Obituary: James Alfred Titus, 92, Lyle Wash.

James Alfred Titus

James Alfred Titus, resident of Lyle, WA, passed away peacefully with family by his side on April 22, 2026, 5 days shy of his 93rd birthday.

Jim was born April 27, 1933 on the family farm in Castle Rock, WA to Arthur and Mildred Titus. He was the middle of seven siblings, joining Dick, Ron, Dorothy and followed by Keith, Carol, and Sue. Jim grew up in the Castle Rock area graduating from Castle Rock High School in 1951. He excelled in sports and was part of the 1950 undefeated football team. Go Rockets!

Jim joined the United States Naval Reserves while in high school and then reported to active duty in 1952 with just under 3 years of service. He attended Lower Columbia Community College and then Western Washington College of Education now called Western Washington University.

Jim met his future wife while attending WWU, Joan McQuigg, in 1957 when Joan needed a ride home from Bellingham to Toledo, which is on the way back to Castle Rock. That ride was the start of the courtship, which turned into infatuation, and then a marriage that lasted 66 years, starting December 29, 1957.

They graduated together from Western Washington in 1958 and started looking for teaching opportunities within the same school district that would hire them both. Jim and Joan accepted positions from Lyle High School for the fall of 1958, after agreeing on a plan to stay and gain experience in Lyle for two or three years.

The plan changed and Jim’s entire career lasted for 31 years in the Lyle School District until his retirement in 1990. Jim taught Social Studies, History, PE and coached Football, Basketball, Baseball, Track, and Cross Country. He had many great teams and athletes, which turned into lasting memories and lifelong friendships. He took up the duties of Athletic Director in 1967.

Jim attended summer schools at Central Washington University where he obtained his Principal credentials before becoming Principle of Lyle High School in 1972. He held both positions until his retirement. Durning this time, Jim and Joan, raised two wonderful sons, Erik and Paul. The whole family went to most sporting events and spent countless hours sitting on the hard wooden bleachers. In 1992, Lyle High School bestowed an honor to Jim by dedicating the naming of the gym the James A Titus Gymnasium.

In retirement, Jim kept himself busy by working for Amery Farms and continued countless hours of community support with the Lyle Lions Club. Jim and Joan had a winter residence in Apache Junction, AZ where they were snowbirds for over 15 years. They loved the desert, hiking, and wildflowers in bloom.

Jim and Joan purchased a minivan that was nicknamed the fun bus, where Jim was the driver. The fun bus had many adventures with weekly Friday night dinners with the William’s, Oldenburg’s and whoever else might be able to join.

Jim was an avid reader with local history and Westerns being his favorite. He loved following sports on TV and watching Mariner’s baseball.

Jim loved his two son’s beautiful families and their wives, 4 granddaughters, and 7 great grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife Joan (2024), infant son Jon Eric Titus, parents Arthur and Mildred Titus, brothers Dick, Ron, and Keith, and sister Dorothy. He is survived by his son Erik and Crystal and their children, Leah, Sarah, Krista, and son Paul and Mary Jo and their daughter Natalie, sisters Carol and Sue, and best friend Dean Oldenburg. They did crafts together, helped each other on projects, and Dean was part of the Titus family. Dean was a great neighbor, helped look after Jim to make sure all was well and responded to his emergencies when needed.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Lyle Lions Club or the charity of your choice.

A service will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Spencer, Libby & Powell in The Dalles, OR, followed by a luncheon at the Lyle Lions Club.

Death Notice: Gary Lee Coffman, 84, The Dalles

Gary Lee Coffman, age 84, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the Oregon Veterans Home on April 27, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Marilyn Jane Brown, 99, The Dalles

Marilyn Jane Brown, age 99, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge on April 28, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Peter Anthony Sirovatka, 76, The Dalles

Peter Anthony Sirovatka passed away on April 27, 2026, in The Dalles, Oregon. Peter was born on December 27, 1949, and was 76 at the time of his passing. 

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

Death Notice: Kevin Jack Grabler, 60, The Dalles

Kevin Jack Grabler, age 60, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on April 3, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Michael James Sandberg, 84, Rufus

Michael James Sandberg, age 84, a resident of Rufus, OR, passed away at home on April 23, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Susan Marie Booth, 52, Dufur

Susan Marie Booth, age 52, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away at home on April 23, 2026.

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

Obituary: Lester Nodurft, 86, The Dalles

Lester Nodurft passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories. He was born on January 2, 1940, in Pipestone, Minnesota, to Ray and Eulalia Nodurft. Lester spent his formative years in Durant, Iowa, where he grew up surrounded by family and community, and where he met the love of his life, Alta.

Lester and Alta were united in marriage on July 2, 1960, beginning a beautiful journey together that spanned 65 devoted years. Their love and partnership were the foundation of a life filled with laughter, resilience, and deep family bonds.

In 1961, they made their home in The Dalles, Oregon, where they lovingly raised their family and created countless treasured memories. After Lester’s retirement, they enjoyed time together in Yuma, Arizona, before returning to The Dalles in 2024, a place that always held a special place in their hearts.

He is lovingly remembered by his children: Sally Branham (Ken), Sharon Darnielle, and Sid Nodurft (Jennifer). Lester took great pride in his family and found immense joy in his role as a grandfather to Cody and Shayn Darnielle, and Eugene and Leslie Branham, along with their spouses. His legacy continues through his eight great-grandchildren, who brought him endless happiness.

Lester was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alta, who passed just nine days before him, a testament to the deep bond they shared; his parents, Ray and Eulalia Nodurft; and his sister, Bonnie. Though deeply missed, he will be remembered for his warmth, his steady presence, and the love he gave so freely.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 2, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Sorosis Park in The Dalles, Oregon, at the newer shelter, remembering Alta and Lester. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honor a life well lived. 

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

Death Notice: Harley E. Davidson, 95, Hood River

Harley E. Davidson passed away on April 21, 2026, at home in Hood River, Oregon.   Harley was born on January 4, 1931, and was 95 at the time of passing.

Services for Harley are planned as follows;

VIEWING

4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 1st at Anderson’s Tribute Center

FUNERAL & RECEPTION

1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 2nd at Anderson’s Tribute Center

GRAVESIDE COMMITTAL

3:00 p.m., Saturday, May 2nd, at Mountain View Memorial Cemetery of Hood River

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com

Death Notice: James Alfred Titus, 92, Lyle, Wash

James Alfred Titus, age 92, a resident of Lyle, WA, passed away at Flagstone Retirement & Assisted Living on April 22, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Nola Hardman, 88, Hood River

Nola Hardman passed away on April 21, 2026, at Parkhurst Place in Hood River, Oregon.   Nola was born on December 25, 1937 and was 88 at the time of passing.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com

Obituary: David Lawrence Lacock, 83, The Dalles

David Lawrence Lacock, 83, passed away on April 14, 2026, in The Dalles.

He was born on May 21, 1942, to Lawrence and Mary (Lamb) Lacock in Fall Creek, Oregon; the youngest of five children, he grew up in The Dalles and graduated from The Dalles High School in 1960. He played Football and Baseball for the Indians and lettered in both sports.

He joined the Oregon National Guard with his brother Ted in 1961, and he served until 1966.

He was an OSP Trooper from 1964 until 1970. He became a Wasco County Deputy Sheriff from 1970 to 1980. He retired from Wasco County in 1980, and worked numerous jobs throughout his later life; Martin Marietta, drove a long-haul truck with his son Darren, and most recently, a security guard at the Google site until his final retirement in 2023.

He married Marcia Lynne Palo on August 1, 1964, and they raised their sons, Jon and Darren, in The Dalles.

A beloved father and mentor, he thoroughly enjoyed fishing and camping. Some of his favorite activities were the annual father-son camping trip to Rock Creek Campgrounds in Wamic, space 27, and his trips up to Port Angeles. He was also what we joked about as a ‘tinkerer’ with his various projects and tools. He loved traveling to Pendleton to throw down on some poker. He had a great love for animals, and we know his dog Maggie misses him terribly.

David is survived by his wife, Marcia, at home; sons Jon Lacock and his wife Karrie of Port Angeles, Darren Lacock and his wife Joey of Dallesport, and Scott Lacock of The Dalles; eight grandchildren, Kanysah, Sierra, David, Dieryon, Marissah, Mathew, Tyler, and Andrew; six great-grandchildren, Kaiden, Xhaiden, Bennett, Blayke, Ceílí, Tate, and a great-grandson due in October of 2026; numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Mary, brothers Herb, Jim, Ted, and sister Doris.

At his request, no service will be planned.

He is very much loved and very missed.

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

Obituary: Alta Nodurft, 83, The Dalles

Alta Nodurft of The Dalles, Oregon, passed away on April 13, 2026.

Alta was born in Lowden, Iowa, to John and Ethel Meyer on May 28, 1942. She graduated from Durant High School in 1960 and, on July 2 of that same year, married the love of her life, Lester Nodurft. Together, they began a life centered on family, commitment, and shared experiences.

In 1961, Alta and Lester moved to The Dalles, where they established their home and raised their family. Following Lester’s retirement, they spent several years in Yuma, Arizona, before returning to The Dalles in 2024.

Alta will be remembered for her devotion to her family and the life she built alongside her husband of 65 years. She is survived by her husband, Lester; daughters, Sally Branham (Ken) and Sharon Darnielle; son, Sid Nodurft (Jennifer); grandchildren, Cody and Shayn Darnielle, and Eugene and Leslie Branham and their spouses; and eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Ethel Meyer, and her brothers, Gale and Bill.

Alta’s legacy lives on in the generations of family she loved so deeply.

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

Death Notice: Shirley Ann McKinney, 78, Wishram

Shirley Ann McKinney, age 78, a resident of Wishram, WA, passed away at home on April 4, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Ryan Christopher King, 38, Richland, WA

Ryan Christopher King, age 38, a resident of West Richland, WA, passed away on April 14, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Gayle Raye Ward, 76, The Dalles

Gayle Raye Ward, age 76, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Adventist Medical Center on March 28, 2026.

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

Death Notice: David Lawrence Lacock, 83, The Dalles

David Lawrence Lacock, age 83, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Columbia Basin Care Facility on April 14, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Florence Mae Child, 83, The Dalles

Florence Mae Child, age 83, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Flagstone Retirement and Assisted Living on April 14, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Jack Wallace Franklin, 100, The Dalles

Jack Wallace Franklin, age 100, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at The Springs at Mill Creek on April 13, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Christopher Charles Worton, 48, The Dalles

Christopher Charles Worton passed away on April 5, 2026, in The Dalles, Oregon. He was born on September 24, 1977, and was 48 years old at the time of his passing.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com.