Obituary: Sally Zuck McBain, The Dalles

Sally Zuck McBain

Sally Zuck McBain

Nov.10, 1947 - April 28, 2024

Sally Zuck McBain Passed away peacefully on April 28, 2024, at The Dalles Health and Rehab Center in The Dalles, OR where she had been in Comfort Care since early January following a stroke just prior to Christmas.

Sally was born on November 10, 1947, in Erie, PA to Clark and Aleta Zuck. She is survived by her husband, Kenneth A. McBain of The Dalles, two sons, Matthew Jones and his wife Denise of Barcelona, Spain and Timothy Jones of Seattle, WA with two grandchildren Nordika and Vienna Jones, and their mother Christine Choiniere, and siblings Martin Zuck and Todd Zuck of Fairview, PA and Christine Jacobsen of San Antonio, TX. She also leaves her cherished dog Mitzi.

Following high school graduation in Erie, Sally attended three years at Mount Union College in Alliance, OH where she met and married William Jones. While he attended Case Western Reserve Medical School in Cleveland, Sally obtained her BA degree in Sociology at Cleveland State University. Following William’s internship at the University of Virginia Medical School, the couple moved to Zuni, NM for William’s two-year stint with the Public Health Service on the Zuni Reservation. It was there that Sally developed a deep affection for the Southwest and Native American culture.

Following her divorce, Sally pursued extensive Masters level coursework in Gerontology at the University of Oregon in Eugene. She then began a 25-year career in Senior Services including Counselor at a senior service program in Ontario, OR, co-owner with her then-husband Michael Sirrine, of MLE In-Home Services in La Grande, OR, nine years as Executive Director of the Areay Agency on Aging in The Dalles and founding Director of the Wyoming Gerontological Association in Casper, WY. During her years in Oregon, Sally wrote a bi-monthly column for several local newspapers and hosted weekly radio programs.

Sally and Ken were married on December 28, 1993, in The Dalles. The couple moved to Carson City, NV in 1995 and then Casper in 2001 where Sally worked with the American Cancer Society along with the WGA. Both Ken and Sally retired in 2004 and relocated to Madoc in Ontario, Canada where most of Ken’s family lived. They returned to Erie, PA in late 2009 to help care for Sally’s parents. Following their passing, they returned to The Dalles in 2010.

Sally always considered the Columbia River Gorge her home.

Sally was a lifetime artist (watercolors), photographer and writer. She blogged about aging for several years and published a most unique book - Soul Portrait - Improving Quality of Life by Making Aging Personal, published by Dog-Ear Publishing in 2012. Along with her book, she has more than 200 poems copyrighted with the Library of Congress.

There will be no memorial services with cremation provided by Bateman Carroll Funeral Home in Gresham, OR. Her husband and sons will disperse her ashes at an undisclosed location. If anyone wishes to donate in her memory, her favorite organizations were The Audobon Society and Nature Conservancy.

Death Notice: Curtis Lyle Watson, 67, The Dalles

Curtis Lyle Watson, age 67, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away May 10, 2024.

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

Death Notice: John Aaron Warkentin, 70, Maupin

John Aaron Warkentin, age 70, a resident of Maupin, OR, passed away May 12, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Neil Eugene Donegan Jr., 54, The Dalles

Neil Eugene Donegan Jr., age 54, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on May 9, 2024.

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

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.