Jackie Bruce Ashley, 63, of Tygh Valley Oregon, passed away at his home on March 17th, 2024.

He was born on April 30, 1960 to Jack and Annie Ashley, in The Dalles, OR. When they got home with Jackie, Grandpa Bruce picked him up and declared “looks like a Mike to me!” and ever since then the world knew him as such.

After Mike graduated from Wasco Co Union HS in 1978, he went on to work for Dodge Logging before following in his father’s footsteps and pursuing a career as a heavy equipment operator. He started out in Central Oregon working with R. L. Coates Construction and then spent many years with Jack Robinson & Sons Inc. After returning to Tygh Valley, he continued his construction career with James Dean Construction and finally Crestline Construction.

In 1987, Mike met Lesa and together they raised two children, Steven and Stephanie Ashley.

Mike returned to Tygh Valley in 2015 and reconnected with his childhood friend Marcia who quickly became the love of his life. It didn’t matter if it was surviving the calving season, fixing irrigation for the millionth time, or just sitting down to a simple dinner, the two of them have always enjoyed each other's company and doing life together.

When he wasn’t working construction, or fixing something on the farm, Mike was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to spend his time hunting, fishing, participating in 3D archery, driving around  in the woods and being outside. Some of his favorite activities were doing his special “guided digger hunts” at the ranch. Those lucky enough to experience such a hunt know how amazing they truly were. Along with being a passionate outdoorsman, Mike was also a true patriot and loved his country, he even made sure a flagpole was put up at the ranch so that there was a proper place to display the old red white and blue. His boisterous laugh would fill a room and he never hesitated to crack a joke while making sure you had another cold drink in your hand. Mike was always one to make sure you felt included.

Mike was preceded in death by his father Jack and his sister Gigi both of Tygh Valley. He is survived by his two children Steven of Bend and Stephanie of Portland, his three grandsons Gradie , Jaxson, and Liam of Bend, his brother George of Tygh Valley, nephew Nathaniel of Prineville and niece Tiffnie of Dayville,  his love Marcia of Tygh Valley, as well as many cousins, friends, and bonus family members that were honored to know and love him.

A service will be held at Mike and Marcia’s home in the covered arena on April 27th 2024 at 12pm. (80736 Shadybrook Rd, Tygh Valley) In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to South Wasco County Ambulance, Maupin, Oregon.

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

John Burton MacPherson, age 77, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away March 19, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home are in care of his arrangements.

Jerri Lee Parman was born April 26, 1940 in Denver, Colorado, and passed away peacefully on the morning of February 27, 2024 at Canyon Rim Assisted Living in Maupin, Oregon. She was 83 years of age.

Jerri was born to Emmett and Bernice Cagley, joining her sister Patricia, and was raised in Harbor, Oregon with her mother and her aunts and uncles until moving to Coos Bay, where she attended and graduated from Marshfield High School in 1956.

She went on to attend Southern Oregon College in Ashland where she met her future husband, Sidney Parman. They were married in 1958 in Reno, Nevada and moved to Condon, Oregon where their first son Stacey was born.  Shortly thereafter, they moved to Maupin, Oregon and their second son Jeff was born in The Dalles.  Jerri worked at local businesses until finding her calling in public service by landing a job as a teacher’s aide at Maupin Grade School.  Because of her love of piano playing, the school assigned her to teach music to the primary grades, which she loved.  After 11 years of dedicated service, she took a job at Wasco County High School as secretary & bookkeeper.  Just two years later, she advanced to the school’s Deputy Clerk position that she held for 18 additional years, before retiring in 1997. 

Jerri was best known for her infectious smile, kind heart, quick wit, and passionate love for her family and friends.  She felt a strong sense of civic duty and served her South Wasco County community in many ways: Jerri was an EMT with the South Wasco County Ambulance Service for 18 years.  She was also an EMT Instructor, a Hunter Safety Instructor, member of the Maupin High School Budget Committee, Girl Scout leader, PTA Secretary, and Little League Secretary.  She was a member of the Wasco County Economic Development Commission and Children and Families Commission and a founding member of the Board of Directors of the Deschutes Rim Health Clinic where she served for 10 years.   

Among Jerri’s favorite contributions was being a founding member in 1979 of the “Town and Country Players”, where for over 40 years she acted in, directed, and helped produce a multitude of plays, musicals, and Christmas programs.

Jerri volunteered her time and energy to play piano for school programs, graduations, weddings, and numerous public events.  She was extremely well-read, amazingly witty, with a not-so-subtle “flair for the dramatic.” She loved caring for flowers and animals, traveling, artifacts, casinos, Jeopardy, and helping others. She was tough when she had to be, with a boundless work ethic.  Above all, Jerri was an amazing mother, wife, sister, daughter, grandmother, and friend who loved freely and was loved by all.

Jerri is preceded in passing by her mother Bernice, father Emmett, her husband of 60 years Sidney, and her sister Patricia. Jerri is survived by her son, Stacey (Shirleen) of Phoenix, Ariz.; son, Jeff (Michelle) of Maupin; half-sister Colette (Gregg), six grandchildren; (Crystal, Zack, Ryan, Jesse, J Lee, Jeremy); eight great-grandchildren; four nephews, and one cousin.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, May 18th at 1:00 p.m. at the WCUHS gymnasium in Maupin, with a potluck dessert to follow. Everyone who’s lives were touched by Jerri is cordially invited to attend.

Donations in Jerri Parman's memory may be sent to the South Wasco County Ambulance Service in Maupin.

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

CHARLOTTE ANN (SWEENEY) BLAISDELL   95

   A resident of The Dalles Oregon.  She was born Feb. 2, 1929 and passed away March 15, 2024.  One of 5 siblings.  Brothers Ace, Bob, Johnny and Sister Lorraine.  All of whom have passed.  The Sweeney homestead was near Stevenson Washington.  Their Mother Anna, died when Charlotte was born and their Father Charles, died later in a car accident.  The girls were raised by Uncle Will (Bill) and Aunt Kate (Mom Kate) Douglas of Eagle Creek, Oregon.  The boys were raised in Stevenson and later all 3 joined the Military during WWII.

   Charlotte married Clyde R Blaisdell Dec. 17th, 1946.  He was a Veteran of the United States Navy.  Living in Carson Washington they raised 4 girls.  Charlotte was a loving wife, Mom and homemaker.  She had a love for gardening, cooking and sewing.  She made friends easily and her family was her life.  Sadly after making it through the war, Clyde passed away from an aneurysm at age 39.  

   Charlotte, as a single Mom, courageously moved the family to The Dalles to start a new life.  The two youngest were still in High School and graduated from The Dalles Senior High School.  She made ends meet as an excellent seamstress.  

   Charlotte is survived by 3 of her daughters and her sons-in-law:  Judy & Bob Cole, Sherry & Rod Runyon, The Dalles.   The youngest daughter Janice & John Jackson of Boise Idaho.  The 2nd oldest daughter Donna and husband Theron have both passed.

   Late in life Charlotte met up with an old family friend.  At a funeral no less.  Gayle Rakestraw from Carson.  A very special man who made a home for them in Carson and then they lovingly remodeled a home and property in Dallesport Washington.  Once again, it brought her joy, new adventures, and love.  Time passed along and Gayle passed away but he had made sure she would be taken care of.  Charlotte decided to return to The Dalles and was able to purchase a nice home in Pomona Meadows.  The older family atmosphere and the close friends she made were a blessing throughout her remaining years.

   Charlotte had 7 Grandchildren: Duane, Tharron and Jayson Cole.  Kelley (Runyon) Lee and J. R. Runyon.  Luke Jackson and Chrissy (Jackson) Stoprya.   There are 9 Great Grand Children and 4 Great Great Grandchildren.

   A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday April 27th at 11am in Carson Washington at The Old Carson Cemetery.  A no-host luncheon is planned following the Service at Backwoods Brewing Company in Carson.

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

Gilbert Clayton - leaving a legacy deeper than the many wells he drilled.

Gilbert Clayton drilled hundreds of water wells throughout the Pacific Northwest during his many decades of ownership and operation of Gilbert Clayton Well Drilling, yet the most important depth reached by this wonderful man is the legacy of his family.  Gilbert was united face to face with Jesus on Friday, March 1 at the age of 91.

Gilbert F. Clayton was born in Klickitat, WA to Bert and Grace Clayton on July 18, 1932. From an early age, Gilbert helped Bert with his business, Bert Clayton and Son Well Drilling.  After graduating with The Dalles High School class of 1950, Gilbert continued working with his father and then served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 1952-1954, followed by the U.S. Navy in Guam and aboard U.S. Aircraft Carrier Oriskany from 1954-1956.  Gilbert also attended Oregon State University in Corvallis, launching a long line of Oregon State alumni in his family.

Gilbert and his lifelong bride, Evelyn J. Aas, were married in November 1957 in The Dalles at Faith Lutheran Church.  At the 50th anniversary celebration for Faith Lutheran, Gilbert & Evelyn were recognised as the second couple to marry at this church. This was their active home for worship and fellowship for 65 years, and by the grace of God, has allowed the roots of Christ’s love and salvation to permeate many generations of the Clayton family tree.  Of all aspects of legacy, there is none more important than this.

Gilbert and Evelyn had three sons; Craig, Dan, and Kent, born in 1958, 1961, and 1966.  In 1959, Gilbert and Evelyn purchased their home and cherry orchard on Lambert Street where they lived until moving to The Springs at Mill Creek in February 2023.  

In the 1960's, Gilbert started his own well and pump business, Gilbert Clayton Well Drilling, and retired in 2010. He served many locals for several years with consultation after his retirement, even up until 2023. 

Gilbert and Evelyn enjoyed hosting their extended family at their beautiful property in The Dalles, traveling, and attending family reunions in Minnesota and Missouri. A trip to the Northeast to watch the autumn leaves turn and a special cruise to Alaska were a few of their traveling highlights.

Gilbert is survived by his wife of 66 years, the wonderful Evelyn Clayton, as well as sons Craig and Kari Clayton, Dan Clayton, and Kent & Debbie Clayton.  Gilbert's most cherished role was as a Grandfather and Great Grandfather. The orchard tractor was of special interest as several generations learned to drive it. Rootbeer floats were always a tradition when spending time together as a family.  Many, many gallons of root beer and ice cream have been consumed over the years in the fantastic orange-countered kitchen at the Lambert Street home.

Gilbert is survived by grandchildren Lindy & Matt Mongenel with children Braxton & Enzo, Neil & Erin Clayton with children Natalie, Sean, and Samuel, Kenna, Kyle, Melissa, and Austin Clayton, Benjamin Chapman, and Keith & Crystal with children Cameron, Joaquin, Jackson, Zoe, and Sadie Grace.  In all, Gilbert is survived by 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.  

Gilbert was predeceased by an infant daughter, Jan Marie, as well as parents Bert and Grace Clayton and sisters Margaret Bacon, Cassa Logan and Pat Smith.

The following Bible verse was found in Gilbert's wallet:

For it is by grace you have been saved, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Eph 2:8-10

By Grace indeed!  We cannot wait to see you in Heaven someday, Husband, Dad, Grandpa, & Great Grandpa Gilbert.  We all always knew we were loved by you, and you were very loved by all of us.  We are eternally grateful (truly, eternally) for the great legacy you left through each of us. 

Memorial service will take place at

Faith Lutheran Church 

2810 W 10th St

May 25, 2024 @2pm 

Reception to follow.

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

Stephen Louis Schafroth, age 74, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away March 1, 2024. A Memorial Service will be held April 13, 2024, at 1:00 pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1805 Minnesota St., The Dalles, OR. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Kathleen Maude Olson, age 80, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away March 10th, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home are in care of her arrangements.

Betty Lou Ward, 95 peacefully departed this world to be with her Lord and Savior on March 8th, 2024.

Betty was born on June 19th, 1928, in La Grande, OR to Earl C. Courtney and Mildred L. Courtney (Murray). She attended school in La Grande where she met her future husband, Ben Ward. Years later she jokingly retold their “Love” story to her children and how she remembered saying she just “hated” those Ward boys. In June of 1945, she had a change of heart, married Ben and spent 57 years together. They were blessed with four children. Betty was a loving mother, homemaker and wife while raising their family in Tygh Valley and Moro.

Betty enjoyed many hours of crafting gifts for family and friends. She loved to read, play games, paint, traveling in their camper and cooking spaghetti and stroganoff were among her specialties. Volksmarches took them on many walking adventures around the Pacific Northwest and Germany.

Betty was a long-time member at the Tygh Valley Methodist Church and later at the Gateway Church in The Dalles.

Betty is survived by her son Dana Ward (Gayle); daughters Kathleen Kirby (Chris) and Julie Carter (Clayton); grandchildren Christopher Ward (Diana), Rebecca Pearson (Andy), Maire Kirby and Sean Kirby (Elizabeth); great grandchildren Cora Kirby.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Ben Ward in June 2002, parents Earl and Mildred Courtney and son Scott Ward in December 2023.

Love is Forever.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Spencer, Libby and Powell Gathering Hall Saturday April 6th, 2024 at 12:00 pm. In Lieu of Flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles, OR which will be well deserved and appreciated.

Thomas Martin Lexow, 91, of The Dalles, Oregon, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2024 surrounded by the love of family and friends. Tom was a Kansas farm boy, born in Abilene on January 30, 1933 to his parents Clarence and Adele Lexow.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, the love of his life, Virginia Talevich Lexow, his soul mate. They are proud parents of 9 children: Tim, Julie Green, Chris, Andy, Matt (deceased), Mike, Jane, Kate Mall and Anna McClure, and grandparents to 23 grandchildren and 48 great-grandchildren.

In 1951 Tom and his parents made a first-time visit to the Pacific Northwest and decided to stay.

Tom’s first job was as deckhand on the Columbia River tugs during that record-breaking frigid winter, hauling munitions from Umatilla to Astoria during the Korean conflict. Tom made engineer quickly when the engine on the tug died as the tug and barge neared the interstate bridge and started drifting. His farm boy time with tractors gave him skills and speed to restart the engine and save the day!

Tom and Virginia married Valentine’s Day 1953. After working several different jobs as they started their family, Tom settled into banking in 1960 at the small town Washougal bank.

Working his way up through years, in 1970 Tom was promoted to open a new branch in Stevenson, Washington. While there he joined the city council and worked with chambers of commerce in the area brainstorming the economy. Tom’s enthusiasm was instrumental in the purchase of the first sternwheeler by the cooperation of those involved. He also contributed to the clean-up and enlarging of the Skamania County Fairgrounds. The work provided jobs for local teens, including some of his.

In 1976, when opening the new White Salmon branch, Tom’s German Kansas roots delighted in the town’s existing Bavarian village theme, which inspired him to enhance the bank’s architectural remodel of the former city hall, complete with a glokenspeil bell tower. He was even able to sponsor a Sister-City Tour to Bingen, Germany. He loved playing his strolling accordion during the Oktoberfest and Mayfest days.

During those years of work and raising a family, weekends were full of repair chores, motorcycles, hikes, camp-outs, fun and church.

By 1980, as the kids grew and were leaving home, Tom felt he could make a career change to share a new message of hope and healing. New life answers he had received and experienced in the face of pains and struggles he had seen and faced along the way. So it was agreed for him to take training to become a chemical dependency counselor through St. Joseph Hospital’s Turnaround Program in Vancouver, Washington. He spent the remainder of his working career there and at Memorial Hospital. Through his fifteen years as counselor, and his dedication to AA, Tom has touched many, many lives throughout the gorge region. That dedication extended to Clark County Jail where he was allowed as a volunteer to bring AA meetings for the first time. The year he retired he received a Governor’s Award for his years’ of service to alcoholics and addicts.

If you ever met Tom, you would know he had a big kind heart, and was driven to share his love for God and message of hope. In addition to his careers and devotion to family, Tom volunteered as boyscout troop master, CCD teacher, camp counselor, and YouthThink advocate. He volunteered at the hospital, drove people to doctor’s appointments, and delivered food for Meals On Wheels. He shared his musical and story-telling talents to cheer up folks in nursing homes. He was an amateur meteorologist and geologist, and the proud airplane pilot of his experimental aircraft called the flutterbug.

The family would like to express heartfelt appreciation to Columbia Basin of The Dalles where Tom stayed the last several months of his life. Staff took such good care of Tom and became extended family to not only Tom, but to all of his visiting family. Thank you.

A Funeral Mass and Rosary will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in The Dalles,OR, on Saturday, March 23rd starting at 10:30 am with Internment at the St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetary, and Luncheon to follow.

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

Douglas Dean Folkers, age 59, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away March 5, 2024. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Phyllis Rowena Carter, age 91, a resident of Wishram, WA, Passed away at her home on Thursday, February 1st, 2024. Phyllis was born on October 31st, 1923, to Elva and Otis White in Sheridon, WY. She came to Wishram in 1946 with her mother and stepfather Jack Bryon.

Phyllis graduated from Wishram High School. She married William Gary Carter on August 25th, 1952, in Goldendale, WA. They moved to Vancouver, WA a few years later, where they lived for 15 years.

Phyllis worked for Jantzen for several years. She moved back to Wishram in 1974. Phyllis worked for The Dalles Cherry Growers until she retired in 1996.

Phyllis enjoyed gardening, canning, needle crafts, quilting, and sewing after her retirement.

Phyllis is survived by; her children, Mark C and Sandra Carter of Wishram, WA and RoxAnn and Jeff Ringer of The Dalles, OR; grandchildren, Joseph E Spratt, Josh Carter, Jacob and Autunm Ringer; and 4 great grandchildren.

She was proceeded in death by; her husband William Gary Carter; children, John, Donald, and Stephanie Carter; grandson, Nicholas Spratt; parents Elva and Jack Bryon; Father, Otis White; brother, Gene Bryon

A private family Graveside Service will be held March 15th, 2024, at 10 am at The Dalles Odd Fellows Cemetery with Reverend Tyler B Kelly officiating.

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

Helen L. Dixon, January 4th, 1929, in The Dalles Oregon- December 29th, 2023, in Bend Oregon.

Helen was born in The Dalles, Oregon to John and Bessie Martin of Rowena. She graduated from The Dalles High School in 1947. She later Married Raymond Dixon in 1948. Mr. Dixon’s career took her across Washington, Oregon, and Wyoming. Helen and Raymond then retired back to Oregon.

Helen spent most of her career in the banking industry.

Helen is survived by her children, Gloria and Jim Dilley of LaPine Oregon, Lee Dixon of Eloy Arizona, Steve and Sharrie Dixon of Keene Texas. Grandchildren Eric and Adam
Schick of California, Great Grandchildren Aiden and Corinna Schick of California. She is also survived by her brother George Martin of Beaverton.

Entombment will be held May 4, 2024, at 11:00 am at Odd Fellows Cemetery The Dalles Oregon.

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

Dwayne Barton Nichols, age 71, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away February 27th, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home are in care of his arrangements.

Alfonso Sanchez, age 83, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away February 27, 2024. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Helen Shirley Fountain, age 92 a resident of Portland, OR, passed away February 24th, 2024. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home are in care of her arrangements.

Sam B Holmes, age 93, a resident of Woodburn, OR, passed away February 24, 2024. A Funeral will be held at St. John’s Baptist Church March 1st, 2024 at 10:30 am with interment to follow at the Grass Valley Cemetery. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Mary Louise Watts died peacefully February 19 at The Springs at Mill Creek in The Dalles at age 97.

Mary was born September 26, 1926, the first of three children, to David Layton Watts and Marie Schlesser Watts in Hillsboro, OR. She lived there on the family dairy farm until she left to attend Western Oregon State College in Monmouth, OR, where she studied Education.

She taught 2nd and 3rd grade in Arlington, Creswell and Hood River until moving to The Dalles in 1962 where she taught Special Education until her retirement in 1984.

In addition to her long career as an educator, Mary was also a very talented artist and had a life long love of history. She was well versed in local history and had extensively researched and documented her family history. On her mother's side of the family, her research took her to Luxemburg a couple of times tracing the family back to the 1700s. She also researched her father’s side of the family and was very knowledgeable about their struggles among the first settlers to travel by covered wagon across the Applegate Trail to settle in the Willamette Valley in the 1840s.              

During her many years in The Dalles, she was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, and numerous other organizations relating to art, education, local history and genealogy. She was an active volunteer in these various organizations.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Elmer. She is survived by her brother, John, and nephew, David, of Princeton, OR, nieces Janice Theodorakis of  Portland, Donna (Earl) Burt of Bremerton, WA, Linda Watts of Burns, OR, Marilyn Watts (Carol Wright) of Ocean Park, WA, and Margaret Mary Watts of Seattle. Also, three great nieces and two great nephews and a great-great niece and nephew.  

A memorial service is planned for Mary on Sunday, March 24 at 2 pm in The Dallas at the Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Chapel, 1100 Kelly Ave. There will also be a funeral mass at St. Matthew’s in Hillsboro (475 SE 3rd Ave) at 1:30 pm on April 6, followed by a graveside ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to The Dalles Art Center in Mary’s memory.

Gary Grossmiller was born on December 20, 1961, and passed away on February 21st in the Hood River Rehab Center.  He was a 5th generation Arlington Oregon resident.  He is survived by his sister Susan Logan of Vancouver, WA, his niece Gabby (Eddie) Tim and new great nephew, Caleb.  He is preceded in death by his mother, Victoria Wheelhouse and his father, Jake Grossmiller of The Dalles.

Gary was part of the great class of 1980 in Arlington.  He was part of many state championships and even scored a touchdown with one of Mr. Roger’s “special” plays.  He loved football, the Packers were his team.  He also loved music.  He almost graduated from Eastern Oregon with a music degree but was needed to care for his mother at home.  The trumpet was his instrument.  The highlight was playing with Doc Severinson at the band festival.  He also attended Mt. Hood Festival of Jazz many times.

Gary’s true calling came when he was needed to take over running the Happy Canyon Tavern that his grandparents built in 1957, converting it to a pizza parlor.  He ran it for many years with his mother, and then alone since 2007.  Gary loved being part of the Arlington community.  He was a city councilman for over 10 years, also serving on the Tri-County Board.  He was also an avid hunter and fisherman, catching the 2nd largest Wall Eye in the state.  He helped start the Arlington Gun Club, shooting silhouettes and trap.  He was a hard worker until his health went bad.  He was able to cheat death 3 times and spent the last year in Hood River, trying to recuperate.  Gary was always thankful for his town and his friends. 

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

Donald Ray Frazer, age 65, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away February 21, 2024. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Ronald David Hayes, age 66, a resident of Lyle, WA, passed away February 19, 2024. Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.