Death Notice: William A. Sugg, 87, The Dalles
Death Notice: William A. Sugg, 87, The Dalles
William A. Sugg, age 87, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on December 5, 2024.
A Celebration of Life Will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Obituary: English Teacher Walter Earl Smith, 95, The Dalles
While in training at Fort Benning, GA, his bride defied her parents and hopped there on a train from California. Walt and Beth were wed in 1951. Walt Smith was a quiet man at home and outside of his profession, but once he stepped foot in that classroom at TDHS, he came alive. He was full of charisma, told the best stories, and had an amazing sense of humor. He was beloved by his students and selected by them numerous times to give speeches at their graduations.
"Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher."
- Japanese Proverb
Walter Earl Smith
Walter Earl Smith, 95, a resident of The Dalles, passed away on December 6th, 2024.
Walt was born to Walter and Francis Smith in Myrtle Point, OR in 1929. He was the youngest of 10 children. Walt was an excellent student and served as president of the student body. He graduated from Myrtle Point High School before enrolling at Oregon State University. After two years of studies, Walt transferred to the University of Oregon to enroll in their education program. There he met his future bride, Beth, in 1950.
Walt was active in ROTC and while working on his master’s degree, he was called to service following the outbreak of the Korean War. While in training at Fort Benning, GA, his bride defied her parents and hopped there on a train from California. Walt and Beth were wed in 1951 and soon after, traveled back to California for more military training. Walt served in the Army honorably in the Korean War and was awarded the Bronze Star for his acts of bravery.
After returning home, Walt and Beth immediately returned to the University of Oregon to complete Walt’s graduate program in 1953. That summer, while working on a dairy farm with his brother, Walt received a call from the superintendent of schools in The Dalles, OR offering him a job. The young couple packed up and headed to their new home for what they intended to be a five-year stay. In 1954, Walt and Beth welcomed their first child, and later, three more children. During this time, Walt’s passion for teaching grew and the family decided to make The Dalles their permanent home.
Walt went on to teach English at The Dalles High School for 36 years. He was a quiet man at home and outside of the classroom, but once he stepped foot in that classroom, he came alive. He was full of charisma, told the best stories, and had an amazing sense of humor. He and Les Jensen, a fellow English teacher, were always pal-ing around and joking with the students. While all his children attended The Dalles High School, none of them opted or dared to attend his class.
Walt worked the ticket booths for all three sports seasons at the high school, where he got acquainted in a different setting with his students and their parents. He was known as the “man at the booth.” He spent most summers working at Stadelman Fruit processing cherries and making ends meet to support his family. Walt retired from teaching in 1989.
In his long retirement years, Walt loved traveling with Beth to Reno, making stops at every casino along the way. He also enjoyed playing golf, although he was never very good at it. Many locals would also remember his daily morning walks around the neighborhood from his home on Jordan Street. Walt was also a lifelong Ducks sports fan; you could find him in his recliner watching every game possible.
Walt was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and extended family, as well as his grandson, Andy Nelson.
Walt is survived by his devoted wife of 73 years, Beth; children Debbie, Laurie, Kathy, and Gary; grandchildren Melissa and Kayla; and great-grandchildren Trynity, Orion, Jaxson, and Charlotte.
At Walt’s request, the family will not be holding a service.
In lieu of flowers, Walt’s family requests memorials be made in his name to the North Wasco County School District Education Foundation.
Obituary: Lillian Clara Brewster, 86, The Dalles
Lillian and her husband Don, married in 1976 and moved from California to Oregon in 1979. Hood River was their home for over 25 years. Eventually, they downsized and relocated in 2005 to a smaller beautiful home, in The Dalles. She adopted 4 children. First at age 24 and last at age 50! Her love for children lead her into doing daycare out of her home for over 2 decades.
Lillian Clara Brewster, age 86, passed away December 3, 2024, at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge in The Dalles, Ore., with her loving family by her side.
Lillian was born in Los Angeles, California on July 23, 1938 to Frank & Clara Stowers.
Lillian attended and graduated from Baldwin Park High School. Lillian was an only child, thus made her always want many children of her own. She adopted 4 children. First at age 24 and last at age 50! Her love for children lead her into doing daycare out of her home for over 2 decades.
When Lillian wasn’t caring for her children, grandchildren or others’ children, you would find her in the yard, manicuring beautiful roses or enjoying her dogs or cats, who she deeply loved and cherished as well.
Lillian and her husband Don, married in 1976 and moved from California to Oregon in 1979. Hood River was their home for over 25 years. Eventually they downsized and relocated in 2005 to a smaller beautiful home, in The Dalles.
Lillian and Don spent the remainder of their lives living at The Springs, in The Dalles, Oregon.
Lillian’s love for God, her family, children and animals, made a lasting impression on so many and will be greatly cherished and remembered.
Lillian is preceded in death by her Husband of 44 years, Donald and her Father and Mother. She is survived by her 4 children, Robin Brewer, Allyson Struzan, Ted Brewster and Victoria Bustos. 11 Grandchildren, Troy, Paul, Nikki, Donald, Trinity, Wyatt, Brian, TJ, Harper, Avery & Lillian and 5 Great-Grandchildren.
She will be greatly missed.
Death Notice: Walter Earl Smith, 95, The Dalles
Death Notice: Walter Earl Smith, 95, The Dalles
Walter Earl Smith, age 95, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on December 6, 2024.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Death Notice: Richard Michael Gate, 68, The Dalles
Death Notice: Richard Michael Gate, 68, The Dalles
Richard Michael Gate, age 68, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on December 3, 2024.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Death Notice: Lillian Clara Brewster, 86, The Dalles
Death Notice: Lillian Clara Brewster, 86, The Dalles
Lillian Clara Brewster, age 86, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on December 3, 2024.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Death Notice: Laurence “Dino” Arcuri, 84, The Dalles
Death Notice: Laurence “Dino” Arcuri, 84, The Dalles
Laurence “Dino” Arcuri, age 84, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on November 28, 2024.
Spencer, Libby, and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Death Notice: Rita Jane Clinton, 93, The Dalles
Death Notice: Rita Jane Clinton, 93, The Dalles
Rita Jane Clinton, age 93, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on December 2, 2024.
Spencer, Libby, and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Death Notice: Robert De Lee Rolen, 97, The Dalles
Death Notice: Robert De Lee Rolen, 97, The Dalles
Robert De Lee Rolen, age 97, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on November 28, 2024. The Funeral service will be on December 10, 2024, 11 am at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home, 1100 Kelly Ave, The Dalles, OR.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Death Notice: Marie Sperber, 94, Hood River
Death Notice: Marie Sperber, 94, Hood River
Marie Sperber passed away on November 23, 2024, in Hood River, Oregon. Marie was born November 24, 1929, and was 94 years of age at the time of passing. Committal Services were held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 4th, 2024 at Willamette National Cemetery of Portland, Oregon.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
Obituary: William “Bill” Fredick Moffat, III, 54, Cascade Locks
William “Bill” Fredick Moffat, III passed away November 12th, 2024 at home in Cascade Locks, Oregon. Bill was born October 10th, 1970 and was 54 years of age at the time of passing.
William “Bill” Fredick Moffat, III passed away November 12th, 2024 at home in Cascade Locks, Oregon. Bill was born October 10th, 1970 and was 54 years of age at the time of passing.
Bill was born in Des Plaines, Illinois to William F. Moffat, II, and Pamela Joyce (Williamson Van Ningen.
Bill married Michelle Georgine Steffers and to their union were blessed with three children; Mason, Maxine, and Madison. Bill and his family have called Cascade Locks home. Bill along with his family enjoyed fishing, hiking,g and camping. He also loved his time spent with family, friends, and dogs. He had the best sense of humor, he loved showing off his fish, he enjoyed the little things in life, and was a great storyteller.
Bill worked for Fed Ex and was the Operations Supervisor in Portland, Oregon. He took a great deal of pride in his job and working with FedEx.
Bill is survived by his wife, Michelle Moffat; son, Mason Steffers; twin daughters, Maxine Moffat and Madison Moffat; other distant family and many, many friend he has collected over his years as well as his beloved pets; Duke, Duches, Lenny, Dibbles and Dottie.
Friends are invited to join the family for a time of viewing and a time to share memories at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024 at Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.
Donations for family are welcome and can be given directly to them or through Anderson’s Tribute Center.
Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
Death Notices: Allen Brent Van Gilder, 47, Rufus; Marilyn K Daggett, 88, The Dalles
Death Notices: Allen Brent Van Gilder, 47, Rufus; Marilyn K Daggett, 88, The Dalles
Allen Brent Van Gilder age 47, a resident of Rufus, OR, passed away on November 24, 2024. A viewing will be held December 6, 2024, from 1 pm to 2 pm at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home, 1100 Kelly Ave, The Dalles, OR. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Marilyn K Daggett age 88, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on November 20, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held December 14, 2024, at 2 PM in the Fireside Room at the Civic Auditorium, 323 E 4th St, The Dalles, OR. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Death Notice: Marjorie Waller Rosemont, 97, The Dalles
Death Notice: Marjorie Waller Rosemont, 97, The Dalles
Marjorie Waller Rosemont passed away November 23, 2024 at The Springs at Mill Creek in The Dalles, Oregon. Marjorie was born November 6, 1927 and was 97 years of age at the time of passing.
Services are pending with 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: Michael Harold Palmer, 68, The Dalles
Death Notice: Michael Harold Palmer, 68, The Dalles
Michael Harold Palmer, age 68, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on November 18, 2024. A Viewing will be held Wednesday, November 27, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Spencer, Libby, and Powell Funeral Home, 1100 Kelly Ave, The Dalles, OR.
Hello, World!
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Death Notice: Earl LeRoy Helmer, 69, The Dalles
Death Notice: Earl LeRoy Helmer, 69, The Dalles
Earl LeRoy Helmer, age 69, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on November 21, 2024.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Obituary: John William Shearer, 98, The Dalles
John earned a commercial and private pilots license and was hired as a crop duster. Despite setbacks, including a crash resulting in a broken neck, John built the business he owned and operated starting in 1950.
John William Shearer, of The Dalles, peacefully passed away on November 9, 2024, at the age of 98. He was born May 5, 1926, in The Dalles, OR to Marcus and Matilda (Davis) Shearer.
John grew up in Maupin where he attended school and helped at his family’s hotel and restaurant. After graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force during WWII. During his service, he studied flight engineering, worked on a B17 engine change crew, trained as a drill instructor, and was accepted into a liaison pilot training program.
After an honorable discharge, John returned to Maupin where he reconnected with a high school friend, Barbara Crabtree. They were married on June 12, 1946, at the age of 20, and were married for 77 years. John and Barbara eventually settled in The Dalles to raise their four children.
John has always been interested in airplanes, starting with building model planes as a young boy. He earned a commercial and private pilot’s license and was hired as a crop duster. Despite setbacks, including a crash resulting in a broken neck, John built the business he owned and operated starting in 1950. John's impressive work ethic has made Shearer Sprayers become a multigenerational business serving the Gorge for over 70 years. Even after retiring from flying, John was always involved in the happenings of his business and its success.
John had a love for cars, airplanes, guns, cats, traveling, and spending time with his family. He was also an excellent writer with a great sense of humor, and his family and friends always enjoyed John's poems. John was the center of his family, the Patriarch, and who everyone looked to for inspiration and guidance on how to live life to the fullest. He will be remembered for his generosity, wit, determination, and fearlessness.
He is survived by son John Richard Shearer and wife Kathy; son Gary Shearer and wife Dixie; daughter Mary Johnson and husband Terry; Grandchildren Cory Erickson and wife Paula; Mandi Coats and husband John; Kevin Shearer; Marcus Shearer; John Robert Shearer and wife Jennifer; Meggan Erland and husband Alec; as well as 10 great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Shearer, daughter Linda Erickson, brother C.R. "Dick" Shearer, and brother Jack Shearer who died in infancy.
Being a humble and private man, it was John's request that no formal service is to be held. Those wishing to honor his life may make a donation in his name to the Western Antique Airplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM) in Hood River, OR.
Obituary: Catherine J. Kelter, 94 , Hood River
In 1985, Cathie opened the Wine Sellers, with help from her daughter Jean. For more than 25 years she offered wine, coffee, conversation, and warm welcomes to customers, family, and friends.
Catherine J. Kelter
“Well, that was fun!” Cathie Kelter would announce whenever she was ready to leave a family gathering– a signal that it was time to go home. On October 26, she left her family for the last time, a month shy of her 95th birthday. A fall and a stroke upended her plans to stay at home until the end.
Catherine J. Kelter was born on November 25, 1929, in Neligh, Nebraska, the youngest of Ed and Anne Wanek’s four children. She attended college at St. Mary’s in Omaha and later Creighton University, where she met her husband Don. They were married in 1952. Shortly afterward, Don was drafted and the newlyweds moved to California. After his discharge from the army, Don and Cathie left their hearts in San Francisco and moved back to Nebraska to raise their growing family, always hoping to one day return to the West Coast.
In 1971, Don accepted the position of administrator at the Hood River Memorial Hospital, and the family moved to Oregon. Cathie continued in her role as administrator of their seven children. When she wasn’t sewing, playing the piano, creating handmade cards, writing clever songs, helping with homework, or learning calligraphy, she and Don enjoyed hiking, Sunday drives, trips to the beach, square dancing, and spending time with family. One of her sons described the two as the Dynamic Duo, always there to love and support each other as well as their children and grandchildren and their spouses. After Don’s death in 2001, Cathie stepped up and assumed all the responsibilities of the Dynamic Duo. She was always there to listen, encourage, and offer reassurance, often accompanied by a glass of wine.
In 1985, Cathie opened the Wine Sellers, with help from her daughter Jean. For more than 25 years she offered wine, coffee, conversation, and warm welcomes to customers, family, and friends. After the Wine Sellers closed, Cathie found another outlet for her energy: already a Master Mother and Grandmother, she added Master Gardener and a Master Recycler to her list of accomplishments.
As her mobility became more limited and Cathie’s world grew smaller, her family brought the world to her in the form of daily visits, grocery shopping, meals, vacation photos, and an endless supply of jigsaw puzzles. She took special joy in “Thirsty Thursday” happy hours with grandchildren Jessica, Jon, and Carin. At the end of each visit, she would encourage them to “go do something fun.”
Hello, World!
Cathie will be greatly missed by her children and their spouses: Anne and Lou Gehrig, Mike and Vicki Kelter, Tom and Dana Kelter, Jim and Peggy Dills Kelter, Jean and Rick Dills, Maggie and Joe Pike, Bill and Amy Kelter, her grandchildren Jessica (Apland), Jon and Colin Gehrig, Kristina Green, Katie Soderberg, Nick and Pete Dills, Rose Kelter, Carin Pike, Hannah Vassar, 15 great-grandchildren, and all the others whose lives she touched. A private graveside service will be held at the Pine Grove Butte Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life.
The family would like to thank all those who cared for Cathie during her last few weeks of life, especially the staff at Parkhurst Place and Providence Hospice of the Gorge. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Hood River County Library, FISH Food Bank, or Providence Hospice of the Gorge.
Please consider honoring Cathie by sowing seeds of kindness and by being the reason that someone smiles each day. Then take her advice and go do something fun.
Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
Death Notice: Violet Evans, 99, Hood River
Death Notice: Violet Evans, 99, Hood River
Violet Evans passed away on November 18, 2024, in Hood River, Oregon. Violet was born on August 16, 1925, and was 99 years of age at the time of passing. A graveside committal for Violet will be at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at Mosier Cemetery (600 State Rd, Mosier, Oregon 97040).
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: June Jeanette (Johnson) (Carter) Vroman, 95, The Dalles
Obituary: June Jeanette (Johnson) (Carter) Vroman, 95, The Dalles
June Jeanette (Johnson) (Carter) Vroman passed away November 13th, 2024 at The Springs in The Dalles, Oregon. June was born May 29th, 1929, and was 95 years of age at the time of passing.
June was born in Detroit, Michigan to Carl Arthur and Margaret (Sweder) Johnson, her father was from Sweden and he always called her “Junie”. She was one of three children, a brother, Al and sister Mae. She grew up in Michigan and graduated from Melvindale High School. She lived in Michigan until 2021 when she moved with her daughter to Hood River, Oregon.
During her working career she was a secretary but was also involved with the VFW in Monroe, Michigan Post 3943 with dinners, holiday parties, veteran parades, and many other activities.
She enjoyed traveling with her late husband, Roger Vroman, in their camper van. They enjoyed traveling together to Hawaii, Alaska, and Florida. They also enjoyed being on the boat and fishing in Lake Erie.
June loved animals, especially her dogs, cats, and horses. When I 94 was under construction for the first time, June and her brother Al, would ride their horses down the dirt roadway that would become I-94, near Detroit. She loved to feed her squirrels peanut butter sandwiches, she always had a plate full of quartered bread and would hand them out when they came to visit her patio door.
June is survived by her daughter, Cheryl McKay, (Hood River, OR); son, John (Jenny) Carter (Sweetwater, TN); three granddaughters, Sheyla (Rumler) (Steve) Barteck, (The Dalles, OR), Adreah (Rumler) (John) Kuderik (Monroe, Mich), and Rachel McKay (Josh Voshall) Parkdale, OR; six great-grandchildren: Katie Smith, Hunter Cheney, Reese Kuderik, Bryce Barteck, Barrett Voshall, and Kaela Gallas; and many great great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by, her parents, Carl and Margaret Johnson; sister, Mae (Johnson) Torangeau; brother, Al Johnson; great-granddaughter, Jessicah Kuderik and her husband, Roger Vroman.
A private memorial is to be held at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to your local pet shelters/Humane Societies
A special thank you to the very compassionate staff at The Springs. All of you were her extended family and she loved you.
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: Judy Kay Roberts, 83, Hood River
Death Notice: Judy Kay Roberts, 83, Hood River
Judy Kay Roberts passed away on November 15, 2024, in Hood River, Oregon. Judy was born December 12, 1940, and was 83 years of age at the time of passing.
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.
