Death Notice: Renée Anne Clarke, 42, Parkdale

Renée Anne Clarke passed away October 10th, 2024 at her home in  Parkdale, Oregon. Renée was born December 5th, 1981 and was 42 years of age at the time of passing.  

Hello, World!

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.

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Death Notice: Mary Elizabeth Bales, 96, The Dalles

Mary Elizabeth Bales, age 96, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on October 11, 20024.

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

Obituary: Barbara Ann Fridley, 96, The Dalles

Barbara Ann Fridley, 96, passed away peacefully from natural causes on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in The Dalles, OR. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde Fridley Jr., and her son Russell D. Fridley, sister Doris Nisbet and brother Gene McConaughy. Barbara is survived by her daughter Teresa Fridley-Willis (Terry) of Goldendale, her son Stuart (Tracey) of Vancouver, WA, and daughter Evelyn (Chris) Hemming, of Bremerton, WA. Grand-children Sarah (Scott) Dickinson and her three beloved great-grandchildren of Goldendale, Grand-children Alena Fridley and Maryn Fridley, Jonathan Hemming and Gavin Hemming.

Born on July 12, 1928, to Dwight and Vera McConaughy, they moved around the Midwest and western states to keep up with the great depression and WW11. They ended up in Wasco, OR.

It was there she met Clyde, who courted her as she was bed-ridden with Rheumatic Fever. It worked! They were married November 28, 1947, in the Wasco Methodist Church. 

They Moved from Wasco to Los Angeles, CA, to Tillamook OR, as Clyde pursued his dream and love of flying. Returning to Wasco, she set about being a wife and mother. 

The following years saw her family grow as she met the challenges that every “farmer’s wife” faces. Lots of hard work, planning for the best but preparing for the rest.  She and Clyde continued to be active in the United Methodist Church.

The summer of 1967 found Barbara and Clyde purchasing another farm and moving their family to Goldendale, WA. It became the home base and continues to be “The Fridley Farm” to this day.

In the early 80’s everything changed when Clyde was diagnosed with cancer. Barbara and Clyde continued to live and learn as they fought to defeat the beast that became a part of the daily battle. Despite their best efforts, Clyde succumbed in March of 1983. 

Barbara, after recovering from the loss of her husband, decided to “do something” with all the knowledge she had accumulated. She went back to school and became a Chaplain and Patient Advocate at Holy Family Hospital in Spokane, WA. Her knowledge and life experiences would become essential as she helped patients, and their loved ones work through the halls and walls of Modern Medicine. She was the one who made the call no one wants to hear, that your loved one has died. From there she would help the surviving family members through the agony of dealing with that reality. Some families requested that she be the one to conduct the funeral services and help with the other details when one is most vulnerable.         

The next day, she might be the pastor for a wedding because of how she helped the couple or family through a difficult time. Through it all she kept her faith and helped others regardless of their beliefs. 

Barbara retired and returned to the farm in Goldendale where she and her husband, Clyde, worked for so many years. She continued her work with the Methodist Women’s group of SW Washington. She was a vocal and visible supporter for peace, despite the insults and gestures hurled her way as she carried a sign calling for Peace rather than bombs. Because it was the right thing to do.

Barbara will be remembered by all who came to know her. Her smile, her kindness and patience, her life-long faith and wisdom will live on in all those she touched. 

Whether through her lifetime of work in the church, her work and time spent at Holy Family Hospital, or her activism promoting peace, Barbara did all she could to make this world a better place until she no longer had the physical strength to go on. 

She will be missed, but her values and faith will live on. 

Barbara’s Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 18th, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at her Fridley Family Farm.

Obituary: Guadalupe Robledo, The Dalles

It is with great sadness that we announce her unexpected passing. Guadalupe is survived by her children Jose Robledo (Kyndra Scofield), Anthony Zapien, Jasmin Vejar, and Dominic Vejar. Her long-time partner Jorge Vejar Ramirez. Her granddaughters Ximena Robledo and Nami Robledo. Her cousin Jose Luis Aleman (Jasmin Aleman). Her brothers Uriel Sapien, and Jesus Sapien. Her sisters Alicia Sedano, Librada Villa (Frery Villa). She was preceded in death by her father Jesus Zapien Valdovinos, her mother Esther Sapien Aleman, and her brother Gilberto Zapien.                                                             

Lupe was and still is a cherished person who was known for her kind and loving heart. She was a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, spouse, and friend. Her children and grandchildren were the light of her life, and she loved spending time and caring for those she loved, listening to music, planning parties, and playing loteria, and puzzles. She was also known for making the most delicious food. It didn’t matter if she knew you her whole life or just met you yesterday, you would always be welcome, she was the type of person who always made you feel like you were at home. She was headstrong, funny, and always down for a good time.                                                                          

Lupe was a beacon of kindness and the type of person that we should all strive to be, she will forever reside in our hearts, and her spirit will live on through the love she so willingly shared.

Mass will be held at St. Peters Catholic Church, in The Dalles. Thursday, September 26th at 10 am.

Obituary: Jason Doyle Walls, 56, The Dalles

Jason Doyle Walls, 56, a resident of The Dalles, OR passed away at home on September 23, 2024.

Jason was born on August 20, 1968, in Hood River, OR. He attended the first 2 years of school in Hood River, then finished his schooling in The Dalles, graduating from The Dalles High School.

He was an NGA-certified auto glass technician and was a “top performer” in the region at one time. He made his living doing auto glass for many years.

Jason was very active in motorcycle riding and racing, bicycling, camping, and riding his side-by-side. He loved his toys and had many.

He is survived by his mother, Ruth Beecher of The Dalles, OR and her companion Gordon Hinkle; his father, Jack Walls of Warren, OR; stepbrother, Zac; half-sisters, Jennifer and Julia; grandmother, Mary Ruth Walls; stepdad, Terray Harmon; companion Debra Kay Patterson; best friend Ty Tibbets; surrogate sister, Deidre Baumgarten; aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his Grandma and Grandpa Daley, Grandpa Leonard Walls, Uncle Gordie, Uncle Charlie, and Uncle Harold Ray Walls.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, October 12th, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Spooky’s Pizza in The Dalles.

Obituary: Conrad Nielsen, 83, Hood River

Conrad Nielsen passed away on September 25th, 2024, two days before his 84th birthday. He was at home in Hood River, Oregon surrounded by family and loved until the very end. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Conrad Chris Nielsen was born at home on his family farm, in Hurley, South Dakota on September 27th, 1940. He was the firstborn of four to Harold and Ruby Nielsen. Conrad spent many of his early days with his beloved grandmother Emelia Nielsen who immigrated from Denmark to the United States for a better life, in fact, Conrad spoke only Danish until he was 6 years old. Conrad, Ralph, Charlotte, and Jane all worked on the farm with their parents.

From his early days, he dreamt of designing cars for the automobile industry. He was recruited to go to college but left before graduating to help his parents on the farm. His first dream of designing cars eventually evolved into rebuilding cars and culminated with his opening Nielsen Auto Body, which served the Hood River Valley for 25 years. 

Conrad had two sons born in South Dakota, Warren and Lance, from his first marriage in 1962. In the early 1970’s he moved from South Dakota to Oregon in search of a new start where he found the love of his life Christina Nielsen. His two daughters, Heidi and Julie were born in Hood River, Oregon.

He loved playing softball and bowling and a good game of cards. He taught his children how to play cribbage, letting them win until they won on their own. He was a formidable player of Hearts — running the table nearly every time. 

He was a lifelong fan of the Denver Broncos and the Portland Trail Blazers, Monday Night Football, and CNN News Hour.

Over the last few years of his life, he still loved tinkering in his shop but spent most of his time calling and texting his children and his grandchildren to make sure they were okay and that they knew he loved them — and feeding table scraps to Molly the Dog.

There is not a person who met Conrad who didn’t feel his light and his love. His smile lit up the room. His hug made you feel like the world was alright. He was a father, a friend, and a steadfast foundation for so many throughout his life. He had an extraordinary ability to make everyone he met feel deeply cared for.

Conrad is survived by his wife, Christina Nielsen; his children Warren Nielsen, Lance Nielsen (and spouse Leahanne Nielsen), Heidi Nielsen (and spouse David Combe), and Julie Nielsen (and spouse Kent Craford); his grandchildren Tyler, Timothy, Ruby, Conrad, Olivia, Nora, Lela, Astrid, Holden, Carissa and Connor; his siblings Ralph and Charlotte.
A private family memorial was held on October 7th.

Death Notice: Arlene Shertzer, 95, Hood River

Arlene Shertzer passed away on October 3rd, 2024 in Hood River, Oregon. Arlene was born August 2nd, 1929, and was 95 years of age at the time of her passing.  

A Memorial Service for Arlene will be held on Saturday, October 19th, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses (1619 Tucker Rd, 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.

Death Notice: Marvin West Meyers, 85, Moro

Marvin West Meyers, age 85, a resident of Moro, OR, passed away on October 5, 2024.

A Celebration of Life is to be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby, and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Jeffrey Andrew Paulson, 72, The Dalles

Jeffrey Andrew Paulson, age 72, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away October 1, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Deborah Ann Larsen, 68, Battleground

Deborah Ann Larsen passed away September 17th, 2024 in Battleground, Washington. Deborah was born December 25th, 1955  in Redmond, Oregon  and was 68 years of age at the time of passing. 

Services are pending with arrangements 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.

Obituary: Leota Elaine Lariza “Lee”, 92, Hood River

Leota Elaine Lariza “Lee” passed away on October 1st, 2024 in Hood River, Oregon. Lee was born on August 1, 1932, and was 92 years of age at the time of her passing.  

Lee was born in Pierre, South Dakota to Aleta & Ralph Harvey.  She moved with her family to Bremerton, Washington where she attended  Western Washington University and received her Masters in Education.  She met Frank Lariza and soon thereafter the couple were married.

Lee and Frank moved to Eugene, Oregon where she taught elementary at Junction City, Oregon while Frank received his Doctorate from the University of Oregon.  They then moved to Hood River, Oregon where Frank became Superintendent and Lee taught at Chenowith Elementary.  She then taught 3rd grade at Mosier Elementary.  At this time both her and Frank bought their first orchard in Hood River.  Some years later both Lee and Frank retired and traveled together and had all sorts of adventures together.  Frank passed away in 2003.

Lee is survived by children; Michael (& Debbie) Lariza; Don (& Kris) Lariza; grandchildren, Matt, Crystal, Angela, Chase and Trevor.

Private family services are planned and Lee’s urn will be placed with Frank at the family’s orchard.

Education was important to Lee and her family suggests that any donations made be to either the Hood River Library or Hood River Education.

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.

Obituary: Martha (Marty) Goff, 99, The Dalles

Martha (Marty) Goff

Martha (Marty) Goff of The Dalles, Oregon, died September 14, 2024 from aspiration pneumonia at the age of 99.75 years. She clearly did not “go gentle into that good night.” (Thomas, 1948)

Marty was born on December 22, 1922 in Washington, DC to Joseph Anthony and Clara Katherine Dreszler.  She was the sixth of 7 siblings in a military family. Marty had many stories of her childhood growing up on Army bases which she enjoyed sharing. The family transferred to a new military base every other year. She started school in Louisiana and graduated in Maine. Attending schools in 5 States with differing curricula was academically challenging for Marty. There were times when she had to stay after school for tutoring in order to catch up.  Math was especially demanding and she credited her sister, Helen, for her success. It seems big sister managed to share answers on math exams!  Her  problems in school led to a lifelong admiration for students who made the honor roll,  as well as support for teachers and education.

As a young teen, Marty’s favorite military base was in Hawaii, Schofield Barracks.  Marty enjoyed recalling her escape from the base to climb Sacrifice Mountain. Upon successfully reaching the top, she removed her shoes and sat down to enjoy the tropical flowers, birds and the view. However,  Marty was unable to get her shoes back on her swollen, blistered feet for the trip back! Just in time, MPs to the rescue! In another story, a move took the family through the Panama Canal, and Marty managed to get poison oak, itching from San Francisco to New York City! 

Like three of her sisters, Marty became a war bride in 1944, marrying Cpl. James C. Goff in Stockton CA.  After finishing his education, they settled in The Dalles, where Marty was a proud resident for 74 years. She raised four children and volunteered at St Mary’s Academy after her youngest child started school.  

Marty loved singing, reading and baking, but her passions were gardening and sewing. Neighbors called her backyard an oasis or the garden of paradise, filled with small fruits, flowers, vegetables and fruit trees.  Marty could grow anything.

She loved following fashions and could replicate, without a pattern, any dress she saw in a magazine or on TV.  One daughter, as a teenager, wasn’t impressed when Marty sent her off to school in a miniskirt soon after Twiggy popularized it on runaways.  It was not an age one liked to stand out!  Marty was thrilled when her only granddaughter turned out to also be an excellent seamstress. 

She also loved decorating for and celebrating holidays. Marty joined her children cutting out construction paper witches, ghosts, bats and pumpkins for Halloween, decorating cut out cookies for Christmas and coloring Easter eggs.  This love of holidays carried over to keep her connected to far away grandchildren who were thrilled to receive thoughtfully packed “Grannie surprise packages” every holiday.  

When grandchildren were born locally, Marty was delighted.  Throughout her 60s and 70s, she babysat them, enabling her daughter to continue a job she loved.  Education still being a priority for Marty, she returned to St Mary’s as a volunteer during her grandkids’ elementary years. The parents she met then still talk about how delightful and hard-working she was as well as dedicated to the school and her grandkids, taking them out after school for treats and their other activities and on summer weekends, helping out at their events. 

Marty was always kind and uncomplaining. No matter who her kids dragged home, they were made to feel welcome.   One of Marty’s nurses recently commented on Marty being the nicest patient she had ever had. 

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at The Dalles Health and Rehabilitation for surrounding Marty with patience, kindness, and loving care in her final chapter of life. 

Marty is survived by her children, Stacy Alan Goff (Rose Johnston), Teresa Ann Goff-Lindsay (Jan Beks), Mary Jo Larsen (Harry), Stephen James Goff; her  grandchildren,  Camden Lindsay, Richard Larsen (Amanda), Stephanie Bowen (Austin); her great-grandchildren, Finley, Emmerson and Nash Larsen, and Cassidy and Blair Bowen; and her nieces, Suzanne Macri Pilolla, Ann Denart, Megan Garvey, Valerie Macri. 

She was predeceased by her husband, James C Goff; her first born grandchild, Dylan B Lindsay; and her siblings, Mary Vetters, Josephine Brunofsky, Joseph Dressler, Kathy Ashwood, Helen Lally and Fran Macri.

Father Rene will hold a graveside service at 2pm, Oct 11, 2024 at St Peter's Cemetery, The Dalles.

Teresa Goff-Lindsay and her husband welcome interested parties to an open reception following the service until 8 pm. Come and share memories of Marty. For more information email her at MarthaGoff0924@gmail.com

In lieu of flowers, donations to St Peter’s Church would warm Marty’s heart, if you are so inclined.

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

Death Notice: Barbara Ann Fridley, 96, Goldendale

Barbara Ann Fridley, age 96, a resident of Goldendale, WA, passed away on October 1, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Iva Jean Barlow, 91, Tygh Valley

Iva Jean Barlow, age 91, a resident of Tygh Valley, OR, passed away on September 29, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Idasari Y Carabantes, 6, The Dalles

Idasari Y Carabantes, de 6 años, residente de The Dalles, Oregón, falleció el 29 de septiembre de 2024. El velatorio se llevará a cabo el viernes 4 de octubre de 10 a.m. a 1 p.m. en la funeraria Spencer, Libby and Powell en The Dalles, seguido de un servicio junto a la tumba en la ceremonia católica de San Pedro a las 2 p.m. en The Dalles. En memoria del amor de Isdari por los unicornios y su brillante personalidad, le pedimos a la gente que use colores brillantes para el servicio si se siente cómodo. Spencer Libby y Powell Funeral Home se encargan de los arreglos.

Idasari Y Carabantes, age 6, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on September 29th, 2024. A viewing will be held on Friday, October 4th from 10 AM-1 PM at the Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in The Dalles, followed by a Graveside Service at St. Peter’s Catholic Ceremony at 2 PM in The Dalles. In memory of Isdari’s love for unicorns and her bright personality, we are asking people to wear bright colors to the service if comfortable. Spencer Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Charity Ann Mahan, 75. The Dalles

Charity Ann Mahan, age 75, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on September 27, 2024.

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

Obituary: Manuel “Manny” Escobar Tactay Jr., 87, Hood River

Manuel “Manny” Escobar Tactay Jr., our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully on September 27, 2024, at 87 years old. 

Manny was born on December 21, 1936, to Manuel and Benilda Tactay in Santo Domingo, Ilocos Sur, and raised in Sulvec, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. He was the third child (firstborn son) of eleven children. His birth name was Tomas, but as an infant, he was very sickly; so due to superstitious beliefs, his parents changed his name to Manuel.

Manny initially met his future bride, Terencia “Terri” (Cabudol) in high school, but their relationship flourished after college.  On January 2, 1965, Manny and Terri were married and blessed with two children, Tiffany, born in 1966, and Troy, born in 1968.  Terri dreamed of moving to the United States for a better opportunity to improve their quality of life. After being approved as a professional CPA in January 1971, she moved to Honolulu, Hawaii leaving her young children and spouse behind.   Manny, with the help of their tight-knit family, cared for Tiffany and Troy. They communicated through weekly letters until they reunited on November 14, 1971. Together Manny and Terri built a wonderful life, teaching their children the value of hard work, family, faith, and the importance of education.

In 1976, Manny and Terri became US Citizens. He worked as a foreman for Hawaiian Dredging and a superintendent for SCI working on the H-3 Viaduct. He had a green thumb, growing papaya, guava, mango, and a variety of Filipino vegetables. After being a partner in a construction firm, Integrated Builders, Inc., and owning a painting company, Hawaii Pacific Painting, Inc., he proudly built his own house in a gated community in Makaha, HI, where they lived for 14 years.

Family meant everything to Manny. He enjoyed family reunions, showing his family visitors around town, and keeping up with his siblings and other extended family members through letters and phone calls. After he and Terri became grandparents, they wanted to be closer to their children and grandkids. After they retired, in August 2004, they moved to Hood River to be near their son, Troy, and his growing family.

Manny is survived by his wife, Terri Tactay; his children, Tiffany (Mark) Murphy, and Troy Tactay; grandchildren, Conor (Victoria) Murphy, Sean (Jennifer) Murphy, Malia Murphy, Jonah Tactay, Keone Tactay, Lilah Tactay; great-granddaughter, Isabelle Murphy; siblings, Fe Villamor, Remigio (Norma) Tactay, Estrella (Johnny) Franco, Norman Tactay, and Noemi Tactay; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 5th, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (1501 Belmont Ave, Hood River, Oregon).  Graveside Rites will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.  A reception will follow Manny’s graveside service at Anderson's Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon). 

Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family or to watch a live stream of Manny’s funeral mass.

Death Notice: Delores Sharon Foster “Dee”, 76, Carson

Delores Sharon Foster “Dee” of Carson, Washington passed away September 22nd, 2024, in Vancouver, Washington. Dee was born August 3rd, 1948, and was 76 years of age at the time of passing.  Services for Dee are planned for 12 NOON, Thursday, October 17th, 2024 at the Carson Cemetery. 

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: Rosalie Harris, 79, The Dalles

Rosalie Harris, age 79, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away September 25, 2024.

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

Obituary: Sharon Louise Cyphers, 76, The Dalles

“Sharon and Steve were married on September 12th, 1964; they celebrated their 60-year anniversary the day before she passed. ”

Sharon Louise Cyphers of The Dalles, Oregon, went home to be with Jesus on September 13th, 2024. Sharon was born on October 18th, 1947, in Newberg, Oregon, to Ellsworth and Beulah Hubbell. The youngest of three children, she was preceded in death by both of her parents as well as her brother Larry Hubbell of The Dalles. Her sister Beverley Bassette resides in Hollywood, California.

Sharon was a lover of life, and people. Her childhood encompassed many adventures, and she loved the outdoors. Fishing, climbing trees, exploring her territory were a few favorites. Sharon would find joy in it all. Her Father was a Teacher and Pastor with The Church of Christ whose work took them throughout Oregon, from Newberg to Dundee to Roseburg to Maupin. She loved each place, but had a special fondness for the “bake oven” hills of Maupin. She had great memories of sitting on those hills with sister Beverley watching the day go by. At age 11, Sharon’s Mother Beulah passed away suddenly not long after they had moved back to the Portland area. It was there that she attended Columbia Christian School. Five years later, at age 16 she graduated as Valedictorian of her graduating class and met her lifetime partner Steve. Shortly after school she moved to The Dalles, Oregon, to be closer to Steve and his family.

Sharon and Steve were married on September 12th, 1964; they celebrated their 60-year anniversary the day before she passed.

From the moment they met, they knew God had a grand plan for their lives. Two years after they married, they had their first child, John. Within another year and a half, their second child James came along. Sharon and Steve moved to Southern California with their two young boys to be near her sister Beverley and seek an adventure for them and their sons. After a couple of years, they decided they missed Oregon too much and came home to The Dalles.

Not long after returning they had their third child, a daughter Geneva. She was named after Steve’s Mother who passed away only a few months before their daughter was born. About two years later their fourth child, and third Son Joshua was born. Not long after that they moved their family to a lovely property in the midst of the cherry orchards surrounding The Dalles.

Life was always filled with family, friends, and celebration. A loving and supportive wife, and Mother Sharon was always caring for and thinking of others. She didn’t meet a person who wasn’t instantly welcomed into her home and her heart. Even if you hadn’t seen her for years, she would welcome you like family. She was well known for her contagious, distinctive laugh and her children knew that if they could not find her in the store all they had to do was listen for her laugh. Their childhood summers were filled with cousins and friends coming to visit and Sharon always saw to it they had a great time.

For the next thirty years they would move between The Dalles and Portland, but in 2000 they moved permanently back to The Dalles where she spent the remainder of her life. A lifelong learner, Sharon continued earning degrees as she attended multiple colleges well into her 40s. Sharon was a wiz at math and had an extensive memory. It never failed if one stopped by for an evening visit that they might find Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy playing at the house. Forget about trying to answer any of the questions, she’d be shouting them out before the question was fully asked. She even had the opportunity to go on a local game show called On The Spot, and to try out for Wheel of Fortune with her son Josh. Sharon was a dedicated worker and worked many jobs throughout her life. Her last two careers were 20 years for NW Natural Gas, and then in her last ten years of work before retirement she taught at Colonel Wright Elementary in the Title One program.

Though her dream was to be a Marine Biologist, she loved working with the kids and her job brought her much fulfillment. Over the years she would run into students in town who recognized her and would have a kind word of appreciation for her, this brought her pure joy. In her free time, she took up hobbies like advocating for animals, bird watching and spent evenings with her telescope learning about the constellations. She loved taking long walks near the water, and continually marveled at the beauty of where she lived, the Columbia River Gorge. Oftentimes she met friends for lunch, or even at the grocery store for a laughter filled chat.

Even with such a full life, Sharon’s greatest fulfillment and joy was her husband, 4 children, 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. She loved each one with all she had. The years beheld a plethora of fantastical holiday gatherings that often included her beloved siblings, nieces, and nephews as well. Sharon loved to host the holidays, Christmas being her favorite. The counters and table would be decked out with delicious goodies and a mouthwatering dinner every time. Popcorn Christmas trees, nuts to crack, homemade fudge, and much more come to mind, many of which were set for delivery to a family friend. She had an exceptional gift of picking just the right present for every member of the family, as well as being available for each person individually aside from that. She knew how to make you feel loved.

Sharon is survived by her husband, Steven Cyphers of The Dalles. Son, John Cyphers, granddaughters, Luna and Margaux Cyphers all of Beaverton. Son, James Cyphers, grandson, Weslee Cyphers, wife Hannah and great-grandchildren, Norah Lou and Oliver, granddaughter Emily Mortenson, husband Jim, and great-grandchildren Emmitt and Hazel all of The Dalles. Daughter, Geneva Snow, grandson Caleb Snow of The Dalles, granddaughter Caitlan Snow, husband Izaac and great-grandsons Eli, Mason, and Beckham of Minnesota. Son, Josh Cyphers, wife Cathy and grandsons Hayden (University of Idaho) and Tucker Cyphers of Beaverton.

Sister, Beverley Bassette of Hollywood, sister-in-law, Charlotte Cyphers of Portland, and stepsister, Bennye Wright of Vancouver. Many beloved aunties, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and “adopted” kids. She was also preceded in death by her beloved niece, Cindi Garver of The Dalles, stepmother, Aleda Hubbell of Vancouver, and brother-in-law David Cyphers of Portland.

There will be a public viewing at Spencer Libby and Powell in The Dalles Friday, October 18th from 12:00-8:00. A private family burial on Saturday, October 19th, followed by a Celebration of Life on October 19th at 1:00 pm at the Mid-Columbia Church of Christ in Dallesport, Washington, where everyone is welcome.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the local paramedics, police department, and its Chaplain who showed great kindness on the day of Sharon’s passing, Mid-Columbia Church of Christ for their continued time and love, and to all of the wonderful family and dear friends who’ve come to visit, called and brought flowers and food. You are appreciated more than you know.

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