Death Notice: Agnes Helen Kenslow, 105, The Dalles

Agnes Helen Kenslow, age 105, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away July 1, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Doris Ann Bernys, 89, The Dalles

Doris Ann Bernys, age 89, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away June 30, 2024.

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

Obituary: Health Advocate Marilyn Wong, 70, The Dalles

Marilyn Wong

Jan. 22, 1954 — May 31, 2024

Marilyn Wong was born on January 22, 1954, the 4th child and first girl to parents Shung and Yuk Chu Wong. Marilyn attended Petersburg and graduated from Wahtonka. She graduated from Oregon State University School of Pharmacy.

During her younger years, Marilyn and her siblings worked on the farm owned by her parents. She earned enough money to pay for college as most of her siblings did. Marilyn did her internship at Davies Rexall Drugs. After she received her pharmacy license, Marilyn continued to work at Davies.

In March of 1981, Marilyn was hired by Fred Meyers in The Dalles. She continued her career as a pharmacist, manager (head pharmacist) and then part-time pharmacist for 42 + years. Marilyn was a leader in our community and a great example for many pharmacy students, interns and technicians.

As 42+ years working at Fred Meyer wasn’t keeping her busy enough, Marilyn volunteered her time for many community activities. A few of the activities were a pharmacy adviser for Hospice, budget committee member for two terms at Columbia Gorge Community College, and spearheaded the Fred Meyer team for the Festival of Trees for several years.

Marilyn participated in walks for March of Dimes, ACS Making Strides, Susan B Komen Breast Cancer Walk, Portland Grand Floral Parade Pre-walk and the Junior Parade for Fred Meyer, and many more. Her most passionate volunteer work was for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, promoting research, education, advocacy and services. She started the Fred Meyer Family and Friends team that participated in Hood River for four years and then spearheaded a new relay site in The Dalles in 2001. Eventually, Hood River and The Dalles merged into one event, Relay for Life of Mid-Columbia. Marilyn also liked to help with decorating floats for the Portland Rose Festival.

In addition to her many volunteer activities, Marilyn enjoyed traveling to South America, Asia, Japan, Europe, OSU bowl games, and Portland Winterhawks’ Booster Club trips. Her other passions included being a member of The Bonsai Society in Portland, and activities associated with Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society.

Marilyn was an inspiration to all who knew her and her presence in the community will be missed.

Marilyn passed away on May 31, 2024, at OHSU after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Shung and Yuk Chu Wong. Marilyn is survived by her brothers: Hang, Bing, Ping, John, and her sister, Sandra.

Marilyn’s Celebration of Life will be July 12 starting at 5:45 PM at Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society in memory of Marilyn.

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Death Notice: Hattie Ann Schmidt, 93, Mosier

Hattie Ann Schmidt age 93, a resident of Mosier, OR, passed away on June 27, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Juventina Rodriguez Hernandez, 74, The Dalles

Juventina Rodriguez Hernandez, age 74, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on June 18, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Elton LeRoy Fadness, 88, The Dalles

Elton LeRoy Fadness, age 88, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on June 22, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Lyle W. Simonds, 98, Hood River

Lyle W. Simonds a longtime resident of Hood River, Oregon having moved here in 1948 passed away June 17th, 2024 at his residence in Salem, Oregon where he has lived since 1988.  Lyle was born February 16th, 1926 in Needmore, North Carolina and he was 98 years of age at the time of passing.  

SERVICES FOR LYLE ARE AS FOLLOWS:

Visitation & Viewing

4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, July 19th, 2024 Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  

Celebration of Life, Military Honors & Reception

11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 20th, 2024 Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  

Graveside Rites

1:00 p.m., Saturday, July 20th, 2024 at Idlewilde Cemetery of Hood River, Oregon.

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

Death Notice: August Jimmy Law, 68, The Dalles

August Jimmy Law, age 68, a resident of The Dalles, OR, and Wishram, WA, passed away on June 18, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Chris Robert Flint, 68, White Salmon

Chris Robert Flint, age 68, a resident of White Salmon, WA, passed away on June 23, 2024.

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

Obituary: Darlena “Dee” May Hill, 84, The Dalles

Darlena “Dee” May Hill, born on April 8, 1940, to Dorothy and Nyle Hill and a lifetime resident of The Dalles, OR passed away on June 17, 2024, with her family by her side.  Dee attended The Dalles High School where she met Darrell Hill, who became her sweetheart and lifelong partner.  The two began their lives as a married couple on June 15, 1958.  As they started their love story, everyone who met Dee knew that she had married her best friend as they completed each other. 

Over the years of service to the community of the City of The Dalles and Wasco County, Dee was often in the front seat of Darrell’s car tossing candy out to children in parades.  To say the two were inseparable would be an understatement.  As Darrell retired they started to travel around the United States exploring genealogy and fulfilling their love of adventure.  Dee and Darrell also loved to take pictures of community events, travels, family, and friends. 

The Hill family expanded with daughters DeAnna Hill and Debbie Hill (Loomis).  As a young family, the Hill’s liked to go camping.  Dee loved traveling the world with her daughters and visiting grandchildren.   Dee and Darrell also opened their home to many children and youth by serving as foster parents for the State child welfare system and youth with disabilities.  They served as house parents for the Community Attention Home before the closing in 2005.

Dee worked in office settings as an Office Manager, bookkeeper, and personnel manager for several businesses and the City of The Dalles.  She was a dedicated public employee and was the first female employee at the city treatment plant.  Dee was always blazing a trail for others. 

Dee served on The Dalles City Council and was Darrell’s right hand when he ran and was elected Wasco County Sheriff.  As Dee states, this cannot just be about her as for over 58 years they were life partners and together they loved and supported each other.

Dee is survived by her daughter DeAnna Hill (Mark), of Anchorage, AK, daughter Debbie Loomis (Brady), Gig Harbor, WA, two sisters, Donna Smith (Richard), and Loretta Commander (Jerry), one brother, Joe Hill, four grandchildren, Britney Bass (Matt), Garrett Loomis (Trish), Greyson Loomis (Meressa), Grant Loomis (Amber), and eight great-grandchildren.  Dee is preceded in death by her husband Darrell Hill, parents, and three brothers.

A celebration of life will be planned at a later date.  Memorial contributions can be made to the Heart of Hospice.

Death Notice: Ryan Russell Woodman, 37, Dallesport

Ryan Russell Woodman, age 37, a resident of Dallesport, WA, passed away on June on 23, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Patricia Ann Hill, 78, Dalles

Patricia Ann Hill, age 78, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on June 22, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held June 29, 2024, 1:00 PM at Bargeway Pub, 1535 Bargeway Rd, The Dalles, OR 97058.

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

Death Notice: Daniel Alan Bell (Dan), 52 Hood River

Daniel Alan Bell (Dan), born June 22nd, 1971, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on June 8th, 2024 in Hood River, Oregon. He was 52 at the time of his passing.

He was born in Denver, Colorado, and grew up in a loving family. He attended Colorado State University to study medicine, but after a summer in Medford, OR working in the woods, he switched his major to forestry. He worked various jobs, including clerking at a law firm and starting a tree maintenance business, before going back to school and obtaining his J.D. at North Carolina Central University School of Law. He worked for over a decade as a Program Director with The Nature Conservancy in North Carolina and Oregon where he protected long-leaf pine and woodpeckers, Willamette Valley grasslands, and oak habitats. He joined Friends of the Columbia Gorge in 2018 as the Land Trust Director where he fell into stride working with many diverse partners to protect lands in the Columbia Gorge. He often represented the organization at public events and inspired attendees with his commitment to environmental justice and preservation and entertained them with his subtle wit and understated humor.

Dan met the love of his life, Heather, when they were both working for The Nature Conservancy in Oregon – Heather in the Klamath Basin and Dan in the Willamette Valley. They fell in love over craft beers, a house remodel, Dan’s impeccable skill at strategic planning, and a bet on when the Klamath dams would come out. They wed in 2018 at a backyard ceremony at the couple’s home in Hood River where they lived happily close to the Columbia River, with lovely views of Mount Hood and Mount Adams. They enjoyed traveling back to Denver each Christmas to spend time and share good food and laughter with Dan’s family. Dan never sat still and was always actively building or fixing things around the house or in the yard. He enjoyed gardening, remodeling kitchens, rescuing hound dogs, the Denver Broncos, and recently, mastering sourdough bread. He is survived by his wife Heather Hendrixson, his mother Deanna Miller, his brother Matt Bell and nephew Aiden; his sister Michelle Keely, her husband Mike and their son Mason; his Aunts Judy Kenoyer, Kristie Knudson, and Peggy Mattingley, and numerous cousins. Dan was preceded in death by his father, Douglas Bell. He was well-loved by Heather’s family, his many friends, and colleagues, and will be greatly missed by his three beloved dogs, Willow, Laurel, and Azalea.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 13 at a land trust property overlooking the Columbia River.

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: Marilyn Dolores Kaufman, 90, The Dalles

Marilyn Dolores Kaufman, age 90, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away June 6, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Rev. Myrin Bentz, 88, The Dalles

Rev. Myrin Bentz passed away on June 19, 2024, in The Dalles, Oregon. Myrin was born November 10, 1935, and was 88 at the time of his passing.  A private burial will be at White Eagle Preserve in Goldendale, Washington.  Memorial Services are pending and will be announced soon. 

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: Renée Cummings, 75, Hood River

Renée was born in Portland, Oregon on February 18th, 1949, and was 75 years old at the time of her passing at her Hood River, Oregon home on June 15th, 2024.

Renée’s dad was a pilot during World War II and retired as a Lt. Colonel in 1968. This provided Renée with the experience of living in many places in the USA as well as Japan and Spain. Renée graduated from Torrejon’ Air Base High School in Madrid, Spain in 1967. Renée traveled throughout Europe when her classes allowed.

Renée enrolled at Oregon State University in Education and in the Spring of 1970, she met Paul (the love of her life) and they married in July of 1972.

Renée’s first year of teaching was in St. Helens, Oregon. Soon thereafter, she and Paul moved to Hood River, Oregon where she taught Reading and third grade at Frankton Elementary School and then moved to May Street Elementary where she taught first grade. After 18 years of teaching, she left education to help in her husband’s auto repair business. However, she didn’t leave education as she became a freelance writer producing activity books for kids and resource books for teachers & parents. At last count, she had over 100 books in print.

Renée had a love for all animals, especially cats. She always had one or more inside cats and several outside visitors too.

As her health deteriorated, she became an avid reader, when Paul would come home, he could usually find her on the couch with a good book. She would always share the characters and plots as they would unfold, it was always a treat.

Renée is survived by her husband of 52 years, Paul; older brother, Thomas W. Lloyd and wife, Susan; younger brother, Andrew “Andy” Lloyd; adopted son, Chuck Walston; and numerous nieces and nephews.

At Renée’s request, there will be no formal service as she just wanted to slip away quietly and peacefully.

In Renée’s name, a donation to a local animal or humane shelter can be made.

https://www.andersonstributecenter.com/memorials/rene-cummings/5449005/index.php

Obituary: Timothy Counihan, 65, Hood River

Timothy Donald Counihan passed away at home on April 28, 2024. Tim was born in Evanston, Illinois, March 25, 1959 to Charles Arthur Counihan and Jeannette Ann (Engelman) Counihan, ultimately becoming the older brother to siblings Dan and Anne. Tim’s early days in Chicago were filled with family, with close ties to grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Summer trips with the whole family to northern Minnesota were annual highlights for all and were certainly part of Tim’s growing appreciation for being outdoors. Tim’s lifelong love of music started in his teen years and included playing guitar with his pals and finagling his way (far underage!) into Chicago clubs to see the likes of Muddy Waters.

As a young man, Tim headed westward to college in Boulder, and spent some amazing years in Colorado, Montana, and New Mexico. After finishing graduate school and a short spell in Idaho, Tim landed in the Gorge with a research job with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (the station and Tim later transferred into the US Geological Survey). Though not originally planning an extended stay, Tim changed plans after Jennifer Bayer came into his life and they decided to stay put. After a decade together, Tim and Jen were joined by Sean, who made the family complete and brought joy and delight to Tim every day. Tim led the family in so many adventures! Whether backpacking, backcountry car camping, beach walking, exploring the Gorge or serving as technician to Sean’s photography excursions, he was up for whatever came his way.

Music was an essential everyday part of family life – whether it was Tim playing guitar in the living room, attending concerts of all genres, or KBOO on Saturday mornings. Tim was always up for a show in Portland and loved bringing Sean to performances of all types in all kinds of venues. In turn, he delighted in Sean bringing new music to him – when Sean suggested adding a show at UC Berkeley’s Greek Theater to our family vacation, Tim couldn’t have been happier.

Tim’s creativity and analytical skills came through in his 30+ years of research, where he was proud to collaborate with many experts on a wide range of topics in ecology, from invasive species to contaminants to white sturgeon to native mussels. Tim generously shared his time and thoughtful, patient mindset with his community wherever he lived, most recently as a member of the Hood River City Council. He regarded civic matters as being of the utmost importance and was proud of being able to support our town however he could. He strongly believed in learning from others’ points of view and enjoyed engaging with others to gain perspective.

Tim’s kindness and generosity touched many lives, and he leaves an indescribable chasm in his place. He leaves us far too soon. One of Tim’s wishes was that no one go hungry in our community; if inclined, consider a donation to FISH Food Bank to help make this wish come true.

Please join us for a celebration of life June 28th 3:00-6:00 at The Ruins (13 Railroad Street) in Hood River, Oregon.

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.

From Hood River City Council:

View fullsize

The City of Hood River honors the life of recently passed City Councilor Tim Counihan. Tim had been an active City Councilor, serving continuously since January 2019, as well as filling a vacant seat from July to December 2016.

Tim was dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Hood River residents while advocating for inclusive social and environmentally sound policies. He was a firm believer in learning from the diverse opinions of others. He was a dedicated environmentalist, and the City’s representative on the Hood River County Energy Council, where he supported the mission of “improving community resilience, increasing energy independence, increasing investment in local power, and reducing fossil fuel emissions in Hood River County.” 

In his professional life, Tim was a research biologist focusing on interdisciplinary research in aquatic ecosystems. He worked extensively on the Columbia River and with scientists across the US and internationally.

Tim was a father and husband. He and his wife have lived in the Columbia River Gorge since 1993. His son was born in Hood River, is a three-time Oregon State spelling champion, and is currently a sophomore at Oregon State University. Tim enjoyed backpacking, hiking, skiing, fishing, playing music, and appreciating the local artistic talent. He will be missed by his fellow councilors and colleagues at the City of Hood River.

Obituary: Lorraine "Rainy" (Elmer) Hill, 101, Trout Lake

Lorraine "Rainy" (Elmer) Hill, born on March 19th, 1923, in Trout Lake, Washington, passed away peacefully on June 1st, 2024. She spent her formative years in Trout Lake and White Salmon, graduating from Columbia High School in 1941.

Rainy's love story with her high school sweetheart, Eugene "Bugs" Hill, began during their senior year. In a charming twist, they exchanged vows across the street from their school at the Methodist church during a lunch break. Thus, wedding bells turned into school bells, and they returned to class as husband and wife. 

For three decades, Rainy and Bugs worked side by side in the grocery business, eventually taking over Hill's Red & White store from Bugs' father. In the mid-70s, seeking a change, they transitioned to custodial roles at Trout Lake School, where they continued to serve their community. 

Rainy's heart belonged to the outdoors. She reveled in rock hunting, skiing, bird-watching, and gardening, but her true passion lay in hiking and camping on Mt. Adams. The mountain held not only scenic beauty but also cherished memories with family and friends. Rainy and Bugs instilled this love for nature in generations of their family. Summers always included camping at Bird Lake and exploring Bird Creek Meadows, Crooked Creek, and Hellroaring Overlook, with a gaggle of children in tow. Rainy was inspiration personified, as she continued out-hiking any newcomers to the family well into her 80s.  

The family was paramount for Rainy and Bugs. Their home became the hub for Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas gatherings. Rainy's culinary talents shone during these events, and her secret Watergate Salad recipe remains a family tradition, now lovingly prepared by her granddaughters. 

Rainy's grandchildren delighted in her whimsical tea parties. They sipped tea, nibbled graham crackers with frosting, and selected delicate teacups and saucers from her collection. Dressing up in fancy clothes, hats, and jewelry added to the magic of Grandma’s tea parties on those clear blue sky summer days.  

Beyond her immediate family, Rainy made a lasting impact on the local community. Her distinctive white curly hair and warm smile became familiar sights during her morning walks. Rainy engaged in friendly conversations with the local coffee group, and their camaraderie was celebrated with a dedicated "Coffee Group Float" during a Trout Lake Fair parade. Rainy's commitment extended to the youth of Trout Lake. Her volunteer efforts for the yearly foundation sale demonstrated her care and dedication. Through these small acts of kindness and community involvement, Rainy left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew her. 

Preceded in death by Bugs, her parents (Fred and Marie), brothers (Bob and Jim), daughter (Sherry), and great-great-grandson (Kody), Rainy is survived by her son (Dennis), sister (Joyce), five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Funeral Services & Reception will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 13th at Anderson's Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031). 

Visit www.gardnerFH.com to share a story or leave a note for family.    

Death Notice: Gary Wayne Ragar, 80, The Dalles

Gary Wayne Ragar age 80, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on June 13, 2024.

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

Death Notice: James Allen Davidson, 61, Sandy

James Allen Davidson, age 61, a resident of Sandy, OR, passed away on June 14, 2024. A Graveside Service will be held June 29, 2024, at 11:30 am at the Dufur Cemetery in Dufur, OR with a luncheon to follow at the Dufur Christian Church Fellowship Room.

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