Timothy Jay McDonnell, age 57, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on March 28, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Gary Kent Emerson, age 90, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the Oregon Veterans’ Home on April 3, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Klea Espy, born March 30, 1940, passed away on March 28, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, community service, and bright colors.
After retiring from a career in banking, Klea devoted herself to volunteer work. She helped launch the Habitat ReStore in The Dalles in 2008. She was named The Dalles area "Volunteer of the Year" and served on the boards of Habitat for Humanity, Community Meals, the Mid-Columbia Concert Association, and The Dalles Senior Center. She also managed the Senior Center’s “Nu 2 U” shop alongside a "super bunch of dedicated volunteers."
Klea had a vibrant spirit and a love for color and crazy patterns. Whether it was painting her house purple “because it makes people smile” or organizing Hat Day at church which became a fan favorite, she had a way of spreading joy and laughter everywhere she went.
She is survived by her half-brother Art Fox; her children Stuart Donckers and Shari Felton; stepchildren Scott Espy (Diane), Sandee Flint (Mark), and Anjee Stiles (Mike); six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Donations in her memory may be made to UCC Congregational Church, Habitat for Humanity, or the Senior Center of The Dalles.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 12th at UCC Congregational Church at 10:00am. We encourage all to wear your brightest colors or craziest hat in honor of Klea.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
John E Parker, age 91, a resident of Hood River, OR, passed away at a local care facility on March 27, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Clyde Thomas Schreffler, age 75, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at OHSU Hospital on March 26, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Robert De Bolt, age 69, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at a local care facility on March 27, 2025. A Graveside Service will be held April 1, 2025, 11:00 AM at Odd Fellows Cemetery on Cherry Heights Rd, The Dalles, OR. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Jasper McDonald Alsup, age 73, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on March 14, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Photo Credit: Terry Richards
Eugene Albert Gravel, 80, passed away at home on March 20, 2025. Born on September 3, 1944, to Lorraine Marie McGraw and Frederick Charles Gravel, Gene was the oldest of four rambunctious boys, a role that instilled in him a sense of responsibility and leadership from an early age.
Eugene served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. After his military service, he pursued a long and impactful career as a civil engineer. Among his many achievements, he contributed to significant projects such as the lock at the Bonneville Dam, a feat of engineering that remains a testament to his skill and commitment. His work also took him to remote and challenging locations, including Alaska's Prudhoe Bay and St. Paul Island, where he oversaw vital infrastructure projects.
In 1973, Gene married Lorraine Jean Rebo, and together they built a loving family. They had two children and over the years, their family grew with the addition of four grandchildren.
Those who knew Gene appreciated his quiet demeanor, which often belied a stubborn determination that served him well in both his personal and professional life. Yet, beneath his reserved exterior lay a gentle soul. Kind and generous, Gene loved giving gifts. He had the habit of quietly humming while he worked, and typically had a dog by his side.
After retiring, Gene fulfilled a lifelong dream by building a ranch on 75 acres of timberland. For the past 27 years, he found peace and joy there, surrounded by nature and the fruits of his labor. Truly a special place, the ranch was a sanctuary where he cultivated memories with family and friends.
Eugene is remembered for his unwavering dedication to his craft, his risk taking, and his love for the outdoors. He is survived by his wife, Lorraine; their two children Ryan and Erin; and his four grandchildren, Birch, Elizabeth, Basil, and Aurora.
Gene's legacy lives on through his contributions to engineering and the lives he touched along the way. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered.
Susan Marie Morin (Becker), 71, of Bullhead City, Arizona, passed away on February 19, 2025, after a battle with cancer. She was the daughter of Jack and Ida Mae Becker (Hughes) and was born on July 6, 1953, in Danville, Illinois.
Susan was married to her loving husband, Michael Morin, for 53 years. The two met in San Diego while Michael was serving in the U.S. Navy. After the birth of the couple’s son, they were stationed in Japan, where they later welcomed their daughter. Upon returning stateside, they settled in The Dalles, Oregon, where they made their home and raised their family.
Susan worked for Albertsons for over 20 years, where she served as a manager before later opening and owning an insulation company with her husband. She enjoyed traveling in their RV, boating and camping on the John Day River, and going on cruises. She really enjoyed spending time with her special group of line dancing friends, was an avid reader, loved doing puzzles, and adored her dogs. In her spare time, she spent many hours crocheting baby blankets, gifting them to family and friends. Susan was passionate about giving back, supporting charities such as Wounded Warriors, organizations helping the homeless, and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.
She is survived by her husband, Michael Morin; her son, Jason Morin, and his wife, Julie; her daughter, Jennifer Durall (Morin), and her husband, Damon; and her grandchildren, Michael Morin, Jenna Chamness, Emily Judd (Morin), and Hunter Chamness. She also leaves behind her sisters, Sheila Becker and Valerie DiMola, five nieces and one nephew.
At her request, there will be no formal services. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the charities Susan loved.
Gregory Andrew Gaylord, age 72, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away at home on March 14, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Richard “Rick” Lively of The Dalles, Oregon was granted the peace he desired on the evening of March 13, 2025 at the age of 80. The second child and first-born son of Helen & Gene Lively, originally of Wallowa, Oregon.
That’s about all the room there is for a standard obituary if you knew him at all!
The independent black sheep in our family for sure, but in his case this carried an endearing and loving connotation. All would agree: He wore his heart on his sleeve every day of his life no matter the cost. He lived life his way, as his sister would say!
Always kind and generous to others down on their luck and quick to stick up for the underdog. He was also known for the special fondness he reserved for the many (many) stray critters who found their way into his care over the years.
His accomplishments were many, but what mattered most were the relationships he cherished. Probably none more so than his lifelong best friends and hunting “crew”; always his lifelines, the original ride-or-dies, bear tags or not. They perhaps knew him better than anyone else and will gather to tend to a private service, according to his wishes, in the Catherine Creek Unit in Eastern Oregon.
Unwaveringly loyal to family, he imparted many life lessons we each pass along to our own families now. Children, grandchildren, precious siblings and beloved nieces and nephews all beneficiaries of his unique perspective on life. Preceded in death by his wife of twenty-five years, Dena Irene Lively. Forever his mother’s son he will be.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Deloris Ruth Cox, age 88, a resident of Arizona, passed away March 8, 2025. Saturday, March 15, 2025, a viewing will be held starting at 10 AM, with the Funeral Service to follow at 11 AM at the Life in Christ Church, 3095 Cherry Heights Rd, The Dalles, OR 97058, burial will follow the service at the IOOF cemetery on Cherry Heights Rd. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Marieum Kay Havig, age 83, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at an assisted living facility on March 9, 2025. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Billy Ray Jones, age 94, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on March 7, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Lawrence James Berry, age 44, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the hospital on February 26, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Keith Alton Wolfer, a resident of Tygh Valley, OR, passed away February 23, 2025. A Graveside Service will be held at the Lone Pine Cemetery, 27260 Smock Rd, Wamic, OR 97063, Saturday, March 8, 2025, 2 PM. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Jeremy Edward Price, age 43, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away February 28, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Robert Hart Barlow Sr, age 95, a resident of Wamic, OR, passed away at home on March 3, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Betty Lucille Bright, age 87, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away February 13, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Elizabeth Ann Taylor, age 74, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at a local care facility on February 25, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.