Death Notice: Gerine Minnette Mackey, 62, The Dalles

Gerine Minnette Mackey, age 62, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on May 15, 2025. A Viewing will be held at Spencer, Libby, and Powell Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 12 pm.

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

Obituary: Delbert Cecil Hedges, 98, Parkdale

Delbert Cecil Hedges, 98, of Parkdale, Oregon, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Delbert was born on October 27, 1926, in Madera, California, to William Edward and Edith Isabell (Noble) Hedges. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy. After returning home, he worked in the logging industry in Port Angeles, Washington, where he met the love of his life, Shirley Robinson. They were married on December 8, 1951.

Together, they began raising their family of four children in Madera, California, before moving to Parkdale, Oregon, in 1961. Delbert worked at Weber Hardware and later for Diamond Fruit Growers as a Refrigeration Engineer until his retirement in 1989.

Delbert was deeply committed to his community. He volunteered for many years with the Parkdale Fire Department, where he served as Fire Chief and also sat on the Board of Directors. He was a dedicated Boy Scout Master for Parkdale Troop #380 and led a 4-H archery club.

A talented craftsman, Delbert was skilled in woodworking, welding, and metalwork. He and Shirley also built a successful upholstery business, Ideal Design.

Delbert is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley; his children, Charlotte Robison, Darlene Reinhart (and husband Ronald), Delbert Jr. (and wife Patty), and Douglas (and wife Sue); his grandchildren, James, Dawn, Kathryn, Kevin, Bethany, and Michael; and fourteen great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Edith; his sister, Margaret Holcomb; and his grandson, Jake Robison.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Parkdale Fire Department and Bristol Hospice for their care and support.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the Parkdale Fire Department (4895 Baseline Drive, Mount Hood Parkdale, Oregon 97041).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Delbert’s memory to the Parkdale Fire Department.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Please visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a message of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Franklin Ron Lazelle, 74, Lynnwood, Wash.

Franklin Ron Lazelle

1951 – 2025

Franklin was born March 6, 1951 to Revere Boller and Glenna Dean (Khuener) Lazelle in Moscow, Idaho and passed away May 12, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Please visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a message of condolence for the family.

Obituary: Lee Kaseberg, 85, Wasco

Lee Kaseberg, 85, of Wasco, unexpectedly died Wednesday, May 7, 2025 during a medical procedure. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, June 7 at 1pm at the Sherman School gym in Moro. Referees are asked to wear their stripes. Instead of flowers, donations are suggested to The Dalles Meals on Wheels, PO Box 689, The Dalles OR 97058.

Lee was born November 24, 1939 to Paulen and Margilee Morse Kaseberg, and lived almost all of his life on or near the homestead property west of Wasco. He and siblings Terry and Alice grew up surrounded by many cousins and extended family. Lee and cousin Larry went to the 1953 National Boy Scout Jamboree in California, and Lee returned home knowing how to play poker.

Lee attended Wasco Grade School, Moro High School, and in 1957 was part of the first class to graduate from the consolidated high school. His only time living out of Sherman County, Lee moved to Eugene to major in History at the University of Oregon, "where in my junior year I found a cute Sigma Kappa by the name of Karen".

Lee and Karen were married August 19, 1961 and have three children: Cindy, Brett, and Deron. He welcomed their spouses into the family: Charley Brown, Tina Kaseberg and Twila Kaseberg. Lee was actively involved in the lives of his children, and truly loved being a grandparent. He always thought "great grandpa" was an adjective, not just a title. His pride and joy: Justin Brown and Amanda Richey with Eva and Dutcher; Stanton Brown; Riley Brown; Stephanie Kaseberg and Bryan Vanek with Ryder; Stacy and Steven Kane with Harper, Henry and Hayden; Shelby Kaseberg and Brandon Gosson with Colt; Hollee and Kaleb Sperry; Hunter Kaseberg; Eric and Megan Temple with Dallas (and one on the way); Jacob and Jordan Temple with Lincoln and Delaney; and Alison Kaseberg Worth and Dylan Worth.

Lee was always very community minded. He was a 65 year member of the BPOE Elks in The Dalles and a life member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, helping with fundraisers and activities. These included The Dalles Meals on Wheels and concessions at the Wasco County Fairgrounds. Lee also supported 4-H and FFA youth for 50+ years, helping at livestock weigh-ins for local shows and fairs, and donating at the livestock auctions.

He coached baseball at the youth and high school levels in Sherman County and Maupin, and coached all three of his kids, a future son-in-law, and one grandson. As a young couple, Lee and Karen attended many OSU-UofO civil war games, rain or shine. He always cheered for Oregon and was grumpy duck at dinner if the Beavers won the game.

Lee began as a basketball referee at age 40 and football at age 60. When he retired from officiating in 2020, he was one of the oldest active referees in the state. In 2015, OAOA awarded him State Football Official of the Year. People have called him "The Teaching Referee" due to his focus on helping youth learn. Lee was a fixture at the OSAA state 1A basketball tournament in Baker City. Once in 1988 as a referee, and many years managing the hospitality room for the referees.

As part of the Sherman County Barnstormers community theatre group, Lee served on the board, helped build sets, directed several plays, acted and chaired the casino nights. He never needed a mike on stage.

As a farmer with his father and brother as K-3 Ranches, Lee was a life member of the Oregon Wheat League, served on the Sherman Co-op Board, and received the OSU Diamond Pioneer Award in 2013. A recycler all his life, in 1990 Lee started the Sherman County Recycling Program near the Wasco Farm Store. He generously donated the proceeds to youth organizations, school activities and special projects. The Association of Oregon Recyclers awarded him "Recycler of the Year" as special recognition in 1996.

His hobbies have always included playing cards, drinking coffee, eating chocolate chip cookies and ice cream with Nesquik on top, telling stories, hunting, spending time at the cabin in Wallowa County and his lifetime love of the Dodgers. He was quite a creature of habit, always stopping at the same restaurants and rest areas on every drive he made to Eastern Oregon or Portland. Lee was a one-in-a-million guy and quite a character.

Obituary: Anthony “Tony” Dallman, 94, Hood River

Anthony “Tony” Dallman was born on 2/25/1931 in Southgate, London, UK. Tony emigrated to the US in 1958. He is survived by his children, Jan Dallman, Peter & Lynda Dallman, Robert & Samantha Dallman, and Kris Boler, along with his 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Tony was predeceased by his wife Margaret Dallman.

Tony was active in the community. He brought soccer to the valley, which progressed to the AYSO program and eventually Soccer in the high school. He coached and refereed high school soccer.

He and Margaret, along with Charlotte Arnold, started the Mid-Columbia School of Dance. He taught gymnastics at the school.

Many people have fond memories of Tony as their school bus driver. Others remember him “busting” them when he was the truant officer. Tony was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

He had a strong and generous heart. He always brought a joke, a smile, and encouraging words. His loving energy and kind spirit will be missed.

On 5/13/2025, Tony passed peacefully at home surrounded by family.

Your laughter lingers in our hearts... -Unknown

The connections we make in the course of a life – maybe that’s what heaven is. – Fred Rogers

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: Delia Ortega Lopez, 88, The Dalles

Delia Ortega Lopez, age 88, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on May 13, 2025. A Viewing/Visitation will be May 18, 2025, 6 p.m. at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home, Rosary will be May 19, 2025, 12:30 p.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church with Funeral Mass at 1:00 p.m. and Graveside Service to follow.

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

Death Notice: Marjorie Ann Stevenson, 88, Dufur

Marjorie Ann Stevenson, age 88, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away at home on May 13, 2025.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home on June 27, 2025, at 1 pm. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Edwin King, 95, Hood River

Edwin King passed away on May 13th, 2025, at home in Hood River, Oregon. Edwin was born on January 2nd, 1930, and was 95 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.

Obituary: Sharon Rose Ramsey, Fossil

Sharon Rose Ramsey

Sharon Rose Ramsey passed away on May 2 2025 in Paulina OR. Sharon was born in Newberg, Ore. to John and Laura Robertson. She was the youngest of four; she enjoyed growing up on their farm on Ladd Hill.

When she was in the sixth grade the family made the move to Newberg where she graduated from Newberg High in 1958.

On July 12, 1958 she married her cowboy Herbert F. Ramsey. In February of 1959 they loaded up their horse, Buck, leaving the Willamette Valley for Sherman County, where they began their adventure of wheat and cattle ranching while also raising five children.

After her children were raised, Sharon returned to school becoming a CNA. She first did in home care then worked at the Veterans Home in The Dalles. After many years of being part of the Sherman County community Sharon moved to Fossil OR to be near her young grandchildren. Sharon volunteered at the Wheeler county food bank for many years. Sharon’s retirement was spent by visiting her children, grandchildren and recent great-grandchildren.

Sharon is survived by her children. Elizabeth McCurdy Wasco OR, Karen & Anthony Hudetz Beaverton OR, Darren & Kimberly Ramsey Show Low AZ, Frank & Angel Ramsey Paulina OR. Grandchildren: Jaclyn McCurdy, Jamie & Andre McCurdy-Flores,  Jerod & Ashten Wright, Jason Ramsey , April & Matt  Bauska, Kathryn Ramsey Great-Grandchildren: Jedidiah

Brothers: Rollin & Nancy Robertson , Marvin Robertson

Sharon was preceded in death by Herbert Frank Ramsey, Husband, Herbert A Ramsey son , Connie Strokher sister

Graveside services will be held on June 14 2025 1pm Sun Rise cemetery 71222N Sawtooth RD Wasco OR . A gathering of Memories and Sharon’s favorite snacks following at Wasco event center 903 Barnett ST Wasco OR

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to:

• St. Charles Redmond Cancer Center

• Life Flight Network

• Sherman County Historical Museum  

Obituary: Mildred Lee Deg, 85, The Dalles

Mildred Lee Deg, 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, May 9, 2025. She was born Mildred Lee Rodriguez on November 30, 1939, in Oakdale, Louisiana, to Branch Earl Rodriguez and Vera Inez Johnson. Raised in a close-knit Christian family with strong values, Mildred shared her childhood with her siblings: Raymond, Fred, Arita, Leamon, Janice, Barbara, and Darrell.

Mildred met the love of her life, Leo Allen Deg, while he was stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana. Their paths crossed at church, where they were brought together by their shared faith in God. The couple married on November 8, 1957, in Oakdale, Louisiana. Following Leo’s honorable service in the U.S. Army, the couple settled in Yakima, Washington, before planting roots in The Dalles, Oregon, in 1961. It was in The Dalles, where Mildred and Leo built their dream home, brick by brick, in 1962.

A strong Christian woman, Mildred was an active member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. She cherished time spent with her family, enjoyed gardening, and had a love for shopping. Her cooking became a family treasure, and her unwavering kindness made her a pillar in her community.

Mildred dedicated 20 years to working for the local school district before retiring. More than anything, she found joy in being of service to her family and church. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, pouring love and care into every moment she spent with them.

She is survived by her children: Patti Timmer, Penni Hardin (husband Steve), and son Leo Deg Jr. Mildred’s legacy continues through her grandchildren: Heather Ornelas, John Timmer (wife Brooke), Brandon Deg, Natasha Deg, Tyler York (wife Sara), Jonathan Hardin, Jillian Blanco; and her great-grandchildren: Natalie, Eric, and Alyssa Ornelas, Jaxon and Elliette Timmer, Clayton Miller, Henry and Alexander York. Mildred was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Leo, and her son-in-law, Tim Timmer.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Mildred’s life at Spencer, Libby, & Powell Funeral Home on Thursday, May 15, with a viewing from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 a.m.. A luncheon will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church at 1:00 p.m.

Mildred will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her loving spirit, and her endless devotion to her family and church. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.

Obituary: Barbara Ann Osborn, 60

In Loving Memory of Barbara Ann Osborn 

March 6, 1965 – May 1, 2025

Barbara Ann Osborn lived life on her own terms, meeting every challenge with grit and an infectious laugh that could brighten even the darkest day. She passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025, surrounded by the people who mattered most: her children and family, who never left her side through all of life’s twists and turns.

Barbara’s greatest pride was being a mother to three children: Michael Hegewald and his wife Rebecca, Denise Farrell and her husband Shamus, and Nathaniel Jones and his wife Alyssa. Her love for her family only grew with the arrival of her six grandchildren: Clancy Farrell, married to Meg Farrell (stepfather to Maddie), Cloei Farrell, Hailey Farrell, Nathaniel Farrell, Ayden Jones, and Gabriel. With them, she built the warm, accepting family she had always dreamed of—one where everyone belonged.

Friendship was another anchor in Barbara’s life, and her friends meant the world to her. Among them, her best friend of fifty years, Scott Donavan, held an especially cherished place. Scott was by her side in every season of life, and in her final days, he held her hand until the end. Together, they even wrote a song—a testament to their lifelong bond and the joy they found in each other’s company. Another lifelong friend, Wanda Vandeventer, was a constant source of comfort and faith for Barbara. Over the years and especially in her last days, Wanda spent countless hours on the phone with Barbara, praying with her and offering steadfast support and love when it was needed most.

Barbara’s love stretched far beyond her immediate family. She cherished every one of her nieces and nephews, her aunts and uncles, and grandparents. Family gatherings were never complete without her warmth, laughter, and genuine interest in the lives of all her relatives. She took pride in being part of a bigger family network, finding joy in their accomplishments, sharing in their struggles, and making each one feel valued.

Her generosity and motherly spirit spilled out into the town she called home. It wasn’t just her own family who felt her warmth—over fifty children in the community called her “Mom” or “Nana.” She welcomed them all with open arms, offering support, a listening ear, and a safe place to land. To Barbara, every child deserved to feel loved and accepted, and she made sure no one ever left her presence without a sense of belonging.

Life wasn’t always easy for Barbara. She navigated complex family dynamics and loss, but her love for her siblings ran deep. She is survived by her siblings: David Smith (and wife Graciela), Steven Catron (and wife Leah), and her sister April Catron. She was preceded in death by her mother Carol Catron and father Archer “Corky” Jones. Through it all, Barbara found her own path, determined to create happiness wherever she could.

Those closest to her knew Barbara as someone who could find humor in almost any situation. She delighted in life’s simple pleasures—watching videos of monkeys on her phone, or just sitting with her kids and grandkids. Her love for animals revealed the gentle heart beneath her strong spirit, and she kept her wit and sense of humor sharp until her very last days.

Barbara’s true legacy is the family she built—her children, grandchildren, and the strength, resilience, and joy she passed on to them. She taught us that family is something you create, and that laughter, even in hard times, can carry you through.

May she rest in peace, knowing she succeeded in what mattered most: building a loving family of her own, filling their lives with warmth, acceptance, and endless laughter, and holding her friends—and all those who needed her—close, always.

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

Death Notice: Norma Lee Garcia, 88, The Dalles

Norma Lee Garcia, age 88, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on May 11, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held later this year, in the Fall.

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

Death Notice: Nancy Lorraine Block, 75, The Dalles

Nancy Lorraine Block, age 75, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on May 13, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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

Obituary: Betty (Lipp) Plotkin, 95, Hood River

Betty (Lipp) Plotkin

October 25, 1929 – May 11, 2025

With sparkling blue eyes, a ready smile, and a deep love for people, Betty Plotkin (née Lipp) brought warmth and vitality wherever she went. Born and raised in Princeton, New Jersey, Betty was shaped by the challenges of the Great Depression—experiences that instilled

in her a lifelong sense of frugality, resilience, courage, and quiet strength.

She trained as a nurse and began her career caring for newborns—an early expression of her nurturing spirit and her lifelong love for babies and caregiving.

In 1956, she married Arieh Plotkin, a foreign graduate student at Princeton University, whom she met at a dance. They spent time living in Israel, where their first daughter was born, before settling in Belle Harbor, on the Rockaway peninsula in New York City, in the late 1950s. There, they raised their four children who all attended public school in Rockaway.

Betty had a gift for connection. She never hesitated to strike up a conversation—whether with a neighbor or a stranger at the supermarket. Her warmth and curiosity left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

She lived with a love of movement and nature. Betty was drawn to the ocean, rode her bicycle through the neighborhood, and continued running well into her 70s. For many years, she tended a community garden plot at Fort Tilden in Rockaway.  

After Arieh’s passing in 1993, Betty embraced the next chapter with grace. She found love again with her partner of 17 years, Roy

Ferguson—whom she also met, coincidentally, at a dance.

In 2018, Betty moved to Hood River, Oregon, to be closer to her daughter Sarah. She remained active and engaged in the senior community.

Betty passed away peacefully on Mother’s Day, May 11, 2025, one week after suffering a stroke. She was surrounded by loved ones in her final moments.

She will be deeply missed by her children and their families: Judy and her husband Alan, and their daughters Loren and Ellie; Sarah and her husband David; David and his daughters Annie and Cara; and Michael and his wife Carrie.

Betty will be remembered for her strength, her boundless energy, her love for life—and for delivering her signature verdict on many a conversation or debate with a firm, loving: “Enough already.”

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: Betty Plotkin, 95, Hood River

Betty Plotkin passed away May 11, 2025, in Hood River, Oregon. Betty was born October 25, 1929, and was 95 years of age at the time of her 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: Lorna Huskey, 85, The Dalles

Lorna Huskey passed away May 1st, 2025, at The Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles, Oregon. Lorna was born June 10th, 1939, in Portland, Oregon, and was 85 years of age at the time of her passing.  Lorna served in the United States Artmy during Vietnam and will be laid to rest 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: Jerry S Davis, 85, The Dalles

Jerry S Davis was born in The Dalles, OR, on October 8, 1939, to George M and Eva Anderson Davis. He was a fifth-generation Oregonian. Jerry attended schools in The Dalles, graduating in 1957 from The Dalles High School. He received a BS Degree in Business from Oregon State University in 1961. Following college ROTC, Jerry entered the Navy, serving two years on the USS Iwo Jima. After his release from active duty, he continued with the Navy Reserve, serving for a total of 25 years and rising to the rank of Commander.

Jerry owned and managed Mill Creek Orchard and his family’s George M Davis Orchard. He was a former President of the Oregon Horticultural Society. Jerry loved his family, Beaver football and gymnastics, steam locomotives, the old Baldwin Saloon, his Wednesday chapel group, and everything “Navy.” He taste-tested 4-H cooking projects, was a Cub Scout leader, helped with high school girls’ soccer, and was a school board member.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 61 years, Peggy Healy Davis; daughters, Cynthis L Kliewer and husband Kyle, Kara K Davis; son, George M Davis and wife Heather. Jerry was a proud “Papa” to six grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Nicole, and Emily Kliewer, Zain Hartsook, Parker and Addie Davis; sister, Georgia Davis Ordway. Jerry leaves behind many nieces and nephews, including great-great niece Macey Vice and great-great nephew Michael Vice.

A Memorial Service is to be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Cove Ascension School, 1104 Church Street, Cove, OR 97824, or to Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Attn: Development Department, 875 Randolph St. Suite 225, Arlington, VA 22203.

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

Obituary: Mark Richard Paulin, 67, Vancouver

Mark Richard Paulin

March 25, 1958 – April 26, 2025

Mark Richard Paulin passed away unexpectedly at his home in Vancouver, Washington, on April 26, 2025. He was 67 years old.

A Lifetime of Applied Curiosity

Mark was born on March 25, 1958, in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. When he was eight years old, his parents, Judy and Neil Paulin, moved the family to Hood River, Oregon, where Mark grew up alongside his two younger brothers, Dale and John.

Entrepreneur and Eagle Scout

From a young age, Mark demonstrated drive and initiative. He played Little League baseball, delivered newspapers for The Oregonian to over 60 customers by the age of 12, and was active in the Boy Scouts, earning both his Webelos and Eagle Scout badges.

A Passion for How Things Work

Inspired by his father, a self-taught engineer, Mark developed an insatiable curiosity about how things worked. Long before computers were commonplace, he was taking apart telephones and adding machines to study their mechanisms. As a teenager, he embraced the emerging era of electronics, building his own walkie-talkies and experimenting with circuit boards. A devoted reader of science fiction, he was drawn to the imaginative worlds of Ray Bradbury and Isaac Asimov.

The Original Geek

At Hood River Valley High School, Mark was known for his brilliance in mathematics and his signature look: a calculator and slide rule on his belt and several mechanical pencils in his shirt pocket. He had memorized over 200 digits of pi and relished solving complex problems. He graduated as a National Merit Scholar with a perfect 4.0 GPA.

Mark went on to study mathematics and computer science at Reed College in Portland, Oregon. His senior thesis focused on "Latin Squares," a foundational concept linked to the early development of string theory.

A Pioneer in Technology

After college, Mark worked with several early "Silicon Forest" tech companies, helping to develop software for COBOL compilers and early speech recognition systems. Later, at General Electric, he served as an IT strategist, contributing to innovations in tracking and routing the thousands of railcars that keep the U.S. supply chain moving.

A Lifelong Tinkerer

Even after retiring in 2020, Mark remained intellectually active. At the time of his passing, he was designing a more efficient camshaft for automotive engines—a testament to his enduring passion for innovation.

Survived By

Mark is survived by his mother, Judy Judd; his brothers, John Paulin and Dale Paulin; his beloved dog, Bonnie; and many other family members and friends who will miss his intellect, humor, and generous spirit.

Service Information

A service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the Upper Valley Parkdale Cemetery, 6917 Allen Road, Parkdale, Oregon.

Arrangements are under the care of Anderson’s Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  To share a memory or leave a note of condolence, please visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com.

Obituary: Keith Smith, 87, Dufur

The gates to heaven must need a little welding because on May 3rd, 2025, Keith Smith, beloved farmer and rancher, officially fired up the big welder in the sky and got to work. 

Born August 21st, 1937, and raised in the Dufur countryside, he spent his life tending to his crops and cattle with the dedication that can only come from someone who truly loves what he does. 

Keith enjoyed riding horses, hunting, fishing, and working in his shop.  But his shop wasn’t just a shop — it was a sanctuary and gathering place where young and old came to hear some of his well-earned wisdom. Keith fondly referred to these sacred sessions as “choir practice,” though it’s unclear if any hymns were actually ever sung.  What is clear is that the place was filled with gossip, laughter, questionable political correctness, and enough empty beer cans to make it qualify as a recycling center.

 Keith leaves behind many vehicles that may or may not start without a small prayer and a large kick and a herd of cats his deceased wife collected, and he pretended not to like, but always tried to coax one onto his lap to watch Perry Mason. 

Keith is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Shannon and Ryan, grandson Taylor, nieces Marni and Carrie, and nephews Jeremy and Brian.

 Services will be held on May 18th at noon at Spencer, Libby, and Powell funeral home, and burial at the Kingsley Catholic Cemetery.  A celebration of his life will be held immediately after at Dave Wilson’s shop, where guests are encouraged to wear suspenders, bring their favorite beer, and tell a good story. Extra points if it involves Keith, someone falling off a horse, or both.  

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

Obituary: Gary Emerson, 90, The Dalles

Gary Emerson passed away on April 3, 2025, at the Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles, Oregon. He was 90 years old. 

Gary was born on June 4, 1934, along with his twin sister Mary Lou, to Lloyd and Mary (Kiggins) Emerson, in Naponee, NE.  When the twins were in grade school the family moved to Caldwell, ID. Gary graduated from Caldwell High School in 1953. He entered the Navy after graduating and spent 4 years in the Navy Seabees stationed in San Diego, CA, spending time in the Eleuthera Islands and North Africa.

Gary married Carol Ann Toft in 1957 and together they had three children, Debra, Scott and Gordon “Jay”. Gary worked on the Toft farm until 1962 when he joined the Idaho State Police and was stationed in King Hill, then Boise where his family made lifelong friends. Gary was transferred to Coeur d’Alene in 1972 where his family enjoyed spending time in the many recreation opportunities that the North Idaho area provided. He also attended North Idaho College obtaining his Associate Degree in Law Enforcement. Gary left the ISP in 1981, he and Carol returned to the Boise area in 1987 and later divorced.

Gary was an avid gardener, he raised gladiolas for many years for pleasure and as a business. After leaving the ISP, he worked in different agriculture settings.

He also worked as a Private Investigator, Bus Driver and Bus Supervisor at the Meridian School District, and spent a summer as a Campground Host in S.E. Idaho. Gary had many adventures including traveling to New Zealand and rafting the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.

Gary loved people and their stories and had an abundance of friends. He had so many interests and hobbies over the years which gave him knowledge about a huge variety of subjects. He was definitely our go-to for any plant/gardening questions. 

His last years were spent with his companion Linda Clemens, in Goldendale, WA, where they enjoyed gardening, raising chickens, and the pleasures of country living.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Paul and Ivan and his twin sister Mary Lou King. He is survived by Linda Clemens, Goldendale, WA, his daughter Debra Emerson, Boise, and sons Scott Emerson, Nampa, and Gordon “Jay” Emerson (Dolly), Bellevue, WA. He has six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Gary’s ashes will be interred at the Boise Veterans Cemetery. His family will gather afterward for a celebration of his life.

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