Obituary: Kenneth Arlen Farner, 93, The Dalles

By Dan Farner, Mona Harwood, Nancy Farner & Jim Farner

Kenneth Arlen Farner peacefully went to be with our Lord on Saturday, June 7th, 2025, surrounded by his loving children during his final days.

Ken lived a remarkable life marked by deep community involvement, business leadership, ministry dedication, unwavering devotion to his wife, and steadfast support of his children and grandchildren. His trust and dependence on God anchored every aspect of his life.

Those who knew him well will also remember his enthusiasm for board games and his love of discussing current events.

Born on October 22, 1931, on his grandparents’ homestead in Melba, Idaho, Ken was raised by his parents, Virgil and Mabel Farner, who were respected ranchers and farmers in the Boise valley. When World War II began, ten-year-old Ken stepped up to work full-time alongside his parents, demonstrating the strong work ethic that would define his character. He grew up in the agricultural communities of Melba and Lakeview with his sister Virginia and brother Tom.

Ken earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Idaho and served honorably in the Army. His career in agriculture led him to work with Farm Credit in multiple locations: Caldwell, Idaho; Great Falls, Montana; Oregon City and The Dalles, Oregon. He worked for Columbia bank from 1988 through 1996. He enjoyed those eight years and was thrilled when the bank chose to create a bank credit card that had the town’s picture with Mt Hood in the background. He continued to use the card!

On August 28, 1955, Ken married Phyllis Paulson in Caldwell, Idaho. Together, they raised four children—Ramona, Nancy, Dan, and Jim—while actively participating in farming, community service, and church activities. They enjoyed connections with Calvary Baptist, Gateway and the Quakers. He especially enjoyed leading and being involved in Bible Studies & was personally involved with Intervarsity as a college student and throughout his adult life. He served the community through Hope International, World Affairs Council, TD Government of Affairs, Rotary, Library Foundation, Port of the Dalles, Wasco County Democrats and was on the founding team of The Dalles Habitat for Humanity.

He & Phyllis took over hospital supplies to Africa for the Project Mercy from the Rotary Club. He served at theTashkent Institute of Agricultural Mechanism & Irrigation with seminars on agricultural, water rights and financial topics six different times from 1998-2005. He also worked with USA AID in Ukraine (when it was part of the Soviet Union) & Ethiopia.

Ken’s wife, children, and extended family feel blessed and deeply grateful for the time they shared with him. He is survived by his four children: Ramona Harwood, Nancy Farner, Dan and Sheron Farner, and Jim and Heidi Farner; eleven grandchildren: Corby Harwood, Larissa Poppen, Judah Harwood, Kenny Harwood, Michaela (Farner) Dutscheck, Zach Farner, Anna Farner, Adon Farner, Wesley Farner, Josh Farner, and Rachel (Farner) Watt; and seven great-grandchildren: Zoe Poppen, Elsa Harwood, Isaiah Poppen, Christopher Harwood, Isabelle Poppen, Sara Farner, and Jack Farner, with another great-grandchild expected.

Ken’s life exemplified service, faith, and love. His legacy will continue through the many lives he touched and the family who will carry forward his values of generosity, community involvement, and unwavering faith.

Friday, June 27th from 2-6 pm: Viewing at Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home, 1100 Kelly Avenue, The Dalles.

Saturday, June 28th: Celebration of Life at 1 pm at Gateway Church 1111 Dry Hollow Rd., The Dalles.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations towards The Dalles Habitat for Humanity at 111 E 5th St, TD or O.S.H.U. Foundation Fund: O.S.H.U. Brain Institute, P.O. box 29017 Portland, OR 97296.

Obituary: Shyrl Noreen Hand, 74, The Dalles

Shyrl Noreen Hand of Centerville, Washington, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2025, at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge in The Dalles, Oregon. She was 74 years old.

Noreen was born on May 15, 1951, in Redding, California, to Dewey Franklin and Nora Irene (Richardson) Robirds. A dedicated and spirited entrepreneur, Noreen poured her heart into each of her ventures—including a floral business, a janitorial company, and most recently, her own beauty salon. She was a woman of energy, faith, and warmth who touched many lives through both her work and her friendships.

Noreen found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved being outdoors—jet skiing, catfishing, and, most of all, spending cherished time with her family. Her unwavering faith as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses was a cornerstone of her life, offering strength and purpose throughout the years.   Noreen was passionate about her miniature schnauzers. She started “Premier Miniature Schnauzers” and raised and sold her puppies for over 30 years.

She is survived by her loving husband, George Hutter of Centerville, WA; her son, Rickey Franklin Turner of Carson, WA; her daughter, Ashlea Dawn Lazelle and son-in-law John Michel Lazelle of Centerville, WA; fifteen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and her sister, Mary Evalyn Willis of San Marcos, CA.

Noreen was preceded in death by her first husband, Harley Eugene Hands (2008); her daughter, Rachelle Turner; her sons, Reggie Lynn Turner and Harley Wendel Turner; and her siblings Irene, Annie, Gladys, and James.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 333 Nesbitt Street, Goldendale, WA.

Arrangements are under the care of Anderson’s Tribute Center • Celilo Chapel, 204 E. 4th Street, The Dalles, Oregon. Please visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to share memories or offer condolences to the family.

Death Notice: Kenneth Arlen Farner, 93, The Dalles

Kenneth Arlen Farner, age 93, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on June 7, 2025. Viewings will be held at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home on June 27, 2025, from 2-6 PM and June 28, 2025, from 8-11 AM, Celebration of Life, June 28, 2025, 1 PM at Gateway Church 1111 Dry Hollow Rd, The Dalles, Graveside Service, 3 PM at Odd Fellows Cemetery on Cherry Heights Rd.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations towards The Dalles Habitat for Humanity at 111 E 5th St, The Dalles, OR 97058 or O.S.H.U. Foundation Fund: O.S.H.U. Brain Institute, P.O. box 29017 Portland, OR 97296. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: LaVine Alice Rathkey, 93, The Dalles

LaVine Alice Rathkey, age 93, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at The Springs at Mill Creek on June 5, 2025. A Graveside Service at Odd Fellows Cemetery on Cherry Heights Rd will be held on July 12, 10:30 AM.

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

Obituary: Elsie Mae Walker, 95, The Dalles

Elsie Mae Walker of The Dalles passed away June 5th, 2025, at the Oregon Veterans Home. She was 95.

Elsie was born January 4th, 1930, in Mott, North Dakota, daughter of T. Elmer and Lillian Hawn. In 1948, she graduated from Eureka High School in California. While in Eureka, she met Eldon Walker. They were married for over 40 years and together raised four children: Jerri Walker DePriest, Peggy Walker (Richards), Tom Walker, and Jeanne Walker.

Elsie lived for her four children, ten grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren and was a model of kindness and compassion throughout her life. Accordingly, she supported and encouraged many, including her granddaughters. This encouragement came from experience, wisdom, strength, and dreams that reach beyond her time.

She was proud of her career as a rural mail carrier in Dufur and thoroughly loved the years spent and friendships made in the Dufur community. Eastern Star was an important purpose for Elsie, and she served as Worthy Matron. She also greatly appreciated her birthday club, the Red Hat Society, Garden Club, tours and travels, her gym membership, and most of all the many dear friends associated with these groups. In fact, it is the relationships built with those around her that lie at the heart of Elsie’s long life.

Elsie was preceded in death by her husband, Eldon, her daughter and son-in-law, Jerri and Harold DePriest, and her three sisters. She is survived by her daughter Peggy Walker and her husband Bruce Richards, her son Tom Walker and his wife Georgie, her daughter Jeanne Walker, and all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

No memorial service is planned, other than an immediate family gathering to celebrate Elsie’s life. If inclined, donations may be made to the Jerri Walker DePriest Memorial Endowment Fund at Dufur Schools.

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

Obituary: Edwin Wilson DeBoard, 90, Hood River

Edwin Wilson DeBoard passed away peacefully on Memorial Day, May 26th, 2025, in Hood River, Oregon. He was 90 years old.

Edwin was born on January 30th, 1935, in Mountain View, Missouri, to Floyd and Irene (Clark) DeBoard. He was the fourth of seven siblings and was preceded in death by his sisters, Lula Faye (DeBoard) Walker and Juanita (DeBoard) Cross.

On February 19th, 1956, Edwin married the love of his life, Opal Logan. Together they raised three daughters: Jeanne, Anna, and Barbara.

A lifelong “car guy” and proud “Ford man,” Edwin found great joy in collecting, restoring, polishing, and driving his cars—often to family gatherings and local events. He loved attending car shows with Opal and their family, and he never missed a NASCAR race or the Indy 500, whether on television or the radio.

Edwin also had a deep love for music, especially classic Country & Western and the lively sounds of Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass. His rose garden was the pride of the Pine Grove neighborhood, and he delighted in sharing his blooms with friends and family for birthdays, weddings, and other special occasions.

Edwin dedicated 43 years of hard work to Diamond Fruit Growers at the Van Horn plant.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Opal DeBoard; daughters Jeanne (and husband, John) Murrin, Anna M. DeBoard, and Barbara (and husband, Gene) Blanchette; grandchildren Anita, Matthew, Mitchell, and Tyler; his sister Cora Leah Henshaw; brothers Donald DeBoard, Snoden DeBoard, and William DeBoard; and many nieces and nephews who will fondly remember his warmth and humor.

A celebration of Edwin’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 14th, 2025, at Anderson's Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon. Graveside rites will follow at Pine Grove Butte Cemetery.

To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com.

Obituary: John Cheney, 82, White Salmon

John Cheney of White Salmon, WA, passed away unexpectedly on May 10, 2025, at the age of 82. 

He was born April 25, 1943, in Santa Ana, CA, where he grew up.  After graduating from Santa Ana High School, he enrolled and graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in Business Finance in 1965. 

To fulfill his military responsibility, he applied, was accepted and enrolled in Navy Officer Candidate School.  Upon completion he was commissioned March 25, 1966, with a rank of Ensign in the United States Navy. 

During his six-year service in the Navy, he was based at Naval Air Station Cubie Point, Subic Bay, Philippines.   After two deployments aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ranger as a Naval Flight Officer in the A3 Skywarrior, a jet powered strategic bomber, he was assigned shore duty at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska, with the U.S. Strategic Command, a Joint Command responsible for our nation’s nuclear and global command and control.

John and Laura were married in 1970 and lived in Omaha until his honorable discharge from the Navy in July 1971 as a Lieutenant.  

They moved to White Salmon in early 1972 where they raised 3 children while John was employed at SDS Lumber Company until retirement. 

He had a fascination with flying and aircraft from an early age which drove him to achieve his private pilot license during his college years.  In addition to his passion for flying, he was a member of the local American Legion, the ham radio club, enthusiastic about motorcycle riding, photography, and especially had an insatiable desire to explore the world where he was often thrilled to find geo caches. 

He is survived by his wife Laura, and children Alan (wife Hollie, grandson Paul), Grant, Diana Russo (husband Jake, grandchildren John, Jade, Jace), and his dry sense of humor. 

A celebration of life for John will be held on June 21, 2025, at the Gorge Room at the Hood River Inn from 2-4p. 

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude for all the kind words, thoughts and prayers, flowers, and other gracious support they have received from family and friends.  We also wish to pay tribute to the First Responders who rendered timely and skillful emergency care to John. 

Donations in John’s memory may be made to:  Providence St. Vincent Foundation (Tax ID 93-0575982) in support of the Providence Heart Institute, Providence St. Vincent Medical Foundation, 9205 SW Barnes Rd., Portland, OR, 97225; Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum (WAAAM) 1600 Air museum Rd., Hood River, OR 97031-9800;   Maryhill Museum of Art, 35 Maryhill Museum Dr., Goldendale, WA 98620.

Death Notice: Elsie M Walker, 95, The Dalles

Elsie M Walker, age 95, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the Oregon Veterans Home on June 5, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Scott Alan Rumsey, 65, White Salmon

Scott Alan Rumsey passed away on June 2nd, 2025, in White Salmon, Washington. Scott was born February 25th, 1960, and was 65 years of age at the time of passing.

Services are pending with arrangements under the direction of Gardner Funeral Home (156 NE Church Avenue, White Salmon, Washington). Visit www.GardnerFH.com to share a story or leave a note for the family.      

Death Notice: Stephen Michael Burdick, 79, Hood River

Stephen Michael Burdick passed away June 2nd, 2025, at home in Hood River, Oregon. Stephen was born February 24th, 194,6 and was 79 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: Paul Eugene Treanor, 80, The Dalles

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Paul Eugene Treanor, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, husband, and friend. Born on June 13, 1944, in Portland, Oregon, to Odell Richard Treanor and Esther Leona Andrews. Paul spent his early years in Boring, Oregon, until his family moved to Wamic, Oregon. He made a home for his family in Tygh Valley before moving to Salem in 2004.

Paul graduated from Wasco County High School in 1962 and proudly served in the Army National Guard from 1965 to 1971, demonstrating his dedication to his country. Throughout his life, he wore many hats, always working with purpose and pride. He was a rancher, managing 3,500 acres alongside his father and Bill Cody, and a skilled tradesman who built homes in the Wamic area. His career also included roles as a mill worker at Mt. Fir Lumber Company from 1974 to 1989 and as a boiler room operator for the Oregon State Corrections Institution.

More than his many vocations, Paul was a man of deep connection. He was a devoted husband to Jeralee (Graves) Treanor for 27 years and the father of five children: Melissa Pease, Michael Barrett (Tanya), Brian Barrett (Dianne), Margaret Horlacher (Gary), and Joseph Lamoreaux (Amanda), as well as ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents, Odell and Esther, and wife Jeralee, and survived by his five children, sisters, Donna Wallace (Les) and Judy Darr (James), and three nephews and their children.

Paul’s presence was a gift to all who knew him. He will be remembered for his honesty, integrity, and generosity. His legacy lives on through the love he shared, the lessons he imparted, and the lives he touched.

A graveside service will begin at noon on June 14th at Three Mile Cemetery, 2565 Three Mile Rd, The Dalles, OR, with a gathering of family and friends to follow immediately at the Dallesport Community Center, 136 6th Ave, Dallesport, WA 98617. Donations can be made in his honor to OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.

Service For Karl Vercouteren, The Dalles, set for Saturday, June 7

A service for Karl Vercouteren will be held Saturday, June 7th at 1:30pm at Zion Lutheran ELCA at 101 W. 10th St - the corner of 10th and Union streets, in The Dalles, OR 97058.

A reception will follow in the church basement. In lieu of flowers consider making a donation to Cascade Singers, Original Wasco County Courthouse, The Dalles First Congregational UCC, Zion Lutheran ELCA or charity of your choice.

Read Karl’s Obituary here.

Obituary: Ira ‘P-Nut’ Brittle, 88, Scroggins, Texas

Ira “P-Nut” Brittle passed away peacefully on Friday, May 23rd, 2025, in Scroggins, Texas. He was 88.  

P-Nut was born on February 26, 1937 in Baxter Springs, Kansas to George Douglas and Lillie (Murray) Brittle. He was raised in Oklahoma and often spoke fondly about his time there, where he grew up with his brothers, Frank, Danny, and Jim, and his sister, Vivian.

Though life back then wasn’t easy, his favorite stories to share were of his childhood home and his adventures in Devil’s Hollow. As he matured, he worked as a laborer on various highway jobs all over Oklahoma and Kansas, even supporting the development of the Will Rogers Turnpike.

In 1959, during a job in rural Kansas, he met a young woman who was supporting construction crews and fell in love. Later that year, Ruth Leonard and P-Nut were married and began the next chapter of their lives together.

Shortly after marriage, P-Nut got a job in The Dalles, Oregon at the aluminum plant. After their first child, Tammie (deceased) was born, Ruth followed him to Oregon and it was there that they gave birth to their first son, Lance, in 1961. They initially lived in Rowena and later moved to The Dalles where their son, Tony, was born in 1973. P-Nut and Ruth enjoyed camping on the beach with their family and they were members of the Columbia Gorge Climbers, where they raced Jeeps. P-Nut greatly enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons and passed his passion for fishing on to his grandchildren. P-Nut and Ruth were active members at Emanuel First Baptist Church in The Dalles.

P-Nut worked at the aluminum plant until 2000 when the plant closed. As part of the Trade Readjustment Act, he attended college at age 63 and over a six-year period earned three associate degrees in Management, Diesel Mechanics, and Marine Mechanics. P-Nut was proud of his degrees and put his education to use starting a small business repairing the boats of friends and close acquaintances.             

When Ruth suffered a stroke in 2003, P-Nut dedicated his time to acting as a primary caregiver for her, managing her meals and medication. He cared for her until she passed away on May 2, 2019.

In October of 2024, P-Nut moved from The Dalles to live next to Lance in Scroggins, Texas. His final months were spent on the lake watching the birds and deer, taking trips in golf carts, and doing what he loved most – fishing.

P-Nut is preceded in death by his wife Ruth Brittle, daughter Tammie Brittle, and sister Vivian. He is survived by his three brothers, Frank Brittle, Danny Brittle, and Jim Brittle as well as by his son Lance Brittle and wife Peggy and his three grandchildren Maggie, Amie and Seth; and by his son Tony Brittle and wife Sarah.

P-Nut's burial services were held in his hometown in Oklahoma, but a memorial fish fry will be held here in The Dalles in a few months. If you'd like an invite, please reach out to P-Nut's granddaughter, Amie, at amiebrittle@gmail.com. 

Obituary: Karl Vercouteren, The Dalles

Karl Vercouteren was born and grew up in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, where he worked summers at Boy Scout camps and attained the rank of Eagle Scout.

He attended Lakeland College (now Lakeland University) in Wisconsin, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities in Minnesota, did a student internship in Rhode Island, served Grace United Church of Christ in Covington, Kentucky for 12 years, and mwas pastor of United Church of Christ, Congregational, of The Dalles, Oregon, from 1977 until his retirement in September 2008.

Karl was active in the Cascade Singers since the second year of the community choir’s existence. The choir’s European tours were musical highlights and afforded opportunities to reunite with family members and friends in Germany, Belgium, Spain, and the Netherlands. He especially enjoyed locating and arranging music for the group’s annual “St. Pat’s at St. Pete’s” concerts. He participated in church choirs and helped organize the Men’s Chorus at Zion Lutheran Church.

Karl joined the Board of the Original Wasco County Courthouse shortly after moving to The Dalles. He was a past president and organized the annual Regional History Forum. He joined The Dalles Kiwanis Club in 1977 and was a past president of the club. He worked on many Kiwanis service projects and led the organizing committee for Christmas and Cherry Festival parades since the early 1990s, and Fourth of July and Veterans Day parades in more recent years. He was part of the group that sponsors the biennial Organ Crawl featuring The Dalles’ five pipe organs.

In the past he served on the Wasco County Commission on Children and Families, the statewide board of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, and regional and national boards of his church. He has also been active in Mid-Columbia Fellowship of Churches, Habitat for Humanity, and Wasco County Citizens for Human Dignity.

For a number of years Karl was part of church-sponsored teams that went to Biloxi, Mississippi, to work on housing—a critical need long after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast.

Karl’s interest in local and regional history resulted in several projects during his post-retirement years: concert selections and narratives for several “Historic The Dalles Days” programs; a concert and PowerPoint presentation that eventually resulted in publication of his 2017 book, “Now Playing at the Vogt: The Dalles’ Forgotten Opera House”; the writing of Mid-Columbia area entries for the 2020 interactive map, “The National Vote for Women Trail”; writing of blogs about buildings on The Dalles Art Center’s “All Together The Dalles” photo-montage print and mural, published in book form in 2022; and he published an additional book on the architecture and history of local buildings, “All Together The Dalles Too,” in 2023. Karl also served as one of the historians who researched and wrote proposals for the murals that were produced when the Walldogs came to town in August 2022, and he continued the project as a member of the mural committee.

Karl was preceded in death by his parents, Govert and Esther (Ochs) Vercouteren, and Aunt Elsie Fasse. Karl is survived by his wife Jean (Anderson) Vercouteren. Karl and Jean were together for 61 years! Other survivors include brothers Peter and Robert Vercouteren, daughter Kristine (Vercouteren) Dombroski and husband John Dombroski, son Jacob Vercouteren, grandson Jodecy Vercouteren, AFS exchange student son, David Timmers from Belgium, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in Karl’s memory to the Cascade Singers, the Wasco County Original Courthouse, The Dalles Kiwanis Club, The Dalles UCCC Church, Zion Lutheran ELCA, The Dalles, or a charity of your choice.

A service for Karl Vercouteren will be held Saturday, June 7th at 1:30pm at Zion Lutheran ELCA at 101 W. 10th St - the corner of 10th and Union streets, in The Dalles, OR 97958.

A reception will follow in the church basement. In lieu of flowers consider making a donation to Cascade Singers, Original Wasco County Courthouse, The Dalles First Congregational UCC, Zion Lutheran ELCA or charity of your choice.

Obituary: Judy Elaine Bradley (Frazier), 75, Hood River

Judy Elaine Bradley (Frazier), of Hood River, Oregon, passed away at the age of 75 years old on May 18, 2025, at the Oregon Veterans’ Home in The Dalles, Oregon, after a short battle with lung cancer.

There is a large sense of loss, but a larger sense of gratitude that she was given a disease that allowed quick passage through pain. After many years of suffering due to chronic illness, she is finally free.

Judy was born on June 15, 1949, to parents Donald Glen Frazier and Pearly Jean Frazier (Steeley) in Hood River, Oregon. Judy was the second of five siblings: Donna, Cleve, Steve, and Chad. The Fraziers would often make trips to visit their large extended family in Oklahoma. Judy married Patrick Russell Bradley in 1968, and they welcomed their daughter, Paris Rochelle Bradley, later that year. In 1971, Judy and Pat welcomed their second daughter, Monica Adelle Bradley. 

Judy’s home was always welcome to her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, and she loved being surrounded by family. She spent many years as a waitress and cook, and is remembered for her sweet treats. Judy was also fond of crafting, sewing, and her favorite game - Aggravation!

Judy is survived by her children, Paris Beardsley (son-in-law Brian Beardsley) and Monica Bradley (son-in-law Guy Bowie); granddaughter, Eliot Fenwick (son-in-law Jeffery Fenwick); great-granddaughter, Josephine Fenwick; brother, Chad Frazier (brother-in-law David Wentz); brother-in-law, Terry Johnson; and a large extended family.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Patrick Bradley; parents, Donald and Pearly Frazier; and siblings, Donna Johnson, Cleve Frazier, and Steve Frazier.

Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Judith Marie Brackenbury, 73, The Dalles

Judith Marie Brackenbury, age 73, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge on May 27, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Jora Jean Benson Phetteplace, 83, The Dalles

Jora Jean Benson Phetteplace, age 83, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on May 20, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Jack Allan Curry, 77, Maupin

Jack Allan Curry, age 77, a resident of Maupin, OR, passed away at home on May 17, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Joshua Carl Olsen, 37, The Dalles

Joshua Carl Olsen, age 37, a resident of The Dalles, passed away at OHSU on May 26, 2025.

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

Obituary: Lawrence ‘Larry’ Leland Hughes, 94, The Dalles

Larry Hughes still fit neatly into his letterman sweater back in 2020 when CCCNews wrote a story about his Championship Football Season in 1947 with The Dalles High School.

Lawrence (Larry) Leland Hughes, a lifelong resident of The Dalles, Oregon, passed away peacefully at home on April 30, 2025, just shy of his 95th birthday. He was born June 9, 1930, in The Dalles to Ray and Ethel Hughes.

Larry attended The Dalles High School, graduating in 1948. During that time, he was active in the Boy Scouts—earning the rank of Eagle Scout—as well as the fire brigade, honor society, senior class council, and the D-Club. He was also a member of the football team and was particularly proud of having served as captain of the 1947 Oregon State High School Championship team during his senior year.

Larry Hughes

Larry scored the first touchdown of the state championship game and helped lead his team to victory over the Hillsboro Spartans in front of 14,000 spectators.

Click here to read the CCCNews story of that championship team.

After graduation, he continued his education at Linfield College, where he met the love of his life, Lois Rae Shrode. They married on September 24, 1950, and spent 72 years building a life together until her passing in 2023. They made their home in The Dalles, raising son, Randall (Randy), and daughters Julia (Julie), Linda, and Nancy.

Larry joined the family business, Hughes Feed and Grain, eventually taking ownership in 1979. He and Lois ran the store together until retiring in 1990. Throughout his life, Larry was committed to serving the youth in his community—he was active in Sea Scouts and served as a Boy Scout leader for his son’s troop.

In retirement, Larry and Lois traveled the world, visiting places such as Greece, Egypt, Australia, and Mexico. They created lasting memories taking grandchildren on trips to Disneyland, enjoyed cruises, visited family in Alaska, and escaped the summer heat at Rockaway Beach and later Long Beach, Washington. One of Larry’s most treasured places was Lost Lake, near Mount Hood. Remarkably, for 94 consecutive summers—from infancy through his final year—he gathered there with family, building memories and sharing in the joy of the Pacific Northwest.

Larry had a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, nature, history, and community. An avid woodworker, he crafted countless miniature wooden items in his shop and was well known for gifting handmade birdhouses to friends and neighbors. He spent many years hiking throughout the Columbia Gorge, collecting artifacts such as arrowheads and millstones. Recently, he donated his collection to the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center so that others could enjoy and learn from it. He also remained actively involved in organizing high school reunions, helping classmates from The Dalles High School stay connected over the decades.

Larry is survived by his son, Randy (Sharon) Hughes of Post Falls, ID; daughters, Julie Peterson of Portland and Nancy Trapp of Oregon City; nine grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild on the way. He is also survived by his sister, Judy Burch, of North Branford, CT; brother-in-law, Bud Shrode, of Post Falls; and six nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife, Lois; daughter, Linda Remington; son-in-law, Steve Trapp; brother-in-law, Rich Burch; sister-in-law, Barbara Shrode; and nephew, Andy Shrode.

Per Larry’s wishes, no service will be held. Those wishing to honor his memory may make a donation to St. Peter’s Landmark or the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • Celilo Chapel (204 E. 4th Street, The Dalles, OR 97058).  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for family.