Obituary: Don Elmer Kelsey, 95, The Dalles

Don E. Kelsey died August 26, 2026, in The Dalles, Oregon. Born January 1, 1929, in Sheridan, Wyoming. He was the sixth of seven children born to Glen and Viola (Strong) Kelsey.

The family left Wyoming shortly after Don was born, following available work, and lived in Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. He lived on his own from the age of 15, finding work as a logger and farm laborer. In December of 1949, he married Evalyn McGuire in Colfax, Washington, and worked there as a farm laborer and then for the highway department. In November of 1950, they moved to The Dalles, where he worked for the highway department and water district. In 1951, they moved to eastern Oregon, where Don worked on McNary Dam.

They returned to The Dalles in early 1953, where they raised their four children, and Don worked for a short time at the Tie Plant and then at The Dalles Dam. In October of that year, he began his electrical apprenticeship. Over the years, he did electrical work in town, as well as on the John Day Dam and eventually in Alaska for nearly two years in the mid 1970’s. Don and Evalyn divorced in 1975.

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In March of 1976, he married Sue Fleishauer in Reno, Nevada, and they moved to Portland. They owned a motel in Portland for a year and a half, but Don continued working in the electrical trade until his retirement in 1991, and they moved to The Dalles. Don built four homes for his family over the years and was known for his large vegetable garden, beautiful flower garden, and a strong work ethic. He loved to travel, fish, and enjoyed being with his grandchildren.

Don is survived by his wife, Sue; children Diane Kelly, deceased (Doug); Linda Quackenbush (Loyal); David (Wanda); and Steven (Martha). Sue’s children, Lynn Godden; Shanda Wolfe and Laura Pannone; 7 grandchildren, Sara Brandon (Ted) and April Huggler; AJ Quackenbush (Ashlie); Carrie, Sam (Kelsey); Scott (Meagan) Kelsey; and Eric Godden. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Alice and Liam Quackenbush and Evalyn (Evie) Kelly. His siblings, Grace, Margaret, Betty, Ted, Thelma, and Paul, predeceased him.

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Death Notice: Bryson Jay Jim, 18, Warm Springs

Bryson Jay Jim, age 18, a resident of Warm Springs, OR, passed away on August 6, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Stephen James Pratt, 32, Madras

Stephen James Pratt, age 32, a resident of Madras, OR, passed away on August 10, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Gary Wayne Kelly, 68, The Dalles

Gary Wayne Kelly, age 68, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on August 29, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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

Death Notice: Jolene Godoy, 84, The Dalles

Jolene Godoy passed away August 31, 2026, at home in Hood River, Oregon. Jolene was born on September 17, 1941 and was 84 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

Death Notice: Randall Mark Green, 71, of The Dalles

Randall Mark Green, age 71, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge on August 23, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Samuel Eugene Cobb, 73, Tygh Valley

Samuel Eugene Cobb, age 73, a resident of Tygh Valley, OR, passed away on August 29, 2026.

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

Death Notice: Jim E. Edens, 92, Hood River

Jim E. Edens passed away on August 26, 2026, at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver, Washington.   Jim was born on April 8, 1934, and was 92 when he passed away.

Services are pending, with arrangements 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: Larry Wayne Schwartz, 79, Hood River

Larry Wayne Schwartz passed away on August 30, 2026, at home in Hood River, Oregon.   Larry was born on November 20, 1946, and was 79 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

Death Notice: Daniel S. Cowan, 58, Beaverton

Daniel S. Cowan, born Sept. 30, 1967, died June 23, 2026. He was 58.

He was preceded in death by David A. Cowan.

He is survived by Sherry M. Briggs, Shane C. Cowan and Torrey S. Leinen.

Death Notice: Cameron Michael Bostick, 21, Dufur

Cameron Michael Bostick, age 21, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away August 22, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held at Dufur High School on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Cameron’s name to Dufur School ASB Football.

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

Obituary: Linda Rae (Kuhn) Lorenzen, 82, The Dalles

Linda Rae (Kuhn) Lorenzen

Linda Rae (Kuhn) Lorenzen, born Jan. 5, 1944, in La Grande, Oregon, passed away Aug. 17, 2026. Linda was the daughter of Merton and Vadna Kuhn and sister of Donna Kay Trussell. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jay Lorenzen, and her dear puppy, Mocha.

Linda graduated from La Grande High School in 1962 and Eastern Oregon College in 1963. She married Jay Dee Lorenzen on Sept. 1, 1963. They shared life and family together for 30 years until his untimely passing in 1995. She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Albrecht, and son, Jeff Lorenzen, as well as five grandchildren, Kathleen (and Calvin Sawyer), Jake, Sirius, Violet and Porter, and one great-grandchild, Leo.

Like so many other parts of her life, Linda spent her career helping others, first as a secretary at the Oregon Highway Department and the University of Oregon, later as a learning assistant at The Dalles Junior High, and finally as the president’s secretary at Columbia Gorge Community College. She officially retired in 2001 but continued to serve and support others for the last 25 years. For many years, Linda and her dog, Mocha, were familiar volunteers at Mid-Columbia Medical Center.

Linda’s faith and commitment to her Lord were the foundation of her life, whether she was with the Monday Night Bible Study ladies or enjoying morning meditation with her sweet black kitty. Through the years, she attended Longview Community Church, First Christian Church, Hood River Alliance Church and Gateway Presbyterian Church, and was grateful for the fellowship at each.

Linda loved reading, puzzles, building LEGO creations and her family, though not necessarily in that order. She also loved bringing people together, which she did right up to the end.

The family will host a Celebration of Life at Spooky’s Pizza, located at 3320 W. Sixth St., on Sept. 12, 2026, at 2 p.m. Be sure to wear purple, red or yellow, and be ready to share stories, laughs and tears as we remember our Linda Rae.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Springs at Mill Creek and Providence Hospice of the Gorge, with special thanks to all of her wonderful friends who shared their time with her.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Linda’s memory to Friends of The Dalles-Wasco County Public Library or Providence Hospice of the Gorge.

Obituary: Beverly J. Ackley Tuttle, The Dalles

Beverly J. Ackley Tuttle died peacefully in her sleep on August 11, 2026, at her home.

Beverly was the daughter of Beatrice and Chuck Ackley. She was born in Bingen, Washington, and had an older sister, Betty.

Beverly married David L. Tuttle on February 5, 1955, in North Bonneville, Washington. Together, they bought their first and last home in The Dalles, Oregon, where they built a beautiful life and raised their family. Happily married for more than 70 years, Beverly and David were truly like two peas in a pod. Their love, companionship, and devotion to one another were an inspiration to everyone who knew them.

They had three children: Kim, Kasey, and Jodi.

Beverly was known by her friends and family as a dear and caring woman. Her family and countless friends were her greatest joy. She was very involved in her community and generously gave her time through volunteer work.

Golf, travel, and pinochle were among Beverly’s greatest passions. She loved the game of golf, enjoyed traveling, and cherished the many hours spent playing pinochle with family and friends. She became a grandmother to six and took great pride in her grandchildren. She was a wonderful grandmother and great-grandmother, teaching many of them the rules and etiquette of golf and enjoying watching their sporting events.

Beverly’s generosity, laughter, and endless love touched the lives of so many. She had a way of making people feel loved, welcomed, and valued. She was truly an amazing woman whose presence brought joy to her family, friends, and community.

Beverly will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her beautiful spirit, warm laughter, generous heart, and boundless love will live on in the many lives she touched.

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

Death Notice: Dennis Richard Jarding, 83, The Dalles

Dennis Richard Jarding, age 83, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge on August 17, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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

Obituary: Richard Lewis Biggerstaff, 86, Hood River

Richard Lewis Biggerstaff, born in Nebraska on January 13, 1940, peacefully left this world on August 1, 2026, at Providence Hospital in Hood River, Oregon, at age 86, following a series of strokes after several years of declining health. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Leitha Biggerstaff, and his siblings, Joanne Biggerstaff Keough and Rodney Biggerstaff.  

Richard, who was known for most of his life as Dick but more recently as Rich, moved with his parents and siblings at an early age to Richland, Washington. He attended Lewis and Clark Elementary, Carmichael Junior High, and graduated in 1958 from Richland’s Columbia High School. He attended CBC, then finished his degree in geology at the University of Washington. He pursued his master’s degree in geological engineering at the University of Idaho.

Rich married his neighborhood girlfriend, Sally Hatcher, June 13, 1964 at Richland Lutheran Church. They had three sons together, Thad in 1969, Chet in 1971, and Matt in 1972.  

His work took the family all over the country, including to Oregon, California, Delaware, Texas, Missouri, and Washington. In 1993, they returned to Richland, where Rich worked for several different contractors at Hanford. In 2003, he and Sally purchased 21 acres outside of Goldendale, Washington. They commuted from Richland on weekends to work on establishing a hobby farm and home in the country. A few years later, when Sally retired from teaching and Rich retired as a geological engineer, they relocated there permanently. Rich then obtained his real estate license, and for several years helped many other people find their homes away from city life. 

Rich was excellent at using his hands. He was a wonderful woodworker, producing everything from small carved items to coffee tables to hunting bows to kayaks. He also was a Mr. Fix It, who was disgruntled if he had to hire someone to do any job he could not do himself.

He is survived by Sally, his wife of 62 years, at their home in Goldendale; son Thad of Yakima; son Chet (and companion, Anne) of Goldendale; son Matt (who has been Rich and Sally‘s helper and caregiver since 2019) at their home in Goldendale. Other survivors include granddaughter Kylee Biggerstaff and a great-granddaughter Khalia Biggerstaff in Federal Way, sisters-in-law Darlene Hatcher Tverberg in Pennsylvania, and Lynn-Marie Hatcher Peashka in Richland, three nieces, five nephews, and 12 great-nieces and nephews. 

Rich loved nature and hiking. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Washington Trails Association, 705 2nd Ave., Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98104, or online at www.wta.org

Messages of condolence may be sent to 2257 Glenwood Hwy, Goldendale, WA 98620 or smbigger3@gmail.com .

Per his wishes, there will be no services.

Death Notice: Merl Eugene Sanders, 70, Goldendale

Merl Eugene Sanders, age 70, a resident of Goldendale, WA, passed away at Columbia Basin Care Facility on August 5, 2026.

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

Obituary: Stephen Paul Bisset, Dufur

Stephen Paul Bisset, the seventh child of Alexis Paul and Marian (Vanderpool) Bisset, passed away May 27, 2026, at Desired for Healing in Pendleton, Oregon, after a long battle with epilepsy.

Steve was the youngest of seven children, with a twenty-year span between him and his oldest sibling. He lived the majority of his life on his parents’ farm on Wolf Run Ridge.

Steve was a bit of a wild child, especially during his high school years at what he referred to as “Dufur Tech,” along with his close friend Dave. Scott pursued common interests with Steve throughout many rebellious years.

Steve enjoyed hunting deer, “diggers,” and fishing. After losing his mother at the young age of 23, he spent many years with his dad working on the farm, changing sprinkler pipes and hauling in hay. He also spent countless hours cutting, hauling, splitting, and carrying in wood among the oaks and pines that surrounded him.

He is survived by his brothers, Tom and John Bisset; sisters Mary Thompson, Margaret Novak, and Barbara Bisset; sister-in-law Sandy Bisset and Carol Bisset; fourteen nieces and nephews; and much extended family.

His horse, Scout, and dog, Peetie, preceded him in death, as did his grandparents, parents, brother James Bisset, and nephews Gregory Alan Bisset and Gerald Thomas McCann.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, August 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home, with a Committal Service following at 4:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery.

We will remember you always, “Tiny.”

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

Death Notice: Linda Rae Lorenzen, 82, The Dalles

Linda Rae Lorenzen, age 82, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on August 17, 2026. There will be a viewing on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home.

A graveside service will take place at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.

Obituary: Robert McNary, 90, The Dalles

Robert McNary passed away on August 10, 2026, at Adventist Hospital in The Dalles, Oregon. Bob lived to see his 90th birthday, the first in his immediate family to do so.

Robert Jackson McNary was born May 29, 1936, near Brown City, Michigan. His parents were Howard and Clara Bina McNary. Raised on a farm, he milked cows twice a day and graduated from High School on his 17th birthday. Bob spent two years in the Army, stationed in Berlin, Germany. The country was still recovering from the ravages of World War Two, so Bob became a heavy equipment operator, learning the fine art of dirt moving and road building. After leaving the service, Bob came to Oregon looking for construction work. He found much to do. He worked for a time for the Corps of Engineers and learned dynamite skills while helping complete the Lyle tunnels on Highway 14. In the 1970’s Bob took a job in road construction with J.C. Compton Company from McMinnville, Oregon, and retired from traveling around the countryside in 2000.

Bob married Virginia Turner on July 29, 1963. She was a young widow with two small children to raise. Bob was up for the task. He was a volunteer Scoutmaster, served on various church committees, and served the city of The Dalles on the Landmark Commission. He was often seen volunteering in the booth for the Wasco County Democrats and in the High School looking to register young voters.

Bob loved working outside. He enjoyed his tulip garden that many people viewed while traveling up or down Brewery Grade. He was the master of the hillside.

Bob is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ginny; their children Dave Turner and wife Paula, Linda Kuciauskas and husband Matthew, Sally McNary Forster and husband Scott; his sister Joice Fredenburgh and her husband David; and his sister-in-law Sandra McNary. Grandson Max Turner, wife Payla, and granddaughter Autumn. He also leaves several nieces and nephews in Michigan and Montana. He was preceded in death by grandson Joseph Kuciauskas.

A Celebration of Bob’s life will be on Friday, August 21st at the First United Methodist Church, 305 East 11th St., The Dalles, Oregon, at 11 a.m. Viewing and visitation will take place at Spencer, Libby and Powell on Thursday, August 20th, from 2-6 p.m.

Memorial contributions can be made to Columbia Gorge Community College Foundation, 400 East Scenic Drive, The Dalles, OR 97058.

Obituary: Clarence Edward “Bud” Harris, Jr., 90, Hood River

Clarence Edward “Bud” Harris, Jr., age 90, passed away at his Hood River home in the company of his daughters on the evening of August 11, 2026.  Following his birth on August 25, 1935, in Columbus, Kansas, Bud would go on to enjoy many roles throughout his life, including loving husband, devoted father, brother, uncle, grandpa, and dear friend.

Bud’s childhood was one of humble beginnings, and the outdoors was his playground.  He loved to share fond memories of his parents (Clarence Edward Harris, Sr., and Ada Elizabeth Kapple) and his brother (Thomas) as they homesteaded from Kansas to California to Oregon.  His childhood was filled with many moves, but he always found ways to fish, hunt, and roughneck in the wilderness.  The family eventually landed in Grants Pass, Oregon, where they occupied an off-the-grid, one-room log cabin, complete with a “2-holer” out back!

During his junior year of high school, he fell in love with his lifelong partner, Mary Anne Miller, and despite his reputation for shooting squirrels, being a fishing addict, and having a propensity for stealing watermelons, she loved him back!  The two were (according to Bud) attached at the hip from then on.

Not long after graduating from Grants Pass High School, Clarence enlisted in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) in 1954, where he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, and he was decorated as an expert marksman.  He was such an excellent shooter that he represented the USMC as a member of its military service marksmen team.  It was also during this enlistment that he earned the nickname “Bud,” which stayed with him for his entire life.

The USMC left a lasting impression on him, but Bud would tell you that the greatest event of his life also happened in 1954.  That was when he and Mary eloped to Las Vegas and began their lives as husband and wife.  After separating from active service in 1957, the couple made their way to Oakridge, Oregon, where Bud began work for a private company called Columbia Utilities.  His 47-year telecommunications career took him from self-proclaimed “line-crew grunt” all the way up to General Network Manager for Sprint NW Operations.

Bud’s adult life mirrored his childhood with a few moves and a few challenges, but he and Mary remained grounded by raising a family and constantly enjoying the outdoors together.  They welcomed their first daughter, Cheryl Lee, on March 9, 1954; next would come Laurie Renee on March 5, 1959; and finally, Linda Sue on September 16, 1963.  As a family, they found their greatest joys on quiet lakes, sitting around campfires, playing the fiddle, and pioneer-style cooking.  When he was at home, Bud loved spending time in his shop woodworking, hitting the golf course, shooting trap, and enjoying the good company of family and friends.

After retiring from the phone company in September 1994, Bud’s greatest challenge came when Mary suffered a debilitating stroke in April 1995.  Fiercely loyal to the wife he loved, Bud faithfully stayed by her side as her full-time caregiver until she passed in July 2012.  Despite his heartache, Bud still held tight to his deepest loves--God, family, and his little dog, “Maggie.”

It was during the last few years of Bud’s life that he committed himself deeply to his faith.  In his personal notes, he wrote about rededicating his life and soul to the Lord, and he proudly professed his faith by being baptized in the East Fork of the Hood River at the age of 85.  He remained a faithful member of Wy’East Community Church until his passing.

Bud was preceded in death by his spouse, Mary Harris; parents Clarence and Ada Harris; brother Thomas Harris; and his daughter, Cheryl Lee Paasch.  He is survived by daughters Laurie Crosswhite (Scott) and Linda Massingill (Doug); grandchildren Jenny Crosswhite (Daniel Sandoval), Brian Crosswhite (Melissa), Robert Paasch (Molly), Gary Paasch (Elle), Kyle Massingill, Justin Crosswhite; great-grandchildren Aubri Crosswhite; Austin Crosswhite; Scout Paasch; niece Janay Serlick; nephew Thomas Harris, Jr.; and niece Catherine Brown.

A celebration of Bud’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, August 28, at Wy’East Community Church, Pine Grove, 2415 Eastside Rd., Hood River, Oregon.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bud’s memory to the “Hearts of Hospice Fund,” through Wy’East Community Church.  Checks and donations can be made out to “WCC” with “Hearts of Hospice” in the memo.

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