Obituary: Reva Elaine Nickell (Tanner), 96, The Dalles

Reva Elaine Nickell (Tanner), 96, was born in Burley, Idaho, to Lee D. and Reva Tanner (Young) on July 11, 1929. She died Sept. 8, 2025, at Columbia Basin Care Center in The Dalles, Oregon.

The eldest of nine children, she grew up in Cascade Locks, Oregon, where she attended both grade school and high school. On July 18, 1948, she married John Lewis Nickell. The couple lived in Hood River, Oregon, for several years, where they raised their six children. After their children left home, they moved to The Dalles. The couple had three natural children and three foster children they raised from a very young age. They were accepted and loved as their own. They became a blended family, with only five years separating all six children — a blended wonderful chaos with lots of laughter and more chaos. Elaine worked as a nurses aid in both Hood River and The Dalles hospitals for many years, until she hurt her back. She decided, upon her husband’s request, to stay home and be a housewife. After her husband passed, she worked for senior services taking care of “old people” (her words). She was 80.

Elaine had an artistic side. She made beautiful candles that she gave away at Christmas and birthdays or just because. She loved to knit and crochet and made many doilies and tablecloths. She knitted many sweaters for her children and grandchildren. She also tried her hand at painting. Elaine and John also had a daycare where they found their true calling and where they both shined. They were known as grandma and grandpa by all of them.

Many of those children stayed in contact long after they grew up. You were always welcome. No appointment needed. Just pop in and we will set another plate. Elaine was the epitome of unconditional love and forgiveness.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee D. and Reva Tanner, her husband of 52 years John Nickell, her son Robert O.D. Nickell, and four sisters and two brothers. She is survived by three sons, John L. Nickell Jr. (Doreen), Leonard South (Patty), and Larry South; two daughters, Mayrie Welp (Cris) and Deborah Davis (Stuart); 10 grandchildren, Shawn(Tina), Kevin (Jenny), Shelly (Christian), Lacey (Brian) Laura, Patt, Bryan, Jennifer, Gabe (Brooke) and Chelsea (Josh); one sister, Ida Lee Calmer; and one brother Wilford Tanner. She is also survived by numerous great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held on Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Sept. 26 from 9-11a.m. Graveside services will be held at Odd Fellows Cemetery on Cherry Heights Road, The Dalles, on Friday Sept. 26 at 1 p.m. Arrangements are in care of Spencer, Libby and Powell. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to Dementia Society of America, dementiasociety.org.

Death Notice: Reva Elaine Nickell, 96, The Dalles

Reva Elaine Nickell, age 96, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Columbia Basin Care on September 8, 2025. A Graveside Service will be held on September 26, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at IOOF Cemetery on Cherry Heights Road.

Spencer, Libby, and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arranging

Obituary: Darrel G McBride, 87, The Dalles

Darrel G McBride was born December 9, 1938, in The Dalles, OR. He passed away peacefully at the Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles, OR, on August 8, 2025.

Darrel grew up in The Dalles and graduated from The Dalles high school in 1957. He then joined the U.S. Navy, serving for six years, and was stationed in Hawaii and Oak Harbor, WA.

Darrel worked as a tugboat captain on the Columbia River for nearly forty years.

Darrel loved his numerous trips to Mazatlán, Mexico and playing cards at The Eagles.

Darrel is survived by his brother, Wayne “Mac” McBride; daughters, Tylene Thomsen, Kim Gillet; stepsons, Gary Miles, Dale Miles, Kevin Miles, Don Miles; along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Darrel was preceded in death by father, Don McBride; mother, Lila Kaufman; stepfather, Willis

Kaufman; wife, Barbara McBride; son, Kyle McBride; stepson, Glenn Miles.

No formal funeral services will be held.

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

Death Notice: Mary Jane Roddy, 85, Hood River

Mary Jane Roddy passed away on September 6th, 2025, at Parkhurst Place in Hood River, Oregon. Mary was born September 24, 1939, and was 85 years of age at the time of passing. 

Thursday, September 11th, 2025, a Graveside Committal Service at Willamette National Cemetery, where Mary Jane was laid to rest beside her husband, Phillip Roddy, Jr., and a time to celebrate her life will be later in the month at Parkhurst Place of Hood River.

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: Darlene Joyce Wood, 78, The Dalles

Darlene Joyce Wood, age 78, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on September 6, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Kathryn DeLois Davis Wolfe, 84, Hood River

Kathryn DeLois Davis Wolfe passed away on August 25th, 2025, at Pacific Living Center in Hood River, Oregon. Kathryn was born on October 26th, 1940, and was 84 years of age at the time of passing.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.

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

Death Notice: Michael Lee McKenzie, 72, The Dalles

Michael Lee McKenzie, age 72, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the Oregon Veterans Home on August 26, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Mary Deswert, 99, Dufur

Mary Deswert, age 99, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away at Columbia Basin Care on August 19, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Spenser Allen Kost, 54, The Dalles

Spenser Allen Kost, age 54, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Providence Portland Medical Center on September 3, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Edna Mae Miller, 86, Rowena

Edna Mae Miller, age 86, a resident of Rowena, OR, passed away at home on September 2, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Virginia Lee Wang, 83, The Dalles

Virginia Lee Wang, age 83, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the Oregon Veterans Homes on August 28, 2025.

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

Obituary: Samuel H. Patten, 56, Parkdale

Samuel H. Patten

On August 24, 2025, at 12:32 a.m., Samuel H. Patten passed away at the age of 56 in Portland Oregon. Though his time here was far too short, Sam filled it with love, laughter, and countless moments his family will hold close forever.

Born in Tulare, California, Sam moved to Oregon as a teenager. It was there, in Parkdale, that he met the love of his life, Michelle Foster. On July 22, 1992, they married in a simple but heartfelt ceremony at Wilson Park, beginning a journey together that would span decades, raising children, sharing hardships, and celebrating joys.

Sam’s proudest title was “Papa Sam.” Nothing brought him greater happiness than being with his grandchildren — playing, teasing, and loving them with his whole heart. To his children, he wasn’t perfect, but he showed them what mattered most: that love can heal, that family is worth fighting for, and that it’s never too late to make things right.

He leaves behind his wife, Michelle; his children, Destiny (Juan), Jessica (Christopher), Brian, Jonathon(Andi), and Justin; his siblings, Bill (Katina), Daniel, Charlotte (Kerry), and Christina (Robert); his treasured grandchildren: Brayden, Ryker, Vanille, Lorelei, Kaelem, Benjamin, Jazmyn, Summer, Mary, and Luke; as well as many nieces and nephews whom he loved as his own. To Sam, family meant everything, and his love extended far beyond the walls of his own home.

Sam was welcomed into eternity by his son Shawn, his parents Lemuel and Roberta Kay, his beloved nephew Andrew, and many other loved ones who went before him.

Beyond his role as a family man, Sam found freedom on the open road. Riding his Harley brought him peace, joy, and the simple thrill of being “free as a bird.”

True to his wishes, Sam will be cremated, and instead of mourning in sorrow, his family will gather to celebrate his life in the spring of 2026. His daughter Jessica will share details with family and friends.

Sam’s family would like to express their deep gratitude to his friends, especially his “Texas family,” who gave him love, joy, and companionship in his final years.

Above all, Sam will be remembered for the way he loved his family — not perfectly, but fiercely, deeply, and without end.

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

Death Notice: Wayne Edwin Kangas, 75, The Dalles

Wayne Edwin Kangas, age 75, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at a local care facility on August 26, 2025.

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

Obituary: Margaret Marie Thornton, 87, The Dalles

Margaret Marie Thornton

It is with profound sadness and love that we announce the passing of our extraordinary mother, Margaret Marie Thornton. Margaret passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on August 11th, 2025, at the age of 87.

Margaret was born on March 24th, 1938, in the small town of Santa, Idaho, to Oliver and Esther Montour. Oliver Montour was tragically killed in a logging accident in 1942, at that time Esther moved her family to Spokane, WA.

Margaret, the oldest of three, enjoyed helping her mother with her younger siblings. She was an avid reader and spent much of her time at the local library. Margaret attended North Central High School, where she was very involved with several scholastic activities, including Scholastic Honor Roll, League Honor Roll, Amores Librorum, Big Sister, several after school sports and worked in the school library. After graduating High School, Margaret attended Northwest Nazarene University.

In 1961 Margaret married Clarence Warren Thornton and relocated to The Dalles, OR. She began working for The Dalles Soda Works and from there spent the next several years working as the office manager for Pepsi Cola Bottling until retirement in 2006.

Margaret continued her love of reading, gardening, and volunteering as much as possible, especially her children’s after-school sports and activities. From keeping time on the mountain during ski team races, to working at the concession stand during baseball and softball. She was very active in the PTA, Half Mile Extension and Mid-Columbia Community Concerts. Music was something that she was extremely passionate about and would encourage as many individuals as possible to support the community concert.

The most treasured event in her life was when she became a grandmother. Margaret loved spending time with her grandchildren and ultimately great-grandchildren. She attended many sporting events, extracurricular activities, and took as many trips as possible with grandchildren.

Margaret was not just a mother to her children, but a mother to all their friends. She had the wonderful gift of listening without judgment, giving advice when asked for and a shoulder to cry on whenever needed.

Margaret also had a love for all pets, no matter what type of animal it was. She loved them and made sure the house was full of furry loved ones.

Margaret is survived by her daughters, Debbie Johnson (Husband Randy), Denise Kilbourne (Husband Gregg), Deanne Carrico (Husband Jamie); son, Douglas Thornton (Wife Kristie). Her cherished grandchildren Amanda, Annie Rose, Allie, Kyle, Colin, Paige, Ryan, Haley, Payton, Alyssa and her nine great grandchildren that she thoroughly adored.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Warren Thornton; brother, Alan Montour; sister, Virginia Buckholz.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, following the private family gathering for the inurnment.

Love… bears all things; believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.

Our love for you will never fade, for it lives on through us, our children, and grandchildren and all you have touched.

Obituary: Frank Nathaniel LaRoque, 82, The Dalles

Frank Nathaniel LaRoque

Born to Stanley and Minny LaRoque on November 3, 1942, in Minnesota. Frank was raised in Elko, Nevada, with 2 brothers, Roger and Martin, and 2 sisters, Julie Ann (Olson) and Lorraine (Judah).

In 1965, Frank found the love of his life, Paulette Kay Anderson – affectionately known as PK. They shared almost 59 years of wedded bliss. They had 2 children – Bryan and Camille (Weimar). From the stories that are shared, their family life was rich with laughter, love, and many other attributes.

Frank moved his family to The Dalles in 1979, settling on Wahtonka Road. Frank has left his mark on The Dalles with his cabinet-making skills, home designs for contractors, and his passion for restoring antiques. He taught for the Oregon Woodworkers Guild and had many stories about all the fun that endeavor was for him and Paulette.

At 18, Frank joined the Air Force and became an aviation mechanic. After leaving the service, he wore many hats: welder, mechanic, interior designer, architect, draftsman, and finally, the job he loved the most – craftsman, woodworker, contractor. With that final profession, his business here in The Dalles was born – LaRoque’s Wood Shop.

Frank is preceded in death by all of his siblings and his parents. 

Frank is survived by his wife, Paulette; brother-in-law, Gill Anderson; son, Bryan (Johna); daughter, Camille (Doug); grandchildren, Stephen LaRoque (Amber), Kyle Weimar, Melissa Weimar, Kirslynn Craven, Gwendolyn Engle (Logan), Isabella LaRoque; and several great-grandchildren.

There will be a Celebration of Life, and we hope you can join us on August 30th, 3 p.m., at Route 30 in The Dalles. Please come and share your “Frank” stories. All we ask is that there is more joy than sadness. More laughter than tears.

Obituary: Doris Lewis, 97, Hood River

The family of Doris Lewis announces her passing into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Doris passed at 8:35 pm on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at My Place to Call Home in Hood River, age 97 years, following a lengthy and difficult degenerative illness.

Doris Jane Meyers was born at home on July 19, 1928, in Hood River to Elmer Ray and Alma Minnie (Kitchel) Meyers, the youngest of their three children. Doris has made this beloved community her home for most of her life, graduating from Hood River High School in 1946. After graduation, she moved to Portland with three high school girl friends to attend Northwest Business College, then worked for Meir & Frank Department Store in their Accounting Department until 1952, at which time she returned to Hood River, where she applied for the job of receptionist for the Hood River Medical Group. It was here that Doris met the love of her life; she and Dr. Herbert D. 'Herb' Lewis were married on August 10, 1968, at Hood River Valley Christian Church. Following their honeymoon in Victoria, Canada, they made their home in Manzanita, Oregon. They returned to Hood River in 1985 following Herb's retirement, and responding to the need of Doris's recently widowed mother. Doris continued to live in the same home she shared with Herb following his passing on December 24, 1989, until March 2024, when she moved into A Place to Call Home.

Doris was a people person who made the people she loved her first priority, and she loved many friends as well as family. Those of us still living can remember the first home she and Herb shared, while waiting for their house to be built in the forested hills of Manzanita, a house high on a hill which was blessed with a bird's eye view of the ocean and perfect for whale watching. But before they moved into this lovely retreat, they lived in a small apartment on Cannon Beach in Manzanita. To this nest, they welcomed a steady stream of friends and family who sought out time with this charismatic, happy, fun-loving couple. So numerous were the guests to their home that they had to set up a calendar, and one had to book a reservation several months in advance. It was always worth the wait. Herb and Doris were married for well over a year before they had a weekend entirely to themselves. We can still remember eating our breakfasts and dinners in shifts at their small kitchen table, while a feast was presented to us, one plate at a time, of some of the best home-cooked food we've ever eaten. Herb taught Doris how to cook, yes, he did. But no matter where she lived, as daughter, as roommate, as wife, as widow, her door was always open to expected -- and sometimes unexpected -- guests.

Of her hobbies, there were few, as so much time was taken up with others. She played a little piano, was a book-loving and avid reader, and loved to bowl and play bridge back in the day when it was popular. She filled countless photo albums with the pictures taken over a 97-year lifetime of precious moments spent with family and friends, sharing holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, sightseeing and travel, lunches, and church activities. She has been a member of Hood River Valley Christian Church throughout her life, the church her parents raised her in. For many years, she volunteered as a beautician at the Hood River Care Center Beauty Shop, receiving recognition in 1995 from HR Valley Christian Church for "exemplary Christian service to the community." As a member of her church, she had, throughout the years at one time or another, sung in the choir, taught Sunday School, been a faithful attendee of the weekly Women's Bible Study, and spent much volunteer activity in the Church's Thrift Shop until too ill to carry on. One friend wrote, "She is truly a Prayer Warrior keeping track of many friends and relatives and remembering to pray for each of them and their families by name." Doris never forgot anything important when it came to the lives of those she loved. Although frugal in her spending, she was generous to others with her time and gift-giving; she never forgot a birthday, graduation, wedding, or Christmas.

In addition to her husband and parents, Doris was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Isabel Ann (Meyers) and Arthur Andrew Kirscht of Richardson, Texas; her brother and sister-in-law Marvin Blair 'Cy' and Bonita Joan (Judd) Meyers of Winlock, Washington; and step-daughter Marcia McGinnis-Kelliher of Portland, Oregon.

She is survived by her nephews and nieces Andrew (Judy) Kirscht of Roselle, Illinois; David (Virginia) Meyers of Vancouver, Washington; Karen (Michael) Murray of Fairview, Texas; Lisa (Meyers) Stalnaker of Winlock, Washington; Jason Meyers of Henderson, Nevada; Alan (Wendy) Kirscht of Sherman Texas; and Samuel (Eby) Meyers of Winlock; by great-nephews and nieces Jeremy and Matthew Kirscht; Christopher and James Kirscht; Rachel (Meyers) Blomgren and Marie Meyers; Kirsten Stalnaker; and John, Cy, and Rebecca Meyers; and many great-great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her loving step-daughter Julie (Roger) Shiels of Portland; her step-grandsons Duncan Shiels of Aloha, Oregon; Jason (Jill) Shiels, and Ethan Shiels of Portland; Daniel (Cat) McGinnis of Albany, Oregon, and Ryan McGinnis of Vermont; and step great-grandchildren Elliott McGinnis, and Jason, Olivia and Isabella Shiels.

Doris would often express how grateful and blessed she was to have the parents she did. Then she would look me in the eye and say emphatically, "And you were blessed, too, to have Elmer and Alma Meyers as your grandparents." I would reply, "I know, Doris, I know! I miss them, too." And now we must sadly bid farewell to this last living elder in our family who could link us to those who have gone before and tell us the old stories. To all who knew Doris, this sometimes stubborn, always opinionated lady, who delighted in the company of those around her, who welcomed many into her life with a big smile and open arms, she will be greatly missed, too.

A memorial service will be held at Hood River Valley Christian Church on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 11:00 am. A reception at the church will follow. Interment will be at Idlewilde Cemetery in the afternoon. All arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center in Hood River.

The family would like to thank Rebecca Lee and all the caregivers & hospice workers at My Place to Call Home, and the many relatives, friends, and neighbors who assisted in Doris' care through her final years. A special thank you to her cousins, Mimi Williford and Joni Logan, daughters of Iris (Meyers) Lingren, and Linda Meyers, daughter of Herschel Meyers, for being there when needed most. Her family is grateful that she received the best of care and love from all.

Death Notice: Charles W. Keller, 86, Hood River

Charles W. Keller passed away on August 20, 2025, at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital in Hood River, Oregon. Charles was born August 19th, 1939, and was 86 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: 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.