Margaret Mary Byrne passed away peacefully in The Dalles, Oregon on October 21, 2023, having touched many lives in the course of her ninety-seven years.

Margaret Mary, or “Marge” as she was known, was born September 6, 1926 to John Joseph and Claire Mariah Sarsfield in Portland, Oregon. She graduated from the Madeleine High School and then Marylhurst College with a degree in sociology in 1948. On April 19, 1949 she married Joseph Linden Byrne at the Madeleine Church in Portland, Oregon.

Margaret Mary and Joseph had eight children: MaryJo (Bill) Baldwin, Michael (Teri) Byrne, Patrick (Kathy) Byrne, Maggie (Eloy) Pando, Kathleen (Karl) Priest, Helen (Cal) Ebey, and Deirdre (Andrew) McPheeters and 22 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. She has a brother that survives her, William C. Sarsfield as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death, besides her parents, are husband Joseph, brother John Joseph Sarsfield Jr., son Thaddeus William Byrne and grandson Sean Martin Priest.

Margaret Mary and Joseph moved from Portland to Provo, Utah and then to Palo Alto and Burlingame, California before returning to Oregon in 1961 with their move to The Dalles. For Margaret Mary, family was the center of all - she loved her children and grandchildren above all else. Always providing a mother’s touch, Margaret Mary sewed prom dresses, made homemade jams and applesauce, and dried fruits. Her garden often bore testament to her inventiveness; such as planting purple potatoes in the 1980s. Margaret Mary was also a skilled pianist, delighting many with her music. A keen mind, she was a regular at weekly bridge games. In her younger days at college, Margaret Mary was not only an academic but also an adventurer, showcasing her prowess in skiing and archery. This adventurous spirit did not wane, as she instilled a love for skiing in her children, trekking the Gorge's trails, traveling to Mexico with her friends, visiting family in Japan, and cherishing the melodic bells of the Duomo in Florence, Italy. Margaret Mary committed herself to community, guiding young minds in the Campfire Girls, actively participating in the American Association of University Women, and serving with devotion in the altar society of St Peter’s Catholic Church in The Dalles.

As Margaret Mary would often say: “On to the next adventure!”

The funeral mass will be held at St Peter’s Catholic Church in The Dalles on November 15, 2023 at 1 p.m. in lieu of flowers please make donations to Holy Redeemer Elementary School (https://school.holyredeemerpdx.org/), St Mary’s Academy The Dalles (https://smatd.org/), or Providence Hospice (https://www.providence.org/locations/or/hospice).

Funeral arrangements are through Spencer, Libby and Powell in The Dalles.

James Frederick Bisset, life-long resident of Wasco County, passed away at age 85 on October 21, 2023, in The Dalles.  Born May 14, 1938, Jim was the oldest of seven children, to Alexis and Marian (Vanderpool) Bisset.  He was raised west of Dufur, at Wolf Run.  He attended one room Wolf Run School, graduated from Dufur High School, then earned post high school certifications in Auto Mechanics and Diesel.  Except for a few years in Eugene, he lived in The Dalles for the remainder of his life.

He and wife, Sandra (Lofvendahl) Bisset, were married 52 years and raised three children - Michael who is married to Cathy McCarthy and lives in Yamhill:  Patrick, who is married to Jeanie Ladd and lives in Bend; and Jeffrey who is married to Sheri Johnson and lives in Bellevue, Washington.  He also left five grandchildren: Bailey Bisset (Dan Bement), Allie Bisset (Andrew Jensen), James Bisset, Alexis Bisset, and James Patrick “Hank” Bisset and three great grandchildren: Lillian, Jackson, and Wesley Bement.

He is also survived by all six siblings:  Tom Bisset, Mary (Bisset) Thompson-Taylor, Peggy (Bisset) Novak, John Bisset, Barbara Bisset, and Steve Bisset, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He is survived by good friend, Ray Chrisman, and pre-deceased by good friends Tony Batty, Doug Garner and Fred Patton.  He also cherished his relationship with Christy (Patton) Harrah, husband Jason, and children Alex, Griffin, and Vivian.

Jim had a varied work history starting in high school when he was a ranch hand to Wayne Sigman and Bill Hulse, then ran the projector at the Dufur movie theater.  He moved on to driving the school bus for Dufur School District, also working at Ronnie Thompson’s machine shop and Depriest Farm Equipment in Dufur.  He moved to Eugene and worked four years at McKays Markets, and as a choker setter for Barker Timber Company in the coast range.  When he returned to The Dalles he then went back to retail, working for Brady’s and Sawyer’s Markets in The Dalles.

Life changed in 1967 when he was hired by Harvey Aluminum.  He spent the rest of his working career working for Harvey, then Martin Marietta, and finally for Northwest Aluminum – all at the same location.  Most of those 37 years he was a Hot Metal scaleman in the Cast House.  As he got older, he gave up shift work and moved to the warehouse where he retired in 2005.

Jim could do anything he set his mind to, was an excellent auto mechanic, turned cutting and stacking firewood into an art, was a gold prospector for many years in the Blue Mountains, and was an avid hunter and fisherman his entire life.  Jim was an active member of The Dalles Rifle and Pistol Club, Oregon Hunters Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and volunteered for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s young hunter and tree planting programs.

Jim served in the Oregon National Guard for eight years, first in The Dalles, then in Eugene.

Private interment will be held at St. Peters Catholic Cemetery, The Dalles, Oregon.  A celebration of life will be held later.  In lieu of flowers please make contributions to the Humane Society or the Civilian Marksmanship Program.

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

Sandra Jane Ward, age 72, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away October 23, 2023. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Ronald Dean Schachner, age 84, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away October 21, 2023. A Memorial will be held at The Faith Lutheran Church in The Dalles, OR, November 11, 2023 at 11:00 am. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Tom Meaney, 78, of White Salmon, Washington was the eldest of Ruth and Edward Meaney’s three sons.

Tom grew up in Portland, Oregon. He attended All Saints Elementary and Jesuit High School. He graduated from Wilson High School in 1963.

Immediately after high school graduation Tom joined the Marine Corps as his father had done before him. He thought since the base was at Camp Pendleton, he would be able to go surfing. Unfortunately, he didn’t learn to surf. Instead, he did two tours of duty to Southeast Asia, serving in Vietnam. He remembered these days in Vietnam every day for the rest of his life.

After an honorable discharge from the Marines Tom enrolled at Portland State University as a political science major, and, at about the same time, he opened Tom’s Rugs, an Oriental rug store in Sellwood. After a few years in the rug business, he sold the store to a friend, became a part-time house painter, and joined Mt. Park Racquet Club. The tennis club became his second home for the next twenty-five years. Tom was a natural athlete. He played tennis, racquetball and squash and was always available for a cocktail after a match.

He met Rae Carey playing tennis at Mt. Park. They married in 1990 and in 2000 they moved to White Salmon. During these years he enjoyed many holidays in Hawaii where he, finally, went surfing.

Tom will be remembered for how much he enjoyed talking to people and for the unlimited number of stories he had to tell. He was kind and generous, and he loved animals, especially all of the wildlife that visited his house in the country.

Tom died soon after being diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother, Ed Meaney. He is survived by Rae Meaney, brother Phil Meaney, sisters-in-law Liz and Chris Meaney, his cousins Charles, Delores, John, and Mary-Kay, and a few life-long friends. 

There will be a burial service at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon November 2nd, 2023, at 10:00 am.

Memorial donations may be made to Rowena Wildlife Clinic 6900 Highway 30WThe Dalles, OR 97058 (rowenawildlifeclinic.org)

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

Inez E. Kennen, age 88, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away October 20, 2023. A Graveside Service will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Georgia Nel Opheim, age 68, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away October 16, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Dr. Howard William Fetz, III, age 83, of Maupin, Oregon, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, October 9, 2023. Howard was born in Spokane, Washington, to Howard W. Fetz, Jr. and Ruth Ida (Krug) Fetz. In his early youth the family moved to Coeur d ‘Alene, Idaho, where he enjoyed a carefree life of exploring, riding the trains, and going to baseball games at the stadium across the street from the family home. Howie and his dog, Shawn, would sit in the top corner of the grandstands, where his mother could see him from their front porch, and thus began his lifelong love for the sport of baseball. While living in Coeur d ‘Alene, Howard W. Fetz, Jr. began building Camp Lutherhaven on Lake Coeur d ‘Alene, a Christian camp offering a year-round outdoor ministry center dedicated to faith-building experiences for people of all ages. The family lived at the camp during the summers and Howard helped his father deliver the mail by boat to the cabins and homes around the lake. It was a magical place for the family.

In 1951, the family moved to West Linn, Oregon, where Howard attended Bolton Grade School beginning in the fifth grade. It was at Bolton Park where he first played the position of catcher on a youth baseball team. Howard excelled both academically and in baseball, graduating from West Linn High School in 1958. He was active in Honor Society, Letterman’s Club, Basketball and Baseball; was Class President and Student Body Vice President; and always maintained several jobs while going to school.

Howard enrolled at Portland State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree with Honors in Secondary Education in 1963. A four-year letterman at PSU, Howard was a co-captain of the 1962 PSU Viking Baseball team that finished second in the NAIA National Tournament. The previous year he had been selected as an All-NAIA District II catcher and scholar-athlete, after leading the old Oregon Collegiate Conference with a .500 batting average. Howard was named a State of Oregon Rhodes Scholar representative, and served as an assistant baseball coach at Portland State and the University of Oregon.

In 1963, Howard married Billie (Beagle) Fetz. Howard accepted the position of Head Coach for the Dutch National Baseball Team, and the young couple lived in Holland from 1965-66. In 1967, Howard accepted two positions at Eastern Oregon State College, an Associate Professorship of English, and Head Baseball Coach, excelling in both. For the next two decades, Coach Fetz built a highly respected baseball program where the team played as many NCAA Division I teams as NAIA opponents. In 1985, Mountie baseball featured a perfect 12-0 record in conference play, helping to move their coach into the 400-career win club. In 1986, the veteran coach’s record in conference action moved to 153-68 – a 70% success ratio and advancing his overall record to 442-302. During his career at EOSC, Fetz sent 13 players onto pro ball, with 50 former Mountie ballplayers accepting coaching and administrative positions.

Howard and Billie had two sons, Trevor and Teun. Sports remained a very important part of their lives, with the family supporting each other in baseball, cross-country, track, basketball, and swimming, as well as music. Howard was the recipient of Doctor of Arts and PhD degrees in English from the University of Oregon in 1970. He completed an Administrative Licensure Program through the University of Oregon, Lewis & Clark College, Portland State University, and Eastern Oregon State College.

Upon leaving Eastern Oregon State College, Howard became a public-school Superintendent/Principal. Again, his leadership style of collaborative problem solving, allowed him to be successful in guiding educators in Developmentally Appropriate and Cooperative Learning, Integrated Curriculum, Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligences, and Authentic Assessments, all during a time of fiscal challenges. He led districts to achieve consistently high Oregon Statewide Assessment results, and established an Indian Education Program, while collaboratively establishing an Education Center at Celilo Indian Village. Dr. Fetz cared about ALL students and frequently reminded his staff members of his belief: “Not one way for all, but the right way for each.” He lived by this motto in all areas of his life.

In 2005, Howard married Bernie (Zumwalt Chastain) Fetz, and they settled on Juniper Flat in Maupin, Oregon. Howard and Bernie worked tirelessly together as educators serving students in the K-12 system. Outside of work in public schools, they supported students through athletic and fine arts arenas. Baseball continued to be an important aspect of their shared interests, attending spring training in Arizona for many years. Howard established a 501(c) charitable organization, America’s Game, with the goal of providing funds for baseball facilities, and scholarships for young prospects seeking to play at the college level. They also enjoyed family time with their grandchildren.

As successful as Howard was at mentoring baseball players, he was equally effective in mentoring his students in positive life skills. Countless students and student athletes have carried Howard’s impact and influence on their lives into actions and effects on the lives they have touched, thus passing Howard’s life lessons from generation to generation. Howard had grit, was tenacious, unflappable, calm, strong, brilliant, and caring. He did everything to excess, never giving up.

Howard also enjoyed working as a real estate salesman, a Sports Broadcaster at KLBM in La Grande, and author. He published Baseball: The Winning Fundamentals and its accompanying test book, Tests for Baseball: The Winning Fundamentals. They were two of the major texts in the field, having reached the foreign market in such countries as Holland, Italy, South Africa, England, and Australia. The Kansas City Royals and other MLB teams also used his works in their baseball training schools. His knowledge of baseball, and experience as a coach and player, made him a perfect candidate to be an MLB Associate Scout. He served numerous organizations in this capacity from 1985-2021, including the Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, Florida Marlins, Detroit Tigers, California Angels, San Francisco Giants, Tampa Devil Rays, Houston Astros, Baltimore Orioles, and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Howard was inducted into the NAIA District II Coaches’ Hall of Fame, State of Oregon; Eastern Oregon State College Athletic Hall of Fame, La Grande, Oregon; and Portland State University’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

Howard is survived by his devoted wife, Bernie Fetz; his children, Dr.Trev Fetz (Dr. Jessica Favis), Dr. Teun Fetz (Katie); his step children, Casey Hayes (Kristi), Abby (Hayes) Kraayeveld (Jeff), Brian Chastain (Tricia), JodiLynn Chastain Kelley (Kyd); his grandchildren, Will and Sarah Fetz; Jackson and Elliot Fetz; Nolan and Piper Hayes; Ava and Hayden Kraayeveld; Grace, Allison, and Kate Chastain; Acie and Tadley Kelley; and his siblings, Dr. Gerald Fetz (Jocelyn Siler), Dr. Joanne Reece (Bill Voxman), Diana (DeDe) Baasham (Gary), and Roger Fetz (Sharry); and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held (rain or shine) on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Quinton Street Ballpark in The Dalles, Oregon at 11:00 a.m. The service will be officiated by Pastor Tim Morelli. Please dress for the weather and bring a stadium blanket, umbrella, etc. as necessary. A reception will follow at Bargeway Pub in The Dalles, Oregon at 12:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to America’s Game, PO Box 282, Maupin, Oregon 97037; or to another charity of your choice.

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

Dennis Ralph Miles, age 88, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away October 8, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Marsha Christine Savery, age 70, a resident of Maupin, OR, passed away October 18, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Dale Scott Buchert, age 69, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away October 6, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Alan Bradshaw, age 87, a resident of Wamic, OR, passed away October 14, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Keith Douglas Smith, age 61, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away October 16, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

John Addington Langfeldt, age 87, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away October 16, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

James Byron Bartz, age 68, a resident of Wishram, WA, passed away October 15, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Robert (Bob) Sproule 82, passed away on October 9 in The Dalles, Oregon after a brief stay in the hospital. Bob was born in Chicago, Il on July 19, 1941 to Mildred and Clayton (Mike) Sproule. Growing up in Dallas TX, Bob developed a love for the game of golf at a very early age, going to the golf course whenever he could with his dad. He continued playing through his years in high school and college.

He married Diane Daugherty while in college and after graduation from East Texas State in 1965, they started their teaching careers in Forney TX. Bob worked for the Forest Service during his summers in Riggins, Id manning a lookout tower for a couple of years and later becoming a smoke jumper in McCall. Their son Michael came along on October 9, 1965. They moved to Riggins full time in 1966 where they taught school. Upon separating from Diane, Bob moved to Clarkston WA and began his golfing career at Clarkston Country Club in 1968. He worked there for 2 years then moved to Kennewick to manage the Columbia Park golf course for one season. In 1970 he moved to Spokane to become the assistant golf professional at the new Hangman Valley Golf Course. In 1972 Bob and his new family: Maralee, Marilyn, Debbi and Doug moved to the Okanogan Valley to manage Okanogan Valley Golf Club. They remained there until 1976 when Bob became the Golf Professional at The Dalles Country Club, where he remained until retiring in 2015. Bob received his pin for 50 years as a PGA Professional in 2021.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Mike and Millie Sproule and his son Michael. He is survived by his special friend of 20+ years Teresa Harrington of The Dalles, brother Bill Sproule (Camille) of Omak, WA, Sister Pam Murray (Jim) of Richardson TX, niece Michelle Peacock (Nate) of College Station TX, nephew Brent Murray (Becky) of Lubbock, TX, niece Emily Sproule of Seattle and nephew Chad Sproule (Ciara) of North Bend WA, as well as several great-nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Bob will be planned, at a later time, at The Dalles Country Club.

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

Alice Marie Penman, age 91, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away October 6th, 2023. A Burial will be held in Oakesdale Cemetery in Washington, October 23rd, 2023 at 2:00 pm. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Another member of The Greatest Generation has passed. Alice left this life to her heavenly home on Oct. 6, 2023, at the age of 91. She was born on July 31, 1932, within the golden wheat fields of Washington’s Palouse country to Y Glen and Lou Jones. She was the 3rd of 4 children to this union. She grew up in Oaksdale, at the start of The Great Depression, and finished High School after the close of WW II. After HS graduation she went to Maupin, OR to visit a favorite aunt. There she met a Marine returning from the war in the Pacific and fell in love. She married that rough around the edges Marine, Art Gerity, December 23rd, 1950. They had 3 children Zada Marie (Gerity) Lewis, G. Michael Gerity and April Nadine Gerity. Grievously, April never survived to leave the hospital. Alice’s marriage to Art ended in 1969. She married Robert (Bob) Perkins of Hansen, ID 1971.  They lived in Hansen, ID until Bob’s passing in 1997. She then moved to Wamic, OR to be closer to her daughter Zada. It was there she met and Married Terry Penman in January 2005. Alice and Terry split their time between Wamic, OR and Casa Grande, AZ.  Sadly, Terry passed 2015 in Casa Grande, AZ. She then returned to Oregon, living first in Wamic, then moving to Flagstone, then on to The Springs, 2021 where she passed. Alice is remembered for her sweet smile and helping hand, developing many friendships along the way. She is survived by her 2 children Zada Lewis, and husband Dennis Lewis, G. Michael Gerity and wife Donna L. Gerity, two grandchildren Sean Gerity wife Marci Gerity, and Caitlin Gerity and three greatgrandchildren Lucas, Dylan & Thomas Gerity.

A graveside memorial is planned for Mother’s Day May 12, 2024. 

Barbara A Pashek, age 83, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away October 8th, 2023. A Private family Graveside will be held at St. Peters Cemetery. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Kenneth Clayton Brandt, age 99, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away September 20th, 2023. A Graveside service will be held at Odd Fellows Cemetery on 3 mile rd. in The Dalles, OR, October 14th, 2023 at 9:30 am with a Memorial following at the First Christian Church in The Dalles, OR, at 10:30 am. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Patrick William Quigley, age 75, a resident of Hood River, OR, passed away October 03, 2023. A Celebration of Life will be held at The Ruins in Hood River, OR, October 29th, 2023 at 2:00 pm. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.