Obituary: Stephen Kelly Ford, 66, Hood River

Stephen grew up in Edgecliff, Texas (a small community outside Fort Worth) and was the oldest of three brothers. Adventure, Life Experiences, and Family were always a top priority in the Ford house; every summer, the family would road trip to new destinations, which always included visiting extended family.

Stephen preferred to spend most of his free time outdoors, making friends and creating adventures wherever possible. Whether riding his motorcycle or trying to teach the family walking horse to buck, Stephen was an instigator of fun and a lover of animals.

 From a young age, Stephen was drawn to alternative sports like rock climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, rodeo, hockey, rugby, and windsurfing. During college, Stephen joined the pro rodeo circuit as a rough stock rider, where he attempted, sometimes successfully, to stay on bucking broncos bareback and riding bulls. Success meant bringing home a few belts, several knocked-out teeth, and usually just enough money to get him to the next event. Through rodeo, he made lifelong friends Stephen would always refer to as family.

 During his early years, Stephen learned the value of hard work. Whether bucking hay, working in construction in the Texas heat, or driving heavy machinery, Stephen never shied away from the tough jobs, and he always found a way to “cowboy up and git R done!”

 Stephen attended Texas Tech University, where he was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity; the University of Wyoming, where he earned a Bachelor of Science with a major in Geology; and Texas Christian University, where he studied Real Estate, Finance, and Accounting. An opportunity to take on a foreign assignment with General Dynamics prevented him from completing his master’s degree.

 As a global logistics manager on F-16 programs at General Dynamics, Stephen helped families relocate to overseas positions successfully. His work took him to Taiwan, Korea, and Israel. These experiences profoundly shaped his perspective and deepened his appreciation for his U.S. citizenship.

 Once back in the United States, Stephen took a "walkabout" in his truck camper, seeking new adventures and the perfect place to begin the next phase of his life. He found it in Bend, Oregon, where he settled down with his first wife, Marsha, whom he met while mountain biking in Utah. In Bend, he embarked on a remarkable career in commercial real estate.

 In 2003, Stephen met his second wife, Karen, through a mutual friend and mentor. Their relationship led to the most epic adventure of his life: raising their son, Parker. The family moved to Hood River in 2005, where Stephen became a vibrant and committed community member. Though they divorced in 2020, Stephen and Karen's dedication to co-parenting Parker in the family home led to a strengthened relationship, marked by mutual respect and friendship that has endured to this day.

 Stephen was known by many of his colleagues as a compassionate person who happened to be a commercial broker. His motto in or outside work was always "treat others as you want to be treated." Therefore, he approached most interactions with empathy, honesty, politeness, and respect. He even gave random telemarketers the courtesy of his time before politely declining their call while offering them feedback and ideas.

 Stephen earned the CCIM designation, demonstrating his expertise in commercial real estate, investment, market, and financial analyses. He mentored many in the Portland and Columbia Gorge communities and was a valuable resource for discussing potential commercial investments.

 Forever grateful to be a part of this community, Stephen was always eager to give back. He did so through his various affiliations, such as the Rotary Club, where he served one term as Hood River Chapter President, as a Lego League Robotics Coach, as a multi-year trail guide at Mountain Bike Oregon, and by working to improve mountain bike trails and elk habitat.

 Once Parker reached high school, Stephen vigorously pursued his burgeoning passions for fly fishing and bow hunting. He eventually bought a camper and began planning his retirement, which included cruising around the US to hunt, fish, and mountain bike with friends.

 In early June of this year, just one year into semi-retirement, Stephen received the shocking news of metastatic bladder cancer. He faced this diagnosis head-on with determination. His due diligence in investigating treatment options led him to join an immunotherapy trial at MD Anderson in Houston before cystectomy. Three days after his first infusion, Stephen fell ill and began to decline quickly. While many believed his discomfort was due to an adverse reaction to the therapy, a scan eventually revealed radical metastasis, including bone cancer.

 Through his swift decline, Stephen was surrounded by love. His dear friends in Houston, Karen, younger brother Roger, Parker, his deeply committed sister and brother-in-law, and the expert team at Providence Hospice supported him. It should be noted that before entering hospice, Stephen received the most loving and professional care from the 2nd-floor nurses and CNAs at Providence Hood River, a nurturing experience for which his family is forever grateful.

 Here are a few of Stephen's favorite things: family, Tex Mex, Texas BBQ, a top-shelf margarita, live music, playing guitar, hitting the trails on his mountain bike or with a ruck, tracking elk, archery, trap shooting, fly fishing, smoking meat, camping with friends, and the Dallas Cowboys.

 Stephen is survived by his loving son, Parker; his ex-wife and life partner, Karen; his younger brother, Roger; his nieces and nephews, Raegan, Romy, Ryan, Johnny, Jessica, and Jake; his in-laws, Gordie, Mike, Cathy, Crystal, and Sandy; numerous awesome cousins and his sweet dog, Migo. Our hearts mourn, but we know Stephen is finally pain-free and conjuring another adventure from heaven while reuniting with his deceased parents and brother, Larry.

 SERVICE

 Private family services will be held in Hood River, Oregon, and Fort Worth, Texas. Throughout the year, celebrations of life will be planned for Stephen's community of close friends, colleagues, and extended relatives.

 Instead of flowers, please consider donating to the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund in honor of Stephen. The fund invests in projects that connect youth and families in diverse and underserved communities to the outdoors, as well as programs that restore healthy ecosystems to benefit Oregon's fish and wildlife and improve the health of our environment for future generations.

 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.

Celebration of Life: Cheryl Atkins, The Dalles

October 19, 2024, at Eagles Lodge, 700 W 8th, The Dalles, OR. The Marriott is next door if you are joining from out of town and looking for a place to stay.

4 p.m. to 7 p.m. is remembering Cheryl and sharing memories (write them down if you want to read or have someone read but can also leave with the family to feel your love for Cheryl). Pictures and videos of Cheryl's life of fun with friends and family will be enjoyed. Eagles Auxiliary provides sliders, coffee, tea, and punch, we welcome any potluck food and there will be a bar available if you want other beverages.

BIG RIVER BLUES BAND 7-10 p.m. on the band stage, after we share memories with family and all friends who want to join. With Cheryl in our hearts, we will dance the evening away. Open to the public, non-member cover charge 3.00. Eagles Lodge. Come whenever you can.

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

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.