Obituary: Rick Martinson, 67, The Dalles

Rick Martinson

September 26, 1957 — December 24, 2024

Rick Martinson, of The Dalles, Oregon passed away at the age of 67 on December 24th, 2024, after a courageous fight with ALS.

Rick was born on September 26th, 1957, to Dale and Adoline Martinson in Radcliffe, Iowa. He was the third of five children, collectively known as the five “R”s: Randy, Rhonda, Reggy, and Rory. After graduating high school, Rick earned his associate’s degree at a community college and later attended Iowa State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Fish and Wildlife Management.

Soon after graduation, Rick joined the Peace Corps and spent two years in the Philippines supporting local fisheries. During his time in the Peace Corps, Rick met his first wife, Katie Montag, the mother of his children. He spoke fondly of his experience abroad, having made lifelong friends and cherished memories.

In the Spring of 1988, Rick took a temporary job in The Dalles, Oregon, that would lead to a 34-year career dedicated to monitoring the smolt salmon population in the Columbia River. In The Dalles, Rick met his second wife of the last sixteen years, Mary.

Rick often said that raising his daughters was the greatest accomplishment of his life. As a devoted dad and handyman, he became involved in numerous community projects. These included helping build Tree Top Play Park, developing the concession stand for the Softball Association, playing a key role in organizing St. Mary’s auctions for many years, and coaching his daughters’ sports teams.

After retiring in 2022, Rick enjoyed spending his time remodeling homes, photographing the beautiful Pacific Northwest, woodworking, framing, and hunting. He loved fishing on the Columbia River in his boat, playing basketball on his lunch break, and meeting his Wednesday night men’s group for poker.

Rick was a devoted father, loving husband, and a kind and loyal friend. You could always count on him to lend a hand, exchange a story, or grab a beer.

Rick is survived by his wife, Mary Martinson; daughters Hannah and Kelsey Martinson; stepsons Spencer and Casey Dodd; four siblings Randy, Rhonda, Reggy, and Rory; and many friends and loved ones. He was preceded in death by his father, Dale, and mother, Adoline.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Bargeway in The Dalles on May 3rd, 2025, from 2pm - 6pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to ALS Northwest, an organization that was instrumental in supporting Rick and his family, as well as others living with ALS in the area. Visit https://secure.alsnorthwest.org to learn more. Please use the Facebook link below to RSVP to the Celebration of Life.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GQHe7qdC3/

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

Obituary: Klea Espy, 84, The Dalles

Klea Espy, born March 30, 1940, passed away on March 28, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, community service, and bright colors. 

After retiring from a career in banking, Klea devoted herself to volunteer work. She helped launch the Habitat ReStore in The Dalles in 2008. She was named The Dalles area "Volunteer of the Year" and served on the boards of Habitat for Humanity, Community Meals, the Mid-Columbia Concert Association, and The Dalles Senior Center. She also managed the Senior Center’s “Nu 2 U” shop alongside a "super bunch of dedicated volunteers."

Klea had a vibrant spirit and a love for color and crazy patterns. Whether it was painting her house purple “because it makes people smile” or organizing Hat Day at church which became a fan favorite, she had a way of spreading joy and laughter everywhere she went. 

She is survived by her half-brother Art Fox; her children Stuart Donckers and Shari Felton; stepchildren Scott Espy (Diane), Sandee Flint (Mark), and Anjee Stiles (Mike); six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Donations in her memory may be made to UCC Congregational Church, Habitat for Humanity, or the Senior Center of The Dalles.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 12th at UCC Congregational Church at 10:00am. We encourage all to wear your brightest colors or craziest hat in honor of Klea.

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

Death Notice: Timothy Jay McDonnell, 57, The Dalles

Timothy Jay McDonnell, age 57, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on March 28, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Gary Kent Emerson, 90, The Dalles

Gary Kent Emerson, age 90, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the Oregon Veterans’ Home on April 3, 2025.

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

Death Notice: LF Fahler Dunlap, 94, Hood River

LF Fahler Dunlap passed away April 2nd, 2025, at Parkhurst Place in Hood River, Oregon. LF Fahler was born February 25th, 1931, and was 94 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.

Death Notice: Klea Verlain Espy, 84, The Dalles

Klea Verlain Espy, age 84, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on March 28, 2025. There will be a Memorial Service at The Dalles United Church of Christ on April 12, 2025, at 10 AM.

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

Obituary: John W Rowley, 74, The Dalles

John W Rowley

John W Rowley left us on Friday March 14, 2025. John will be sorely missed by his wife Victoria, his siblings, and nieces and nephews. John was a friend to many and would be the first person to call if you needed a hand!

John was the 4th child born to Vincent and Sophie Rowley on February 10th, 1951. Upon finding his birth certificate in his 70’s, it was discovered that John’s birth date was actually February 11, 1951, all those early birthday celebrations, who knew.

Like all children raised in a small town in the 1950’s, John experienced a free-range childhood. He and the rest of his siblings were allowed to roam at will but were required to return home for meals and when the streetlights came on. This allowed for many diverse experiences. John took full advantage of these opportunities: jumping off bridges and piers into the Columbia River, racing motorcycles though the desert, Pheasant and Duck hunting in the “blocks,” fishing in the many rivers, lakes and ponds. This untethered freedom also landed John in a few scrapes with the law: John shot a Seattle hunter’s Irish Setter on Denise Hoover’s farm, he was caught with his decoys in the McNary game refuge, he was also caught shooting after dusk, again on the Hoover farm, and an extensive list of shenanigans that weren’t a matter of public record.

John started his education at Saint Patrick’s elementary school. It was recommended by the parish, around the 5th grade, that the Rowley boys would be better suited to the public school system. Although John didn’t flourish in the traditional sense of the academic system, he was an active student and excelled at “school.”  

One of John’s educational coups was his election as Senior Class President. He received more votes than there were students, but his victory stuck. His victory didn’t make the school administration very happy, nor did John for that matter. John was straddled with an additional workload and unprecedented responsibilities; nevertheless, John fulfilled his tenure and graduated from Pasco Senior high school in 1970.

John delivered papers as a youth and then, like many of us in a small farm town, John started his employment career by changing sprinklers, bucking hay, and working on wheat combines. John broke out of the farm work with a job as a box boy at Sigman’s groceries then progressed into the produce department and a proud member of the Retail Clerks Union.

Coming of age during the late 60’s and early 70’s was a mix of change, protest, the counterculture, and experimentation with drugs. John took full advantage of this chaotic era. He grew his hair out, wore bell bottoms, turned the music up and turned on… you can fill in the blanks.

John grew restless and moved to The Dalles, Oregon in the early 1970’s to start a new chapter in his life. His first job in The Dalles was as at a local watering hole, Jiggers, where John made numerous friends and countless contacts in The Dalles community. John grew restless at serving drinks and doling out advice, so he moved to the retail sector with a sales job with Mauser Lumber Company, which stretched into a 32-year career. John became immersed in the building industry for The Dalles and the surrounding Columbia Gorge area. He not only sold lumber and building materials he also mixed paint, found you the screw that you so desperately needed, all with a cheerful smile, but he was also the first person at work; he made the coffee in the morning and took out the trash…unsolicited, because john said no job was beneath him. John was a friend to all and a helper to anyone who asked.

John met his soul mate in Victoria, and they married on October 11, 1993. They would spend the next 32 years in The Dalles. Victoria spent her years with John pursuing their collective interests and traveling the Northwest together.

For many years John’s passion was cars. He collected numerous cars and trucks over the years and stored them in Duffer, OR where he owned property. John’s specialty was hot rods. He customized several 38 Chevy Coups along the way, which was John’s happy place. He drove his Rod’s in local parades up and down the Gorge and was often seen driving around The Dalles in his beloved cars.

John continued his childhood love of fishing in The Dalles and spent innumerable days on the Columbia River in pursuit of Salmon and the elusive pre-historic White Sturgeon. John also returned to Pasco often to fish with his high school buddies.

John left behind the love of his life Victoria, a brother Vincent, a sister Frances, not to mention a gaggle of nieces’ and nephew’s. We’ll all miss him dearly!

A memorial of John’s life will take place on April,19 @ 1pm, at Mayer State Park, near the boat ramp, just west of Rowena and The Dalles, OR (Interstate 84, Exit 76). Please contact Vince Rowley for details @  206.730.2132.

Death Notice: John E Parker, 91, Hood River

John E Parker, age 91, a resident of Hood River, OR, passed away at a local care facility on March 27, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Clyde Thomas Schreffler, 75, The Dalles

Clyde Thomas Schreffler, age 75, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at OHSU Hospital on March 26, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Robert De Bolt, 69, The Dalles

Robert De Bolt, age 69, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at a local care facility on March 27, 2025.

A Graveside Service will be held April 1, 2025, 11:00 AM at Odd Fellows Cemetery on Cherry Heights Rd, The Dalles, OR. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Jasper McDonald Alsup, 73, The Dalles

Jasper McDonald Alsup, age 73, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on March 14, 2025.

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

Obituary: Eugene Albert Gravel, 80, The Dalles

Eugene Albert Gravel 

September 3, 1944 - March 20, 2025 

Eugene Albert Gravel, 80, passed away at home on March 20, 2025. Born on September 3, 1944, to Lorraine Marie McGraw and Frederick Charles Gravel, Gene was the oldest of four rambunctious boys, a role that instilled in him a sense of responsibility and leadership from an early age. 

Eugene served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. After his military service, he pursued a long and impactful career as a civil engineer. Among his many achievements, he contributed to significant projects such as the lock at the Bonneville Dam, a feat of engineering that remains a testament to his skill and commitment. His work also took him to remote and challenging locations, including Alaska's Prudhoe Bay and St. Paul Island, where he oversaw vital infrastructure projects. 

In 1973, Gene married Lorraine Jean Rebo, and together they built a loving family. They had two children and over the years, their family grew with the addition of four grandchildren. 

Those who knew Gene appreciated his quiet demeanor, which often belied a stubborn determination that served him well in both his personal and professional life. Yet, beneath his reserved exterior lay a gentle soul. Kind and generous, Gene loved giving gifts. He had the habit of quietly humming while he worked, and typically had a dog by his side. 

After retiring, Gene fulfilled a lifelong dream by building a ranch on 75 acres of timberland. For the past 27 years, he found peace and joy there, surrounded by nature and the fruits of his labor. Truly a special place, the ranch was a sanctuary where he cultivated memories with family and friends. 

Eugene is remembered for his unwavering dedication to his craft, his risk taking, and his love for the outdoors. He is survived by his wife, Lorraine; their two children Ryan and Erin; and his four grandchildren, Birch, Elizabeth, Basil, and Aurora. 

Gene's legacy lives on through his contributions to engineering and the lives he touched along the way. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered.

Obituary: Lowell Edward Smith, 78, Grass Valley

Lowell Edward Smith of Grass Valley had a passion for photography and captured some amazing photos such as this one that highlights our Milky Way Galaxy in the standing shadow of this Aermotor windmill and pump.

Lowell Edward Smith, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, son, and cherished member of the Sherman County community, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2024. Born on August 11, 1946, in The Dalles, Oregon, Lowell lived a life filled with love, kindness, curiosity and an adventurous spirit.

Lowell grew up on the family farm east of Grass Valley with his parents and brother. This established deep roots in the community; making many life-long friends through elementary and high school. After graduating from Sherman High, he departed for Oregon State University, where he graduated with a degree in Agricultural Production.

After graduating from OSU, he eventually returned to his family’s farm in 1975, where he dedicated himself to the family business and raising a family with his wife, Nancy. He cherished spending time with his family, especially trips to the Oregon Coast and camping excursions in the Cascade Mountains.

Lowell was deeply involved in his community, from coaching Little League Baseball to serving on the School Board and later the Sherman County Library Board. One of Lowell’s favorite pastimes was taking photos of the beautiful landscapes around him. He shared this passion as an active participant in the local photography club, joining in many field trips and sharing tips with his fellow ‘togs.

Lowell was preceded in death by his wife of 30 years, Nancy Lois (Alberty) in July 2001, his father, Myrle Edward in May 2016 and his mother Emma Jean in February 2022. He is survived by his brother, Gordon of Rathdrum, Idaho; his children, Melanie (Smith) Morris and her spouse, Phillip, of The Dalles, Oregon, and Jason Smith and his spouse, Michelle, of Tualatin, Oregon; and his beloved grandchildren, Kayla (20) and Sydney (18).

Lowell will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the community he so dearly loved.

We invite you to join us for a Celebration of Life to honor Lowell Smith on Saturday, April 26th at 12pm at the 4-H/Home Economics Building, Sherman County Fairgrounds; 66147 Lone Rock Road, Moro, OR 97039. In the spirit of community and sharing, we will be having a potluck, so, if able, please bring a dish to share as we gather to remember and celebrate Lowell’s life. For those wishing, donations can be made in memory of Lowell to either the Sherman County Historical Museum or the Sherman County Education Foundation - two charitable organizations deeply meaningful to Lowell and his family.

Death Notice: Maxine Alice Negley, 100, Hood River

Maxine Alice Negley passed away on March 18th, 2025 at Willamette View Neighborhoods in Portland, Oregon. Maxine was born on March 30th, 1924, and was 100 years of age at the time of passing. A graveside committal will be held at noon, on Saturday, March 22nd, 2025 at Pine Grove Butte Cemetery. 

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: Clayton “Whitey” Morris Hilmoe, 85, The Dalles

Clayton “Whitey” Morris Hilmoe went to be with the Lord on March 3rd, 2025 in The Dalles, OR at the age of 85.  He was born on December 24, 1939, in Pierre, South Dakota to Orwald and Myrtle Hilmoe. He was the 3rd of 5 brothers.

His fondest memory as a young boy was fishing with his dog at a nearby river.

While in high school, he started his baking career making donuts at the local bakery.

Whitey served in the U.S. Navy from 1958 to 1962.  He was stationed on the USS Midway from 1961-1962.

In 1962, he moved to Colorado with his parents and two brothers.  There he met Alice, who he married in August 1963. They were married for over 61 years.

Whitey returned to baking for several years, moving from South Dakota to Colorado, and finally to Oregon, where he eventually started his own bakery.

Years later, following in his father’s footsteps, he began his second career as an Auto Mechanic, from which he retired after 30 years.

Whitey enjoyed restoring and painting cars. He restored many of his own, as well as for friends, family and many other people in The Dalles.  He passed his skills and interests on to both of his sons.

Whitey’s interests included: camping, motorcycle riding, baking, square dancing, working on projects and spending time with family and friends.

In his retirement, Whitey enjoyed several hobbies, such as: painting, building shovel birds, monsters, and cannons made from scrap metal pieces or anything else he could find around his shop.  He always kept up his well-groomed property, frequently updating the landscaping.  He has also collected many model cars over the years and enjoyed showing his “car room” to friends and family.

Whitey was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in The Dalles, OR for 50 years.  During that time, he served in many areas of the church. He especially enjoyed being an usher and greeter.

Whitey is survived by wife Alice; son Scott (Anita) Hilmoe; son Rod (Darla) Hilmoe; daughter Janie (Ron) Nelson; 7 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.

Whitey was preceded in death by their father, Orwald; mother, Myrtle; brother Doug.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Calvary Baptist Church (3350 Columbia View Dr, The Dalles, OR 97058) on April 5, 2025, at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Camp Morrow (C/O Anderson’s Tribute Center 1401 Belmont Ave, Hood River, OR 97031)

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.

Death Notice: Gregory Andrew Gaylord, 72, Dufur

Gregory Andrew Gaylord, age 72, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away at home on March 14, 2025.

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

Obituary: Richard “Rick” Lively, 80, The Dalles

Richard “Rick” Lively of The Dalles, Oregon was granted the peace he desired on the evening of March 13, 2025, at the age of 80. The second child and first-born son of Helen & Gene Lively, originally of Wallowa, Oregon.

That’s about all the room there is for a standard obituary if you knew him at all!

The independent black sheep in our family for sure, but in his case this carried an endearing and loving connotation. All would agree: He wore his heart on his sleeve every day of his life no matter the cost. He lived life his way, as his sister would say!

Always kind and generous to others down on their luck and quick to stick up for the underdog. He was also known for the special fondness he reserved for the many (many) stray critters who found their way into his care over the years.

His accomplishments were many, but what mattered most were the relationships he cherished. Probably none more so than his lifelong best friends and hunting “crew”; always his lifelines, the original ride-or-dies, bear tags or not. They perhaps knew him better than anyone else and would gather to tend to a private service, according to his wishes, in the Catherine Creek Unit in Eastern Oregon.

Unwaveringly loyal to family, he imparted many life lessons we each pass along to our own families now. Children, grandchildren, precious siblings, and beloved nieces and nephews are all beneficiaries of his unique perspective on life.

Preceded in death by his wife of twenty-five years, Dena Irene Lively. Forever his mother’s son he will be.

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

Death Notice: Richard Gene Lively, 80, The Dalles

Richard Gene Lively, age 80, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at a local care facility on March 13, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Deloris Ruth Cox, 88, The Dalles

Deloris Ruth Cox, age 88, a resident of Arizona, passed away on March 8, 2025. Saturday, March 15, 2025, a viewing will be held starting at 10 AM, with the Funeral Service to follow at 11 AM at the Life in Christ Church, 3095 Cherry Heights Rd, The Dalles, OR 97058, burial will follow the service at the IOOF cemetery on Cherry Heights Rd.

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

Death Notice: Marieum Kay Havig, 83, The Dalles

Marieum Kay Havig, age 83, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at an assisted living facility on March 9, 2025. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

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