Rosalind “Timinsh” Charley Sampson, age 73, a resident of Warm Springs, OR, passed away July 14, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Joyce Anna Hickerson, age 97, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away July 16, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

What a life! Helen Mary Rose Zwick was born at home in the Bronx, in New York City, on March 25, 1922 to Anna Silinski Zwick and Nicholas Zwick, both immigrants to this country, Helen passed peacefully in her sleep on July 10, 2024, at the age of 102. Helen and her younger sister Millie were avid skaters, and one day in 1941, Helen met a young man in uniform at the skating rink; Hobart Lynch. Shortly before Hobart shipped out to fight in WWII, Helen and Hobie became engaged. He made arrangements with a local florist to deliver one dozen roses to Helen every month while he was overseas. By the time Hobart returned home from Europe in July, after the war ended, Helen had received 39 dozen roses. Hobart and Helen married on August 26, 1945, and began their life together in New York. Their first child Patricia, arrived in July 1946. Michael was born in July the following year. From then on, another child arrived about every year and a half or so, until by 1964 there were ten! For several years the growing Lynch family traversed from New York to Oregon, then back again to Massachusetts, New York and Florida, until finally they returned to the best place: Oregon. Hobart was a carpenter and The Dalles was a bustling place in the 1950s and 60s with the building of The Dalles dam, new housing and a big aluminum plant. They put down roots. While Hobart worked as a skilled carpenter, Helen worked at jobs with hours that allowed her to be home when the kids got home from school. She may have worked a graveyard shift at a nursing home, but when the kids got off the bus, there would often be warm cake or cookies waiting for them as an after school snack. By the 1980s her kids were mostly grown and Helen was able to give more time to the community doing what she did best; helping others. She worked with the Community Action Project, helping people find jobs, housing, home weatherization, and other basic human needs. In 1983 The Dalles was one of many communities suffering through a recession and some people had difficulty getting food. Her experience with her children and the example of Jesus gave Helen the simple insight that when people are hungry, you feed them! Helen and several other people organized a community meal, provided, cooked and served by local groups that welcomed everyone who needed a good hot meal. It became a regular feature. Helen volunteered to help cook and serve at the meals until she was well into her 90s. She was able to join in as the Community Meal celebrated its 40th Anniversary in October 2023. Helen was a dedicated member of St Peter’s Catholic Church in The Dalles, beginning when it was in the original landmark church in town. She volunteered for years with several community based groups including St Vincent de Paul. Helen practiced her faith daily with love, patience, kindness and nonjudgmental acceptance of people as they are. When Helen was mostly retired, she spent lots of time with her grandkids, especially in the summers. Highlights included swimming at Horsethief Lake, picking huckleberries on the slopes of Mt Adams, canning cherries, making fruit dumplings, enjoying leisurely pancake breakfasts, even wading up Oneonta Creek to the waterfall! Helen and Hobie raised ten pretty decent human beings, and they all, with their amazing partners, survive her: Patricia, Michael (Fran), Maureen, Gail (Steve), Carol (Paul), Richard, Timothy (Lisa), Christine (Kevin), Nicholas (Tara) and Millie. They live mostly in the Pacific NW in Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Helen embraced an ever changing number of biological, borrowed, adopted and step grandchildren, great grandchildren, and even great-great grandchildren! Helen survived the loss of her parents, sister Millie, husband Hobie and grandsons Philip and Eric. Hobie passed away in 1994, not quite 50 years after they married. Helen faced this major change in her life by volunteering even more hours to community and charity work. Helen could be counted on to be calm in the midst of chaos. She was kind and loving, even when people disappointed her. Her outlook was positive and upbeat when others found reason to be discouraged. When asked if she wanted to try something new, her response was “Why Not?” (except for jalapeños) Helen’s daughter Christine and her son in law Kevin in Vancouver WA provided loving and devoted care for Helen as she required more assistance and care. They opened their hearts and opened their doors to Helen and her entourage of visitors. Kevin crafted a connection between Helen and a large following on Facebook and Instagram by posting Helen’s latest adventures and advice under the hashtag #belikeHelen. Her trusty four legged sidekick Tor was with her every step of the way. Helen’s many family, friends, and fans will miss her. And perhaps Tor will miss her most of all. Helen donated countless hours to organizations that provide support and dignity to people. Volunteers are the heart and soul of these organizations, and they are also grateful for donation of items and monetary contributions. Helen’s favorites include The Dalles Community Meal, St Vincent de Paul, and Meals on Wheels in The Dalles; and A Caring Closet, Clark County Food Bank, and Meals on Wheels People in Vancouver WA.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church August 6, 2024, at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at the IOOF Cemetery 2565 Three Mile Rd, The Dalles, OR. A reception at St. Peter’s Catholic Church will follow the burial.

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

Jean Mahala Bucher, age 86, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away July 4, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Agnes Helen Kenslow, age 105, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away July 1, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Doris Ann Bernys, age 89, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away June 30, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Marilyn Wong was born on January 22, 1954, the 4th child and first girl to parents Shung and Yuk Chu Wong.  Marilyn attended Petersburg and graduated from Wahtonka.  She graduated from Oregon State University School of Pharmacy. 

During her younger years, Marilyn and her siblings worked on the farm owned by her parents.  She earned enough money to pay for college as most of her siblings did.  Marilyn did her internship at Davies Rexall Drugs.  After she received her pharmacy license, Marilyn continued to work at Davies.  In March of 1981, Marilyn was hired by Fred Meyers in The Dalles.  She continued her career as a pharmacist, manager (head pharmacist) and then part-time pharmacist for 42 + years.  Marilyn was a leader in our community and a great example for many pharmacy students, interns and technicians. 

As 42+ years working at Fred Meyer wasn’t keeping her busy enough, Marilyn volunteered her time for many community activities.  A few of the activities were a pharmacy adviser for Hospice, budget committee member for two terms at Columbia Gorge Community College, and spearheaded Fred Meyer team for the Festival of Trees for several years.  Marilyn participated in walks for March of Dimes, ACS Making Strides, Susan B Komen Breast Cancer Walk, Portland Grand Floral Parade Pre-walk and the Junior Parade for Fred Meyer, and many more.  Her most passionate volunteer work was for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, promoting research, education, advocacy and services.  She started the Fred Meyer Family and Friends team that participated in Hood River for four years and then spearheaded a new relay site in The Dalles in 2001.  Eventually Hood River and The Dalles merged into one event, Relay for Life of Mid-Columbia.  Marilyn also liked to help with decorating floats for the Portland Rose Festival.  In addition to her many volunteer activities, Marilyn enjoyed traveling to South America, Asia, Japan, Europe, OSU bowl games, and Portland Winterhawks’ Booster Club trips.  Her other passions included being a member of The Bonsai Society in Portland, and activities associated with Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society.

Marilyn was an inspiration to all who knew her and her presence in the community will be missed.  

Marilyn passed away on May 31, 2024, at OHSU after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Shung and Yuk Chu Wong.  Marilyn is survived by her brothers: Hang, Bing, Ping, John, and her sister, Sandra. 

Marilyn’s Celebration of Life will be July 12 starting at 5:45 PM at Columbia Gorge Discovery Center.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society in memory of Marilyn. 

Hattie Ann “Toots” Schmidt passed away June 27, 2024 at the age of 93. She was born January 27, 1931 in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  Toots was the first of five children born to Hattie (Taylor) Howatt and Elmer Howatt.  As with most families during the depression, the Howatts struggled.  Mom often told of fanning smoke pots in the house to keep mosquitos at bay while her mom cooked.

 In 1943 the family moved to Oregon to work in the shipyards in Portland. After living in Portland briefly and then Vanport (before the flood), they moved to Sandy, OR.  Toots graduated from Sandy High School in 1948.  Shortly thereafter Toots met Morris Schmidt at a dance.  They married Oct 16, 1948, six weeks after meeting and settled south of Mosier, OR.

 Morris and Toots accumulated property in the area, eventually running a cattle ranch outside of Mosier. The lifestyle included a lot of hard work and cold winters but was infused with a steady stream of family and friends who considered the ranch a getaway and loved spending time with Morris’ stories and Toot’s cooking.  Toots often helped buck hay in between making three huge meals for the family and ranch hands (this may explain the unrelenting back pain she suffered later in life.)

After selling most of the ranch in 1969, the Schmidts moved “closer to town”.  Here they continued to raise four kids and settled into a much easier lifestyle. Toots worked for a while outside the home, including a stint as an electrician at the Marlette Manufactured Home facility in The Dalles. She perfected her counted cross-stitch, traveled most of the US, collected ironstone china, and spent time with friends at the Elks and Eagles. 

Toots is preceded in death by her husband, Morris Schmidt, and her daughter, Beverly Schmidt. She is survived by her children Darrel "Butch" (Audra) Schmidt, Doris Schmidt, Ron (Carina) Schmidt, Maxine Myers, and grandchildren Brooke Schmidt, Chad Schmidt and Gavin Schmidt. Per her wishes the services will be private with a public celebration of life being held in late July.  

Juventina Rodriguez Hernandez, age 74, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away June 18, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Elton LeRoy Fadness, age 88, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away June 22, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Darlena “Dee” May Hill, born on April 8, 1940 to Dorothy and Nyle Hill and a life-time resident of The Dalles, OR passed away on June 17, 2024 with her family by her side.  Dee attended The Dalles High School where she met Darrell Hill, who became her sweetheart and lifelong partner.  The two began their lives as a married couple on June 15, 1958.  As they started their love story, everyone who met Dee knew that she had married her best friend as they completed each other. 

Over the years of service to the community of City of The Dalles and Wasco County, Dee was often in the front seat of Darrell’s car tossing candy out to children in parades.  To say the two were inseparable would be an understatement.  As Darrell retired they started to travel around the United States exploring genealogy and fulfilling their love of adventure.  Dee and Darrell also loved to take pictures of community events, travels, family and friends. 

The Hill family expanded with daughters DeAnna Hill and Debbie Hill (Loomis).  As a young family the Hill’s liked to go camping.  Dee loved traveling the world with her daughters and visiting grandchildren.   Dee and Darrell also opened their home to many children and youth through serving as foster parents for the State child welfare system and youth with disabilities.  They served as house parents for the Community Attention Home before the closing in 2005.

Dee worked in office settings as Office Manager, bookkeeper, and personnel manager for several businesses and the City of The Dalles.  She was a dedicated public employee and was the first female employee at the city treatment plant.  Dee was always blazing a trail for others. 

Dee served on The Dalles City Council and was Darrell’s right hand when he ran and was elected Wasco County Sheriff.  As Dee states, this cannot just be about her as for over 58 years they were life partners and together they loved and supported each other.

Dee is survived by her daughter DeAnna Hill (Mark), of Anchorage, AK, daughter Debbie Loomis (Brady), Gig Harbor, WA, two sisters, Donna Smith (Richard), Loretta Commander (Jerry), one brother, Joe Hill, four grandchildren, Britney Bass (Matt), Garrett Loomis (Trish), Greyson Loomis (Meressa), Grant Loomis (Amber), and eight great-grandchildren.  Dee is preceded in death by her husband Darrell Hill, parents, and three brothers.

A celebration of life will be planned at a later date.  Memorial contributions can be made to the Heart of Hospice.

August Jimmy Law, age 68, a resident of The Dalles, OR and Wishram, WA, passed away June 18, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Chris Robert Flint, age 68, a resident of White Salmon, WA, passed away June 23, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Terry Lawrence Denton, age 78, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away June 23, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Ryan Russell Woodman, age 37, a resident of Dallesport, WA, passed away June 23, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Patricia Ann (Beatty) Hill passed away peacefully the morning of June 22, 2024 at home with family.

She was born February 5th, 1946 in Bremerton, Washington to Glenn and Alvina (Fehr) Beatty. Her little brother Stephen Glenn joined the family in 1955 after they had moved to The Dalles.

She attended school at St. Mary’s and The Dalles High School, graduating in 1964. She went on to become a beautician, attending The Dalles School of Beauty.

 In October of 1964 she met Ron Hill on a blind date and they married the following May. They welcomed a son Jim in 1966 and a daughter Heather in 1973. They were married for 47 years until Ron’s passing in 2013.

 Throughout her career, she worked at Cash and Carry, several insurance offices, and finally retired from Columbia River Bank where she made lasting friendships.

She played the piano and loved to sing. Through her school years she was in choir and as an adult she sang for many years with The Cascade Singers. Most recently, she was a member of The Dalles Worship Choir.

Pat was involved in many things throughout her life and was always ready for an adventure. She and Ron enjoyed hiking and camping in the Columbia Gorge. They belonged to the 4-Wheel Drive Club, were active members of the Elks, and they loved to dance.

Her talents and hobbies produced beautiful handmade gifts. She was a natural at sewing and crafting of any kind. The immaculate yard was a passion, and she taught all the grandkids the beauty that comes with love and care.

She is survived by her children James & Joyce Hill, and  Heather & AJ Tarnasky; her grandchildren Jakob & Christina Chabot, Jerek Hill, Grace Tarnasky, Josie Hill, and Jack Tarnasky; her great-grandson Dominic Guerrero; bonus grandchildren Chris Castillo, Cassius Castillo, and Cameo Monette; and countless other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ron and her brother Steve.

We will remember Pat for her love of golden retrievers and chickens. But also for her quick wit and sense of humor, and for her enormous heart and unconditional acceptance.

Marilyn Dolores Kaufman, age 90, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away June 6, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

DeLinda Florence Koster, age 78, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away June 18, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Gary Wayne Ragar, 80, of The Dalles, OR, passed away on June 13, 2024, at his home under hospice care. His wife, Brenda, was at his side at the time of his passing.

Gary was born in Green Ridge, MO, to Roy and Amelia Shaw Ragar. He was the youngest in a family of 5 children. He had 2 sisters, Marge Myers & Jean Nace and 2 brothers Lee Roy Ragar and Billy Ragar.

He graduated from Camdenton, Missouri, High School in 1961 and joined the Navy shortly after. While in the Navy he learned welding and served on the USS Hector, a repair ship, from 1961 to 1965. After leaving the service, he used his knowledge of welding to launch his professional career that included sales, management, and business ownership in Kansas and Missouri.

He married Brenda Varner in 1962, and they moved from Long Beach, California, to Missouri in 1965. They raised two daughters, Cheryl and Angela, and had one son, Darren Lee Ragar, who died at birth.

Gary is survived by his wife of 62 years, Brenda, his oldest daughter, Cheryl Ragar and husband, Joseph Kosarek of The Dalles, youngest daughter, Angela Krause and husband, Chad Krause of The Dalles. He is also survived by his brother, Lee Roy Ragar (Allene) and his sister, Jean Nace (Ryland). Gary leaves two grandchildren, Emily (Matt) Serafin, and Alex (Heather) Kessler, as well as six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Marge Myers, and his brother, Billy Ragar.

A memorial service for family and friends of Gary will be held in the Midwest, where he lived most of his life. The service will be held at West Side Event Space, at 101 SW 12th Street, in Oak Grove, Missouri, on Saturday, August 3, 2024, starting at 1:30 in the afternoon. The family will be present to welcome all.

James Allen Davidson, age 61, a resident of Sandy, OR, passed away June 14, 2024. A Graveside Service will be held June 29, 2024 at 11:30 am at the Dufur Cemetery in Dufur, OR with a luncheon to follow at the Dufur Christian Church Fellowship Room. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home are in care of his arrangements.