Earl LeRoy Helmer, age 69, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away November 21, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
John William Shearer, of The Dalles, peacefully passed away on November 9, 2024, at the age of 98. He was born May 5, 1926, in The Dalles, OR to Marcus and Matilda (Davis) Shearer.
John grew up in Maupin where he attended school and helped at his family’s hotel and restaurant. After graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force during WWII. During his service he studied flight engineering, worked on a B17 engine change crew, trained as a drill instructor, and was accepted into a liaison pilot training program.
After an honorable discharge, John returned to Maupin where he reconnected with a high school friend, Barbara Crabtree. They were married on June 12, 1946, at the age of 20, and were married for 77 years. John and Barbara eventually settled in The Dalles to raise their four children.
John was always interested in airplanes, starting with building model planes as a young boy. He earned a commercial and private pilots license and was hired as a crop duster. Despite setbacks, including a crash resulting in a broken neck, John built the business he owned and operated starting in 1950. John's impressive work ethic has made Shearer Sprayers become a multigenerational business serving the Gorge for over 70 years. Even after retiring from flying, John was always involved in the happenings of his business and its success.
John had a love for cars, airplanes, guns, cats, traveling, and spending time with his family. He was also an excellent writer with a great sense of humor, and his family and friends always enjoyed John's poems. John was the center of his family, the Patriarch, and who everyone looked to for inspiration and guidance on how to live life to the fullest. He will be remembered for his generosity, wit, determination, and fearlessness.
He is survived by son John Richard Shearer and wife Kathy; son Gary Shearer and wife Dixie; daughter Mary Johnson and husband Terry; Grandchildren Cory Erickson and wife Paula; Mandi Coats and husband John; Kevin Shearer; Marcus Shearer; John Robert Shearer and wife Jennifer; Meggan Erland and husband Alec; as well as 10 great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by wife Barbara Shearer, daughter Linda Erickson, brother C.R. "Dick" Shearer, and brother Jack Shearer who died in infancy.
Being a humble and private man, it was John's request that no formal service is to be held. Those wishing to honor his life may make a donation in his name to the Western Antique Airplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM) in Hood River, OR.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Beverly “Jayne” Jane Burros, age 81, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away October 31, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
George Donald Van De Vanter, age 95, a resident of Lyle, WA, passed away November 2, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Robin Lee Faulkner N7GSU, age 74, a resident of Condon, OR, passed away October 24, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Wylmoth Fern Jones, age 93, a resident of Dallesport, WA, passed away October 27, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Jeffrey Earl Smith, age 62, a resident of Wasco, OR, passed away October 25, 2024. A viewing will be held November 22, 2024, 10-11:30 am at the Wasco Community Church with a Graveside Service to follow at 1:00 pm at Wasco Sun Rise Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be November 23, 2024, 12-3 pm at The Dalles Middle School. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Sandra Arlene (Foss) Bredeson
January 22, 1946 – October 24, 2024
In no particular order: She was fragile in body and strong in spirit. She raised her children with determination. While being a single mother she provided for her children no matter the sacrifice, while never giving up on love. She provided a home and family life which fostered a determination for success and settled for no less. She appreciated the beauty in the little things, just like her mother and grandmother did. Like her garden roses, she was beautiful yet delicate and protected herself as well as those she loved with the metaphoric thorns she wore. When her illnesses stole so much of what she lived for, she fought to soldier on to the bitter end. It’s time to rest, mama, you won this one!
Sandi, as she was known, was born in Sherman County, OR to Hazel Marie and John Austin Foss, who preceded her. She is also preceded by her grandparents Rose Marie and Everett Harrison Watkins; Janet Katherine and John Fredrick Foss.
Sandi is survived by her beloved husband of 45 years Rodney Dean Bredeson; brother Michael Rae Foss (wife Colleen); cousin Shirley Blaylock; daughter Michelle Rae Jackson (husband Jeremy); sons Timothy Allen Hoover (wife Mikki) and Terry Arthur Hoover (husband Bradford Davis); grandchildren Jared Vincent Hoover, Brooklynn Marie Palmer, Jace Austin Jackson and Emma Jordan LaBrado.
A Sherman County High class of 1964 graduate, Sandi also completed Portland State University’s dental hygienist program in 1966 and was a Beta Sigma Phi sorority member. She ventured away from her hometown of Wasco, having lived in The Dalles, OR, Watsonville, CA, Boise, ID, Sunnyside, WA, Selah, WA, and Pasco, WA. Ultimately Sandi realized a dream of living on the Oregon Coast in Nehalem for the past 28 years. In the early morning of Thursday, October 24, 2024, she passed peacefully at home in her sleep in the loving care of her devoted husband.
Service to be held at Spencer Libby & Power on Friday, November 1st at 1:00 followed by a graveside internment.
Nancy Irene Lauterbach, age 91, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away October 24, 2024. A Memorial Mass will be held Monday, November 18, 2024, 11 AM at St. Peter Catholic Church. A reception will be held immediately following the services at St. Peter’s Parish Hall. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Kathleen Grace Wickman, a long-time resident of Klickitat, WA, passed away on October 18, 2024, at the age of 69 from a long battle with cancer.
Kathleen was born in The Dalles, OR, April 6, 1955, to Louis and Cassia Logan. She graduated from Chenoweth School District with a 12-year high school diploma and a one-year business degree. Kathleen was a bookkeeper and payroll specialist.
Kathleen is survived by her husband, Robert B Wickman of 41 years; daughter, Kristen Kay Cline; brother, Gary Logan and wife Jacque; sister, Carolyn Logan; niece and nephew, Warren, Melissa.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Wesley Quinten Stuck of The Dalles, Oregon passed away peacefully on Oct. 25, 2024 at his home with his wife by his side.
Wes was born on Sept. 28, 1953 to Ron and Carla Stuck in Hillsboro, Oregon. He spent his younger years in Gales Creek before moving to the Klamath Falls area. He graduated from Lost River High School in 1971 afterwards he joined the Military serving 6 years in the Air Force Reserves. He moved and settled in The Dalles in 1989. Wes spent his working years as a mechanic and specializing as a Diesel Mechanic. He owned and operated Wes’s Automotive which he loved. Wes worked for CH Urness for 23 years until retirement.
Wes loved his wife, kids and grandkids more than anything else. Sitting on his back deck with friends.
He loved listening to music and being outdoors, fishing, hunting and shooting guns.
Wes is survived by his wife Janie, sons Chris (Charlotte), Steve (Jessie), Wesley (Lisa), Jeremiah (Rachel), step daughters Shannon, Kassie, Loren (Josh), 17 grandchildren, brother Mike Stuck and two nieces. Wes was preceded in death by his parents Ron Stuck and Carla Bartell, brother Steven Stuck, stepson Joshua Parke.
A memorial service will be held Nov, 2 at 1 p.m. at Spencer, Libby and Powell in The Dalles, Oregon.
Jo Louise Harvey ~ “Ol Ma” passed away peacefully on October 22, 2024. She was born to Grace and Ken Webb on July 5th, 1941. She and her sister Dixie were raised on the Webb Ranch in Tygh Valley, Oregon across from the White River Falls.
She first started school at White River and her first grade teacher was Mrs. Landers, who instilled in her the love of teaching children. After the White River school closed, she finished grammar school at Tygh Valley. Her childhood days were filled with the adventures of a farm girl. A big yard and lots of pets. Cats, dogs, milk cows and calves, chickens, bummer lambs and horses. Friends Marge, Annie, Sharon along with Dixie and Jo would be found on their horses, Moby, Nimbus, Sugar Foot, Reshie, and Baby. Many hours spent riding up and down the valley together.
Grace insisted on piano lessons and dance at Mrs. Borgs. The Wasco County Fair was the highlight of the end of summer. Both girls participated in 4H and showed horses and steers. Every event in her life was made extra special by Gram Belle, who spoiled the girls with special gifts and treats.
High school days at Maupin consisted of Pendleton skirts, Can Cans, Elvis, ball games, dances and sneaking smokes. She worked in the summers in the wheat harvest driving truck.
She attended college in La Grande and studied education. She transferred to Oregon State her sophomore year to be closer to friends. She loved those college years and made life-long friends. After graduating, she taught at Wasco in third grade and that is when she met Rick Harvey. They married in 1965 and went to work on the ranch in Tygh Valley.
Jo and Rick had four children Webb – who proceeded her in death, and surviving children Molly, Zach and Joe. Jo’s life was busy with four kids. Friends can remember the green van, full of kids and groceries with Joey in a box beside her, cigarette in her hand. Happy memories of sleep overs at Nan and Gramps, Thanksgiving dinners and many laughs. Camping trips, sports, horse shows and skiing are some of the best memories. Jo’s home was a welcome spot. Coffee was always on and she always had time for a visit. Once the children were grown, Jo returned to teaching and had many meaningful years at Head Start in Tygh Valley.
Her love of family grew after the birth of her first grandson Gunner. Gunner gave her the name “Ol Ma” and it stuck. Gunnar, Austin, Seth, Logan, Felicity are Webb’s surviving children. Molly and Brian had two sons Guy “Spud” and Quincy Simer. Zach and Lindsey’s children August, Foster and Emerson and Joe and Jennifer’s daughter Madeline Harvey were an important part of her life.
Jo will be laid to rest in the family cemetery at a private graveside service. We will all miss her phone calls. She put your concerns first. You hung up and felt better. She was authentic and gave you permission to be you. Rest in peace Ol Ma.
Betty Jean West, age 71, a resident of Tygh Valley, OR, passed away October 12, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held November 2, 2024, 2 PM, located at 80736 Shadybrook Rd, Tygh Valley, OR 97063. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Henry Kelly passed away unexpectedly on October 21, 2024, at the age of 70.
Henry is survived by his loving partner LaDawna Harn, his former spouse Susan and their children together, son Ryan and grandson Conner, daughter Megan, her husband Chad, and grandson Greyson, siblings Connie, Peter, Raymond, Virginia, Rosalie, LaDawna’s children Sarah, Arin, Amy, Amy’s sons Kona and Kane, and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father Ray, mother Peg, sister Terry, brother Richard and nephew Jim.
Henry was born in The Dalles to Margaret and RHL Kelly in 1954. He attended Oregon State University graduating with a degree in Sociology. Henry was a wheat farmer for many years and loved living and working on the farm. Eventually he returned to social work and helped children who were struggling with emotional and behavioral health issues. Towards the end of his career he worked at the Y.E.S. house.
Henry was a devoted father, grandfather, partner, brother and friend. He loved retirement and country living. In his younger years he played tennis, and followed the sport avidly. He enjoyed hiking, camping, going to the desert with his friends, getting together with the guys to play pingpong, gardening, and music, attending many concerts over his lifetime. He was also an excellent cook. He made delicious dinners and provided homemade ice cream for years of family gatherings, holidays and birthday celebrations. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family and all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for November 2, 2024 at the Bargeway Pub from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Donald Francis Wimmer, age 80, a resident of Maupin, OR, passed away October 17, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Rose Elizabeth Brickett, age 98, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away October 17, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Gerald Walter Burgener, age 83, a resident of Wamic, OR, passed away October 14, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Diane Rosalie (Monagan) Bungum was born August 25, 1945, in rural
central New York, near the city of Cortland. Her parents were Clifford
and Elinor Monagan, both lifetime employees of the Smith-Corona
Typewriter factory in nearby Groton, N.Y. Diane and her older sister
and younger brother grew up on a pre-Civil War 56-acre farm where over
the years they kept a few horses, cows, pigs, ducks and chickens, as
well as the usual dogs and cats. It was a rural life in dairy country,
a life she dearly loved, and missed when she left it for college.
She attended the State University of New York in Albany for a couple
of years, then joined VISTA and moved to western Oregon in 1965, where
she worked with migrant worker families. After that she had various
short-term jobs in the Portland area, including several as a waitress.
She met and married Richard Humphrey there and they had a son, Aiden,
before they were divorced. She completed her B.A. degree in English
from the University of Oregon in 1973.
That year she met Steve Bungum, a former high school English teacher;
they married in Eugene in 1974 and moved to The Dalles the next day,
where her husband worked for the next 28 years as Library Media
Specialist at The Dalles High School. Their son Peter was added to the
family in 1977. Before the office closed, she worked for several years
at Oregon Legal Services (legal aid). That was followed by several
years at the local Community Action Program and at the Center for
Living, where she was employed until her retirement in 2002.
Diane was a kind-hearted, hard-working person who could empathize with
others, especially those whose life was difficult. She was beloved of
many of the developmentally disabled adults she assisted over the
years, and enjoyed attending parties and dances with these folks, put
on by the ARC of Oregon. She was an avid life-long reader, regularly
coming home with a large pile of books from the public library, a
habit she continued long after being diagnosed with dementia
around 2020. Diane also loved to travel, and made trips back
to see her folks in the home she grew up in, in central N.Y.,
sometimes with her husband, sometimes alone. Together they visited
many relatives, most of whom in the Midwest and East. She also often
indulged her husband's love of camping and photographing around Oregon
and the West, and also enjoyed travel offering more comfy sleeping
arrangements, like hotels, motels, and B & B's!
Diane always liked to be busy doing something, like walking, hiking
gardening, cooking and reading. She really liked to watch a good movie
in the evening, especially with popcorn! She was very proud of Aiden
and Peter, both of whom have advanced degrees, and loved them dearly,
and her eight wonderful grandchildren, who loved their Grandma Diane,
and several of whom stepped up to help her as her disease progressed.
She was moved to a care facility in Eugene in early July, where, after
suffering many difficult times, she passed away on September 29th.
Basically, Diane was a sweet, loving, understanding (usually!) and
kind human being, doing her best to be a life-enhancer for others. She
will be dearly missed.
Diane is survived by her husband Steve, sons Aiden and Peter, and
grandchildren Isaac, Johnpaul, Joseph, Lillian, Evan, Jeremy, Runa and
Haakon. No funeral is planned. Remembrances can be made to the ARC of
Oregon, Hospice of the Gorge, and Wasco County Humane Society.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Mary Elizabeth Bales, age 96, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away October 11, 20024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Randall "Randy" Calvin Skov was born in Pullman, Washington, to Milton Skov and Shirley Capper Skov on Sept. 15, 1955. He was the third of three children and his Dad’s “graduation present” from Veterinary School. He died Oct. 11, 2024. The family spent two years in Goldendale, Washington, before moving to The Dalles, Oregon.
Randy graduated from The Dalles High School in 1973, where he was a wrestler and a member of the golf team. He graduated from Oregon State University in 1977 with a Bachelor of Animal Science and then received his Masters of Business Administration from OSU in 1979. Randy married Kay Kindred on June 7, 1980, in Coos Bay, Oregon. After several years, daughters Mollie and Julie and son Riley were added to the family.
After an initial position in Omaha, Nebraska, he began a 34 year career at Mid-Columbia Medical Center in The Dalles in November 1981. He had a variety of titles as he worked his way up the management ladder, ending as vice-president.
Randy was always an active person. He played softball, golf, tennis, and racquetball. He coached soccer teams for all three kids and was involved in establishing AYSO soccer in The Dalles. He loved to hike in the summer and downhill ski in the winter, but his greatest sporting pleasure was bicycling with his biking buddies. An avid rider, Randy set and met a goal of 2,000 miles per year up until a couple years before his death. He completed several Cycle Oregon tours as well as cycling trips in Arizona, France and the Czech Republic. Other interests included woodworking, playing cut-throat board games and enjoying a craft beer with friends.
Randy is survived by his mother, Shirley; his wife, Kay; his children, Mollie Skov-Ortega (Jorge), Julie Wadsworth (Tim), and Riley Skov (Natasha); his sister, Linda Skov; his brother, Eric Skov; and eight beautiful grandchildren, Andre and Evan Ortega, Anson, Vivien and Iselin Wadsworth, and Cora, Garrett and Margot Skov. Randy loved being a grandfather!
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. in the Community Room at The Dalles Civic Auditorium, followed by a reception at Sunshine Mill, 901 East Second St., The Dalles. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Randy’s name to “Put the Scenic back in Sorosis” for trail development and maintenance (Northern Wasco County Parks and Recreation) or to Columbia Gorge Humane Society of The Dalles.