Death Notice: Opal Irene Wilson, 86, Parkdale

Opal Irene Wilson passed away August 18, 2025 in Mount Hood-Parkdale, Oregon. Opal was born July 17, 1939 and was 86 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: Wenda Jeanne Kelly, 63, Dufur

Wenda Jeanne Kelly, age 63, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away at home on August 15, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Verna Lynne Martin, 74, Hood River

Verna Lynne Martin, age 74, passed away on August 8, 2025, at Portland Providence Medical Center.

A celebration of Verna’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Hood River Church of the Nazarene (2168 Belmont Ave., Hood River, OR 97031). A graveside committal will follow at Mt. View Memorial Cemetery in Hood River.

Arrangements are in the care of Anderson's Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.

To share condolences or memories with the family, please visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com.

Obituary: Calvin Thomas McDermid, 74, Hood River

Calvin Thomas McDermid passed away on July 25, 2025, in Hood River, Oregon after a courageous 4-year battle with Alzheimer’s. He was known and beloved by many as a historian, visionary, mentor and as a caring and supportive family member and friend.

Cal was born to Malcolm and Phyllis (Thornton) McDermid on July 24, 1951, in The Dalles, Oregon and grew up on the family’s wheat and cattle ranch in Sherman County. Cal attended Wasco Grade School and Sherman High School, graduating in 1969. During his senior year, Cal served as yearbook editor, where his creative abilities and organizational skills resulted in a yearbook that was highly acclaimed.

Cal attended Lewis and Clark College in Portland and immediately felt at home, both on campus and in the historically and culturally rich Portland of the 1970’s. During the spring and summer of 1971, he was part of a group of Lewis and Clark students who traveled to the British Isles, making lifelong friends and experiencing many new adventures.

After graduating in 1973 with a degree in elementary education, Cal taught third grade in Madras, Oregon, for 3 years. Cal connected well with his third graders, their parents, and his fellow teachers, making numerous lifelong acquaintances, a trend that occurred often during Cal’s journey through life.

In 1977, Cal embarked on his Philadelphia adventure, attending The Restaurant School, now known as Walnut Hill College. While in Philadelphia, Cal had the opportunity to experience the culture and rich history of the eastern United States while learning about all aspects of the restaurant trade.

In 1980, Cal and his paternal aunt, Margaret Parrott, established The French House Restaurant in a Victorian house in The Dalles. The restaurant helped introduce fine dining to the Mid-Columbia area and still evokes many positive recollections among former patrons and employees forty years after its closing.

In 1987 Cal began a chapter of his life that would allow him to utilize his many skills and to establish relationships that were precious to him throughout the remainder of his life. Working for The Blixseth Company, initially in Portland and later in Rancho Mirage, California and Bozeman Montana, Cal performed the role of household manager and events coordinator. As household manager, he hired and supervised staff, provided oversight for construction and maintenance projects, procured household supplies, and prepared meals.

Of all the aspects of his employment with the Blixseth family, he was most proud of his role in supporting and enriching the lives of the Blixseth children, especially during his early years with the family. In his role as events coordinator, Cal organized and staged social functions ranging from small, private dinner parties to large-scale events attended by well-known political and entertainment figures. Among Cal’s acquaintances were former president Gerald Ford and former first lady Betty Ford, whom Cal knew on a first-name basis. Cal also treasured his friendship with classic film actress Alice Faye, who was a neighbor in Rancho Mirage. Cal was especially known for his pie-baking skills and became legendary for having made 40 pies in one day for a major event held at the family’s Bozeman property.

After Cal’s tenure with the Blixseth family concluded, he lived and worked in the greater Palm Springs area for several more years, reluctant to leave an area where he had made so many close friends. In 2003, Cal returned permanently to the Mid-Columbia area where he continued a professional life blending hospitality and history. After serving as executive director of the Sherman County Historical Society and Museum, Cal became owner/operator of Columbia Gorge Doughnut Company in The Dalles until health issues necessitated a change in his career path. Cal spent the next 2 enjoyable years working at Sigman’s Flowers & Gifts. In 2009, Cal became Events and Membership Coordinator for The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce, where, among other duties, he organized Cherry Festival activities each spring.

In the final chapter of his professional career, and one that he approached with great passion, Cal served as director of the Fort Dalles Museum/Anderson Homestead in The Dalles from 2016 until his retirement in 2022. Cal initiated many positive changes at the museum, including assembling and training a group of capable volunteers. He also conducted countless tours that included individuals and small groups along with busloads of tourists affiliated with visiting cruise ships.

Cal is survived by his sister, Meredith Sayre (John); brother, Ron McDermid (Jenine); nephews Malcolm Sayre, Ian Sayre, Dan McDermid; and niece, Daryn McDermid. Cal is also survived by extended family members and many beloved longtime friends.

A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, September 4 in The Dalles at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, located at 1805 Minnesota Street, at 1:30 p.m. with a reception to follow.

Memorial donations in Cal’s memory may be made to the following: Fort Dalles Museum, Sherman County Historical Society, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

Cal’s family is grateful to residents and staff of Flagstone Senior Living who provided Cal with a caring home for more than 2 years. The family will be forever thankful for the loving care provided during Cal’s final days while at Pacific Living Center of Hood River, including the highly competent and compassionate assistance provided by the staff at both Pacific Living and Bristol Hospice.

Obituary: Elizabeth Rose Richman, 83, The Dalles

It is with profound sadness and love that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Elizabeth Rose Richman, who left us peacefully on July 16, 2025, at the age of 83.

Elizabeth was born on June 18, 1942, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Wilbur and Rose Milton. She spent her life creating a warm and loving home for her family and friends. She was known for her generous heart, her gift of hospitality, and her ability to make everyone feel welcome at her table.

A woman of many talents, Elizabeth had a remarkable work ethic and a passion for helping others. She began her career as a beautician, later worked for Payless Pharmacy, and eventually became a business owner. She retired from Northern Wasco County PUD, where she oversaw the weatherization department.

Elizabeth was a committed member of Zion Lutheran Church, where her faith was the cornerstone of her life. She also actively participated in a local book club, a quilting group, and volunteered at the Haven Women’s Shelter. A lifelong lover of gardening, she was proud to be certified as a Master Gardener, sharing her knowledge and passion with others.

Outside of work and community service, Elizabeth loved quilting, baking, and reading. Whether tending to her flowers and vegetable garden, creating beautiful quilts, or filling her kitchen with the aroma of freshly baked pie, she found joy in simple, meaningful moments. Her home was always open, a place of comfort, laughter, and love.

Elizabeth is survived by her children Stan Peickert Jr. (Jenny) and Cynthia Carty, and her cherished grandchildren Zachary Peickert, Gabrielle gray, Rosemarie Carty, Patricia Carty, and Dorothy Carty. Her marriage to Lorne Richman blessed her with five additional children and 14 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly and welcomed as her own.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lorne Richman, her son, Christopher Peickert, and her grandson, Christopher Peickert.

Elizabeth’s greatest joy was her family. She poured her love into family traditions, from holiday gatherings filled with laughter and warmth to the countless meals where she shared not just food but wisdom, encouragement, and unconditional love. Her kindness, strength, and the values she instilled will continue to guide her family for generations to come.

A celebration of Elizabeth’s life will be held on August 23, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Cherry Heights. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in her memory to the American Cancer Society.

She will forever be the heart of our family and the light that guides us.

Death Notice: Donald R. Justice, 85, Redmond

Donald R. Justice, age 85, a resident of Redmond, OR, passed away on August 7, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Verna Lynne Martin, 74

Verna Lynne Martin passed away August 8th, 2025 at Portland Providence Medical Center. Verna was born December 21st, 1950 and was 74 years of age at the time of passing.  

Services are pending with arrangements under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Marilyn Jean Phetteplace, 90, The Dalles

Marilyn Jean Phetteplace, age 90, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at OHSU on August 8, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Darrel Gifford McBride, 86, The Dalles

Darrel Gifford McBride, age 86, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the Oregon Veterans Home on August 8, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Jimmy Allen Collins, 61, The Dalles

Jimmy Allen Collins, age 61, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge Hospital on July 31, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Eugene Dewayne Emett, 77, The Dalles

Eugene Dewayne Emett, age 77, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on August 1, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Kristy Lee Millan, 49, Hood River

Kristy Lee Millan, age 49, a resident of Hood River, OR, passed away on July 28, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Marianne “Tut” S. Waters, 88, The Dalles

Marianne “Tut” S. Waters, age 88, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on August 3, 2025.

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

Obituary: Mavis Ann Prinzing, 92, Hood River

Mavis Ann Prinzing, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away in Oregon City on May 23, 2025, due to complications from pneumonia.

 Born on January 6, 1933, in Warsaw, Missouri, Mavis eventually made her way west to Hood River, Oregon, where she built a beautiful life. It was there she met and married Gerald “Jerry” Prinzing, and together they raised four children: Sherriee, Jay, Russell, and Kelly.

 Mavis raised her family in the Assembly of God church, grounding her children in faith and love. Her spiritual life remained central throughout the years, and she was a devoted member of River of Life , attending faithfully until the end of her life.

 She had a creative spirit and a deep love for making beautiful things. Mavis was especially passionate about ceramics and poured her heart into every piece she crafted. Her talents also extended to crocheting and quilting—she had a special love for fabric and could often be found working on something with her hands, bringing comfort and beauty into the lives of those around her.

 Mavis was immensely proud of her growing family, leaving behind seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren who will carry on her legacy of love, creativity, and resilience.

 She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jerry, her son Russell, and her great-granddaughter Serria.

 A celebration of life will be held on August 6th at 11:00 AM at Anderson Funeral Home, with a burial to follow at 1:00 PM.

 Mavis will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for her faith, her warmth, her artistry, and her quiet strength.

 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: Steven Richard Zack, 77, The Dalles

Steven Richard Zack, age 77, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the Oregon Veterans Home on July 16, 2025.

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

Obituary: Kirby Harold Hampton Denny, 87, The Dalles

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Kirby Harold Hampton Denny - Born June 8, 1938 - Died July 14, 2025. He is survived by his daughters Sophia Cristine Gwynne and Samantha Colleen Denny, and his three grandsons, Benjamin, Joshua, and Aaron Gordon.

Kirby was an avid fisherman and spent most of his free time fishing in nearby rivers. He served honorably in the United States Marine Corps from 1955 to 1959.

Upon leaving the Marines, he became an electrician and was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

He worked as a lineman for The Dalles Public Utility District from 1980 until he retired in 2000. Kirby was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. May his memory be a blessing. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Calvin Thomas McDermid, 74, The Dalles

File Photo from 2020 - Dixie (Webb) Schanno, Rachel Miller and Cal McDermid stand on the steps of the fabled Hi-Way House on East Second Street. Schanno’s grandmother, Belle (Head) Webb Beatie took ownership of the restaurant and turned it into a social hotspot. Miller, at the time was managing the restaurant and nightspot that was undergoing a renovation during the COVID outbreak. McDermid at the time of the photo was the Fort Dalles Museum Director and he remembered learning to dance at the restaurant as a youth on Sunday nights, before heading back out to the ranch in Sherman County where he grew up.

Calvin Thomas McDermid, age 74, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Pacific Living Center in Hood River, OR, on July 25, 2025.

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

Cal was an exceptional curator, a good organizer, and did a wonderful job as the Director of the Fort Dalles Museum.

Cal would visit the museum after he took leave of his position, said Crystal Ross, who assumed the role.

“He would come by once in a while and call for Midnight the cat, and she would recognize his voice and she would come right out to him.”

McDermid was also a huge help to CCCNews on local history projects such as the story of Belle Webb who bought the Hi-Way House on Historic Higway 30 on the East end of The Dalles in 1940.

McDermid also purchased the first ad I ever sold back in 2005 when he took on the Bakitchen at 216 Court St., in The Dalles. It was a one inch by one column ad in the newspaper for a free donut.

And it worked, too well. We had to pull it after just a week or two after he was overwhelmed with coupons.

Cal was such a gracious person. He will be missed.

-Tom Peterson

Death Notice: Paulina Pearle Updyke, 93, Hood River

Paulina Pearle Updyke passed away on July 22, 2025, in Hood River, Oregon. Paulina was born May 26, 1932, and was 93 years of age at the time of her passing. A Memorial Service for Paulina will take place at 10:00 A.M. on August 16th, 2025, at Cascade Locks Community Church (5 SW Benson Ave, Cascade Locks, OR 97014).

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: Hugh Whitson, 73, White Salmon

Hugh Whitson passed away on July 22, 2025, in White Salmon, Washington. Hugh was born September 15, 1951, and was 73 years of age at the time of his 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: Judge Ted Kolbaba, 90, Hood River

Judge Ted Kolbaba, 90, of Hood River, Oregon, and White Salmon, Washington, passed away on July 24, 2025, in Providence Brookside Manor.

Ted Kolbaba was born in Hayden, Colorado, on December 6, 1934, to Fanny (neé Farnsworth) and Henry Richard Kolbaba.

He spent most of his childhood in Kalama, Washington, where he was a three-sport athlete (He was particularly proud of his basketball team) and graduated from Kalama High School in 1952. After a brief, unhappy experience in college (What he really wanted was to fly.), he entered the Air Force, where he reached the rank of Staff Sergeant. In 1953, he married Marian Irwin. In addition to the usual rigors of training and service, Ted entered a writing contest with a short story, “Be A Man,” which won first place in his squadron, first place in the 15th Air Force, and third place in the Strategic Air Command. After he left the Air Force in 1957, he worked at various jobs before returning to school at the University of Washington in 1958, where he earned a B.A. in Business Administration and a J.D. from the University of Washington Law School in 1964. He was admitted to the Bar of Washington State in 1965 and practiced law briefly in Seattle. Then he and a partner bought an attorney’s practice in White Salmon, Washington, where he practiced law until he was elected Judge for the Superior Court of Klickitat and Skamania Counties in 1972. He continued as a Superior Court Judge for 22 years, a post to which he was re-elected five times. He served on the Southwest Washington Educational Services District Board for several years and was an active member of the Washington Superior Court Judges’ Association, where he served as President in 1991-1992.

Ted was a loving father and community leader. As soon as he was able, he bought horses for his children and began a lifetime of trail riding. With Marian, he led the West End Wranglers, a horse 4-H club, for 15 years. On many weekends, he loaded a herd of horses into a huge stock-truck (It was a sight to see.) and hauled them off to horse shows. He was also a well-known sight in community parades, leading the club on horseback, although his favorite horse-related activity was the annual roundup of cattle in Gifford Pinchot National Forest (aka Kow Kamp).

He coached community basketball and loved to attend his children’s football and basketball games, sometimes traveling two, three, or even four hours after work to make it to district games. An advocate for his basketball-playing girls, he fought to ensure that the girls’ basketball team had equal access to training facilities. He learned to downhill ski in his 50s so that he could spend more time with his son.

In the empty-nest phase of his life, he took up bicycle touring in a serious way, and became a familiar sight on the road between Husum and Trout Lake. He completed many double-century rides, including the Seattle-to-Portland ride. Eventually Marian joined him on a tandem bike, with which they continued to participate in long rides, such as the Cross-Oregon ride.

After retirement, Ted and Marian moved into their motor home and traveled throughout the United States, with excursions into Mexico and Canada, pursuing their lifelong interest in all aspects of American history. Few presidential libraries, historical museums, or battlefields escaped their notice. Eventually they settled in a stationary home (or homes), spending their winters in Bullhead City, Arizona, and their summers in Hood River, Oregon. Ted worked as a truck driver for Paasch Orchards during harvest for many years, “retiring” from that job only in 2014. When they settled in Bullhead City, Arizona, he volunteered at the senior center, driving the senior bus a few times a week. Ted was utterly committed to giving back to his community and his family, and he acted on that commitment every single day. Since 2019 Ted and Marian had resided in Hood River—first, in Providence Down Manor, then in Hawk’s Ridge Assisted Living, and finally in Providence Brookside Manor.

Ted is survived by his wife of 71 years Marian, of Hood River; his daughter Rani Merz (Bob), of Husum; his daughter, Tia Kolbaba (Jim Masschaele), of East Brunswick, New Jersey; his daughter, Tedi Paasch (David), of Hood River; and his son Kyle (Jayme) of Prineville, Oregon. He will also be missed by his grandchildren and their partners: Connor Williams of Husum, Alexa Williams Savard (Turner) of BZ Corners, H. Forrest Williams of Husum, Leandra Paasch of Hood River, Duran Paasch-Catalano (Liz) of Spokane, Kolton Kolbaba of Los Angeles, Derek Kolbaba (Aymie) of Walla Walla, Cameron Masschaele of East Brunswick, Elodie Masschaele of San José, California, Kenna Kolbaba of Portland, and Cole Kolbaba of Prineville. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren. His daughter Candace Kay Kolbaba and his sisters Berniece Wheeler and Dottie Barreith pre-deceased him.

Judge Kolbaba requested a private memorial service for family only. For those who wish to recognize Ted’s life with a donation in his memory, the family recommends a gift to Washington Gorge Action Programs, wagap.org.

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.