Obituary: Chuck Overmyer, 80, The Dalles
The memorial for Chuck Overmyer will be held at the Celilo Bowmen Archery Range on October 5th at 12:00 PM. Everyone invited, please RSVP Celilo Bowmen Archers if planning to attend.
The memorial for Chuck Overmyer will be held at the Celilo Bowmen Archery Range on October 5th at 12:00 PM. Everyone invited, please RSVP Celilo Bowmen Archers if planning to attend.
Charles L. Overmyer, 80, born June 18th, 1944, at Eau Claire Wi, passed away July 18th at home with heart failure.
son of Roy and Mary (Clark) Overmyer. Chuck is survived by devoted pardner of 45 years, Dorothy Heldeman, daughters, Emily Johnson (Brad), Tina Wolfgram, (Jeff), Brenda Mahr, Tara Overmyer, and Sons, Joseph Overmyer (Erica), and Mikel Heideman and numerous grandchildren.
Chuck was passionate about hunting and archery, Chuck received his first bow from an auction at the Mule deer Foundation from Bob Kendall and from then on was an avid archer. He loved spending times at the Celllo Bowmen Archery Range and wore many hats, Including president, vice-president, range master, Chuck would be at the range on an almost daily basis, taking care of grounds and shooting his bow and just visiting. Chuck and Det enjoyed participating in various archery shoots. Some people would say that Chuck was the heart of the archery range always willing to help and always willing to share his passion
of archery with anyone who wanted to leam. Chuck retired after 30 years at the Oregon Cherry Growers where he made lifetime friends. Chuck is deeply missed by those who loved him.
Death Notice: Phillip Allen Wohosky, 80, The Dalles
Death Notice: Phillip Allen Wohosky, 80, The Dalles
Phillip Allen Wohosky, age 80, a resident of The Dalles, OR, and a proud Vietnam Veteran, passed away on September 2, 2024.
Spencer, Libby, and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Death Notice: Darlene Lucille Nordquist, 80, The Dalles
Death Notice: Darlene Lucille Nordquist, 80, The Dalles
Darlene Lucille Nordquist, age 80, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on August 30, 2024.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Death Notice: Michael James Matthews, 76, Tygh Valley
Death Notice: Michael James Matthews, 76, Tygh Valley
Michael James Matthews, age 76, a resident of Tygh Valley, OR, passed away on August 30, 2024.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Death Notice: William S Beers, 88, Rufus
Death Notice: William S Beers, 88, Rufus
William S Beers, age 88, a resident of Rufus, OR, passed away on September 3, 2024.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Service Announcement: John P. Wright, 84, Hood River
Service Announcement: John P. Wright, 84, Hood River
John P. Wright, of Hood River, Oregon died September 4, 2024. John was born October 12, 1939 and was 84 at the time of his passing.
A viewing and time to visit with family will be from 4:00-6:00 P.M., on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at Anderson’s Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Ave, Hood River, OR 97031).
John’s burial will take place at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Great River Natural Burial, 2350 Carroll Road, Mosier, OR 97040.
A memorial service is pending in November and will be announced later with John’s life story.
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: Jack Edward Lorts, 84, The Dalles
Death Notice: Jack Edward Lorts, 84, The Dalles
Jack Edward Lorts passed away on September 4, 2024, at OHSU Hospitals and Clinics in Portland, Oregon. Jack was born September 4, 1940, and was 84 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: Sharon Lee Simantel, 84, Moro
Not long after graduating from high school, she married Loran Roland Simantel, her husband of 59 years until his passing. Roland and Sharon moved to a farm in Gilliam County and began their lives together. In 1971 the family moved to Sherman County.
On August 1, 2024, the family of Sharon Lee Simantel said goodbye to their beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Sharon was born on October 6, 1939, in Salem, Oregon, the youngest of three siblings. Not long after graduating from high school, she married Loran Roland Simantel, her husband of 59 years until his passing. Roland and Sharon moved to a farm in Gilliam County and began their lives together. They started their family, having four children, Jon, David, Nancy, and Robert. In 1971 the family moved to Sherman County. As the children grew and moved on, Sharon became more active in volunteering and helping out in the community. They also began to travel more and really enjoyed RVing with friends.
Sharon is survived by four children, 10 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. Jon (wife Julie and children Amanda, Maggie and Annie), David (children Cody wife Emily and son Colton and Chelsi partner Jullian and children Leiana, Kailynn and Lillian, and stepdaughter Brandi)
Nancy (husband Larry and children Haylee husband Mitch and sons Madden and Keller, Addison wife Erin and daughter Isla), Robert (wife Rheann and children Mitch wife Emily and children Owen and Parker, Brian partner Lisa, and stepchildren Brandon wife Dakota and sons Colton and Chandler, Katie husband Mic and Cameron).
Sharon is preceded in death by her husband, Roland, parents, James and Thelma, brothers James and Richard, and grandson Michael.
The family would like to extend a huge thank you to all who helped to care for Sharon in her final days at The Springs Assisted Care, Adventist Hospital, and Providence Hospice. A service is planned for September 14th at the Moro Community Presbyterian Church at 2:00 p.m. with a gathering to follow hosted by friends of Sharon's throughout the community. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of choice.
Obituary: Vernon E Dearden, 94, Trout Lake, Wash.
He spent much of his childhood hunting and fishing with his older brother in the San Francisco Bay close to his house. He often talked of hunting along the railroad tracks close to the bay and running into homeless camps as he grew up during America’s Great Depression.
Vernon E Dearden was born December 2, 1929, in Martinez, California. He spent much of his childhood hunting and fishing with his older brother in the San Francisco Bay close to his house. He often talked of hunting along the railroad tracks close to the bay and running into homeless camps as he grew up during America’s Great Depression.
As he entered high school, he enjoyed playing football and basketball. He graduated from Alhambra High School in 1947 and 3 years later married 17-year-old Mary Davis. He would be married for 71 years before Mary passed away 3 years ago. —- Shortly after marriage Vern got a job at Union Oil Company Refinery as an operator, which he kept for 37 years until he retired at 58.
Along the way he raised 3 boys, David, Doug, and Brad, passing on to them the things he loved: hunting, fishing, sports, and eventually his love of Jesus. At the age of 34, his life made a dramatic turn as he gave his life to Jesus Christ. He spent the rest of his life serving in a number of churches as well as sharing his faith with others.
In his 40’s my dad took up running and golf. He enjoyed running in the hills surrounding his home in Martinez, sometimes putting in as many as 40 miles per week. After running became difficult he walked daily, even walking 2 miles per day, into his late eighties. As a retired person, he enjoyed golfing 3 times a week at the Oroville Golf Club. There he met numerous friends. He enjoyed playing golf with friends and the love of his life Mary. When Mary developed cancer, he spent many years caring for her, making sure that she was taking the appropriate medications and helping around the house. Together they made an excellent team, each using their strengths to benefit the other!
Vernon is survived by his son Doug, six grandchildren (Elizabeth, Alexandra, and Rachel Dearden, Matthew, Timothy and Luke Dearden), and eight grandchildren. In his final years in assisted living, he continued to tell others about his faith and had a positive outlook on life until his passing to heaven on August 30, 2024, at the age of 94.
A short burial service will be held on Friday, September 13 @ 10am at the Wyandotte Cemetery in Oroville, California.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Death Notice: Bernice L. Buck, 85, The Dalles
Many will remember Bernice L. Buck from the layaway dept. at K-Mart where she worked for 25 years.
Bernice L. Buck, of The Dalles, OR, passed away on July 27, 2024. She was 85.
Many will remember her from the layaway dept. at K-Mart where she worked for 25 years.
Burial will be on Sept. 5 @ 3 Mile Cemetery beginning at noon.
Obituary: Darold LeRoy Arrington, 90, Parkdale
In his early years, his father worked in logging camps around Oregon, but when it came time to settle down and go to school, Darold’s father cleared a place in Canby, Oregon and built a home with no indoor plumbing, but it had a well with an indoor pump.
Darold LeRoy Arrington came into this world on June 7, 1934 in Medford, Oregon. He was an only child to his parents Lloyd W Arrington and Bertha C. Whiteley Arrington.
In his early years, his father worked in logging camps around Oregon, but when it came time to settle down and go to school, Darold’s father cleared a place in Canby, Oregon and built a home with no indoor plumbing, but it had a well with an indoor pump. Over the years the family moved to Yreka, Portland and then to Jacksonville to be near family. Darold’s father passed away when Darold was only 15, and he and his mother moved to Portland before eventually settling in Long Beach, California.
In 1957 Darold was drafted into the US Army where he served honorably for three years. When he got out of the Army, he went to work for North America Aviation & Autonetics in Santa Ana, California. There he met Jenna Lee Coady on a blind date, and they were married on September 23, 1961. They moved to Orange, California and had five children.
In 1970, Darold moved his family to Roseburg, Oregon for a short time before settling in Parkdale, Oregon in 1971 where he resided for 52 years. Over the years, Darold showed his handy side by his ability to fix anything from plumbing, electronics, and mechanics while he worked for Ted Hackett’s TV and repair, Paul Henny as well as Paddock’s fixing CB radios. In 1979 he was hired on at The United Telephone Company as a Central Office Technician until he retired in 1999. Darold was a hard worker and made sure Jenna Lee was able to maintain her dream of keeping horses and a small farm. He was always bucking hay even though he had hay fever.
Throughout his life, Darold played the guitar and sang for the community and his church. Those who knew him will tell you that his voice rang out with a beautiful clarity. He even continued to sing for residents and staff at Brookside during his last year there. We will miss that voice very much.
Darold was adventurous, and he traveled the world with Jenna Lee by his side. They visited Hawaii, The Caribbean, Bahamas, Cook Islands, Fiji, Alaska, Canada, and took a three-month trip to Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania as well as a total of 6 months across the United States!
Darold was wonderful husband and father as well as a faithful man, serving his church as a Deacon, teacher and singer.
Darold is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jenna Lee Arrington; His children Bryon (Dixie); Bruce (Hope); Brad; Julie (Tony) Clark; and Justine (John) Andersen. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 6 great -grandchildren.
“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1
A memorial service for Darold will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Faith Bible Church, 1889 Belmont Drive, Hood River, Oregon 97031.
Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
Death Notice: Walter Peterson, 73, The Dalles
Death Notice: Walter Peterson, 73, The Dalles
Walter Peterson, age 73, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on August 30, 2024.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Death Notice: Colby Ryan Brace, 17, The Dalles
Death Notice: Colby Ryan Brace, 17, The Dalles - A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 7, 2024, 2 p.m. at the Wasco County Fairgrounds in Tygh Valley, Oregon.
Colby Ryan Brace, age 17, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on August 28, 2024.
Burial will be on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at noon at the Brace Land.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 2 p.m. at the Wasco County Fairgrounds in Tygh Valley, Oregon.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Obituary: Richard Harry Edstrom, 86, The Dalles
He spent time as a firefighter, bravely working to protect his community, and as a ski instructor where he shared his love for the slopes with countless students. Dick was also a successful entrepreneur, co-owning a company that specialized in installing elevators. His work ethic and skills were unmatched, and he took great pride in every job he completed.
Richard Harry Edstrom
June 29, 1938 – August 28, 2024
Richard, affectionately known as “Dick” or “Dirty Harry” to those who knew him best, passed away on August 28, 2024, at the age of 86 at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital. He was a beloved husband, stepfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Dick’s larger-than-life personality and infectious sense of humor will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Dick lived a full and adventurous life. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force, where he developed a strong sense of duty and camaraderie that would stay with him throughout his life. Following his military service, Dick found his calling in several professions that allowed him to help others and share his many talents.
He spent time as a firefighter, bravely working to protect his community, and as a ski instructor where he shared his love for the slopes with countless students. Dick was also a successful entrepreneur, co-owning a company that specialized in installing elevators. His work ethic and skills were unmatched, and he took great pride in every job he completed.
In later years, Dick enjoyed a different pace of life as a cashier at Walmart, where he worked for 10 years. He loved the people he worked with and formed lasting friendships with both coworkers and customers alike. Dick also helped his wife, Bonnie with her cat rescue.
Dick’s interests were as varied as his career. He was an avid NASCAR fan, a passionate sailor, and a lover of music and dancing. Whether he was fixing or building something, sharing a laugh with friends, or enjoying his morning coffee and a beer at the local watering hole, Dick lived every moment to the fullest. His ability to bring joy and laughter to those around him was one of his most cherished gifts.
Dick is survived by his wife, Bonnie Edstrom; his stepdaughter, Leanne Stemmer; his sisters, Joanne Ahmad and Molly Forsberg and many nieces, nephews, and close friends who will remember him with fondness and admiration.
A viewing was held Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Anderson’s Tribute Center. Dick will be laid to rest at Willamette National Cemetery.
Rest in peace, Dick. You will be forever missed but never forgotten.
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: Vick Henry Snyder, 66, Hood River
Death Notice: Vick Henry Snyder, 66, Hood River
Vick Henry Snyder, age 66, from Hood River, OR, passed away on August 27, 2024.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Obituary: Joshua Merle Thompson, 45, Wamic
Family man Joshua Merle Thompson was also known in the community as the type of person who was always first to raise his hand to help, no matter the need. He served on multiple volunteer boards, from the school district to local wildlife groups and everything in between. He never said no, and inspired others around him to lean in and help where needed.
Joshua Merle Thompson was born April 13, 1979, to James L. Thompson and June Marie (Iverson) Thompson in The Dalles. From his earliest days, he could regularly be found either with his family or out of doors, enjoying spending most of his time on the family farm in Wamic.
After graduating from The Dalles High in 1997 Josh sought to further his passion outside by pursuing studies in agriculture and forestry. Through education and many of life’s other adventures, he was regularly found beside his cousin Travis who was his partner in crime for many of his life experiences.
Josh led a life of service to others. He started his public service career in 2000 with the Wasco County Soil and Water Conservation District, where his goal was to help the local agricultural producers find greater success and enhance the local agricultural heritage and community. Outside of work, he also spent most of his life volunteering with local fire services, first with Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue in The Dalles and most recently with Wamic Rural Fire Protection District.
Josh was also known in the community as the type of person who was always first to raise his hand to help, no matter what the need. He served on multiple volunteer boards, from the school district to local wildlife groups and everything in between. He never said no, and inspired others around him to lean in and help where needed.
Josh truly found his calling when he met Michelle Ongers and started the family that became the center of his world. His children: Ian, Dallas, Ryker, William, and Kaylee meant everything to him. Everything Josh did from the moment he became a father was framed from a family-first perspective. Josh especially enjoyed introducing his children to his passion for the outdoors, and most conversations with him of late started with a story of him and his kids on the farm, in a lake, or in the outdoors.
Josh moved to the family farm in 2017 to become the third generation to work on the land he loved, helping his uncle carry on the Iverson legacy that he wanted to pass on to generations in the future.
Josh is survived by his parents Jim and June, his children: Ian (20), Dallas (16), Ryker (14), William (11), and Kaylee (8), his brother Jeremy and his family, cousin Travis and family, Aunts Ruby and Betty, Uncles David, Jay and Herbie, and innumerable other cousins- many of whom truly were closer than title can convey.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any desired donations be sent to the South Wasco County School District to be used toward the finalization of the athletics upgrade project in the form of a scoreboard, a project that Josh was actively involved in. Please include “JT Scoreboard Fund” on any donation made so the school can properly assign funds, and to ensure receipts are directed to donors.
Obituary: Kenneth Edwin Miller, 82
Football Coach and Teacher Kenneth Edwin Miller dies at 82 after being raised in Boyd and learning the love of football at Dufur Park as a kid. He went on to a fruitful career in coaching football in the U.S. and Canada. A memorial mass will be held for him at Saint Alphonsus Catholic Church in Dufur, OR on September 13th at 12:00 noon with sharing of lunch and memories following.
Kenneth Edwin Miller, 82, was born in The Dalles, Oregon on October 15, 1941, the first child of Kenneth F. Miller and Laura Swett Miller. Kenny, as he was known when he was young, was joined by a sister, Donna, in 1943 and by a brother, Jimmy, in 1950. Ken, as he was known as an adult, passed on to his heavenly home on August 21, 2024.
Kenny spent his childhood in Boyd, Oregon near Dufur and attended Dufur Schools during his elementary and high school years. Kenny was an avid reader, an accomplished artist, and always enjoyed learning. But his lifelong passion was football. The love of the game began in the Dufur Park playing 6-man ball for Dufur High School. During summer breaks, Ken worked in the harvest fields and had a deep love for farming and the outdoors.
Ken graduated from high school in 1959 and began attending Dickinson State College in Dickinson, North Dakota where he played and excelled in football. After 2 years at Dickinson, Ken returned to Oregon and attended Eastern Oregon for a year. Ken married Betty Basche in Richland, OR in June 1962. Kenny and Betty resided in The Dalles for a couple of years where Ken worked at various jobs, including a stint at Harvey Aluminum. During this break from college life, Ken and Betty were joined by a daughter, Kail Sue. But since Ken’s passion was still football, they decided to move their small family back to Dickinson, North Dakota where Ken could once again pursue his dream of teaching and coaching. Ken attended college, worked to support his family, and played his chosen sport of football. Just prior to his graduating with a teaching degree in 1966, the Miller family added another member, a son, Kenneth Robert, who is affectionately known as Bob. Ken remained friends with many of his college friends and coaches who enjoyed following Ken’s coaching career, some of whom travelled to Canada many years later to see their prodigy coach in the CFL.
Ken’s first teaching/coaching position was in Vernonia, OR 1967 to 1970. Although Ken enjoyed this position where he made lifelong friends, he and his family moved to southern California for a teaching and football coaching position at Yucaipa High School in Yucaipa, CA. What took Ken away from the Yucaipa position was the opportunity to coach college football at the University of Redlands in nearby Redlands, CA. Their family home continued to be in Yucaipa for many years. Ken had a long and successful career coaching U of R Bulldog football, and for many of those years, he coached their baseball team as well. Ken continued to receive accolades from his many friends, players, students and colleagues for his work at U of R for the remainder of his life.
Ken and Betty divorced while still living in Yucaipa but remained friends with a mutual respect for each other’s life choices and accomplishments going forward. Betty moved back to the hometown of her childhood, Richland, OR, remarried and enjoyed her love of country life and horses. Betty passed away in July of 2023.
Ken married his true love, Maureen, in December 1998. She remained his complete support, soulmate, and cheerleader until his passing.
Shortly after retiring from the University of Redlands, Ken had the “opportunity of a lifetime” to travel to Toronto Canada for some CFL coaching responsibilities. So, Ken, along with his wife, Maureen, began their 9-year exciting journey as CFL enthusiasts with Ken handling various coaching duties and Maureen supporting every step of the way. Ken was always quick and sincere to let everyone know how much she contributed to his successes. Ken would also acknowledge that his faith was a great source of strength and peace in his life.
Ken’s most lengthy tenure with a team in Canada was with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. These kind words were posted by the Saskatchewan Riders organization upon learning of Ken’s passing: “The Saskatchewan Roughriders are heartbroken over the passing of former Head Coach Ken Miller. Ken was part of the Roughriders for a prosperous five seasons that included a Grey Cup in 2007 as the offensive coordinator and two additional Grey Cup appearances in 2009 and 2010 when he was head coach. A beloved leader of men, he was a finalist for Coach of the Year in all three full seasons he led the Roughriders. We were hounored to induct him into the SaskTel Plaza of Honour as a builder in 2022. Perhaps the only thing that matched his skill as a football coach was the way he made you feel in his presence. Whether you were just meeting him for the first time or knew him well, you felt his warmth and genuine kindness. We will miss him dearly. On behalf of Rider Nation we send our love and condolences to his wife Maureen, his family, friends and loved ones and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Yes, Ken was truly a builder of people. He was a life coach as well as a football coach and changed the lives of many for the better. Ken’s family continues to receive letters of gratitude from former players and students stating how his leadership molded their personal lives and their careers.
Ken is survived by his loving wife, Maureen; sister, Donna Underhill (Ed) Dufur, OR; brother, Jim Miller, Dufur, OR; son, Bob Miller (Chris) Paso Robles, CA and their two daughters, Ande and Megan; daughter, Kail Miller, Richland, OR and her two sons, Kip and Shawn and their families; 3 step-children and their families; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will greatly miss his presence.
There will be a funeral mass near his home in North Carolina on August 29th, a memorial mass in Saskatchewan on September 18th, and a memorial mass at Saint Alphonsus Catholic Church in Dufur, OR on September 13th at 12:00 noon with sharing of lunch and memories following. The family is very appreciative of all the love and support we have received.
Obituary: Bernie Morris, 75, The Dalles
Obituary: Bernie Morris, 75, The Dalles
Bernie Morris was born on Sept 14th, 1936, in Spart, IL to Floyd and Alvina Morris. The family moved to The Dalles, OR in 1948. Bernie attended St. John’s Lutheran School in Sparta and was a charter member of Faith Lutheran Church in The Dalles. He graduated from The Dalles High School in 1955, where he earned a letter in track and held the record for the one-mile race for many years.
He served in the US Navy as an aviation machinist in San Diego and Miramar CA from 1957 to 1961. After the Navy he had various jobs before starting to work for C.H. Urness Motors in 1966. He also worked in the Alaska fishing industry during the summer months, returning to Urness Motors for the rest of the year. After retiring from the fishing industry in 2000, Bernie continued to work at Urness Motors full time until he retired in 2013.
Bernie enjoyed the outdoors – hunting, fishing, woodcutting and camping with his family. He had many friends and was always caring and willing to help others.
Preceding him were his parents, Floyd and Alvina; brother, Walt Morris; and sister, Laura Comini.
Bernie is survived by his wife, Janice; children, Debbie Park (Dave), Gay Scott-Dale and Matt Morris (Carrie); grandchildren, Frankie, Heather (Eric), Ethan, Megan, and Mason; great-grandchildren, Penelope, Everyly and Colson; brother-in-law Bob Denny (Bonnie); and several nieces and nephews.
There will be no funeral service at Bernie’s request.
Memorial contributions (in lieu of flowers) to Bristol Hospice would be appreciated by the family. Contributions can be made through Heart of Hospice Foundation (heartofhospicefoundationtrio.com) or mailed to Bristol Hospice at 407 Portway Ave Suite 201 Hood River OR 9031.
Obituary: Loretta Joan Sidman, 93, The Dalles
Obituary: Loretta Joan Sidman, 93, The Dalles
Loretta Joan Sidman of The Dalles, Oregon, passed away on August 14th at OHSU due to complications from a stroke. Her son and daughter were by her side.
Loretta was born in St. Francis, Kansas, on October 16, 1930, to Emil Zimbelman and Anna (Lampe) Zimbelman. She grew up during the Dust Bowl on a farm with three siblings and graduated from St. Francis High School in 1948.
Loretta continued her education at a local teachers' college and taught briefly in a one-room schoolhouse until she met and married Von E. Sidman in 1949. Loretta set up households and had four children across the country in Nebraska, California, and Texas while Von worked with the Bureau of Reclamation on various federal projects.
They finally landed in Oregon to work on The Dalles Dam Irrigation Project in 1964. Moving every few years became a thing of the past when Loretta’s youngest child saw an ad for a piece of property in The Dalles Chronicle. Von and Loretta bought a cherry orchard on Mill Creek Road in 1971, where they established a home that has been enjoyed by four generations of Sidmans over the years.
Loretta worked the orchard alongside her husband and sons until they lost the trees to a bad frost and blight in 1975. Loretta was a hard worker in the home, on the property, and in the workplace, with years of service at The BaKitchen, Chenoweth Middle School as a teacher’s aide, and Stadelman’s Fruit as a line worker until her retirement in 1990.
She attended The Dalles United Methodist Church for decades while her children were growing up. A talented piano player and singer, Loretta loved music and cultivated that passion in her children, resulting in many family concerts and singalongs. The last singalong we shared with Loretta was at the Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles, where she received truly excellent nursing care after her stroke in June.
Loretta’s hydrangeas were the bluest, her wave petunias the waviest, her Christmas cactus always bloomed on time, and something that sparkled, spun, or shined was hanging everywhere. She could hit all the high notes in “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and “Climb Ev’ry Mountain.” Loretta lived on her own terms, in her home, for all but a few weeks at the end, thanks to good genetics, the grace of God, and the support of her four children, with lots of visits from all.
Loretta was preceded in death by her parents, stepmother, a brother, and her beloved husband, Von Sidman, who passed away on their farm in October 2014. She is survived by her four children: Mike Sidman of Spanish Fork, UT; Melinda Sidman of Astoria, OR; David Sidman of The Dalles, OR; and Paul Sidman of Lewiston, CA; 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild (so far). She is also survived by her sister, Valjean Schultz, and her brother, Marvin Zimbelman, and his wife, Donna.
A private service will be held at Willamette National Cemetery, where Loretta will be interred with her husband, who served honorably in WWII in the United States Navy. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local chapter of the Salvation Army or St. Jude Children's Hospital.
Death Notice: Sherman Robert Martin, 76, The Dalles
Death Notice: Sherman Robert Martin, 76, The Dalles
Sherman Robert Martin, age 76, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on August 14, 2024. A Celebration of Life is planned for September 8, 2024, 2:00 PM at Rheingarten Park in White Salmon, WA.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.