio Ascencio, 38, Hood River

Sergio Ascencio passed away surrounded by family on April 11, 2023, in Hood River, Oregon.  Sergio was born on July 6, 1984, and was 38 years of age at the time of his passing. 

A time of viewing will be held at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, April 16, 2023, at Anderson’s 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.

 Sergio Ascencio falleció rodeado de su familia el 11 de Abril 2023 en Hood River, Oregon. Sergio nació el 6 de Julio 1984 y tenía 38 años de edad cuando falleció.

Habra un tiempo de velación el Domingo 16 de abril 2023 a la 1:00 p.m., en Anderson’s Tribute Center ((1401 Belmont Ave, Hood River, OR, 97031).

Arreglos fúnebres están bajo la dirección de Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon  97031. Visite www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com para dejar una nota de condolencia a la familia.

Obituary: William (Bill) Jay Ihrig, 63, The Dalles

William (Bill) Jay Ihrig

William (Bill) Jay Ihrig passed away March 14, 2023, at the age of 63 from heart failure in The Dalles, Oregon.

He was the firstborn child of Howard William (Bill) Ihrig and Donna Rae Hutchins on May 6, 1959, in Goldendale, Washington, followed by brother Ronald Scott Ihrig born in 1960, followed by another brother in 1965, Darren Charles Hoffman. After his father remarried, Bill gained three more siblings: Lon, Wendi and Mark Ihrig. His mother passed away in 1996 and his father passed away in 2020.

Bill started his working career while attending Goldendale High School where he graduated in 1978. He worked both at DeHart's Goldendale Market, HillTop Market and Westgate Market in The Dalles, OR.
On January 22, 1984, Bill married Rebecca Ann Woodford in Goldendale, Washington. Coming into this union he was blessed with a daughter, Jessica Ann Woodford, whom he raised as his own. Later in 1987 Adam Willam Ihrig was born and joined his sister Jessica. Adam and Stacey’s son Asa was an absolute delight in Bill’s life. Asa was Bill’s only grandchild.
Bill was known as a dependable hard worker always providing for his family. He told silly jokes with an infectious smile that made everyone laugh. Bill’s light shined bright, and he was fun to be around. He enjoyed being with his friends and family (and extended family) fishing, swimming and many other outdoor activities. The loss of his life left a large void in many hearts; but warm memories of his loving spirit live on in those same hearts.

He is survived by his children: Adam (Stacey) and Jessica (Greg); grandson Asa; siblings: Ron (Liz) Ihrig, Darren (Angela) Hoffman, Lon Ihrig, Wendi Ihrig, and Mark (Izzy) Ihrig and stepmother, Sandra Ihrig. Bill had many cousins, aunts and uncles who survived him and whom he was very close to.

Graveside services will be held May 27, 2023, at Spring Creek Cemetery (Bobby Ihrig officiating) at 11:00 a.m. at Goldendale, followed by a luncheon at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church, 815 N Columbus, Goldendale, Washington. Then following lunch, a family gathering at Penny and Randy Dyche’s home at 458 Fish Hatchery Road.

Celebration of Life for Glenn Summers set for TD Eagles Lodge on April 22

Glenn Summers

Retired Fishing and Hunting Guide, Glenn Summers recently passed away. A Celebration of Life will be held at The Dalles Eagles Lodge, 2006 W. Seventh Street on April 22 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Food will be provided. To read Glenn’s obituary click here.

Death Notice: Barbara Arlene Frame, 95, Tygh Valley

Barbara Arlene Frame, age 95, a resident of Tygh Valley, OR, passed away on April 11, 2023.

A Private Family Burial has been held and a Celebration of Life will be held at the Wamic Grange Hall in Wamic, OR, in May. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Richard Neil Rife, 90, The Dalles

Richard Neil Rife, age 90, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on April 11, 2023.

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

Death Notice: Mark Steven Ferrell, 72, The Dalles

Mark Steven Ferrell, age 72, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on March 26, 2023.

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

Death Notice: Calvin Caruthers, 76, The Dalles

Calvin Caruthers passed away March 26th, 2023 in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. 

Calvin was born March 22nd, 1947 and was 76 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 ww.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notices: Ruth Ilene Witzel, 80, The Dalles; Richard Dennis Field, 73, The Dalles

Ruth Ilene Witzel, age 80, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on April 4, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Richard Dennis Field, age 73, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on April 10, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements,   

Death Notice: Lawrence (Larry) James Angell, 80, Heppner

Lawrence (Larry) James Angell, age 80, a resident of Heppner, OR, passed away on April 09, 2023.

A Memorial Service will be held at Cutsforth Park in Heppner, OR, on June 03, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notices: Grace Louise May, The Dalles; Doris Ruth Fowler, 96, Rufus; John Edward Buck, 90, Moro

Grace Louise May, age 93, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on April 5, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Doris Ruth Fowler, age 96, a resident Rufus, OR, passed away on April 7, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.  

 John Edward Buck, age 90, a resident of Moro, OR, passed away on April 6, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Dean Huddleston, The Dalles

In Loving Memory  

      Dean Huddleston  

   March 5, 1956 – April 1, 2023 

Dean was born in Creighton, Nebraska Dudley Dean Huddleston to Dale Dean and Glenda (Steffer) Huddleston.  Dean passed away in The Dalles, Oregon.   

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 or to upload a picture to share with them. 

Death Notice: Norman Colwell, 57, Hood River

Norman Colwell passed away on April 4th, 2023 at home in Hood River, Oregon. 

Norman was born March 3rd, 1966, and was 57 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: Matthew Gregory Lexow, The Dalles

Matthew Gregory Lexow of The Dalles, Oregon, died in Hillsboro, Oregon on April 4, 2023. 

He was born on July 17, 1959, in Vancouver, Washington, to Tom and Virginia (Talevich) Lexow.

He is survived by his parents of The Dalles, Oregon; his children and their partners, Hayley and Jason Parsons of White Salmon, Washington, Rachel Lexow of Keatchie, Louisiana, and Laura Lexow and Joel Freeman of Haughton, Louisiana. He was a loving and devoted grandfather to Garrett, Bradley, Owen, Elliot, and Nora. He is also survived by his siblings and their partners; Tim and Vickie, Julie and Jerry Green, Chris and Debbie, Andy, Mike, Jane, Kate and Dave Mall, and Anna McClure. Matt had many cousins, nieces, and nephews. For 26 years, his friend and caregiver, Jenger Whittle-Cole, was by his side. With more recently Amanda Perez as well. 

The paramount thing in Matt’s life was his family; he loved his girls, to whom he was a wise, devoted, and genuine father. 

Matt graduated from Stevenson High School, Stevenson, Washington in 1977, and shortly after joined the US Army, where he became a tank mechanic and served in Germany and Korea. He had a passion for music, cars, machines, and metal lathe work, but most of all, he loved his dogs, especially Cody Jane. He returned to settle in The Dalles after a tragic accident that left him quadriplegic. Matt found a way to rise above and live life to the fullest. He became an inspiration to many. During his stays at the VA hospital in Seattle, Washington, Matt would meet wounded veterans who had just come back from war and had become quadriplegic. He gave them hope and was an example of life beyond such a tragedy. Matt was the kind of person that made you want to be a better person. 

A viewing will be 2:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M., Friday, April 14th at Anderson’s Celilo Chapel at 204 E. 4th Street, The Dalles, Oregon 97058.  Funeral Services will be 11:00 A.M., Saturday, April 15th at St. Peter Catholic Church at 1222 W 10th Street, The Dalles, Oregon 97058. Graveside Rites with full military honors will follow at St. Peter Catholic Cemetery. 

 In lieu of flowers, please send any donations in remembrance to Wounded Warrior Project. 

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

Death Notice: Peggy Lou Coulon, 83, Hood River

Peggy Lou Coulon passed away on April 6, 2023, at Hawks Ridge Assisted Living in Hood River, Oregon. 

Peggy was born September 29, 1939, and was 83 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: Carroll David Phillips, Hood River and The Dalles

Carroll David Phillips

Carroll David Phillips passed away peacefully on April 4th, 2023 at The Dalles Veterans’ home with his son Matt by his side.

Carroll was born in Portales, New Mexico on December 16th, 1936 to Lela and Amos Phillips. Carroll was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Sharon Phillips, and youngest son Michael Phillips.

Sharon and Mike both just recently passed away.

Carroll leaves behind his oldest son Matthew Phillips, along with his wife Linda and their daughter Rebecca Phillips with her two children, Bailee and Bradley Foster.

 After losing his wife and son, Carroll was no longer able to live alone. He was suffering from Alzheimer’s. Carroll moved in with Matt & Linda and lived there for almost a year before he had to move to the veteran’s home to get the care he needed.

Carroll served in the Air Force during the early years of marriage, so the family did a lot of moving. Carroll finally retired in 1977 after 20 years of service in the Air Force as a Tech Sergeant.

After retirement, the family bought a house in Hood River which they always called home. Carroll then worked another 20 years and retired from the Hood River Valley School District in 1997.

 Carroll had a lot of hobbies; he created several mosaic art pieces that he spent hours getting the glass in just the right spot. He also enjoyed tinkering with just about anything and always had ideas on how to improve or fix things.

Carroll was a very happy, easy-going person who was always willing to help out others with his knowledge of fixing things, he would often fix things for others and expect nothing in return. He was a very generous and kind man, husband, dad, brother, son, uncle and grandfather and was always willing to help out others in need. The family will be planning a celebration of life for Carroll, Sharon and Mike sometime this summer.

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: 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.