Richard A. Fadness, age 78, a resident of The Dalles, Or passed away at a local hospital Aug. 28, 2021. A Funeral service will be held 2pm Sat. Oct. 2, 2021 at Faith Lutheran Church in The Dalles, Or. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Jose Pinon Vencez, age 24, a resident of The Dalles, Or passed away at a hospital in Bend, Or Sept. 15, 2021. A Funeral service will be held 3 pm Tues. Sept. 28, 2021 at St Peter Catholic Church in The Dalles, Or. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Samuel James Garcia, age 52, resident of The Dalles, Oregon passed away September 15, 2021. Funeral Service will be held Friday, September 24th, 1:00 pm at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home, 1100 Kelly Avenue, The Dalles, Oregon.

Kieth R. Walter, age 89, a resident of The Dalles and former resident of Washougal, Wa. passed away at a local care facility Sept. 16, 2021. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Barbara Ruth Hartman, age 64, resident of The Dalles, Oregon passed away September 11, 2021. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Wanda Mae Anderson, age 90, resident of Maupin, Oregon passed away September 12, 2021. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Alfred Jimmy Payne, 71 passed away September 10, 2021, at OHSU Hospital in Portland Oregon.  He was born November 6th, 1949; the 4th of 4 children in The Dalles, Oregon to Alfred and Julia Payne.  His 3 older sisters doted on him his entire childhood.  He grew up in Grass Valley, Oregon, attending grade school there and high school in Moro. 

Jim married Shawn on August 23, 1997, at the brand new Moro Fire Hall.  They resided in Moro and celebrated their 24th anniversary this August quietly at home together.  They spent 30 total years together enjoying numerous adventures.  They were best friends and shared many passions together including a love of serving and saving people. 

Jim is survived by his wife Shawn; his sons Justin and wife Amanda Payne, Travus and his significant other Becky Hilderbrand; his step-daughter Jennifer Lynch and her significant other Chad Zumwalt; grandchildren Zeke, Damian, Trista, Stiehl, Taylor, and Jude; sister Lois and her husband Larry Kidney; many nieces and nephews.

            Jim started out his life farming, after brief military service.  He then moved on to construction and trucking; retiring from the Sherman County Road Department in 2011.  He has often been found the last 8 years helping his son Justin farm, in his spare time; happy to enlighten anyone who will listen with stories that start with “back when I was farming, we did it this way”.  The maroon Peterbilt on the farm has been known as and will forevermore be “Dad’s truck”.

            Jim lived his life to help others.  He served in countless capacities; having a passion for fighting fire and responding to emergencies.  He would respond day or night to anyone who needed help.  He started with the Grass Valley Fire Department in 1981; joining the Moro Fire Department in 1992 where he served until his passing; for a total of 40 years of Fire and 30 years of EMS.  Jim was passionate in his pursuit of purchasing “his” prized fire truck, known as Attack 24; otherwise known as “Jimmy’s Truck”.  Jim’s call sign will always be S 51; retired at his passing.  He was an AirLife volunteer for 20 years; he served on the 911 board.  He was known over decades as a mentor to a long list of young fire/EMS volunteers.  He was instrumental in fundraising for, the establishment of, and development of the current Moro Fire Hall, where he would marry his bride as a grand opening celebration.  He served on the Moro City Council for 6 years.  He was known to help out with Moro City Maintenance whenever he was asked (and sometimes when he wasn’t).  He served as volunteer security for the Sherman County Museum.  He was a member of the American Legion.

Jim was loyal with morning coffee with “the guys” since his retirement.  He was an avid gun collector, and was always well armed and prepared for any emergent situation.  He loved deer and elk hunting, many times celebrating his birthday during elk season.  Anyone who knew Jim, knew his second greatest hobby (next to Fire/EMS); and that was telling stories.  Jim could remember details from something that happened in 1968, or 1972, or 1987, or…  without skipping a beat.  He would gladly tell those stories to anyone who would listen; and even if you weren’t listening, he was going to tell it anyway.  To those of us who were fortunate enough to listen carefully, we will have little pieces of Jim to share forever; passing along his gift of storytelling.

Family friend Bryan Cranston will be officiating funeral services on Sunday, September 26, 2021, at 2:00 pm at the Moro Fire Hall; private graveside service immediately following; with a light lunch for all afterwards.  Potluck dessert welcome.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Sherman County Emergency Services Volunteer Fund, PO Box 139, Moro, OR 97039.  Arrangements made by Spencer, Libby, and Powell Funeral Home, The Dalles, Oregon.

Mary Kathleen Lyon, age 82, resident of Maupin, Oregon passed away September 11, 2021. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Charles Forrest Decker Charlie Decker, a lifelong resident of Wasco, OR died Sunday, September 12, 2021, at the age of 94.

He was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Oliver and Erma Decker on  

November 22, 1926. He was the oldest of nine children.

At seventeen, Charlie joined the Navy, serving in WWII on the USS Battleship, South Dakota. Every morning, the teenage Yeoman Decker would bring the daily news and plan of the day to Admiral Nimitz, who would sit on his bunk, in his boxers, and discuss the day with him. They survived numerous battles, kamikaze pilots, shrapnel, and a typhoon. Charlie was awarded eight battle stars. 

Returning home to Nebraska, he completed high school, then joined with his family in Wasco, Oregon. In 1949 he married Joyce Wallace.  Together they had four children. Charlie became a Barber and worked in The Dalles, and Moro before building his own shop in Wasco. Charles Decker was a loving, supportive husband and father, a charming member of his community and a quiet calm example of what it means to be a man.

Charlie is survived by his children; Phyllis Coats Newman, Alvin Decker, Don Decker and Tim Decker, grandchildren; John Coats, Meghan McAllister, Nick Decker, Lindsey Poggemeyer, Kelsey Mitchell, David Decker, Zack Decker and thirteen great grandchildren. He is survived by his brothers; Ronnie, Monte and Terry Decker and sisters, Davise McFetridge and Vivian Curtiss.  

The graveside service will be held Saturday, September 25, at 11:00 am at Wasco Sunrise Cemetery, 71222 N. Sawtooth Road, Wasco, OR 97065, with Pastor Bob Reasoner officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the Wasco United Methodist Church, PO Box 43, Wasco, OR 97065.

Judith Alicia Hottel , age 62, resident of The Dalles, Oregon passed away August 30 , 2021. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Bobby Dean Clawson, age 91, a resident of The Dalles, Oregon passed away September 8, 2021. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

It is with deepest sorrow we announce that Douglas C. Wray died peacefully in his home surrounded by family on August 8, 2021, in The Dalles Oregon at the age of 88. Doug was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and close personal friend to many.

                Doug was born on March 15, 1933, in Portland, Oregon to Addie and Adelaide Wray. He graduated from The Dalles High School where he played basketball and baseball. He was voted top shortstop in the State of Oregon his senior year. Doug attended Oregon State University where he completed his bachelor’s degree from the school of pharmacy in 1955. While at OSU Doug also played varsity baseball for the Beavers all four years. After graduating he married Martha (Marty) his high school sweetheart. He went on to serve in the military and was stationed in Arkansas. After leaving the military he returned home to The Dalles to join his father and uncle at their pharmacy Wray’s Drug Store. He later purchased the store from his father, continuing to own and operate the business until 1991.

                Doug spent many days enjoying laughing, consulting, and listening to his many friends and customers behind the drugstore prescription counter. Many remember his big smile and quick wit as well as his strong dedication and compassion for the people he served. Some of the best memories with Doug revolve around Oregon State football, baseball, and basketball games. He also loved fly fishing on the Deschutes River at his secret spot, playing golf with close friends and daily walks in the nearby orchard. He was strong supporter and volunteer with Challenger Baseball, rarely missing a chance to be on the field with the players. But most of all he especially enjoyed spending time with his family, whether it was watching movies, listening to music, watching sports, chess, or just sitting in his favorite blue chair enjoying the opportunity to be together.

                Doug taught his son, Steve how to fly fish when he was 8 years old. Doug was known for is art of casting which he passed on to Steve. He spent evenings teaching Steve how to tie flies for local fishing streams. Steve will continue trying these unique flies in his honor.

                This last year Doug often enjoyed evening drives in the country and walks around Sorosis Park with Marty and their dog, Toby. He spent many evenings enjoying the creek and the quiet of his backyard.

                Doug will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Martha Wray of almost 65 years of marriage; children Steve (Tanya) Wray, Lori (Randy) Carter, and David (Shelly) Wray; grandchildren Ethan and Hayden Wray, Jamison, and Brycen Carter, and Londan and Caleb Wray, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents Addie and Adelaide; sister Jean Perier

Kristina "Krissy" Kathryn Shelquist, age 48, resident of The Dalles, Oregon passed away September 3, 2021. A celebration of life for Krissy will be held at Sorosis Park on Sunday, September 12 at 3:00 PM. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Alvin Leonard Andres, age71, passed away in The Dalles, Oregon September 5, 2021. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

     Virginia Elizabeth Johnson, a longtime resident of The Dalles passed away at OHSU on August 30, 2021.  Virginia was born on January 17th, 1931, in Amarillo, Texas to Gottlieb and Essie (Doss) Haug.  She is preceded in death by her husband William (Bill) Johnson, her brothers Doss Haug and Robert Haug and her grandson, Eric Evans.

     She attended Alice Landergen School in Texas before moving to Portland, Oregon in 1943. Her family lived in Vanport where she attended school and her parents both worked in the shipyards. In the fall of 1944, the family moved to Wamic, later moving to The Dalles and attending Whittier Jr. High School and graduating from The Dalles High School in 1950. After graduation, Virginia worked for accountants Will and Bailey until 1953.

     On August 30, 1953, she married Bill her high school sweetheart, the day Virginia passed was their 68th Wedding anniversary. They lived in Corvallis until his graduation from Oregon State College (OSU) in 1954.   Bill then served 3 years in the Air Force in Texas and Florida. While living in Waco, Texas in 1956, their first daughter Elizabeth was born. They returned to The Dalles in 1957 where they began their life on the farm. Two more daughters joined the family – Eileen was born in October 1958 and Carolyn in December 1969.

     Virginia was active in the community.  Involved in Beta Sigma Phi for 50 years and volunteered at MCMC in the gift shop since 1964.  She also worked at Petersburg School as a cook and enjoyed working with the staff and children.  She was active in the PTA.  Virginia also participated in the Wasco County Fair in the cooking and sewing exhibits where her 3 daughters were active.   She was a 4-H leader.   She was on the Rainbow Girls board and enjoyed participating in the Oregon Wheat League cake baking contest and was a winner numerous years.  Through the years, Virginia has been an active member of the First United Methodist Church. She served as a Sunday school teacher, sang in the choir, served in leadership roles in the United Methodist Women and served on the Preschool board.  Acted as Secretary/Treasurer for the Oregon Wheat League Jr. Livestock show for 5 years. 

     Virginia is survived by her sister, Lina Haug, and three daughters, Elizabeth Windsor (Kevin), Eileen Evans (Dave) and Carolyn Calderon (Mauricio).  Virginia and Bill were blessed with eight grandchildren (Elisa, Kameron, Kollin, Elayna, Matt, Eric, Claire and Amelia) and ten great-grandchildren (Austin, Jake, Hailey, Ethan, Liam, Gatsby, Edison, Mae, Morgan and Connor).

     She enjoyed her family including nieces, nephews and cousins and was always happy when they all came to visit.  The grandchildren loved the summers in The Dalles on the ranch especially at harvest time to be able to ride the combine. She enjoyed sewing and loved a great game of Bridge. She will always be remembered for her service, sincerity and kindness to others and a much-loved mother.  

     Viewing will be held 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Friday September 24, 2021,

Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home. 

A dual celebration of life with her husband Bill is scheduled for

Saturday, September 25, 2021, at 10am and will be held at Spencer, Libby & Powell,

Graveside service will follow at the IOOF cemetery on Cherry Heights Road. 

     In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Virginia to the Mid-Columbia Health Foundation-Gift Shop Fund, 1700 East 19th Street, The Dalles, OR 97058.  

     William (Bill) Arthur Johnson, a lifelong resident of The Dalles passed away at his home on August 26, 2021.  Bill was born at Fairbanks, Oregon on Fifteenmile Creek on November 23, 1932, to Eric and Mae Remington Johnson.  He was the youngest of 3 children and is preceded in death by his sister Bernice Johnson Roberts, his brother Kenneth Johnson and his grandson, Eric Evans. 

     Bill started school at Fairbanks School where his parents Eric and Mae also attended.  In 1942, the family moved to The Dalles after Fairbanks School was closed due to lack of students.  This was because of World War II and the internment of Japanese citizens.  Bill then attended Joseph G. Wilson School, Whittier Jr. High School and graduated from The Dalles High School in 1950.  Bill graduated from Oregon State College (OSU) in 1954, where her earned a degree in Agribusiness.  He and Virginia Haug were married in 1953 in The Dalles.  Upon graduation from Oregon State, Bill received a Commission in the US Air Force and went to pilot training in Florida and Texas.  He was then stationed at James B. Connelly Air Force Base in Waco, Texas where he flew B-25’s until September 1957.  While in Waco, their daughter Elizabeth was born in January 1956.  He spent 8 more years in USAF in various positions. 

     Bill, Virginia and Elizabeth returned to The Dalles in 1957 and he started farming the family ranch with his brother Kenneth.  Two more daughters joined the family – Eileen was born in October 1958 and Carolyn in December 1969.  Bill and his brother farmed together, bought the ranch together in 1962 and continued farming in partnership until Kenneth’s death in 1990.  Bill was involved in an equipment dealership (Johnson Equipment) from 1972 to 1977 in The Dalles.  After selling that business, he worked for the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation until 1979.  In 1980, along with two partners, Mid-Columbia Insurance, Inc. was founded, where crop, hail and fire insurance was sold to local farmers.  The insurance business was sold in 2000 and Bill retired.   Bill and Ken were honored as Conservation Men of the Year in 1980 for their farming practice, i.e.; stubble mulch and terraces. In 1982, both families were honored as Wasco County Livestock Family of the Year. Starting in 1997, the ranch was leased to a local rancher. 

     Through the years, Bill has been an active member of the First United Methodist Church.  He was active as a volunteer in the 4-H Program as his girls showed sheep and hogs.  In the early 1970’s, Bill served the Petersburg School Board and was a Director on the Mid-Columbia Junior Livestock Show Board from 1972-1992.  In the late 1970’s, he was Director on the Northern Wasco County PUD Board and was also an active member of The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce Ag and Forestry Committee.  He served as Public Relations Chair for the Oregon Wheat Growers’ League in 1983 and 1984.  Bill was also part of the Cattleman’s Association for many years.

     In recent years, Bill had been working on Oregon Trail stories and attempted to establish the actual route the pioneers traveled from the Deschutes River to The Dalles.  In 2010, Bill was honored as Pioneer of the Year for his work in this area. He has also worked on genealogy on both sides of his family.  The Johnson Family came to The Dalles 114 years ago and the Remington Family came to Wasco County 121 years ago. 

     Bill and Virginia have enjoyed living in Wasco County and raising their family in a rural environment, which they felt offered many advantages.  They were fortunate to have had their parents and many relatives nearby.  They have enjoyed the acquaintance of many friends throughout the area. 

     Bill was survived by his wife Virginia of 68 years until she passed on August 30, 2021.  He is also survived by his three daughters, Elizabeth Windsor (Kevin), Eileen Evans (Dave) and Carolyn Calderon (Mauricio).   Bill and Virginia have also been blessed with eight grandchildren (Elisa, Kameron, Kollin, Elayna, Matt, Eric, Claire and Amelia) and ten great-grandchildren (Austin, Jake, Hailey, Ethan, Liam, Gatsby, Edison, Mae, Morgan and Connor).

     Bill believed that our heritage is a very important part of community, and we all need to be helpful in passing it on for future generations.  He will always be remembered for his kindness, gift of gab, sense of humor and love of football and a much-loved father. 

     Viewing will be held 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Friday September 25, at Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home.  A dual celebration of life with his wife Virginia is scheduled for Saturday, September 25, 2021, at 10am and will be held at Spencer, Libby & Powell with a graveside service to follow at I.O.O.F. Cemetery, The Dalles, Oregon

     In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent in honor of Bill to the Celilo Cancer Center, 1800 E. 19th Street, The Dalles, OR 97058. 

Dewey Jasper Thomas, age 106, resident of The Dalles, Oregon , previously of Wasco, Oregon, passed away September 5, 2021. Graveside services will be held 1:00 Saturday September 18, 2021 at Wasco Sunrise Cemetery, 71222 N. Sawtooth Rd., Wasco, Oregon.

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

Dewey Thomas Obituary

     Dewey Jasper Thomas passed away peacefully on September 5, 2021, at the age of 106.  He was born on November 4, 1914, in Mabel, North Carolina to Alfred & Eliza Thomas, joining five siblings: Cora, Nora, Arthur, Lillian, and Clay.  Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, near the Tennessee line, his family’s home was the hub of Sunday afternoon hospitality for their Baptist community.  Here he learned about family ties, about being a good neighbor – here he fought off polio with the dedication of a loving mother.

     At the age of 22, Dewey decided to “go West” where he lived and worked in the logging industry of Idaho and Washington and in the grain fields of Sherman County.  Thomas was drafted in August, 1941, four months prior to Pearl Harbor, for what he thought was one year of duty.  He served over four years with 39 months in a combat zone with the 808th Engineers Aviation Battalion, Fifth Air Corps in Australia, New Guinea and the Philippines.  He attained the rank of Sergeant and earned five bronze stars.  He was discharged from the service in October 1945, returned to Wasco, Oregon, and married Catherine Fridley November 10, 1945.  

     While raising a family, farming and running a herd of Angus cattle, Dewey served as Commander of the American Legion Post and was on the farm cooperative board.  He became a church board member, 4-H leader and fair board member.  At the age of 61, Dewey served as a Sherman County Commissioner and then as county judge for nearly a decade.

     After retiring from farming, Dewey and Catherine decided to see some of the world for themselves traveling to China, Russia, Europe, and the South Pacific and enjoyed becoming grandparents of five between 1976 and 1981.

     Catherine passed away in December 1999 and Dewey began a new chapter in his life, writing of his military years, volunteering at the Veterans Home and the Sherman County Historical Museum, and serving on the budget committee of NORCOR for several years.  In 2011 he flew to Washington, D.C. with an Honor Flight contingent to visit the World War II Memorial.

     Following recovery from a broken hip, Dewey moved into The Springs at Mill Creek in February of 2019.  Representative Greg Walden met with him on Armed Forces Day, May 18, 2019, when an interview with Thomas was recorded for the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center.  The video along with a memoir written by Thomas with his daughter, the late Reine Thomas, were submitted to become a part of the Library of Congress collection.

     Dewey was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Arthur & Clay Thomas; sisters Cora Moretz, Nora Warren and Lillian Younce; wife Catherine Thomas ; and daughter Reine M. Thomas.

     He is survived by his son Kent Thomas (Melva), Wasco, OR;  Grandchildren: Jamie King (Dave) Idaho Falls, ID; Casey Hayes (Kristi) San Diego, CA; Jesse Thomas (Sara), Lincoln, NE; Abby Kraayeveld (Jefferey) Ridgefield, WA; Joshua Thomas (Britney) Queen Creek, AZ; Great Grandchildren: Carson Thomas, Lincoln, NE; Nolan & Piper Hayes, San Diego, CA; Ava & Haddie Kraayeveld, Ridgefield, WA; Brady & Brooks Thomas, Queen Creek, AZ; Jack & Emma King, Idaho Falls, ID.

     Memorial donations may be made to the Sherman County Historical Society, PO Box 173, Moro, OR 97039 or Wasco United Methodist Church, PO Box 43, Wasco, OR 97065.

Judy Lee Tobler (also known as Judy Lee Emerson-Vest), age 83, resident of Beaverton, Oregon , previously of The Dalles, Oregon passed away August 20,2021. Graveside services will be held 2:00 PM Wednesday September 8, 2021 at I.O.O.F. Cemetery 1100 18th St., The Dalles, Oregon. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Erland Mathew Suppah Sr., age 73, passed away August 20, 2021 in Toppenish, Washington. Private services and burial have been held. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral in care of arrangements.

Lila Kay Young, age 62, resident of The Dalles, Oregon passed away August 26, 2021. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.