Death Notice: Richard Owen Charles Worton, 89, The Dalles

Richard Owen Charles Worton, age 89, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on April 14, 2024.

A Private family Graveside will be held at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Hood River, OR. A Celebration of Life will be held on May 18, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Sorosis Park Lions Shelter in The Dalles, OR.

The Family asks that you RSVP to this email provided: dick.worton89@gmail.com. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home is in care of his arrangements.

Death Notice: Todd Wells, 59, Pine Grove

Todd Wells passed away on April 14th at his home in Pine Grove, surrounded by his loved ones and his dogs. Todd was born on August 21, 1964, and was 59 at the time of his passing. Todd fought a courageous seven-month battle with stage IV cancer.  

During that time, he lived his life in classic “Tonar” style, with quiet bravery, humor, positivity, and “sending it” as much as his illness would allow. A Celebration of Life will be held in July at the Cloud Cap Inn, on the mountain he loved so much. Details and a full obituary will be released in mid-June. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  

Obituary: Wendy Ann Kratzer Wilson, 63, The Dalles

Wendy Ann Kratzer Wilson, 63, died suddenly on March 29th, 2024.

Wendy was an entrepreneur, a mother, and a student. She had a variety of interests, including DIY home improvement projects, gardening, and most of all, her passion for fishing. On any given day she could be found on the banks of the river casting a line into the water. Wendy was known for her sophisticated sense of humor and for her compassion toward all living things, especially her pets. Wendy will be deeply missed, by those closest to her.

Wendy came into the world on January 12th, 1961, in Long Beach, California to Phililp L. and Carol J Kratzer. She was the youngest of their four children. She was raised in Southern California and Seattle, Washington. She lived for many years in Boulder, Colorado and moved to The Dalles, Oregon in 2017.

Wendy is survived by, her wife, Sally Carpenter, and her youngest son Steven Ray Wilson of Louisiana, her mother, Carol J. Kratzer, brother, Philip A. Kratzer, sisters Melinda M Blyth and Cindy L Keane. She was preceded in death by her eldest son, Ryan Michael Wilson and her father, Philip L. Kratzer.

The memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 16th at 3:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church. ( 101 W Tenth St, The Dalles) Rev. Marilyn Roth presiding. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall with tea, coffee and cookies. A scattering of ashes with family only at The Deschutes River the following day. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Wendy's name and honor to Columbia Gorge Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 378, The Dalles, Oregon 97058

Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Obituary: Susan Marie Duarte, 60, The Dalles

The Dalles Ore., April 22, 2024 — Susan Marie Duarte was born July 3, 1963, in The Dalles, Oregon to Frank and Dorothea Duarte, she passed away on April 15, 2024. She graduated from Centennial High School, where her family lived for a few years to be closer to her stepdad’s work. She then attended Mt. Hood Community College. She has one daughter, Alyssa Duarte of Redmond, Oregon, and a granddaughter, Harper.

Susie worked in various places in The Dalles, though worked many years for Mid-Columbia Medical Center in various departments until she received a medical retirement in 2013.

Susie was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where she held many callings over the years. Some hobbies she loved to do were camping, gardening, watching and rooting for the Seattle Seahawks, and spending time with her family.

Susie is survived by daughter; Alyssa Duarte, granddaughter; Harper Darnielle, siblings; Larry Duarte (Janet), Lucinda Garrigus, Gary Duarte (Kelly), Frank Duarte (Jerri), Jeff Duarte (Joann), Cynthia Fridye (Robert), Jessica Duarte, along with many loved nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

She is preceded in death by her father; Frank Duarte, mother; Dorothea Lewis, stepfather; Harry Lewis, siblings; Priscilla Duarte, Barbara Duarte, and Dennis Duarte.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home. The Funeral Service is Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, with a viewing starting at 9:00 am. Following the Funeral Service, the Burial will be at Odd Fellows Cemetery.

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

Death Notice: Dennis Wayne Agar, 91, Stevenson

Dennis Wayne Agar passed away on April 12, 2024, in Stevenson, Washington.  Dennis was born September 26, 1932, and was 91 years of age at the time of passing. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Gardner Funeral Home • 156 NE Church Ave, White Salmon, Washington (509) 493-1323. Please visit www.GardnerFH.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Obituary: Kent Earl Lambert, 85, Hood River

Kent Earl Lambert reached the end of his wonderful life on April 9, 2024, at the age of 85. His passing was at home, sudden, and unexpected.

Born on November 16, 1938, Kent was raised in Vancouver, Washington, and graduated from Hudson’s Bay High School in 1957. His love of the outdoors, mechanics, and engineering began at a very young age. He graduated from Oregon State University in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree in Engineering Physics and completed his Master of Business Administration degree at Northwestern University in Chicago in 1965. Kent married Judy (Lage) Lambert in 1963. His professional career began with management positions in Minneapolis, Kansas City, Boise, and Vancouver. In 1970, Kent and Judy, and their two young sons moved to Hood River so that Kent could partner with Judy’s father and brother in leading the family business. For more than four decades at the helm of Lage Orchards, Kent propelled the family farm through significant expansions in the orchard’s business model and operations.

Kent was deeply committed to the Hood River community as an active member of the Crag Rats, through his service on the local advisory committee for Northwest Farm Credit, and as a volunteer fireman with the Pine Grove Fire Department. Kent was also heavily involved in the local arts and culture scene. Just as one example, he was a founding member of the Columbia Gorge Sinfonietta, playing his violin as concertmaster for around 30 years. Over the past 15 years, Kent was especially active in the regional community of classic British car collectors and was renowned for his knowledge and expertise in all things pertaining to the expert restoration of the Austin-Healy.

Kent was predeceased by his wife, Judy, in 2010. He is survived by his sons, Terry and Brad; his grandchildren, Kyle and Kate; his stepbrother, Ted; his half-siblings, Lori and Mike; as well as two sisters-in-law, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Kent will always be remembered for his pursuit of precision and his palpable and infectious energy for life. He was a deeply beloved father, uncle, cousin, brother, and friend. His incredible memory and legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all those who loved him.

More detailed information is available on the Anderson’s Tribute Center website. A celebration of Kent Lambert’s life will take place on Sunday, May 5, 2024, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at Mt. Hood Winery, located at 2882 Van Horn Drive in Hood River.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hood River Crag Rats, the Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association, or the Pine Grove Rural Fire Department.

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

Death Notice: Nelda Ardith Keeton, 95, The Dalles

Nelda Ardith Keeton, age 95, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on April 14, 2024.

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

Obituary: Gregory Simon, 65, Hood River

Gregory Simon 65 of Hood River Oregon passed peacefully on April 10th, 2024.

The memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Anderson's Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Ave. in Hood River Oregon). A reception will follow. The viewing will be Wednesday 24th from 9:00-12:30.

 Greg was born March 13th, 1959, in Reading Pennsylvania to Louise Zajdel Simon and Donald Simon. Greg was a graduate of Wyomissing High School and furthered his education with a degree from Portland State University in Social work. He utilized his talents and degrees working in many fields helping others, some of which included social work, addiction recovery, and caregiving. Greg was an adventurous guy who loved life and everyone in it. Greg had so many passions whether it be fishing the Columbia River, hunting for rocks to rocking out at a concert. He was a loving and loyal friend to all who knew him.

Greg is survived by his loving wife of 25 years Shelly Simon, daughter Hailey Simon, brother Kurt Simon, grandkids Sophia and Izzy Pacheco, and many other family and friends.

Predeceased by his parents Donald and Louise Simon of Pennsylvania and brother Jeffery Simon.

Obituary, Marion Douglas Lindley, The Dalles

Doug was welcomed into Heaven on April 3rd after a long heroic fight with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He was born in Memphis, Tenn. on August 4, 1945, the third of nine children born to John and Bessie Lindley. He had seven sisters who doted on him Donna, Linda, Joan, Joyce, Karen, Gale, Sheila, and one brother Gary.

He grew up in rural Arkansas until his teenage years when the family moved to Azusa, California for his sister Donna’s schooling. California was full of old cars and that is when he fell in love with Hot Rods. He would drag them into his parent’s yard to fix, trade, buy and sell. Doug became a father when his daughter Cynthia was born.

Doug moved to The Dalles, Oregon in his early 30’s and worked at Buntings Exhaust and Alignment. He met the love of his life Kathy Smith in 1977 and they began their lives together welcoming their two sons John Douglas and Steven Jacob. He loved fishing, hunting, boating, and restoring old cars with his boys. His family meant everything to him.

In 1994 Doug’s Affordable Muffler was created, Doug loved working with the community of The Dalles and made every interaction count, as he was a bright light to many. He was instrumental in getting drag racing started in Dallesport and was always inviting fellow car lovers to The Dalles to join in the festivities. He loved working on his Hot Rods, he spent many nights and weekends getting ready for Neon nights, drag racing, and participating in car shows around the Pacific Northwest.

Survivors: Spouse- Kathy Lindley: Children -John Douglas Lindley, Steven Jacob Lindley, and Cynthia Villalpando spouse Mark and family: Grandchildren-Rebecca Lindley, Roxanne Lindley, and Dedrick Bloomdahl. Remington Lindley: and the many other special people in his life.

Private Service at a later date

Death Notice: Ronald LeRoy Rathke, 84, Tygh Valley

Ronald LeRoy Rathke, age 84, a resident of Tygh Valley, OR passed away on April 11, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Patsy Louise Richerson, 71, Dallesport

Patsy Louise Richerson, age 71, a resident of Dallesport, WA, passed away on April 8, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Kent Earl Lambert, 85, Hood River

Kent Earl Lambert passed away on April 9th, 2024 in Hood River, Oregon. Kent was born November 16th, 1938, 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: Charles Tuttle, 76, Hood River

Charles Tuttle passed away April 1st, 2024 in Tonopah, Nevada. Charles was born September 8, 1947 and was 76 years of age at the time of passing.

Services are planned for 3:00 p.m., Sunday, April 21st, 2024 at Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.

Charles’s services will be live streamed at www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com

Obituary: Norma Arlene Biede (Jager), 99, The Dalles

Norma Arlene Biede (Jager) was born November 21, 1924, in Emerson, Nebraska to Otto and Mary Schopke and was one of their five children. She was raised and attended schools near Emerson.

Norma worked on the family farm beginning at a young age. When she married Harry Biede on June 7, 1944, in Emerson they rented a small homestead and farmed in Emerson then moved out west to The Dalles, OR in 1957. In The Dalles, Norma worked for Cherry Growers, Mid-Columbia Medical Center in the lab, and The Dalles Health Department.

Norma was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church since 1957, which included choir and handbells. Some of her other interests included Cascade Singers, quilting, Pinochle parties, and participating in Red Hats. We can’t forget how she loved her yearly garage sales. Norma was also a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother.

Norma is survived by her 3 children; Joanne Hoff, Terrebonne, OR., Ken Biede (Judy) The Dalles, OR., and Gwen Anderson of Delano, MN. Grandchildren; Erik (Dom), Kristin (Josh) Ron Webber and Carla Webber, great-grandchildren; Makayla, Tripp, Sydney, Ronnie (Felicia), Erin (Jordan), Carson (Emma), great-great grandchildren; Kailyn, Charlotte, Eleanor, and Georgia.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Harry of 61 years, sister Eleanor and grandson Jeff.

Graveside Service will be held at Odd Fellows Cemetery on Cherry Heights Rd. in The Dalles, OR Friday, April 12, 2024, at 11:00 am where Erin Smalley will be officiating.

The family would like to Thank Caretenders House of The Dalles for taking such care of Norma.

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

Death Notice: Stephen Marc Greene, 72, Mosier

Stephen Marc Greene, age 72, a resident of Mosier, OR, passed away on April 1, 2024.

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

Obituary: Shirley Virginia Miller, 79, The Dalles

Shirley Virginia Miller, 79, passed away on March 28, 2024, from Alzheimer’s disease. She was a gifted artist, pianist, and master gardener who lived to share her love of these passions with others.

Celebration of Life will be held on April 20th at 4:00 PM at Bargeway Event Center. Guests may be dropped off at the Event Center entrance but please park vehicles in the event overflow parking area unless needing to use disabled parking. A private interment of Shirley with her mother, Mable Virginia Savage, will be held at Odd Fellows Cemetery in The Dalles, OR.

Shirley was born April 5, 1944, on the third-floor maternity ward of Mid-Columbia Hospital downtown The Dalles to Duane Delbert and Mable Virginia (Savage) Miller. She graduated from The Dalles High School in 1962 and studied art at Portland State University and Oregon State University. Shirley signed her work Shirle’ in remembrance of her mother “who was my first believer and encouraged me to enjoy my gift.” Shirley shared with us “I have loved to draw for as long as I can remember. Even as a child, the best Christmas gift every year was a big new box of Crayola Crayons.”

Her art mediums included oils, watercolors, pastels, printmaking, sculpture, floral arrangements, and pottery but it was her work in colored pencils where she was most comfortable. Her Coloring book of The Dalles, Oregon still adorns several local family shelves. In 1999, she was honored when her “Smokey Joe - Dream Builder” pastel was chosen to be displayed in Oregon State’s Capitol Rotunda. Her commissioned children, floral, landscape, and pet portraits hang throughout our community. Her art has been displayed at prominent locations throughout the Northwest including Bush Barn Art Center, The Dalles Art Center, and Columbia Art Gallery.

Shirley was a long-time member of OSU Master Gardener, Friends of the Rose Garden, and P.E.O. Chapter Q. She was a founding member of the Veterans’ Honor Garden located at Sorosis Park. As a recipient of a P.E.O. Scholarship, she had made it a lifelong commitment to show her thanks through active membership and support of philanthropic education of women.

Shirley will be remembered by many for her shenanigans and sometimes witty innocent responses. In a Community Spotlight interview, she was asked “What do you consider your best kept secret?” and without hesitation, she answered, “I can’t tell you.” Still on a roll she was asked “What would surprise people if they knew it about you? “To which she quickly replied “No surprises here. I’ve lived here too long.”

Preceded in death by parents Duane and Mable “Ginni” Miller, brother Richard “Dick” Miller, and Aunt Wyona Jones. Her companions and best friends Spicey, Skip and Bear.

Shirley is survived by her children and their families: Kevin and Jamie Bailey (KatelynBailey and Oscar Anaya, Jace, Kiersten, and Azarah Bailey, McKenna Bailey and Duncan Wilcox, and Delaney Bailey), Diana Bailey (Grandpups Teal and Cooper), and Donna Bailey (Samantha, Benjamin, MacCord, Jack, Ruth, and Penelope Howrey and Ashley, Matthew, Pepper, Theodore, Sophie, and Scarlett Alexander). Sister-in-law Peggy Miller and John Willmorth, nephew Bob and Rene Miller, niece Debbie and Jamie Winters (Jacob, Jenna, Jessi, and Joshua). Best Friends Sara and Mike DeBolt. Kenneth and Shirley Bailey. All the extended Bailey family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to:

P.E.O. Chapter Q Education Scholarships. Please make checks payable to PEO Chapter Q and write on the Memo line “In Memory of Shirley Miller.” Mail to Diana Bailey at 1416 Nevada St., The Dalles, OR 97058, or to The Dalles Art Center mail directly to P.O. Box 1026, The Dalles, OR 97058.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family in Shirley’s online guestbook at Anderson’s Tribute Center.

Death Notices: Judy Louise Wooderson, 79, The Dalles; Norma Arlene Biede, 99, The Dalles

Judy Louise Wooderson, age 79, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on March 19, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Eagles Club in The Dalles, OR April 6, 2024, at 2:00 pm. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Norma Arlene Biede, age 99, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on April 4, 2024. A Private Family viewing will be held. A Graveside Service will be held at Odd Fellows Cemetery on Cherry Heights Rd. in The Dalles, OR April 12, 2024, at 11:00 am. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of her arrangements.  

Death Notices: Iris Ann Noble, 74, The Dalles; Harold "Gene" Eugene Rolen, 95, The Dalles

Iris Ann Noble, age 74, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on April 4, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of her arrangements.

Harold "Gene" Eugene Rolen, age 95, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on March 9, 2024. A Funeral will be held at Spencer, Libby and Powell Gathering Hall April 13, 2024 at 11:00 am with Burial to follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery on Three Mile Rd. in The Dalles, OR. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.  

Obituary: Christopher Todd McNeel, 62, The Dalles

Christopher Todd McNeel of The Dalles, Oregon, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Chris was born in Vancouver, Washington on June 18 th , 1962, the first of four children to Roxene Sarvela and Frank McNeel. He spent the majority of his early childhood near Vancouver with his parents and three sisters. In his teens, his family moved to Lyle, Washington where his parents purchased the Mid Valley market in Odell and then later the Lyle Merc, where Chris worked throughout his high school years.

In 1981 he graduated from Lyle High School. The following year he joined the United States Marine Corps where he served as an aircraft ordnance technician. He was stationed in Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Canada, and the United States. He was meritoriously promoted twice and held the rank of corporal when he was honorably discharged in 1986.

After serving as a U.S. Marine, he returned to his hometown of Lyle where he worked the next couple of summers helping his Uncle Don and Aunt Marian, who were subcontracting to build part of the Pacific Crest Trail in the Mt. Rainier National Forest. His winters were spent working at Mt. Hood Meadows where he developed a passion for skiing.

Chris’ first daughter, Summer, was born in 1987, followed shortly by his son Tobiah, and then daughter Marnette. Chris became a corrections Deputy for the Wasco County Sheriff’s office in 1990 where he was instrumental in establishing a home detention program through the Wasco County jail. In the mid-90s he was promoted to patrol deputy where he worked concurrently with the Sherman County Sheriff’s office. For several years during this time, he was also the school resource officer for Wasco County.

Chris met Andrea Eagy in 1998 and they were married two years later. His fourth child, son Maxwell, was born in 2002. Chris spent five years on the Mid-Columbia Interagency Narcotics Team (MINT) and in 2004 was promoted to Sergeant. He worked major crimes investigations for several years before he was promoted and served as Chief Deputy in 2016 until his retirement in 2018. Never one to sit still for long, Chris joined the Wasco County Planning Department as Code Compliance Officer and later as Assistant Planner.

Chris had an amazing zest for life. He had the personality and natural charisma to befriend anyone he met. Evidence of his integrity, character, and faith was illustrated in his unwavering love for Jesus and for his family. Chris’ depth of knowledge in the Scriptures was remarkable and lent itself to the deep connections he made with people. With a fierce love of the outdoors, Chris found great joy in spending time in nature with family. He loved to snowboard, surf, and paddleboard, and he enjoyed spending family time in the summer at the river or the coast. Pacific City, in particular, held great charm; you could find him on the beach, cold beer in hand, with a view of surfers, Cape Kiwanda, and Haystack Rock on the horizon.

Chris will be deeply missed by his wife Andrea and his children, Summer Bodolay, Tobiah McNeel, Marnette (Mathew) Melton, and Maxwell McNeel; his grandchildren, Maynard, Genevieve, Hannah, Roxene, Willow, Elsie, and Odinn; his parents, Frank (Theresa) McNeel, and stepfather Keith Woods; brother Adam McNeel, step-brothers Kevin and Kurt Woods and Brian and Kevin Scattergood. He was preceded in death by his loving mother, Roxene Woods, and his three sisters, René Smith, Monique Myers, and Jennifer Heldstab.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Covenant Christian Church at 2630 E. 18th St in The Dalles, Oregon on Saturday, April 6th, 2024 at 3:00 pm. Chris had a heart for children. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Death Notice: Marion Douglas Lindley, 78, The Dalles

Marion Douglas Lindley, age 78, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on April 3, 2024.

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