Thomas Ray Oaks, age 69, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away December 11, 2023. A Celebration of Life will be held at The Dalles United Church of Christ Congregational on 111 East 5th St. December 18th, 2023 at 10:30 am. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of his arrangements.
Janet Louise Wheeler, age 91, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away November 26, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of her arrangements.
Joshua Alan Miller, age, 30, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed December 7, 2023. A Viewing will be held at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home December 11th, 2023 at 4:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at Cousins in The Dalles, OR, December 17th, 2023 at 4:00 pm. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of his arrangements.
Oscar William Gustafson “Bill” passed quietly in the early morning of December 5th. Bill was born to Oscar and Ardis Gustafson on April 16, 1944. Bill was the youngest of five children he had two brothers, Edwin and Stephen, and sisters Alice Anne and Marie. Bill was a lifelong resident of The Dalles. Bill attended St. Mary’s and graduated from The Dalles High School in 1962. Upon graduating he started work at Keith O’Brian department store. He later began his career as a stockbroker and then moved to Wamic to manage the family farm where he and his wife Kathy lived for the first few years of their marriage. Later they moved to town where Bill started his career at UPS where he retired in 2006.
Bill was passionate about spending time with his family. He enjoyed hunting, always looked forward to his Monday night dinners with long-time friends, and enjoyed many hours of fun at the Kortge cabin. The highlight of his year was spending winters in Hawaii with his wife Kathy.
Bill is survived by his wife Kathy of 52 years, Daughter Laura Carrell(Jeff), Son Josh Gustafson(Brandi) and daughter Emily Callahan(Andy), and three granddaughters Madelia and Kathryn Bradford and Rebecca Gustafson.
Celebration of life will be held December 16th, at 11:30 am at the Hiway House.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care off arrangements.
Larry Leo Mayfield, age 80, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away December 6, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of his arrangements.
David Thomas Cartwright, age 73, a resident of La Grande, OR, passed away October 9th, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of his arrangements.
Steve Harold Wilkins, age 70, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away December 5, 2023. A Memorial will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of his arrangements.
Richard Thomas Newsom, age 69, a resident of Rufus, OR, passed away December 2, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of his arrangements.
Verla Dewie Wilson, age 87, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away November 26, 2023. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Lyle Celebration Center January 13th, 2023 at 11:00 am located at 715 Washington St. Lyle, WA, . Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of her arrangements.
Oscar William Gustafson, age 79, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away December 5, 2023. A Celebration of Life will be held at The Highway House in The Dalles, OR, at a near date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of his arrangements.
Henry Earl Benson, age 85, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away December 04, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of his arrangements.
Helen Marie (Spickerman) Elton passed peacefully in her sleep on December 1, 2023. She was born on December 28, 1922 and would have been 101. Helen was born at home to George and Grace Spickerman in the Dalles, Oregon and was a lifelong resident. She had two younger sisters, Shirley Sawyer and Donna Pengra. In 1940, she was chosen to be the first Cherry Queen, representing the cherry industry of The Dalles. Among the highlights of that year was her ride on the float in the Rose Parade of Portland, Oregon. Locally, she also attended the dedication of Thompson Park and the burying of the time capsule there. Helen also had her picture taken on the Queen of Romania’s throne at the Maryhill Museum. In 1943, Helen married her high school sweetheart, Bill Elton of this city. They had three children, Shari Thompson, Ronald Elton, and Diane Cates, raising them on the family cherry farm on Pleasant Ridge Road. In her younger years, Helen had a hobby of detailed and intricate painting of ceramic figurines. She also enjoyed sewing and trying new recipes. A dedicated homemaker, Helen was an good housekeeper. One of her greatest joys in life was to put on the coffee pot and visit with dear friends and family. Having grown up in Calvary Baptist Church, she taught Sunday School and served on various committees. She faithfully continued her Christian service throughout her life, one of which was her dedication to serving her family. Survivors include her sister Shirley, her three children, twelve grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. Helen was preceded in death by an infant brother, James Robert, her stillborn baby girl, her parents, her husband, and her sister Donna. A graveside service and family memorial gathering will be scheduled at a later date.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home are in care of her arrangements.
Shana Marie Henry, age 44, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away November 25, 2023. A Celebration of Life will be held at St Vincent DePauls in The Dalles, OR, December 5, 2023 at 3:30 pm. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of her arrangements.
Sandra Kaye VanGilder, age 73, a resident of Wasco, OR, passed away December 2, 2023, A Funeral Service will be held in the soon future. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of her arrangements.
Gearald M. “Jerry” Brewer Jr.
December 12, 1946 - November 26, 2023
Gearald M. “Jerry” Brewer Jr., 76, a resident of The Dalles, Ore., died with his daughters by his side at Mid Columbia Medical Center, Sunday, November 26, 2023. He was born December 12, 1946, the oldest of three children to Gearald and Verna (Sturm) Brewer. He was raised and educated in The Dalles, graduating from The Dalles High School in 1965. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1966. He was in the 1st Air Cavalry Division and received the Bronze Star for his valorous actions under fire during the Vietnam War.
On April 21, 1968, he and Sue McClard were married in The Dalles. He was hired by the Oregon Department of Forestry and worked for them for 30 years. In 2000, he retired as the Assistant Unit Forester in Fossil where he and Sue raised their 2 daughters. In 2000, he and Sue moved back to The Dalles and he worked summers with the Washington State Parks.
He enjoyed spending time with his family, gardening, the outdoors, and cooking with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his daughters Jennifer Allinger and her husband Chris, North Bonneville, Wa.; Annette Moeller and her husband Mark, Wallowa, Ore.; granddaughters Ella and Sophie Moeller; sister Sharon Day and husband Jim, The Dalles, Ore.; sister Debi Spencer, The Dalles, Ore; his sister-in-law Pat Oliver, Newport, Ore; brother-in-law Joe Hill, Tri-Cities, Wa; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Susan Brewer, his parents Gearald and Verna Brewer; sister-in-law Nancy Hill; brother-in-law Bill Spencer; brother-in-law John Oliver; and great-nephew Jason Hannah.
Funeral service will be Saturday, January 6th, at 11 a.m. at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the I.O.O.F. 18th Street Cemetery with military honors.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
In Loving Memory of Nick Laflin
6/21/1979-7/31/2023
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Nicholas Charles Laflin, a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, who departed this world on July 31, 2023. He passed away in his sleep from a heart attack. Nick, as he was affectionately known to all who had the privilege of knowing him, left an indelible mark on the lives of those fortunate enough to share in his warmth, love, and zest for life.
Born on June 21, 1979, Nick's journey through life was characterized by his deep love for family, particularly his adoration for his nieces, Ava and Laila. To say that Nick cherished his family would be an understatement. His eyes would light up whenever he spoke of his nieces, and he treasured every moment spent with them, creating memories that will forever remain in their hearts.
But Nick's passion extended far beyond his immediate family. He was an avid adventurer and nature enthusiast, with an insatiable love for the great outdoors. The Deschutes River held a special place in his heart, and it was there that he forged countless bonds and created enduring friendships. Nick's passion for rafting on the Deschutes River was legendary, and he approached each adventure with an infectious enthusiasm that drew people from all walks of life to join him.
Nick also had a deep love for ice fishing, hunting, and pursuits he enjoyed with his closest buddies during elk camp. These experiences allowed him to connect with nature on a profound level and share unforgettable moments with his friends. Whether it was sitting by an ice hole waiting for the flag to go up to get the perfect catch, or venturing into the wilderness on a hunting expedition, Nick's dedication to these activities was a testament to his enduring love for the great outdoors. Through the years, Nick's love for the outdoors and his magnetic personality brought together a diverse group of friends, who became a second family to him. He had an uncanny ability to unite people, fostering connections that transcended the riverbanks, the ice shanties, and the vast forests.
Nick is survived by his dad Mike Laflin, stepdad Tom Troutman and significant other Becky, his brother Nate Laflin and wife Kirsten Laflin and his nieces Ava and Laila Laflin, Uncle Dan (Boone) and family and his significant other Rose, Uncle Rod and Aunt Sandy and family, Aunt Kathy and family, Uncle Henry, Roy and their families, Aunt Bev, Carol, Tracey and their families, and many more important family members and friends, all of whom considered Nick not just a friend but a cherished companion on life's journey.
He is predeceased by his beloved mother Donna Troutman, grandparents Richard and Polly Laflin from Maine and Hank and Cindy Wooderson and Aunt Woody from Oregon, and his Aunt Pam and Aunt Deb from Maine.
But perhaps one of Nick's most enduring qualities was his unwavering desire to see others happy. He possessed an innate ability to lift the spirits of those around him, and he dedicated himself to making the world a brighter place. Nick would go to great lengths to ensure the happiness of his loved ones, whether it was through a kind word, a selfless gesture, or simply by sharing a moment of laughter and joy.
Nick's passing leaves a void that can never be filled, but his memory lives on through the countless stories of laughter, camaraderie, and unforgettable adventures shared by those who had the privilege of knowing him. He leaves behind a legacy of love, adventure, and cherished moments that will continue to inspire and bring joy to all who were touched by his presence.
In this time of profound grief, we take solace in the knowledge that Nick's spirit remains forever intertwined with the wilderness he loved, the river he cherished, and the hearts of those who adored him. His memory will forever flow like the Deschutes River, winding its way through our lives, reminding us to live with the same boundless enthusiasm, love, and commitment to others that he brought to every moment.
Nicholas Charles Laflin, you will be dearly missed, but your spirit will forever reside in our hearts. May you find eternal peace on your greatest adventure yet.
We will be holding a celebration of Life in Maupin, Oregon at the South Wasco County High School Gymnasium on January 20, 2024 at 2PM and a pot luck dinner after. And, in Maine February 10, 2024 and the location is TBD. Please spread the word as Nick has touched a lot of people near and far and we would love to celebrate Nick with everyone that knew him.
Joseph John Wood, age 62, a resident of Topeka, KS, passed away November 22, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Mark Scott Norcom Sr., age 63, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away November 14, 2023. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Carole Mae Rundell, age 89, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away November 21, 2023. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Samarah Elena Luna-Betancort, age 15, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away November 20th, 2023. A Memorial and Potluck will be held at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home December 1st, 2023 at 11:00 am. Her Burial will be held at Odd Fellows Cemetery December 1st, 2023 at 2:00 pm. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.