Death Notice: Joan Christine Pifher, 82, The Dalles

Joan Christine Pifher, age 82, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on September 7, 2024.

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

Obituary: Jean Louise Greiner, 91, The Dalles

It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we inform you of the death of Jean Louise Greiner who went on to embrace her loved ones that preceded her in death on August 27, 2024, at the age of 91.

Jean was born on June 26, 1933, to Miranda (Peggy) and Arthur Howell. She attended The Dalles High School before marrying Joseph H. Greiner in 1954. Jean worked as a Domestic Goddess raising seven children while also attending to the needs of farming life. She also worked 20+ years as a seasonal employee at the Oregon Cherry Growers.

She was a shining example of kindness, empathy, and bringing Joy to those around her. Jean was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Greiner Sr., Daughter Kathy Adams, Son Joseph Greiner Jr., Daughter Susan Pezzeti, Son Thomas Greiner, Her parents, Peggy and Arthur Howell, her Brothers Duane, Dick, and Alan Howell and her Sister Betty Harlan.

She is survived by Daughter Diana Shields, Daughter Patty and Husband Tim Latham, Daughter Annette Heideman, Grand Children B.J Lynch, Tony Lynch (Wife Angie), Stephanie and Kevin Shields, Curtis Pezzeti, Jacob Latham, Kalvin Latham (Wife Marissa), Dustin Heideman (Wife Angela), Tom Heideman, Joseph and Nicholas Greiner, and many Great Grand Children.

A Graveside Service is scheduled for Friday, September 6, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Peter’s Cemetery. Spencer Libby & Powell are in charge of arrangements.

Obituary: James Wilson Wham, 75, The Dalles

James Wilson Wham, 75, passed peacefully into heaven on May 6, 2024, in his home, The Dalles Oregon, after a year-long battle with cancer. Jim was born June 13, 1948, in Walla Walla, Washington to Roy Albert “Abie” Wham and Wilma Lorraine Amis.

The family moved next to Kinzua in Wheeler County, where Abie was a foreman of the dry chain at the Kinzua planer mill, and from there to Dayville in about 1952. In 1956 they moved to John Day, where Jim’s mother remarried Robert Edward Larkin. Jim attended Grant Union High School and graduated in 1966. He served in The United States Army in Thailand during the Vietnam War.

Then worked at Bob Larkin’s Arco station, as a mechanic and drove gas and oil delivery trucks until the mid-seventies when he discovered his deep talent in photography. That led to the lifelong career he loved. In 1983 Jim married Wendy Wiggins and moved to The Dalles where they made their home. Jim became a professional portrait, sports, and school photographer.

He and Wendy operated Cascade Color Lab, a one-hour photo processing lab in the Columbia Gorge. He relished scenic night and Milky Way photography and won an award for his spectacular photo of The Hale Bopp Comet. Jim loved to garden. His tomato crop was legendary, often covering one side of the house in the summer.

He was preceded in death by his father Roy “Abie” Wham, stepfather Robert Larkin, mother Wilma Larkin, and his sisters Donna Walter, Cherill Oury, and Lori Larkin. He is survived by his wife Wendy Wham, son James E. Wham, daughter Melody Blackwell, grandchildren Izzak Heiser, Mary Jayne Heiser, David Blackwell, Scarlett Blackwell, Baylee Rue Wham and great-grandson Leon Jones.

A Military Graveside service will be held on October 19, 2024, at 1:00 pm at the Dayville Cemetery, with a Celebration of Life following, at the Dayville Community Hall.

Obituary: Jolene Petersen, 70, The Dalles

Jolene Petersen, age 70, died August 27, 2024, at her home in The Dalles, Oregon. She was born September 8, 1953, to Donald and Marilyn Petersen of The Dalles, Oregon.

Jolene was creative – she loved color – and her sense of humor and imagination were evident to those who knew her. She loved and cared for her family and chose to raise two of her grandchildren from birth. She was a caring and selfless person who always made the best out of what she had.

Jolene is survived by her mother, Marilyn; children, Sarah, and Stephen; six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a third child, Elisia; and a father, Donald.

Jolene will be missed by her many friends and loved ones. A private Celebration of Life with family and friends is unscheduled at this time.

Death Notice: Wayne Leonard Cox, 69, Lyle

Wayne Leonard Cox, age 69, a resident of Lyle, WA, passed away September 13, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Mary Edith Irwin, age 83, a resident of The Dalles

Mary Edith Irwin, age 83, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away September 13, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Shelley Kay Nicholas, 71, The Dalles

Shelley Kay Nicholas, age 71, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away September 11, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Mary Lou Witter, 84, The Dalles

Mary Lou Witter, age 84, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on September 5, 20024. A Celebration of Life will be held October 12, 2024, 2:00 PM at the Calvary Baptist Church in The Dalles, OR.

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

Death Notice: Sharon Louise Cyphers, 76, The Dalles

Sharon Louise Cyphers, age 76, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on September 13, 2024.

A Celebration of Life will be held soon. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: William Nielsen, 68, White Salmon

William Nielsen passed away on September 6th, 2024, in Portland, Oregon. William was born January 10th, 1956, he was 68 years of age at the time of passing.

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

Death Notice: Grace Strand, 88, Carson

Grace Strand passed away on September 10th, 2024, at her home in Carson, Washington with family by her side. Grace was born on April 2nd, 1936, and was 88 years of age at the time of passing. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Gardner Funeral Home in White Salmon, Washington.  Visit www.GardnerFH.com to share a story or leave a note for the family.      

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.