Shelley Kay Nicholas, age 71, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away September 11, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Jolene Petersen, age 70, died August 27, 2024, at her home in The Dalles, Oregon. She was born September 8, 1953, to Donald and Marilyn Petersen of The Dalles, Oregon.
Jolene was creative – she loved color – her sense of humor and imagination were evident to those who knew her. She loved and cared for her family and chose to raise two of her grandchildren from birth. She was a caring and selfless person who always made the best out of what she had.
Jolene is survived by her mother, Marilyn; children, Sarah, and Stephen; six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a third child, Elisia; father, Donald. Jolene will be missed by her many friends and loved ones.
A private Celebration of Life with family and friends is unscheduled at this time.
Sharon Louise Cyphers of The Dalles, Oregon, went home to be with Jesus on September 13th, 2024. Sharon was born on October 18th, 1947, in Newberg, Oregon, to Ellsworth and Beulah Hubbell. The youngest of three children, she was preceded in death by both of her parents as well as her brother Larry Hubbell of The Dalles. Her sister Beverley Bassette resides in Hollywood, California.
Sharon was a lover of life, and people. Her childhood encompassed many adventures, and she loved the outdoors. Fishing, climbing trees, exploring her territory were a few favorites. Sharon would find joy in it all. Her Father was a Teacher and Pastor with The Church of Christ whose work took them throughout Oregon, from Newberg to Dundee to Roseburg to Maupin. She loved each place, but had a special fondness for the “bake oven” hills of Maupin. She had great memories of sitting on those hills with sister Beverley watching the day go by. At age 11, Sharon’s Mother Beulah passed away suddenly not long after they had moved back to the Portland area. It was there that she attended Columbia Christian School. Five years later, at age 16 she graduated as Valedictorian of her graduating class and met her lifetime partner Steve. Shortly after school she moved to The Dalles, Oregon, to be closer to Steve and his family.
Sharon and Steve were married on September 12th of 1964, they celebrated their 60-year anniversary the day before she passed. From the moment they met they knew God had a grand plan for their lives. Two years after they married, they had their first child, John. Within another year and a half their second child James came along. Sharon and Steve moved to Southern California with their two young boys to be near her sister Beverley and seek an adventure for them and their sons. After a couple years they decided they missed Oregon too much and came home to The Dalles. Not long after returning they had their third child, a daughter Geneva. She was named after Steve’s Mother who passed away only a few months before their daughter was born. About two years later their fourth child, and third Son Joshua was born. Not long after that they moved their family to a lovely property in the midst of the cherry orchards surrounding The Dalles.
Life was always filled with family, friends, and celebration. A loving and supportive wife, and Mother Sharon was always caring for and thinking of others. She didn’t meet a person who wasn’t instantly welcomed into her home and her heart. Even if you hadn’t seen her for years, she would welcome you like family. She was well known for her contagious, distinctive laugh and her children knew that if they could not find her in the store all they had to do was listen for her laugh. Their childhood summers were filled with cousins and friends coming to visit and Sharon always saw to it they had a great time.
For the next thirty years they would move between The Dalles and Portland, but in 2000 they moved permanently back to The Dalles where she spent the remainder of her life. A lifelong learner, Sharon continued earning degrees as she attended multiple colleges well into her 40s. Sharon was a wiz at math and had an extensive memory. It never failed if one stopped by for an evening visit that they might find Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy playing at the house. Forget about trying to answer any of the questions, she’d be shouting them out before the question was fully asked. She even had the opportunity to go on a local game show called On The Spot, and to try out for Wheel of Fortune with her son Josh. Sharon was a dedicated worker and worked many jobs throughout her life. Her last two careers were 20 years for NW Natural Gas, and then in her last ten years of work before retirement she taught at Colonel Wright Elementary in the Title One program. Though her dream was to be a Marine Biologist, she loved working with the kids and her job brought her much fulfillment. Over the years she would run into students in town who recognized her and would have a kind word of appreciation for her, this brought her pure joy. In her free time, she took up hobbies like advocating for animals, bird watching and spent evenings with her telescope learning about the constellations. She loved taking long walks near the water, and continually marveled at the beauty of where she lived, the Columbia River Gorge. Oftentimes she met friends for lunch, or even at the grocery store for a laughter filled chat.
Even with such a full life, Sharon’s greatest fulfillment and joy was her husband, 4 children, 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. She loved each one with all she had. The years beheld a plethora of fantastical holiday gatherings that often included her beloved siblings, nieces, and nephews as well. Sharon loved to host the holidays, Christmas being her favorite. The counters and table would be decked out with delicious goodies and a mouthwatering dinner every time. Popcorn Christmas trees, nuts to crack, homemade fudge, and much more come to mind, many of which were set for delivery to a family friend. She had an exceptional gift of picking just the right present for every member of the family, as well as being available for each person individually aside from that. She knew how to make you feel loved.
Sharon is survived by her husband, Steven Cyphers of The Dalles. Son, John Cyphers, granddaughters, Luna and Margaux Cyphers all of Beaverton. Son, James Cyphers, grandson, Weslee Cyphers, wife Hannah and great-grandchildren, Norah Lou and Oliver, granddaughter Emily Mortenson, husband Jim, and great-grandchildren Emmitt and Hazel all of The Dalles. Daughter, Geneva Snow, grandson Caleb Snow of The Dalles, granddaughter Caitlan Snow, husband Izaac and great grandsons Eli, Mason, and Beckham of Minnesota. Son, Josh Cyphers, wife Cathy and grandsons Hayden (University of Idaho) and Tucker Cyphers of Beaverton.
Sister, Beverley Bassette of Hollywood, sister-in-law, Charlotte Cyphers of Portland, stepsister, Bennye Wright of Vancouver. Many beloved aunties, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and “adopted” kids. She was also preceded in death by her beloved niece, Cindi Garver of The Dalles, stepmother, Aleda Hubbell of Vancouver, and brother-in-law David Cyphers of Portland.
There will be a public viewing at Spencer Libby and Powell in The Dalles Friday October 18th from 12:00-8:00. A private family burial Saturday, October 19th, followed by a Celebration of Life October 19th at 1:00pm at the Mid-Columbia Church of Christ in Dallesport, Washington, where everyone is welcome.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the local paramedics, police department and Chaplain who showed great kindness the day of Sharon’s passing, Mid-Columbia Church of Christ for their continued time and love, and to all of the wonderful family and dear friends who’ve come to visit, called and brought flowers and food. You are appreciated more than you know.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Adelaida Torres Zuniga was born December 16, 1964, to Amador Zuniga Guevara and Gabina Garcia Aguirre in Tempantitlan, Guerro, Mexico. She passed away August 20, 2024, in Portland, Oregon.
Adelaida lived in The Dalles for 40 years and worked for the Oregon Cherry Growers for 32 years. She married Ignacio Torres Valdez, they had three children, Luisa, Fabian, and Vanessa.
Adelaida is survived by husband, Ignacio Torres Valdez; children, Luisa Trejo Torres, Fabian Torres Zuniga, Vanessa Torres Zuniga; grandchildren, Jose I Torres, Rafael Trejo Torres, Roy E Torres, Gabina Trejo Torres, Yvette Santiago Torres, Julissa G Trejo Torres, Julian Santiago Torres; siblings, Ezequiel Munoz, Cira Munoz, Justino Munoz, Ines Munoz, Liovigilda Zuniga; Niece, Araceli Ramirez; nephew Panfilo Munoz.
She is preceded in death by parents, Amador Zuniga Guevara and Gabina Garcia Aguirre; siblings, Josefina Zuniga Garcia, Vianey Zuniga Garcia, Juan Zuniga, Victor Zuniga, Leonarda Zuniga, Septimia Zuniga.
A Funeral Mass was held August 21, 2024, 11:00 AM at St Peter’s Catholic Church with burial to follow at St Peter’s Cemetery in The Dalles, Oregon
Phillip Allen Wohosky, age 80, a resident of The Dalles, OR, and a proud Vietnam Veteran, passed away September 2, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Darlene Lucille Nordquist went home to be with Jesus on Aug. 30, 2024. She had just celebrated her 80th birthday the month before. She died peacefully with her family at her bedside.
Darlene was born on July 5, 1944, to Werner and Viola Reetz in York, Nebraska. After high school, Darlene worked at Concordia Lutheran College in Staplehurst, Nebraska. After growing up on the farm, she set her sights to city living and moved to Denver in 1970 where she worked at a downtown realtor as secretary to the president. It was there in Denver that she met Jim. They were married on Jan. 9, 1971, in Staplehurst, Nebraska, where the high that day was a balmy 8-degrees below zero.
Returning to Denver, where Jim had one year of college left, they had their first child Eric who was born in October 1973. Just a little over a year after Eric was born, they moved to Oregon, where Jim had taken a job at the aluminum plant in The Dalles. They had intended on only staying in Oregon for a few years, but plans changed, and they never returned to the Midwest. Bryan was born in September 1976 in The Dalles. They later adopted their daughter Julie from South Korea in April 1982, when she was 20 months old. Darlene was mostly a homemaker until the kids were older and in 1988, she began a career working for the Wasco County District Attorney as a secretary for almost 15 years. She retired from the DA’s office in 2003 and supported her husband and sons in their farming efforts. Darlene was also an active volunteer at their church with the Lutheran Women’s Ministry League, and VBS programs. In summertime, she also tended to her beautiful yard and decent sized garden where you would always find plenty of corn growing, a tribute to her Nebraskan heritage. As 2020 approached, Darlene suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, from which she passed on Aug. 30, 2024. She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother to all her family. The memorial service will be held on Sept. 14 at 1 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in The Dalles, where she had been an active church member for nearly 50 years.
Darlene was preceded in death by her parents Werner and Viola Reetz, and brother Elroy Reetz. She is survived by her husband Jim; son Eric and his wife Emily; son Bryan and his wife Ami; and daughter Julie. Her grandchildren are Rylie, Caden and Owen Nordquist; Justus, Luci, Treyton and Ella Nordquist; and Madeline Brown. All three families live within a few miles of each other in Wamic and are such a blessing. Darlene leaves a brother and his wife, Wayne and Mary Reetz; sister Janice Reetz; sister-in-law Sue Reetz and many nieces and nephews back home in Nebraska.
Michael James Matthews, age 76, a resident of Tygh Valley, OR, passed away August 30, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
William S Beers, age 88, a resident of Rufus, OR, passed away September 3, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Vernon E Dearden was born December 2, 1929, in Martinez, California. He spent a lot of his childhood hunting and fishing in the San Francisco Bay close to his house with his older brothers. He often talked of hunting along the railroad track close to the bay and running into homeless camps as he grew up during America’s Great Depression. As he entered high school, he enjoyed playing football and basketball. He graduated from Alhambra High School in 1947 and 3 years later married 17 year old Mary Davis. He would be married for 71 years before Mary passed away 3 years ago. —- Shortly after marriage Vern got a job at Union Oil Company Refinery as an operator, which he kept for 37 years until he retired at 58.
Along the way he raised 3 boys, David, Doug, and Brad, passing on to them the things he loved: hunting, fishing, sports, and eventually his love of Jesus. At the age of 34, his life made a dramatic turn as he gave his life to Jesus Christ. He spent the rest of his life serving in a number of churches as well as sharing his faith with others.
In his 40’s my dad took up running and golf. He enjoyed running in the hills surrounding his home in Martinez, sometimes putting in as many as 40 miles per week. After running became difficult he walked daily, even walking 2 miles per day, into his late eighties. As a retired person he enjoyed golfing 3 times a week at the Oroville Golf Club. There he met numerous friends. He enjoyed playing golf with friends and the love of his life Mary. When Mary developed cancer, he spent many years caring for her, making sure that she was taking the appropriate medications and helping around the house. Together they made an excellent team, each using their strengths to benefit the other!
Vernon is survived by son Doug, six grandchildren (Elizabeth, Alexandra, and Rachel Dearden, Matthew, Timothy and Luke Dearden) and eight grandchildren. In his final years in assisted living, he continued to tell others about his faith and had a positive outlook on life until his passing to heaven on August 30, 2024, at the age of 94.
A short burial service will be held on Friday, September 13 @ 10am at the Wyandotte Cemetery in Oroville, California.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Walter Peterson, age 73, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away August 30, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Colby Ryan Brace, age 17, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away August 28, 2024. Burial will be Saturday, August 31, 2024, 12:00 PM at the Brace Land. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 7, 2024, 2:00 PM at the Wasco County Fairgrounds in Tygh Valley, Oregon. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Vick Henry Snyder, age 66, from Hood River, OR, passed away August 27, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Joshua Merle Thompson was born April 13, 1979, to James L. Thompson and June Marie (Iverson) Thompson in The Dalles. From his earliest days he could regularly be found either with his family or out- of-doors, enjoying spending most of his time on the family farm in Wamic.
After graduating from The Dalles High in 1997 Josh sought to further his passion outside by pursuing studies in agriculture and forestry. Through education and many of life’s other adventures he was regularly found beside his cousin Travis who was his partner in crime for many of his life experiences.
Josh led a life of service to others. He started his public service career in 2000 with the Wasco County Soil and Water Conservation District, where his goal was to help the local agricultural producers find greater success and enhance the local agricultural heritage and community. Outside of work, he also spent most of his life volunteering with local fire services, first with Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue in The Dalles and most recently with Wamic Rural Fire Protection District.
Josh was also known in the community as the type of person that was always first to raise his hand to help, no matter what the need. He served on multiple volunteer boards, from the school district to local wildlife groups and everything in between. He never said no, and inspired others around him to lean in and help where needed.
Josh truly found his true calling when he met Michelle Ongers, and started the family that became the center of his world. His children: Ian, Dallas, Ryker, William, and Kaylee meant everything to him. Everything Josh did from the moment he became a father was framed from a family first perspective. Josh especially enjoyed introducing his children to his passion for the outdoors, and most conversations with him of late started with a story of him and his kids on the farm, in a lake, or in the outdoors.
Josh moved to the family farm in 2017 to become the third generation to work on the land he loved, helping his uncle carry on the Iverson legacy that he wanted to pass on to generations in the future.
Josh is survived by his parents Jim and June, his children : Ian (20), Dallas (16), Ryker (14), William (11), and Kaylee (8), his brother Jeremy and his family, cousin Travis and family, Aunts Ruby and Betty, Uncles David, Jay and Herbie, and innumerable other cousins- many of whom truly were closer than title can convey.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any desired donations be sent to the South Wasco County School District to be used toward finalization of the athletics upgrade project in the form of a scoreboard, a project that Josh was actively involved in. Please include “JT Scoreboard Fund” on any donation made so the school can properly assign funds, and to ensure receipts are directed to donors.
Loretta Joan Sidman of The Dalles, Oregon, passed away on August 14th
at OHSU due to complications from a stroke. Her son and daughter were
by her side. Loretta was born in St. Francis, Kansas, on October 16,
1930, to Emil Zimbelman and Anna (Lampe) Zimbelman. She grew up during
the Dust Bowl on a farm with three siblings and graduated from St.
Francis High School in 1948. Loretta continued her education at a
local teachers' college and taught briefly in a one-room schoolhouse
until she met and married Von E. Sidman in 1949.
Loretta set up households and had four children across the country in
Nebraska, California, and Texas while Von worked with the Bureau of
Reclamation on various federal projects. They finally landed in Oregon
to work on The Dalles Dam Irrigation Project in 1964. Moving every few
years became a thing of the past when Loretta’s youngest child saw an
ad for a piece of property in The Dalles Chronicle. Von and Loretta
bought a cherry orchard on Mill Creek Road in 1971, where they
established a home that has been enjoyed by four generations of
Sidmans over the years. Loretta worked the orchard alongside her
husband and sons until they lost the trees to a bad frost and blight
in 1975.
Loretta was a hard worker in the home, on the property, and in the
workplace, with years of service at The BaKitchen, Chenoweth Middle
School as a teacher’s aide, and Stadelman’s Fruit as a line worker
until her retirement in 1990. She attended The Dalles United Methodist
Church for decades while her children were growing up. A talented
piano player and singer, Loretta loved music and cultivated that
passion in her children, resulting in many family concerts and
singalongs. The last singalong we shared with Loretta was at the
Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles, where she received truly excellent
nursing care after her stroke in June. Loretta’s hydrangeas were the
bluest, her wave petunias the waviest, her Christmas cactus always
bloomed on time, and something that sparkled, spun, or shined was
hanging everywhere. She could hit all the high notes in “You’ll Never
Walk Alone” and “Climb Ev’ry Mountain.” Loretta lived on her own
terms, in her home, for all but a few weeks at the end, thanks to good
genetics, the grace of God, and the support of her four children, with
lots of visits from all.
Loretta was preceded in death by her parents, stepmother, a brother,
and her beloved husband, Von Sidman, who passed away on their farm in
October 2014. She is survived by her four children: Mike Sidman of
Spanish Fork, UT; Melinda Sidman of Astoria, OR; David Sidman of The
Dalles, OR; and Paul Sidman of Lewiston, CA; 15 grandchildren; 10
great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild (so far). She is also survived by her sister,
Valjean Schultz, and her brother, Marvin Zimbelman, and his wife,
Donna. A private service will be held at Willamette National Cemetery,
where Loretta will be interred with her husband, who served honorably
in WWII in the United States Navy. In lieu of flowers, donations can
be made to your local chapter of the Salvation Army or St. Jude
Children's Hospital.
Sherman Robert Martin, age 76, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away August 14 ,2024. A Celebration of Life is planned for September 8, 2024, 2:00 PM at Rheingarten Park in White Salmon, WA. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Bernie Morris was born on Sept 14th, 1936, in Spart, IL to Floyd and Alvina Morris. The family moved to The Dalles, OR in 1948.
Bernie attended St. John’s Lutheran School in Sparta and was a charter member of Faith Lutheran Church in The Dalles. He graduated from The Dalles High School in 1955, where he earned a letter in track and held the record for the one-mile race for many years.
He served in the US Navy as an aviation machinist in San Diego and Miramar CA from 1957 to 1961. After the Navy he had various jobs before starting to work for C.H. Urness Motors in 1966. He also worked in the Alaska fishing industry during the summer months, returning to Urness Motors for the rest of the year. After retiring from the fishing industry in 2000, Bernie continued to work at Urness Motors full time until he retired in 2013.
Bernie enjoyed the outdoors – hunting, fishing, woodcutting and camping with his family. He had many friends and was always caring and willing to help others.
Preceding him were his parents, Floyd and Alvina; brother, Walt Morris; and sister, Laura Comini.
Bernie is survived by his wife, Janice; children, Debbie Park (Dave), Gay Scott-Dale and Matt Morris (Carrie); grandchildren, Frankie, Heather (Eric), Ethan, Megan, and Mason; great-grandchildren, Penelope, Everyly and Colson; brother-in-law Bob Denny (Bonnie); and several nieces and nephews.
There will be no funeral service at Bernie’s request.
Memorial contributions (in lieu of flowers) to Bristol Hospice would be appreciated by the family. Contributions can be made through Heart of Hospice Foundation (heartofhospicefoundationtrio.com) or mailed to Bristol Hospice at 407 Portway Ave Suite 201 Hood River OR 9031.
Patricia Mae (Ellis) Young of Husum, Washington passed away August 15, 2024. She was 87 years old.
Patricia (Pat) was born on June 8th, 1937 in Yakima, Washington as the first of five children to Gordon and Mabel Ellis. She was preceded in death by many loved ones, including her husband Boyd Vonn Young.
Pat leaves behind her sons Michael (Jennifer) of The Dalles, Oregon and Robert (Samantha) of Blairsville, Georgia, her granddaughters Brittany, Mary and Cory as well as her great-granddaughters DaiseyMae, Vivian, Penelope and Zara.
Pat was an avid member of the Hood River Jazzercise community for many years. She was also a champion of lost and abandoned animals. Pat adopted several cats and dogs and made a safe and loving home for them.
No service is scheduled at this time; a private interment will be held in the fall.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Linda Gayle Rocha, age 77, a resident of Maupin, OR, passed away August 12, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Clifford Dwain Wirtz, age 89, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away July 3, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Shirley Lou Colf, age 80, a resident of The Dalles, OR, Passed away August 1, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.