Obituary: Verna Lynne Martin, 74, Hood River

Verna Lynne Martin
December 21, 1950 – August 8, 2025

Verna Lynne Martin, of Hood River, Oregon, went to be with our Lord on Friday, August 8th, 2025, in Portland, Oregon. Born on December 21st, 1950, in Hood River, Verna proudly lived most of her life in the Hood River valley. Verna was born to her father Coval Alva and mother Maria Louise (nee Schein) Hatch.

Verna Lynne was very special to her parents, proving to be a good-natured child, studious, diligent, precocious, sweet to animals, a friend to most, and a believer in Jesus Christ even at a young age. When it came to her family, Verna was very loyal and loving. At a young age, she’d help her mother Mary in the kitchen, learning from the best example on how to make traditional comfort foods using recipes passed down from the old country. Verna had a knack for taking someone else’s recipe and building on it to make something even better. Verna’s natural prowess in the kitchen continued a legacy that stretches for generations back to her great-grandparent’s old bakery and restaurant near Kärnten Austria.

At home, Verna was full of joy. She and her family did many wonderful things together, like play games and listen to music, have holiday celebrations and family outings and the like. Of particular interest to Verna, was when her dear brother Michael, who was in the army and stationed in Germany, would sometimes send gifts from overseas—unique gifts of sweet treats, precious dolls, and trinkets to bring joy to his little sister.

Throughout her life, Verna kept pets whose behaviors always reflected her gentle ways. As a little girl, she had a sweet little Chihuahua who patiently wore doll clothes and sat by the door until she’d return from school. Many knew how Verna was adored by her precious kitty babies in her life, such as Bart, Snickers, and Potato.

As Verna grew up, she’d excel in her studies, music, church studies, and so forth. Socially, she always made a friend in everyone she met. In High School, she was well-liked and very popular, yet never snubbed her nose at anyone nor talked down to others. Among all the kids she went to school with, she’d eventually be charmed by a teenager, named Dennie, a shy boy whom, with Verna, would ignite a love that endured for decades.

Eventually, at a fairly young age, Verna Lynne Hatch married Dennie Dell Martin in Lewiston, Idaho. Soon after, she became pregnant with her daughter Tammy and years later, a son, Jason. Throughout the many years since, Bernie, as she was often called by her husband and closest family, would prove to be a wonderful wife and mother. Modeling her parents, Verna would create a life at home, full of love for each other and for others. She’d dutifully support her husband as he ventured into new businesses to support the family. Because they both liked so many of the same things, they could easily enjoy spending more time together with meals in and movies out, vacations to fun and exotic places, and all manner of outings with relatives and friends, all without excluding each others’ interests.

Of paramount importance to Verna, in addition to the love and care of her family, was her relationship to God and to being a good Christian servant to others around her. Verna made it her mission to help others whenever she could. She’d do the work of the Lord by sharing the love of Jesus, first with her family, leading each of them to Christ, and also by demonstrating Christ’s love to others.

Eventually, the time of Verna’s marriage came to an end when her husband passed away, and she was widowed while still in the prime of her life. Though Verna had 32 years with Dennie, she entered a new chapter of her life, soon hosting a ladies Bible study and serving in other ways, such as the much-revered annual Drive-Thru Nativity, coordinating meals for years before joining the Drive-Thru’s cocoa booth where she’d have an opportunity to minister to others in short yet succinct ways.

Verna lived a very adventurous life. Sometimes though, the adventure was in simple things, like how with her sister Shirley, they did small things like toll-painting, and how their families would just spend time together.

Verna joined the Odell Garden club, where she made many life-long friends. While contributing her love of flowers, Verna also found another avenue with which to share her love of the Lord. Because of her faithfulness, her cheerful spirit, and her constant willingness to serve, Verna was nominated to become the chaplain of her garden club, with that role eventually escalating to becoming chaplain for the entire district which oversaw her local club.

Verna will be most remembered for these two things: her legacy of faithfulness in serving others, and her legacy of virtue in her home, loving and laughing and living to her fullest while ensuring her family would have everything they needed before her. That is Verna Lynne Martin, a Proverbs 31 woman. She was selfless and caring. She was diligent and loyal. And most importantly to her, she was faithful and loving.

Now that Verna is with her Lord, she has also been reunited with her parents and other family who have gone before, and she has been reunited with the love of her life.

So, Verna Lynne (Hatch) Martin was preceded in death by her father Coval Alva Hatch and mother Maria Louise Hatch, by her three brothers, Harold A. Hatch, Michael William Kroeger, and an infant boy who was raised in Heaven by God. And, Verna was preceded by her husband, Dennie Dell Martin in 1998 and never remarried. Verna is survived by her sister, Shirley Chrisman, her children, Tammy Lee Martin and Jason Daniel Martin, and her granddaughter, Jacquilynn Renee Jones, all of Hood River. Verna has numerous nieces and nephews, and a great many cousins and extended relatives through both of her parents.

A memorial service for Verna will begin at 11:00 am, Friday, August 29th, 2025, at Hood River Church of the Nazarene, on the corner of 22nd Street and Belmont Ave. This will be followed by a lunch reception. There will also be a graveside burial service for those who wish to attend at Mountain View Memorial Cemetery, the same day, at 3:00 pm. There will also be a viewing prior to the memorial service from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, on Wednesday, August 27th, at Andersons Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Avenue, prior to the main services.

Verna’s family wishes that any memorials donated in her honor are given to either of her favorite charities: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or K-LOVE radio.

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: Glenda West, 83, Hood River

The Dalles, Ore., Aug. 22, 2025 — Glenda West, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home in Carson, WA, on August 15, 2025. Though her absence leaves an irreplaceable void, her family takes comfort in the promise of reunion in Heaven.

Born in Arkansas in 1943 to Harold and Lorene Beth, Glenda later moved with her family to Hood River, where she grew up on the family farm. She went on to share 64 wonderful years of marriage with her devoted husband, David West. Together, they built a family rooted in love and faith in Jesus Christ.

Glenda was the cherished mother of Litha Starks (Patrick), Teresa Klein (William), Jerry West (Christina), and Cathy Chaffin (Rick), who were the joy of her life. She also held a special place in her heart for her siblings, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who knew her as a source of unwavering love, support, and encouragement.

She and David treasured their years in Alaska, creating lasting memories in Ketchikan and Whale Pass, where they lived off-grid and embraced the beauty of fishing, hunting, crabbing, and shrimping. Above all, Glenda’s greatest love was her faith in Jesus Christ. She lived as a true servant of the Lord, constantly giving of herself and radiating His love to her family, friends, and all who knew her.

Glenda was preceded in death by both of her parents.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 1–7 p.m. at Anderson Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Ave, Hood River, OR. A memorial service will follow on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Carson Bible Church, 1131 Wind River Rd, Carson, WA, with a potluck gathering to celebrate her life immediately afterward.

Obituary: Virgil Grout, 89, Grass Valley

In Loving Memory of Virgil

Virgil was born in his parents' home in Hubbard, Oregon, on May 24, 1936. He was one of ten children and the last of his siblings to pass, at 89 years of age.

He often shared stories from his childhood, but his favorite memory was the time his family lived together in an Army tent for three years while building their home in Grande Ronde, Oregon.

It was in Grande Ronde that he met the love of his life, Carol Ann. They were married for just one month shy of 50 wonderful years.

Virgil was drafted into the Army, where he served four years driving trucks during the Korean War. While he was overseas, Carol Ann joined her parents in Kent, Oregon. After his initial discharge, Virgil joined her there—but was called back to serve for another nine months.

Following his final discharge, Virgil and Carol Ann moved to Grass Valley, where they raised two daughters: Cindy and Connie.

Virgil worked hard to support his family. He began by driving a school bus and working at the local gas station in Grass Valley. After a few years, he went to work for Jerald Christiansen Excavating. When Cindy was 12 and Connie 10, the family moved into town, and Virgil began a long and fulfilling career with Mid-Columbia Grain Growers, where he worked for nearly 40 years.

In the summers, he ran the Hay Canyon Elevator. Known for his generosity, Virgil would bring the truck drivers cinnamon rolls Carol Ann had made. When Carol Ann became too ill to bake, she taught Virgil how to make them himself. He proudly carried on the tradition—even teaching a couple of local ladies how to bake them—despite never having been much of a cook before!

Virgil loved spending time with his family and helping those around him. He is survived by his daughters: Cindy (Martin) Monsey and Connie (Larry) VanEpps; grandchildren: Amanda (Willy) Mulder, Nicole (Eric Ekberg) Monsey, Drew Monsey, Justin, Jeff, and Aaron VanEpps; and 9 great-grandchildren.

He had a passion for hunting and crabbing, and he especially enjoyed sharing his bounty with the people of Sherman County.

Virgil will be remembered for his hearty laugh, his generous spirit, and his willingness to help anyone in need. He was a faithful member of Grass Valley Baptist Church, where he always arrived early to open the doors, hand out bulletins—and offer suckers to anyone who wanted one. One of his greatest joys was giving a baby their very first sucker.

Virgil, you will be deeply missed. But we take comfort knowing you're now reunited with Carol, enjoying your forever home together.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, August 24, 2025, 10:30 AM, at the First Baptist Church in Grass Valley, OR, with a potluck lunch to immediately after, with burial to follow at Grass Valley IOOF Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Grass Valley Baptist Church.

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

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

View fullsize

View fullsize

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