Death Notice: Linda Joslyn Bergeson, 83, The Dalles

Linda Joslyn Bergeson, age 83, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at The Springs at Mill Creek on October 2, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Merla K Biggins, 92, The Dalles

Merla K Biggins, age 92, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Columbia Basin Care Facility on October 3, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Margaret Marie Thornton, 87, The Dalles

Margaret Marie Thornton, age 87, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away August 11, 2025.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Bargeway Pub, 1535 Bargeway Road, The Dalles, OR 97058.

Death Notice: William “Bill” Sheppard, Jr., 97, Hood River

William “Bill” Sheppard, Jr. passed away October 1, 2025 in Hood River, Oregon. Bill was born March 30, 1928 and was 97 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.

William ‘Bill’ Shepperd Jr., center.

Death Notice: Debra “Debbie” Darline Howe, 72, The Dalles

Debra “Debbie” Darline Howe, age 72, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge on September 29, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Jerald Reese Draper, 88, Hood River

Jerald Reese Draper passed away on September 15, 2025, at his home in Hood River, Oregon. Jerald was born June 30, 1937, and was 88 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.

Death Notice: Joan Marlene Lambert, 83, Tygh Valley

Joan Marlene Lambert, age 83, a resident of Tygh Valley, OR, passed away at Canyon Rim Assisted Living on September 20, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Norma Springston, 89, Hood River

Norma Springston passed away on September 16, 2025, at Hood River Care Center in Hood River, Oregon. Norma was born April 30, 193,6 and was 89 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: Frank Thomas Vilos, 87, The Dalles

Frank Thomas Vilos, a beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2025, at the age of 87, in The Dalles, Oregon, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.

Frank was born on October 9, 1937, in Newcastle, Wyoming, to Chris George Vilos Sr. (Nestani, Greece) and Elizabeth Marie Shedlock (Dietz, Wyoming) Vilos. Stubborn in the best way, loyal to his family and friends, and never happier than when there was “real” work to be done. Frank grew up with ranch grit in his bones— breaking green-broke horses and making sure those around him were cared for.

Frank had a passion for gardening, with a gift for cultivating just about anything. His garden was a reflection of his patience and care, and his tomatoes were known to be some of the best around. Inquisitive by nature and a lifelong learner, Frank was an avid car enthusiast and liked to turn a wrench. He took satisfaction in knowing everything there was to know about engines and mechanics. Calm and steady, rarely ruffled, Frank was a forward thinker, always prepared. In his spare time, Frank also enjoyed fishing and hunting—there wasn’t a spot in Wyoming he didn’t know.

Frank’s love of food and hard work began in high school, when he worked at a local bakery in Casper, Wyoming, is making sweet rolls that became a best seller. He later used these skills to make cinnamon rolls and Bismarcks while living in Cooke City, Montana, where they again became a local favorite. His success in the kitchen followed him throughout life, especially during his time cooking and helping to run the family-owned restaurant, The Western Cafe in Bozeman, Montana, is a beloved local institution. During this time, Frank also attended Montana State University-Bozeman, studying chemistry for three years and excelling in all his studies.

In the 1960s, the family moved to Worland, Wyoming, where they owned and operated Scotty’s Cafe and later relocated down the street, naming it The Ram’s Horn Cafe. Frank also proudly served his country in the Army National Guard as a radio operator and Morse code instructor, embodying the same steadfastness and reliability that defined his life. In October of 1961, he was placed on active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis and served until his honorable discharge in August 1962. Shortly after his return, Frank met Ermina Lynn Frost and married on July 28, 1968. During their marriage of 11 years, together they had four children: Thereasa Lynn Vilos, Deianeirra Ermina Kelley, Franceina Marie Brackenbury, and Branden Scott Vilos.

Frank was a natural provider, dedicating his life to work in the culinary arts, oilfield services, and eventually finding joy in healthcare—supporting others and giving back to his community. After retiring, he moved to The Dalles, Oregon, to be near his daughter, Franceina, and son-in-law Fred Brackenbury, and their two sons, Joshua and Caleb, while staying closely connected to family and friends in Wyoming.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Chris and Elizabeth Vilos; his siblings, Chris George Vilos Jr. and Elaine Marie Laird; and his daughter, Thereasa Lynn Vilos—all of whom left a profound impact on his life.

He is survived by his children: Deianeirra (Dave) Kelley, Franceina (Fred) Brackenbury, and Branden Vilos; and his grandchildren: Kevin (Stashia) Humphrey, Zachary Humphrey, Alexandra Staats, Eric (Luca) Staats, Joshua Brackenbury, Caleb Brackenbury, Thaddeus Vilos, and Stella Vilos. He is also survived by Loren Laird, husband of his late sister Elaine, and Glenna Vilos, wife of his late brother Chris, along with many other beloved family members who will miss him dearly.

Frank’s warmth, kindness, and unwavering support will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

His legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

**A celebration of Frank’s life will be held in The Dalles, Oregon on September 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at The Dalles Evangelical Church, 1001 East 12th Street, The Dalles, OR 97058.

**Funeral Services will be held in Worland, Wyoming on July 3, 2026, 2:00 p.m. at Bryant Funeral Home, 1320 Big Horn Avenue, Worland, WY 82401, with interment to follow at Riverview Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 501 15 Mile Road, Worland, WY 82401. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army National Guard.

Obituary: Darlene Joyce Wood, 78, The Dalles

Darlene Joyce Wood was born on March 31, 1947, in Los Angeles, California, to Joanie and Tony Osborne.

Darlene married the love of her life, Tom Wood, on February 18, 1966, right before Tom headed to Vietnam. They moved a few times before settling in Oregon City with their two sons and then eventually moving to The Dalles in 1987, where they have lived ever since.

Darlene was always very active. She and Tom delivered Meals on Wheels for many years. She enjoyed volunteering with their homeowner’s association by welcoming newcomers to the neighborhood. She was known for her cooking and baking, always making cookies for the senior center, family, and neighbors. Darlene spent a lot of time caring for her garden, enjoying wildflowers, and walking with their dogs through the years.

Darlene is survived by Tom, her husband of 59 years; sons, Mike and Jeff; grandchildren,

Hayden and Braylie; great grandson; Tyler; sisters, Marilyn and Kathy; brother-in-law Steve.

She is proceeded in death by her mother and father, and her grandson, Brenden.

Darlene always made people smile with her upbeat, caring personality. She was loved by so many and will be missed terribly.

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

Death Notice: Barbara Barney, 61, The Dalles

Barbara Barney passed away on September 17, 2025, at Hawks Ridge Assisted Living in Hood River, Oregon. Barbara was born on November 11, 1963, and was 61 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: Lonn William Holston, 94, The Dalles

Lonn William Holston, age 94, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital on September 12, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Steven “Steve” James Paasch, 65, Hood River

Steven “Steve” James Paasch passed away on September 14, 2025, at his home in Hood River, Oregon.

He was born on October 22, 1959, and was 65 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. You can visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Jerry Tad Phetteplace, 95, The Dalles

Jerry Tad Phetteplace, age 95, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at The Dalles Health and Rehabilitation Center on September 9, 2025.

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

Obituary: Mary Deswert, 99, Dufur

Private Burial was held at Dufur Cemetery on August 26th

Mary is survived by her husband Deon M. Deswert; her children Pamela Rosales of Bend, Loraine Benas of Louisville, CO, JoAnn O’Dierno of Prineville, and Deon Deswert Jr, of Friend; 11 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her mother Louisa DeSantis and father Luigi DeSantis, brother Edward DeSantis and sister Caroline Deswert.

Mary and Deon were married December 25, 1948. This year would have marked 77 years together.

Mary loved to learn and teach. She taught her mother how to speak English.  

Mary and Deon moved to Friend Oregon in 1996. She taught first through third grades at Dufur School until she retired in 1990.

Mary was active in her children’s schools as room mother, PTA, and 4H Leader.

After her children graduated, she earned her teaching degree at Portland State College, followed by a Master’s degree in Special Education. She taught special education at Fruit Valley School in Vancouver, WA, before moving to Dufur Elementary School. 

Mary loved to travel. She and Deon visited Mexico, and took their children and spouses to Hawaii. Other trips included Turkey, Greece, Germany, France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein; and Rovito, Italy, where her family is from. Her nephew Bob Deswert and wife Robbyn took Mary on a motor home tour of the southern states. 

Mary was a gifted artist. She loved oil painting, and she belonged to the Dufur China Painting Club. 

Other interests included the Dufur Garden Club; the Dufur Threshing Bee, of which she was an Honorary Grand Marshal. As a cancer survivor, she helped facilitate a cancer support group in The Dalles.

Following is Mary’s Celebration of Life

Celebrating the Life of Mary Deswert

Saturday October 18th, 1pm-3pm

802 NE 5th Street

Dufur, OR 97021

Food and Refreshments will be served.

Please bring your favorite stories, memories, and photos to share.

 Please RSVP to either one of the following email addresses and the number of people joining you

Pam Rosales......pam.river97@gmail.com

JoAnn O'dierno....joannodierno@gmail.com  

Debra Deswert.....deborahkay29@aol.com

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

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.