Death Notice: R. “Bernie” Krager, 89, White Salmon

R. “Bernie” Krager passed away on May 10th, 2024, at home in White Salmon, Washington.  Bernie was born June 8th, 1934 in Twin Falls, Idaho, he was 89 years of age at the time of passing.  

Services are pending with arrangements under the direction of Gardner Funeral Home in White Salmon, Washington.  Visit www.gardnerFH.com to share a story or leave a note for family.      

Obituary: Leanna De (Chick) Espey

Leanna De (Chick) Espey

Leanna De (Chick) Espey was born on June 16, 1942. In The Dalles, Ore., to Agnes and Bub Morris. She was joined by a little brother, Art Morris, in 1949. She grew up on a wheat ranch on Juniper Flat, before meeting her husband, Fred Ashley Jr., in high school.

Fred and Chick were married in 1959, shortly after she graduated. Soon their family was complete with the births of Freddy in 1962, Morris in 1965 and Chuck in 1967. Being a wife of a business owner and raising three active boys was her full-time job. The boys’ teachers described all three as “spit-shined” wherever they went. She had dinner on the table, clothes on the ironing board and keys in the ignition to shuttle the boys to sports practice, 4-H and ranch responsibilities.

In 1986, after her last child graduated, Chick moved to The Dalles to begin the second phase of her adult life. Her marriage to Fred was over and she began working at Albertsons. Sporting her seasonal earrings, she LOVED her job as checker. People describe standing in the longest line just to get to come through her check stand. She flirted with the babies and was happy to help raise all of the teenagers in town trying to slip through on fake ID and then happily refusing to sell them beer.

Meanwhile, she met her soulmate, David Espey, who opened up her world. They were married in 1988. Suddenly, they were in a whirlwind of travel, sports and adventures. They loved to travel to Mariners and Seahawks games, the Pro Bowl in Hawaii and every single game she could get to for every child she loved. Granddaughter Alyssa’s basketball and volleyball. Grandson Brandon’s football, then later going to his band gifs, dancing to her grandson’s vocals. She was a big fan of the demolition derby, especially when Fred and Brandon were dominating! She traveled to Virginia to watch her granddaughters in track, cheerleading, softball and marching band. She traveled to California to watch her great-nephews play. When Jennifer and Sheri joined the family, they brought a new batch of kiddos to support. She watched her neighbor kids in their sports, her grandchildren, step-grandchildren and even her great-grandchildren play. All the kids were Chick’s kids. She was the only spectator there in support of the umpire!

Probably the most notable thing about Chick was her jump in and help work ethic. (A trait she passed on to her sons!) At Gateway, her beloved church, she was always greeting people for the Christmas Fair, volunteering for Vacation Bible School, helping set up or tear down some event, pulling weeds or serving others in some capacity. She was the starter of the clapping in every worship song, and had a direct red phone to Heaven if you ever needed a prayer. Heaven is a little bit more crowded because of her witness here on earth.

Her friendships ran deep. Her groups of friends were lifelong, or brand new today. She was always up for a gathering, celebrating EVERYTHING with the help of her condo group.

Chick was preceded in death by her parents, Bub and Aggie Morris, her husband David, son Morris and her brother Art Morris. She is survived by her sons, Fred Ashley (Sheri), Chuck Ashley (Jennifer); granddaughter Alyssa Ashley (Erik); grandson Brandon (Tina); great-granddaughter Nicole; her daughters Lisa Puckett (Ted) and Julie Seto (Brian); son Michael Espey; granddaughters Camille and Laura Puckett; her niece Debbie Savercool (Jeff) and Ben and Sam Savercool; and nephew Cub (Becky) and his two children. She shared grandmotherly love for five step grandchildren and 12 step great-grandchildren. Chick would also want the Rubio and Johnson clans also mentioned as family.

Chick passed away on April 25, 2024, in her home, ushered to her 82nd birthday celebration with the King!

A celebration of life will be held on June 8 at 5 p.m. at Gateway Presbyterian Church, 1111 Dry Hollow Road, The Dalles. We will have a small gathering at Kelley Cemetery on Sunday at 10 a.m. in Maupin.

Death Notices: John Raymond McNeil, 82, Mosier; Gordon Wayne LaFaver, 74, Garrison, MT

John Raymond McNeil, age 82, a resident of Mosier, OR, passed away on May 3, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Gordon Wayne LaFaver, age 74, a resident of Garrison, MT, passed away on May 3, 2024. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Obituary: Derrel Eugene Montgomery, 76, Glenwood

Derrel Eugene Montgomery passed away peacefully on April 22, 2024, with his wife and children by his side. He was 76 years old.

Derrel was born in Sunnyside, WA on July 26, 1947, to Orval and Wilma Montgomery, they lived in Prosser, WA. He had two sisters, Shirley and Karen. Their family moved from Prosser to Glenwood in 1952 where he spent the rest of his life.

He graduated from Glenwood High School in 1965. After graduating from high school, he married Carole Steinbach in 1967, they had four children.

In 1987, Derrel met Marlene Odegaard, they later married in 1992. Derrel and Marlene enjoyed spending time with their grandkids and trips to the coast.

Derrel worked in construction most of his adult life. He worked many years for James Dean Construction and retired in 2010. He coached Babe Ruth back in the late 1970s and early 1980s, he also coached High School Girls’ Basketball for 4 years.

Derrel loved his family, his dogs, and all sports. He spent many years following his kids and grandkids watching whatever sport they may be involved in until he was no longer able. He could usually be heard in the stands at basketball games yelling with his longtime friend Tom. He also enjoyed hunting with his dad and later in life, his boys. 

After Derrel retired, he enjoyed driving around the Glenwood Valley with his dog Axle. He made many stops to visit with family & friends. He thoroughly enjoyed having such great friends throughout his life.

He is survived by his wife, Marlene of Glenwood, his children; Aaron & Jenny Montgomery, Glenwood, Clint & Samantha Montgomery, Wasco, Lisa & Frank Randall, Centerville, and Shara & James Bartek, Glenwood. Also, his stepchildren Darren & Elizabeth Jones and Darrick Jones, Glenwood, his sisters Shirley Clift, The Dalles, Karen & Richard Hansen, Glenwood, 13 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many friends. He was preceded in death by both his parents.

There will be a Celebration of Life on June 1, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Glenwood School, a dinner will follow. 

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.

Death Notice: Duane E Knight, 83, The Dalles

Duane E Knight, age 83, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away May 5, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Christopher William Wallace, 39, The Dalles

Christopher William Wallace, age 39, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away May 3, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Richard Edwin Hunt, 61, Dufur

Richard Edwin Hunt, age 61, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away on April 30,2024.

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

Death Notice: Victor Pavlenko “Vic”, 79, Hood River

Victor Pavlenko “Vic” passed away April 15th, 2024 at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital in Hood River, Oregon. Vic was born July 9, 1944 in Chicago, Illinois and was 79 years of age at the time of passing.   

A celebration of Vic’s life will be held on Saturday, May 11 at 3 PM at Riverside Community Church, 317 State Street, Hood River, OR 97031.

Services are pending with 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: Patricia Lou Bennett “Patty”, 94, Hood River

Patricia Lou Bennett “Patty” formerly of Richland, Washington passed away on April 18th, 2024 in Hood River, Oregon. Patty was born on August 2nd, 1929, and was 94 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.  Family encourages memorials to be made in Patty’s name to; Guide Dogs for the blind (donate.guidedogs.com). 

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

Death Notice: Roberta Mae Veatch, 80, Hood River

Roberta Mae Veatch passed away on April 25th, 2024 at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital in Hood River, Oregon. Roberta was born September 26, 1943, and was 80 years of age at the time of passing. Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, May 1st, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Anderson's Tribute Center with a reception that will follow.

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.

Services for Thomas (Tom) Leo Murphy, 77, Hood River set for June 22

Thomas (Tom) Leo Murphy

Thomas (Tom) Leo Murphy, 77 years of age, passed away peacefully on a quiet Thursday afternoon, November 16th 2023, next to his devoted wife, Joyce Murphy at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital in Hood River, OR.

A friend to many, a husband, a father, a son, a brother, a grandfather, an enemy to none, and an all-around charismatic man; Tom was someone who left his imprint on each person he encountered. He not only touched the souls of many but managed to make his burning passion of being an airplane mechanic and pilot his life’s work. Tom lived out his last days dedicated to his craft, loving those around him, and making others smile. 

Tom was born on September 4th, 1946 in San Bernardino, California to his parents William A. Murphy Senior and Ruth C. Murphy. Tom also shared memories of his childhood with his two brothers, William A. Murphy Jr. and Robert M. Murphy who predeceased him in death. He’s survived by his wife, Joyce, his children, Kyle D. Murphy of WaiKoloa, Hawaii, Sheila C. Murphy of Meridian, Idaho, Darren N. Bates of Fairview, OR, and Kimberly J. Millhollin of Fairview OR. He’s also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Riley I. Murphy, Tyler J. Murphy, Mackenzie M. Bates, Alexis E. Bates, and Ayla R. Bates.

Tom earned his wings as a pilot at the age of sixteen before he got his driver’s license. As a teenager, he would ride his bike miles to the airport to help restore antique airplanes. After graduating from Lodi Union High School in 1964, he attended one year at San Joaquin Delta Jr. College. Never steering from his dreams, Tom then transferred to Sacramento City College where he graduated with his A+P Certificate in 1967. 

In the late 70’s Tom went to work for Orchard Machinery Corporation whose owner eventually became the founder of the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automotive Museum (WAAAM) in Hood River, Oregon. There he maintained the corporate fleet and restored antique airplanes. He continued doing this when he moved to Hood River in 1981 working for Hood River Aircraft. In 1996 he moved to Troutdale, Oregon, where he was self-employed at airports in Troutdale and Estacada. Later on, he and his wife moved back to Hood River where Tom continued restoring aircraft, as the WAAAM Museum was being built. He was the Director of Restorations there for 10 years. At least 40 of these airplanes that Tom restored, including the Curtiss Jenny, are in Hood River’s WAAAM Museum today. 

50 years of dedicated service in aviation safety led to him receiving The Wright Brothers “Master Pilot Award”, as well as the Charles Taylor “Master Mechanic” Award from the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration. One of his proudest accomplishments was in 1995 when he successfully flew a replica of a 1912 Curtiss Pusher off of the top of the Multnomah Hotel building in downtown Portland to Pearson Airpark in Vancouver, WA. This was a famous reenactment of Silas Christofferson’s same flight in 1912. 

Services for Tom Murphy are planned for  1:30 PM, Saturday, June 22, 2024, at WAAAM (Hanger #3 Behind the Museum)  (1600 Air Museum Road, Hood River, OR 97031).  A Graveside Committal Service was on Tuesday, November 28th, 2023 at Idlewilde Cemetery (970 Tucker Road, Hood River, Oregon). 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Providence Hood River Foundation (PO Box 149, Hood River, OR, 97031) or Online Providence Foundation please specify on memo: Support Cancer Patients in honor of Tom Murphy or to WAAM Museum (1600 Air Museum Road, Hood River, OR 97031) or Online:WAAAM Museum  please specify on memo: In Memory of Tom Murphy.

Tom left everyone’s lives he touched with many good memories. His impeccable attention to detail was his trademark. He was a humble man and an inspiration to many. His passions in life were his family and friends, flying, his work, animals, and his little dog Tucker. Always willing to lend a hand, he will be greatly missed. Tom once said…”Flying is the greatest freedom in the world”. May he fly high and rest in peace.

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: James E. Qualls, 55, Cascade Locks

James E. Qualls passed away on April 21st, in Cascade Locks, Oregon. James was born October 2nd, 1968. He was 55 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: Suzette Marie Flinn, 70, The Dalles

Suzette Marie Flinn, age 70, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on April 11, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Elizabeth LuZelle Harmon, 69, The Dalles

Elizabeth LuZelle Harmon, age 69, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on April 18, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Shirley Hoffman, 81, Antelope

Shirley Hoffman, age 81, a resident of Antelope, OR, passed away on March 24, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Aspen Dawson, 24, Hood River

Aspen Dawson passed away on April 19th, 2024 in Hood River, Oregon. Aspen was born on April 3rd, 2000, and was 24 years of age at the time of passing.

A Memorial Service and Reception for Aspen will be held on Saturday, May 4th, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. at Andersons Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Ave, Hood River, OR 97031)

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: 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.