Death Notice: Pearl Lucille Munsen, 98, The Dalles
Death Notice: Pearl Lucille Munsen, 98, The Dalles
Pearl Lucille Munsen, age 98, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on October 11, 2026. A Funeral Service will be held on October 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home, 1100 Kelly Ave., The Dalles, OR 97058; the Graveside Service will follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery on Cherry Heights Road.
Spencer, Libby, and Powell Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.
Obituary: David Alexander Avila Graves, 30, The Dalles
Obituary: David Alexander Avila Graves, 30, The Dalles
David Alexander Avila Graves of The Dalles, Alex to his friends, passed away on October 12, 2026, at OHSU Hospital in Portland.
Alex was born in The Dalles on December 5, 1995, to Diana Mary Graves and Raul Avila. He and his siblings attended St. Mary’s Academy in The Dalles in their early school years. Alex completed his GED and some college-level classes at the local community college. As a youngster, he enjoyed Cub Scouts, soccer, and basketball. He really enjoyed longboarding and playing Xbox as well as hanging out with some of his good friends.
Alex enjoyed cooking as a kid and gardening. He imagined himself becoming a world-class chef. As it turned out, he did become a culinary expert with a BBQ grill! Alex was also an outstanding fisherman and absolutely loved fishing.
He had many jobs throughout his life but ultimately enjoyed his time at the Sinclair gas station where he worked his way up and became the manager for several years. As an adult, he enjoyed spending time with his children as well as fishing and barbecuing often. He loved taking his kids on weekend outings, with a favorite destination being the Oregon Coast.
His humor was an acquired taste; he was always cracking jokes and in a good mood. His positive attitude always shone through no matter what the circumstances. Even in his hardest times of life, he was always the one cheering other people up.
He is survived by his estranged spouse, his children Vanessa and David Jr., Father, Raul Avila; Grandfather, Ron Graves; brothers, Aaron Graves and Adrian Graves; Aunt, Rebecca Tobias; Uncle, Mike Graves; many great aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, and many friends who were truly like family. Alex was predeceased by his mother, Diana Mary Graves, in 2009, and grandmother, Catherine Mary Graves in 2026.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, October 14, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in The Dalles, Oregon.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 15, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church in The Dalles, followed by a graveside service and a reception in the Parish Center.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Obituary: David Kalousdian, 82, Hood River
David started Discovery Bicycles shop in Hood River. He was a man of few words; He showed his care through actions. An inveterate fix-it guy, he could often be found tinkering with a bike and was known as the go-to bike guy in his circle of friends. He always seemed to own the right tool for the job.
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David Kalousdian
July 14, 1944 – October 1, 2026
David Kalousdian passed away on October 1, 2026 doing what he loved—fishing the Columbia River.
David was born and raised in Pasadena, California, surrounded by a large Armenian extended family. In high school, he developed an interest in photography that led him to Lake Tahoe and to his first business venture in a camera shop. David grew up quickly after becoming a husband and father at 19. He switched careers to the casino industry, working his way up from keno ticket writer to dealer to pit boss while raising his sons, Jamie and Jeff.
Tahoe offered the perfect setting for David's love of adventure. He spent summers water skiing on the lake and cycling in the surrounding mountains, and winters snow skiing and snowmobiling. His entrepreneurial spirit eventually led him to business ownership, and in the early 80’s he opened a bicycle shop, combining his business instincts with his interest in cycling.
In 1991, David moved to Hood River, Oregon and started a new chapter in his life. He opened Discover Bicycles and quickly became an integral part of a new community. He joined the Lions and the Elks, introduced countless cyclists to bike trails in the area, and welcomed everyone into his shop. In 2001, Sarah Plotkin stopped into the shop with friends, chatted David up, and returned the next day to ask him out. They married in 2003 and built an active life together.
David and Sarah spent winters in Los Barriles, Baja California, Mexico and were part of a community of cyclists, windsurfers, kiteboarders, pickleball players, and fishermen. Many days started at dawn on their fishing boat, and ended with a great meal of fish caught that morning. David loved to cook for the friends and family that gathered in their humble, welcoming home, and often included an Armenian dish from his childhood.
A man of few words, David showed his care through actions. An inveterate fix-it guy, he could often be found tinkering with a bike and was known as the go-to bike guy in his circle of friends. He always seemed to own the right tool for the job and he didn’t mind lending one, or a set of hands, to a neighbor or a friend. He did it all quietly, with a twinkle in his eye and a grin on his face.
David’s appetite for adventure sometimes came at a physical cost. Motorcycling, snow skiing, bicycling, and time on the water resulted in numerous injuries and surgeries, making him a familiar face in operating rooms. But he was never one to let a setback keep him down for long. Once recovered, he would return to the outdoors, testing his mended body and its new synthetic parts with the same enthusiasm that had gotten him into trouble in the first place.
David found joy in new experiences and was never just an observer but a full-on participant. He embraced the outdoors and adventure, pursued new business opportunities, and created lasting connections along the way. He was there for his family when they needed him, and especially loved time with his grandchildren.
David lived his life to the fullest. This is his legacy: the things he built, the people he touched, the memories he shared, and the family he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Sarah; his sons, Jamie and Jeff; his grandchildren on both coasts; his brother, Paul; his sister, Ruth; and the many friends whose lives he enriched.
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: Gary Buehler, 75, Hood River
After raising his three children, Gary developed a special bond with his granddaughters, who brought him immense joy. He supported Adelyn and fellow left-hander Emarie by attending their athletic competitions and school events and even joining them on a sailing trip or two.
Gary Buehler, 75, remembered for his love of family and adventure
Gary Buehler passed away Sept. 21 at the age of 75. He was born April 24, 1951, in Lima, New York, to Karl and Mary Elizabeth “Betty” (Lowe) Buehler.
The family moved from upstate New York to Idaho and Washington before settling in Oregon’s Willamette Valley in 1966. Gary graduated from Stayton High School in 1969 and was an avid skier and adventurer. He married his high school sweetheart, Christine, in 1970.
Gary attended barber school in Salem before moving into carpentry and construction. In 1978, he started his own business, Buehler Carpentry Co. After more than 20 years in the carpentry business, Gary moved from the Willamette Valley to Hood River, where he worked in various occupations, including as a county maintenance supervisor. After retiring, he continued to mentor others, work on projects and keep himself busy.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Betty, and siblings Bonnie, Karl Jr. and Mari.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Christine (Royse) Buehler of Hood River; daughters Sierra Buehler of Salem and Kristle Buehler of Parkdale; son Logan (Melissa) Buehler of White Salmon, Washington; granddaughters Adelyn Royse and Emarie Grace; and many nieces and nephews.
Spending time with family was important to Gary. After raising his three children, he developed a special bond with his granddaughters, who brought him immense joy. He supported Adelyn and fellow left-hander Emarie by attending their athletic competitions and school events and even joining them on a sailing trip or two.
Gary’s love of adventure and the outdoors began early. As a child, he spent many years on Keuka Lake in upstate New York. When the family lived in Walla Walla, he enjoyed hiking and skiing in Eastern Oregon. During his teenage years, he skied at Mount Bachelor.
Later adventures included working on the family’s 10-acre Echo Hill property, which included building the family home; family ski trips to Hoodoo; camping trips to Big Lake and Diamond Lake; sailing the Columbia River aboard his 27-foot sailboat; and annual visits to a remote fishing village in Mexico over the past 18 years.
Many of Gary’s adventures over the past 55 years included Christine, other family members and friends who became like family. A people person, Gary loved attending local gatherings in Hood River, Ocean Park and Fort Klamath, where he spent his final years.
Gary was a kind soul who was always ready to lend a helping hand. He believed there was a right way, a wrong way and the “Buehler Way.” Whether or not every project got done, he brought light, laughter and boundless love into the lives of those around him. His spirit will live on in the memories of everyone who knew him.
The family thanks everyone who was part of Gary’s life, shared a connection with him and offered support.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
To send flowers or plant a memorial tree, visit Cascade Cremation’s memorial page. To order flowers, visit the online flower store.
Obituary: Wayne Allan Settje, 67, Hood River
Obituary: Wayne Allan Settje, 67, Hood River
Wayne Allan Settje, 67, of Hood River, Oregon, passed away on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland. He was born February 7, 1959, in Pennsylvania to the late Victor Alvin and Ingrid Elizabeth (Larson) Settje.
Wayne spent his youth moving across the country for his father’s road construction work before the family settled on Wy’East Road in Hood River in the 1960s. He began a lifelong career as a heavy equipment operator and paver in the 1970s with Settje Sons Paving. Wayne later spent over 30 adventurous years in Anchorage, Alaska, working as a dedicated paving foreman and proud member of the IUOE, Local 302. An avid outdoorsman, he loved skiing, hunting, and backpacking the northern wilderness.
In 2011, Wayne returned to Hood River, working for regional companies like Granite Construction, Settje Son’s Paving and Knife River. Known for his boisterous voice, infectious laugh, and deep Christian faith, he found true joy in caring for his mother, operating tractors at Kahler Orchards, and exploring the mountains with his loyal German Shepherd, Lucy.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents and his bonus brother, John M. Curry.
He is survived by his siblings: Victor Settje Jr. (Annie) of Estonia; Connie Fisher (Michael R. Samples) of Reno, NV; Daniel F. Settje of Big Lake, AK; Josephine Davenport (Larry) of Tri-Cities, WA; Katherine Settje-Kahler (Richard) of Odell, OR; Donna A.D. Settje of Portland, OR; Elizabeth Settje-Viavoda (Yani) of Hood River, OR; James E. Settje (Trish) of Estacada, OR; Joseph B. Settje (Bobbi) of Redmond, OR; and Hannah Settje (Lee Kober) of Hood River, OR. He is also survived by his bonus brother, Bradley Berens of Anchorage, AK; 25 nieces and nephews; and a large extended family.
Services were held October 9th at 11:00 a.m. at Concordia Lutheran Church, Hood River. Wayne will be interned next to his parents in Mt. View Cemetery immediately following the church service. Memorial donations may be made to the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Dissection Awareness or the Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com
Death Notice: Kara Marie Allphin, 57, The Dalles
Death Notice: Kara Marie Allphin, 57, The Dalles
Kara Marie Allphin, age 57, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on October 11, 2026.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Obituary: Dawn Elaine Moore, 78, The Dalles
Obituary: Dawn Elaine Moore, 78, The Dalles
Dawn Elaine Moore was born on September 24, 1948, in McMinnville, Oregon, to Vern and Florence Markee. Dawn’s family moved to Portland, Oregon, and then to Goldendale, Washington, where she met the love of her life, Tom, in December of 1965. Tom and Dawn were married on July 2, 1966.
Dawn set out on a big adventure, flying to Germany alone to be with Tom while he served in the US Army and was stationed in Würzburg. During the two years they were in Germany, a daughter was born, Wendy Lee. When Tom completed his service, they returned to The Dalles and purchased their first home. In 1970, a son, Michael Edward, was born, and their little family was complete.
Dawn was able to stay at home with Mike and Wendy while keeping the books for their property management company. When Wendy graduated high school, Tom, Dawn, and Mike moved to Joseph, Oregon, to ranch for Tom’s Uncle Frank. Dawn saw a need for a clothing store in the community, and with that, Dawn’s Dud’s was born. You could see Dawn loved being her own boss and making a difference in her community.
Tom and Dawn eventually moved back to The Dalles, where they managed Beaverton Lodge in Beaverton, Oregon. They were home in The Dalles for half a week, giving Dawn time to work in her yard and tend to her garden. She really enjoyed having a nice yard just like her father.
Tom and Dawn didn’t retire well, and they both went to work for the school district. Dawn worked as a lunch lady and enjoyed visiting with the school kids every day.
Dawn was a loving daughter, sister, wife, and mother. She will be dearly missed. Dawn was preceded in death by her parents, Vern and Florence Markee, sister Beverly, and sister Dianne. Dawn is survived by her brother Tom, sister Yvonne, husband of 60 years, Tom, daughter Wendy (Richard) Perecz, and son Mike (Alaina) Moore. Grandkids: Johnny, Luke, Jeremy, Justin, and Mallory. Great-grandkids: Amaia, Aidan, Devin, Asher, Asuna, Asura, Oakley, and one on the way.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.
A Celebration of life for Dawn will be held at Anderson’s Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Ave, Hood River, Oregon 97031) at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24th, 2026, with a reception to follow.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com
Obituary: Patricia Seneker Strle Watson-Mack, 90, The Dalles
Obituary: Patricia Seneker Strle Watson-Mack, 90, The Dalles
Patricia Mack, 90 Years old
Patricia Seneker Strle Watson-Mack was born January 24, 1936, in Joliet, Illinois. Died October 8, 2026, at Hood River Post Acute Care Center in Hood River, Oregon. She was surrounded by family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her daughter Linda Strle, parents George and Margaret Seneker, and her brother Leon Seneker. She is survived by her children Rich (Mary) Strle, Terry (Steve Ferree) Strle, Ron (Donald Skillestad) Strle, and Robert (Brenda) Strle. Her sister-in-law Rita Seneker. Eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Patricia was a true Roaming Catholic. Moving from Joliet, Patricia lived in Fairbanks, Alaska; Las Vegas, Nevada; Long Beach, California; and Sedona, Arizona; and settled in The Dalles, Oregon, 12 years ago.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Obituary: Kenneth “Ken” Wayne Nierman, 98, The Dalles
Obituary: Kenneth “Ken” Wayne Nierman, 98, The Dalles
Kenneth “Ken” Wayne Nierman passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by a lifetime of love, just days before his 99th birthday.
Ken was born in October 1927 and raised on a farm near Osmond, Nebraska. It was there that he learned the value of hard work and developed a lifelong talent for growing just about anything—although his family would tell you that his corn and potatoes were particularly hard to beat.
After graduating from high school near the end of World War II, Ken answered the call to serve his country. His military service ultimately took him to the US Navy, where he served as a Yeoman First Class. Following his active-duty service, he continued serving in the Naval Reserve.
In 1952, Ken married the love of his life, Norma Kenny. Their marriage became the foundation of a family and a life they built together over more than seven decades. Just this September, Ken and Norma celebrated an extraordinary 74 years of marriage—a testament to a love and partnership that endured nearly a lifetime.
Ken was happiest outdoors, especially when he was hunting, fishing, tending a garden, or simply spending time with the people he loved. Above all else, family was at the heart of his life.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Norma; his son, Doug Nierman; and his daughter, Janna Hage, and her husband, Garry. His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Jason Hage and his wife, Nickie; Nicole Ryan and her husband, Nick; and through his four great-grandchildren, Maggie Ryan, Eames Ryan, Brody Hage, and Gunner Hage. He is also survived by his younger sister Joan Schulz of Norfolk, Nebraska, and numerous nieces and nephews in Nebraska.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Laura and Elmer Niermann, and his younger brother, Norman, who surely were there to greet him at the pearly gates.
Nearly 99 years is a remarkable amount of time to spend on this earth, and Ken filled those years with service to the church, faith in his Lord, love of family, friends and laughter. He lived long enough to see generations of his family grow around him, to celebrate 74 years beside the woman he loved, and to leave this world peacefully knowing just how deeply he was loved.
He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to Faith Lutheran Church in Ken's name.
A Memorial Service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 2810 W 10th St., The Dalles, OR 97058, on October 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Death Notice: James “Jim” Doyle, 68
Death Notice: James “Jim” Doyle, 68
James “Jim” Doyle passed away October 6th, 2026, at OHSU Hospital in Portland, Oregon.
James was born on November 27th, 1957 and was 68 at the time of passing. Services are pending with 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: Jan Marie Gimlin, 66, The Dalles
Death Notice: Jan Marie Gimlin, 66, The Dalles
Jan Marie Gimlin, age 66, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on October 9, 2026.
A Graveside Service will be held Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 11 AM at the Mt. Adams Cemetery on Cemetery Road in Glenwood, Washington. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Death Notice: Kenneth Wayne Niermann, 98, The Dalles
Death Notice: Kenneth Wayne Niermann, 98, The Dalles
Kenneth Wayne Niermann, age 98, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at The Springs at Mill Creek on October 4, 2026. A Memorial Service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 2810 W 10th St., The Dalles, OR 97058, on October 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Death Notice: Jesse James Fox, 87, Wasco
Death Notice: Jesse James Fox, 87, Wasco
Jesse James Fox, age 87, a resident of Wasco, OR, passed away at home on October 7, 2026.
Spencer, Libby, and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Death Notice: Rose Anna Dorzab, 82, The Dalles
Death Notice: Rose Anna Dorzab, 82, The Dalles
Rose Anna Dorzab, age 82, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Flagstone Assisted Living on October 6, 2026.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Death Notice: Dawn Elain Moore, 78, The Dalles
Death Notice: Dawn Elain Moore, 78, The Dalles
Dawn Elain Moore passed away on October 5, 2026, in The Dalles, Oregon. She was born on September 24, 1948, and was 78 years old at the time of her passing. A Celebration of Life for Dawn will be held at Anderson’s Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Ave, Hood River, OR 97031) on October 24th, 2026, at 1:00 P.M., with a reception to follow.
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: William Edward Hardy, 72, The Dalles
Death Notice: William Edward Hardy, 72, The Dalles
William Edward Hardy, age 72, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at OHSU on October 2, 2026.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Obituary: Nancy Weigelt Hitzemann, 85, The Dalles
Obituary: Nancy Weigelt Hitzemann, 85, The Dalles
Nancy Weigelt Hitzemann was born on March 23, 1941, in The Dalles, Oregon, to Gus and Lily Weigelt. An only child, she grew up surrounded by books and stories in her family’s bookstore, “Weigelt’s Bookstore & Stationers,” reportedly the longest privately owned bookstore “West of the Rockies.” Nancy grew up to be quite independent.
At The Dalles High School, Nancy was crowned Sweetheart at the Valentine’s Ball, played the bugle with the Booster Girls and was a member of the Ushers. Summers were spent at the “Nat,” where she swam on the Elks Swim Team. She won numerous trophies—and she was good— really good!
After high school, Nancy and her friends, Sally and Glenda, discovered that the University of Idaho had a favorable ratio of men to women. Naturally, they headed to Idaho. Nancy earned a degree in elementary education and won an award for having the best legs on campus— a distinction she surely would have wanted remembered.
In 1982, Nancy married Jim Hitzemann and became stepmother to Deric and Krista (Todd).
After brief stays in Bellevue, Washington, and Rancho Bernardo, California, where Nancy became a substitute teacher for the Poway School District, Nancy and Jim made their final home in Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii. She volunteered with AdvoCATS, a rescue organization dedicated to saving, spaying, and neutering feral cats. Nancy and Jim had three cats of their own, and fostered many, many more. Their love of cruising also benefitted their friends, who were frequently recruited to cat sit.
Fun, adventurous, independent, generous and warm-hearted, Nancy lived fully on her own terms. Her life included swimming, teaching, travelling with Jim, family, lifelong friendships, laughter, books and more cats than anyone can reasonably count.
Nancy returned to The Dalles and moved to The Springs, where she passed away on September 21, 2026. Her ashes will be scattered, together with Jim’s, off the beach in Kona, Hawaii, returning them together to a place they loved. Donations in Nancy’s memory may be made to Columbia Gorge Humane Society, 200 River Road, The Dalles, OR 97058, and indicate in memory of Nancy Weigelt Hitzemann.
Obituary: Marva Jo Deal, 84, Hood River
Obituary: Obituary: Marva Jo Deal, 84, Hood River, 84, Hood River
Marva Jo Deal, 84, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2026, at Hawk’s Ridge Assisted Living in Hood River, Oregon. She was born on July 16, 1942, in Salina, Kansas, to Howard Leslie Mortimer and Vera Lowine (Isaacson) Mortimer. Marva Jo was the oldest of three sisters.
Marva Jo graduated from Salina High School in 1960. After high school, she began working as an administrative assistant for the Kansas State Highway Commission, where she met Clifton Eugene Deal, a civil engineer. The two were married on October 27, 1963, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Salina, Kansas.
Marva Jo and Clifton began their married life in Salina, where their two children, Ward and Heather, were born. Clifton’s work took the family to Frankfurt, Kansas, and Lincoln, Nebraska, for short periods before they returned to Salina. In 1982, the family moved to Gresham, Oregon, where Marva Jo and Clifton lived for many years. In October 2025, Marva Jo moved to Hawk’s Ridge Assisted Living in Hood River, where she spent her final year.
Throughout her life, Marva Jo enjoyed learning and continued her education at Mt. Hood Community College, earning an Associate of Arts degree in June 1991. Marva Jo worked in several fields throughout her life, including medical records for a medical office and as an assistant at a law firm in Salina. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who found great joy in spending time with the people she loved.
She and Clifton were also world travelers, collecting wonderful memories, stories, and gifts along the way. Marva Jo especially cherished her friendships. One treasured reminder of a friendship lasting more than 40 years was a bracelet given to her dear friend Barb Topham, engraved with the words, “A true friend reaches for your hand and touches your heart.”
Marva Jo had many interests and enjoyed bowling, sewing, gardening, music, and singing in church choirs. She loved spending time with family and friends and was known for her beautiful smile and loving nature.
Her faith and service to others were important parts of her life. Marva Jo was active at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Salina and later at Trinity Lutheran Church in Gresham. Over the years, she served as a Girl Scout leader, PTA president, treasurer for Church Women United, and was a member of the Beta Epsilon Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha International and the League of Women Voters. She also enjoyed being part of her church choirs.
Marva Jo is survived by her husband, Clifton Eugene Deal, of Hood River; her son, Ward Deal, and his wife, Donna, of Nampa, Idaho; and her daughter, Heather Deal-Wellenstein, and her husband, Robert, of Hood River, Oregon. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Danielle Derig, Devin Deal, Conor Deal, Erika Wellenstein, and Sebastian Wellenstein, and her beloved “grand puppy,” Rosie, a Boston Terrier whom Marva Jo lovingly nicknamed “Rosie Posie.” She was preceded in death by her sisters, Joyce Hill Poague and Donna Lee Johnson.
Marva Jo was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her warm smile, generous spirit, love of family, and ability to make lasting friendships will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
A Celebration of Life for Marva Jo will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Gresham, Oregon. The date and time will be announced; Pastor Aimee Bruno will officiate, with a reception to follow. A private visitation for immediate family will be held on September 30, 2026
Condolences may be shared with the family at AndersonsTributeCenter.com
Obituary: Darrick Lee Lawrence, 64, Odell
Darrick’s mechanical ability became apparent at an early age. By age 5 or younger, he would remove all the screws from doorknobs around his house. When an adult tried to open a door, the mechanism would fall apart in their hand.
Darrick Lee Lawrence
Darrick Lee Lawrence
Darrick Lee Lawrence was born June 27, 1962, and died July 21, 2026.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his children, Joshua, Jeremy and Sadie, also known as Alex; his brother, David Lawrence; and his parents, Trudy Osbourn and Jerry Lawrence.
Darrick was a car enthusiast who knew every aspect of restoring a vehicle, from mechanical components — including engines, transmissions and electrical systems — to repairing body damage. His favorite cars were certain models from Chrysler Corp., particularly Dodge and Plymouth, as well as British cars such as Jaguars and MGs.
He also raced cars. He owned a 1979 Dodge work pickup that he later transformed into his “drag truck.” Darrick did all of the work himself and referred to the truck as his “girlfriend.”
His mechanical ability became apparent at an early age. By age 5 or younger, he would remove all the screws from doorknobs around his house. When an adult tried to open a door, the mechanism would fall apart in their hand.
Later, he began dismantling and repairing small engines from lawnmowers. His father, Jerry, was a mechanic and influenced Darrick’s abilities. Darrick often watched his father work on cars and later assisted him.
But the person who had the greatest influence on Darrick was his grandfather, Frank Baldon. Frank could build nearly anything from wood, metal or stone, which fascinated Darrick. Frank was a patient teacher, and Darrick spent considerable time with his grandfather, learning from his years of experience.
Darrick later worked for several shops and enjoyed the work. He always wanted to own his own shop and eventually realized that dream, becoming the owner and proprietor of Gearhead Transmissions in Odell, Oregon.
Darrick lived life to the fullest. He was an adrenaline junkie who was never afraid to try anything fast and possibly a little dangerous. Along with drag racing, he loved roller coasters, bungee jumping and, of course, fast vehicles.
His happy place was Las Vegas, and he visited as often as he could.
Darrick also enjoyed the outdoors, including fishing and other activities, often spending time with close friends. He had an outrageous sense of humor and frequently entertained groups of people. Some thought he should try stand-up comedy, but that wasn’t his scene.
His most endearing qualities were his kindness and generosity. He was a person of deep feelings who was intensely loyal to his friends and family. He sometimes had a bit of a temper, but it didn’t last long, and he tended not to harbor grudges.
Darrick was many things that a short summary of his life cannot fully capture. Suffice it to say, he will be greatly missed, and for those who knew him, life will be less colorful, less humorous and less interesting without him.
Obituary: Dianna Mae Martin, 80, The Dalles
Obituary: Dianna Mae Martin, 80, The Dalles
Dianna Mae Martin, born Dianna Mae Tiller, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2026, at the age of 80, after a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer.
Dianna was spicy, full of life, a little ornery, and unapologetically herself. She was strong-willed, fiercely independent, and extraordinarily hardworking. She was the kind of woman who believed there was always something that needed doing. Sitting still simply wasn’t in her nature. Even near the end of her life, she could be found worrying about the things that mattered to her—sometimes as important as whether someone had remembered to vacuum under the couch.
She was also a storyteller and lifelong explorer of the unexplained. Drawing upon decades of experiences and stories from Oregon, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond, Dianna wrote The World Is Thinner Here: True Encounters of the Unexplained in the Pacific Northwest and Other Places. The book is a collection of 24 stories about unexplained encounters, strange creatures, ghosts, messages from beyond the dead, unusual lights, and other experiences that challenged the boundaries of what we think we understand about the world.
Perhaps fittingly, as Dianna approached the end of her own life, she told her family that she had seen an angel.
Dianna began her fight with cancer in 1973. She faced it again in 2000 and 2018, and ultimately endured a second battle with lung cancer in 2026. Through every chapter, she remained determined, resilient, and unmistakably Dianna.
Dianna is survived by her life partner, Klindt Kendall; her younger brother, Wayne Tiller; her younger sister, Debbie Johnson; her son, Troy Lee Martin; her daughter, Melissa Wilde; seven beloved grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and numerous family members and friends whose lives are considerably less spicy without her in them.
Dianna worked hard, loved hard, and lived on her own terms. Even as her body began to fail her, her personality remained unmistakably hers. In her final days, when her family asked whether she would come visit them, Dianna assured them that she was already “on her way.”
Her family likes to think that she will arrive exactly as promised—in her dancing shoes.
And because Dianna deserved the last word, she left her family one final recorded farewell, a message they will carry with them forever:
“Adios Amigos.”
She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and never forgotten.
