Debora Ellen Benson, age 69, a resident of Wishram, WA, passed away December 25, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Ruth Anne Welle passed away peacefully December 21st, 2024. Born in The Dalles in 1947, to Dude & Dora Bailey, Ruth is survived by her son Ray of Castle Rock, CO, siblings Jim & Sharon Bailey of The Dalles, Carol & David Yakish of The Dalles, Mike & Joey Bailey of Albany, OR and Bob & Laurie Bailey of Bend, OR, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. She also leaves behind her treasured dog Ruby, her constant companion for many years. Graduating from the Dalles High School in 1965, Ruth went on to receive her RN degree from Emanuel School of Nursing in Portland, OR and later a BSN degree in Colorado. Ruth went on to work in New York, and Denver, CO with a nursing career lasting 34 yrs. Ruth met and married her husband Bill in Colorado in 1983. Son Ray was born in 1985. They enjoyed many years of camping, hunting and fishing with their good friends Joanie & Barry Eylar of Colorado who introduced Ruth & Bill to each other. Ruth was a skilled quilter and spent many hours with her quilting buddies. Ruth moved back to The Dalles in 2021 and resided at The Springs Assisted Living at the time of her passing. She will be missed by many friends, both in The Dalles and Colorado. At her request, no service will be held. Family will place her remains in the Pacific Ocean on the Oregon coast, a favorite destination of Ruth’s. Remembrance donations can be made to Columbia Gorge Humane Society, to honor Ruth & Ruby. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arragements.
Daniel Wai Lewis-Hong-Allen, age 24, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away December 20, 2024. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, December 28, 2024, 10:00 AM at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home 1100 Kelly Ave, The Dalles, OR 97058. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Allan Vernon Minor, age 68, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away December 19, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Margaret Sally Suppah, age 92, a resident of Simnasho, OR, passed away December 18, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Alice Jean Peterson, age 75, a resident of Lyle, WA, passed away December 18, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
James Woodrow Vogt, age 89, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away December 6, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
A fourth-generation wheat and cattle rancher in Sherman County, Larry Edward Kaseberg, died on December 15, 2024, in The Dalles, Oregon. He was born on August 25, 1935, in The Dalles, to Lawrence and Marguerite (Foss) Kaseberg.
Larry grew up on the family ranch near Wasco, Oregon, attended Wasco Grade School and Moro High School, and was active in athletics, 4-H and Boy Scouts. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity at Oregon State College, and joined the Reserve Officer Training Corps. He later served in the National Guard and Reserve. He graduated from OSC (now Oregon State University) in 1957 with a B.S. in Agriculture. In 1958, he married Sheryl Jane “Sherry” Woods, and together they raised four sons.
In 1970, Larry founded Wheatacres Irrigation, supported by the younger generations in the family. His passions included flying his plane, managing a 30-year cattle lease on Miller Island, and hosting OSU crop trials and soils classes. He volunteered for scouting, 4-H, Little League and the Sherman County Historical Museum.
He served on the boards of Wasco Electric Cooperative, Oregon Wheat Growers League, Agri-Business Council, and Ag Research Foundation. He accompanied OSU scientists to seminars in Argentina, Tunisia, the Baltic States and Mexico. He and Sherry were inducted into the OSU College of Agricultural Sciences Hall of Fame, and in 2012, OSU named a soft white wheat variety for the family.
Larry is survived by his wife Sherry, and their children: Collin (Michelle), Kevin, Cameron (Jon), and Christopher (Carrie); grandchildren: Wade, Hannah (Travis Feigner), Evan (Cassie), Walker, Jeff Duncan-Sherman (Darren), Danny Sherman (Morgan), Nicole, Eliot (Whitney), Jessica (Josh Ball), and Karolyn (Brandon Wenschlag); great-grandchildren: Jase, Kinsley, and Maren Feigner; Joshua James Jr. and Virginia Ball; Reagan and Adley Kaseberg; Olivia Kaseberg; and niece and nephew, Susan (Ralph Fisher) and Shawn Skiles (Peggy). He was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia (Kaseberg) Skiles.
The family of Larry Kaseberg (August 25, 1935 – December 15, 2024) invites friends and loved ones to join them in a Celebration of Life to honor and remember his remarkable journey. An open house will be held on Sunday, February 2, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Wasco School Events Center, 903 Barnett Street, Wasco, Oregon — the place where his educational journey began. Please come and share in an afternoon of conversation, stories, and laughter, with light food fare provided. We look forward to celebrating his life and the memories he leaves behind. We hope to see you there. Memorials may be sent to the OSU Agricultural Research Foundation, https://agresearchfoundation.oregonstate.edu/ or the Sherman County Historical Society, https://www.shermanmuseum.org.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Lowell Edward Smith, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, son, and cherished member of the Sherman County community, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2024. Born on August 11, 1946, in The Dalles, Oregon, Lowell lived a life filled with love, kindness, curiosity and an adventurous spirit.
Lowell grew up on the family farm east of Grass Valley with his parents and brother. This established deep roots in the community; making many life-long friends through elementary and high school. After graduating from Sherman High, he departed for Oregon State University, where he graduated with a degree in Agricultural Production.
After graduating from OSU, he eventually returned to his family’s farm in 1975, where he dedicated himself to the family business and raising a family with his wife, Nancy. He cherished spending time with his family, especially trips to the Oregon Coast and camping excursions in the Cascade Mountains.
Lowell was deeply involved in his community, from coaching Little League Baseball to serving on the School Board and later the Sherman County LIbrary Board. One of Lowell’s favorite pastimes was taking photos of the beautiful landscapes around him. He shared this passion as an active participant in the local photography club, joining in many field trips and sharing tips with his fellow ‘togs.
Lowell was preceded in death by his wife of 30 years, Nancy Lois (Alberty) in July 2001, his father, Myrle Edward in May 2016 and his mother Emma Jean in February 2022. He is survived by his brother, Gordon of Rathdrum, Idaho; his children, Melanie (Smith) Morris and her spouse, Phillip, of The Dalles, Oregon, and Jason Smith and his spouse, Michelle, of Tualatin, Oregon; and his beloved grandchildren, Kayla (20) and Sydney (18).
Lowell will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the community he so dearly loved.
We invite you to join us for a Celebration of Life to honor Lowell Smith on Saturday, April 26th at 12pm at the 4-H/Home Economics Building, Sherman County Fairgrounds; 66147 Lone Rock Road, Moro, OR 97039. In the spirit of community and sharing, we will be having a potluck, so, if able, please bring a dish to share as we gather to remember and celebrate Lowell’s life. For those wishing, donations can be made in memory of Lowell to either the Sherman County Historical Museum or the Sherman County Education Foundation - two charitable organizations deeply meaningful to Lowell and his family.
Clifford Eugene O’Dell, age 76, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away December 4, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
William A Sugg, age 87, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away December 5, 2024. A Celebration of Life Will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Ervin Alvin Ortmann, age 92, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away December 7, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Walter Earl Smith, 95, a resident of The Dalles, passed away on December 6 th , 2024.
Walt was born to Walter and Francis Smith in Myrtle Point, OR in 1929. He was the youngest of 10 children. Walt was an excellent student and served as president of the student body. He graduated from Myrtle Point High School before enrolling at Oregon State University. After two years of studies, Walt transferred to the University of Oregon to enroll in their education program. There he met his future bride, Beth, in 1950.
Walt was active in ROTC and while working on his master’s degree, he was called to service following the outbreak of the Korean War. While in training at Fort Benning, GA, his bride defied her parents and hopped there on a train from California. Walt and Beth were wed in 1951 and soon after, traveled back to California for more military training. Walt served in the Army honorably in the Korean War and was awarded the Bronze Star for his acts of bravery.
After returning home, Walt and Beth immediately returned to the University of Oregon to complete Walt’s graduate program in 1953. That summer, while working on a dairy farm with his brother, Walt received a call from the superintendent of schools in The Dalles, OR offering him a job. The young couple packed up and headed to their new home for what they intended to be a five-year stay. In 1954, Walt and Beth welcomed their first child, and later, three more children. During this time, Walt’s passion for teaching grew and the family decided to make The Dalles their permanent home.
Walt went on to teach English at The Dalles High School for 36 years. He was a quiet man at home and outside of the classroom, but once he stepped foot in that classroom, he came alive. He was full of charisma, told the best stories, and had an amazing sense of humor. He and Les Jensen, a fellow English teacher, were always pal-ing around and joking with the students. While all his children attended The Dalles High School, none of them opted or dared to attend his class.
Walt worked the ticket booths for all three sports seasons at the high school, where he got acquainted in a different setting with his students and their parents. He was known as the “man at the booth.” He spent most summers working at Stadelman Fruit processing cherries, and making ends meet to support his family. Walt retired from teaching in 1989.
In his long retirement years, Walt loved traveling with Beth to Reno, making stops at every casino along the way. He also enjoyed playing golf, although he was never very good at it. Many locals would also remember his daily morning walks around the neighborhood from his home on Jordan Street. Walt was also a lifelong Ducks sports fan; you could find him in his recliner watching every game possible.
Walt was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and extended family, as well as his grandson, Andy Nelson.
Walt is survived by his devoted wife of 73 years, Beth; children Debbie, Laurie, Kathy, and Gary; grandchildren Melissa and Kayla; and great grandchildren Trynity, Orion, Jaxson, and Charlotte.
At Walt’s request, the family will not be holding a service.
In lieu of flowers, Walt’s family requests memorials be made in his name to the North Wasco County School District Education Foundation.
Richard Michael Gate, age 68, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away December 3, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Lillian Clara Brewster, age 86, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away December 3, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Robert De Lee Rolen, age 97, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away November 28, 2024. The Funeral service will be December 10, 2024, 11 am at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home, 1100 Kelly Ave, The Dalles, OR. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Laurence “Dino” Arcuri, age 84, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away November 28, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Judith E Bartell, age 99, a resident of Astoria, OR, passed away November 29, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Rita Jane Clinton, age 93, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away December 2, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Marilyn K Daggett age 88, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away November 20, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held December 14, 2024, 2 PM in the Fireside Room at the Civic Auditorium, 323 E 4th St, The Dalles, OR. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.