It is with deep sadness that the family of John-Mark Gilhousen announces his passing on the evening of December 19, 2024, at age 73. John-Mark was born in Portland, Oregon on June 8, 1951, to Inez (Jackson) and Dr. John S. Gilhousen. He grew up in The Dalles, Oregon, graduating from High School in 1969. As a child, John-Mark astonished his parents by teaching himself to read at age 3. His many talents displayed at an early age, allowed him to explore various vocations in which he excelled, only to be derailed by his lifelong battle with ill health. His studies at Goddard University with graduate work at Gallaudet University brought proficiency in American Sign Language with employment as an interpreter and educator. Vows in Holy Orders and entry into the priesthood of the Old Catholic Church/Dutch Reform brought him a measure of peace, serving parishes in Maine, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Returning to The Dalles at age 50 to care for his mother, he established the Augustinian Center offering services to those in need of housing, employment and spiritual guidance. Despite failing health over the past several years, he continued to enjoy the company of friends, as well as volunteer work as a teacher and the Oregon State Democratic Party, all while developing skills as a gourmet chef. John-Mark will be much missed yet remembered for his kindness, keen intelligence, charm, wonderful sense of humor, a vast store of ecclesiastical knowledge and his lively conversations. He is survived by his spouse, David Borba, his sisters, Judy Garratt, Bobbie Rettig, and his friend, Sara Kerby, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Charles Raymond Key Jr, age 78, a resident of North Portland, OR, passed away January 7, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Betsy Ann Gangwer Johnson, 89, a longtime resident of The Dalles, Oregon, died at The Springs on Jan. 13, 2025. Betsy was born Nov. 6, 1935, in Sherwood, Oregon. She was the fourth child and first daughter of Ruth and Everett Gangwer, who had seven children. Originally from Indiana, the family worked their way west and settled in Pine Grove, near Hood River, Oregon. This is where Betsy spent her early years. She participated in 4-H, skied at Cooper Spur, and joined her brothers on the Gangwer baling crew. She attended Pine Grove School and graduated from Wy’east High School in 1953.
Following high school, Betsy went to Oregon State University. While at OSU, she met her future husband, Kenneth Johnson, on a blind date. Betsy continued her education at OHSU School of Nursing. Betsy and Ken were married in June 1955 at the Pine Grove Methodist Church. Betsy and Ken’s first son, Alan, was born in 1957. Betsy graduated with her BS in nursing from OHSU in 1958.
The family then moved to The Dalles, where Ken and his brother Bill farmed the family’s wheat and cattle ranch in the Petersburg District. This was Betsy’s home, living there until early 2024. Betsy wrote of life on the family’s acreage, “The years spent there were an ideal place to raise our family, plus enjoying being a farmer and a farmer’s wife.”
Daughter Judy joined the family in 1959, and second son, Brian in 1962. Betsy and Ken supported the kids in school, 4-H, sports, etc. This would continue in the next generation — Betsy took all five grandkids to Grand Camp for many years. The family attended the United Methodist Church. Betsy’s participation with the church continued throughout her lifetime.
Betsy’s nursing career began in 1959 at The Dalles General Hospital. Her first days on the job involved moving patients from the hospital’s location on Fourth Street to the new hospital on the hill. She worked as a post-surgery nurse for 35 years, until 1993, usually working the evening shift (as she put it, “when the doctors were out of the way”).
Betsy cared for Ken through several years of cancer. Ken passed away in 1990 after 35 years of marriage.
In 1994, Betsy married Jerry Tanquist. They continued to live on the family farm until moving to The Springs this past year.
Betsy traveled to every corner of the U.S. and globe. She and Ken traveled to parts of Europe and Australia. Once Betsy retired, she and Jerry continued traveling, including a trip around the world in 1996.
Throughout her life, Betsy has been curious and interested in many things. She was an active person. She enjoyed knitting, baking, house improvements, and gardening. Hiking, backpacking, golfing, running “the flat,” and climbing the hills of home kept her fit. She was known for her dry sense of humor and strong work ethic. She always got the job done.
Betsy was preceded in death by her first husband, Kenneth Johnson, and siblings Jack Gangwer, Fritz Gangwer, and Linda Walters.
Betsy is survived and missed by her second husband, Jerry Tanquist; her children, AJ (Kim) Johnson of Bend, Oregon, and their son Kendal (Kim); Judy (Joe) Powell of The Dalles, and their sons Jacob (McKenna) and Jonah (Aimee); Brian (Christy) Johnson of Vancouver, Washington, and his daughters Kelsey (Jon) and Laurie, and their son Liam; her four great-grandchildren; and her siblings Gene Gangwer, David Gangwer, and Karen Harrington.
The family is grateful for the amazing care of Bristol Hospice, The Springs, The Dalles Health and Rehabilitation Center, and Ms. Nicole Pashek, ARNP, throughout Betsy’s health challenges this past year.
A memorial service will be held at the United Methodist Church in The Dalles on Feb. 8 at 1:30 p.m. A reception will follow at the church. The service will be live streamed via Zoom at greaternw.zoom.us/j/725114495; Meeting ID: 725 114 495.
Arrangements are with Spencer Libby and Powell Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: Wasco County 4-H Association, 400 E Scenic Drive, Suite 2.278, The Dalles, OR 97058; 541-296-5494. Or: Bristol Hospice Foundation at bristolfoundation.org.
Harley Junior Gordineer, age 90, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away January 12, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Barbara Ann Hausinger, age 60, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away December 31, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Thomas William Murphy, age 61, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away December 13, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Lorne Henry Richman, October 21, 1935 - December 26, 2024
Lorne, went home to be with the LORD on December 26, 2024. He was 89 years old. Lorne was born on the farm in Tower City, North Dakota, the fourth son of 9 children born to Martin and Ada Richman. He attended school in Tower City and played on the Tower City Clams basketball team. He worked on the farm until he went to college for a year and then joined the military – the army division- for two years from 1954-1956. He was stationed in Hanau, Germany during peace time.
After returning home from the army he attended Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota and worked in a pea cannery in Milton-Free Water, Oregon and worked in the wheat harvest in Connell, Washington. He met Sharyn Louise Abrahamson in North Dakota and married her on December 26, 1959.
Lorne and Sharyn lived in Salem, Oregon while Lorne worked at J.C. Penney and there they had Lynn and Bruce. In 1963 they moved to The Dalles, Oregon and Lorne took a job as a manager at Equitable Savings and Loan. He continued in the job for many years until he started working in real estate development and continued this exciting journey throughout his life. In The Dalles Lorne and Sharyn had two more sons – Danny and David and then brought a big “surprise” home from their visit to Don and Mavis Richman in Brazil....a sister, Julie Suzana.
Lorne and Sharyn resided for most of their years together in The Dalles area with a few changes of location here and there...Cherry Heights, Wamic and Pine Hollow. Sharyn went home to be with the Lord in May of 1996.
In 1997 Lorne married a long-time acquaintance, Beth Peickert in The Dalles, Oregon and they had 27 years of marriage together. Beth added two children and 5 grandchildren to the Richman family and Lorne loved them all.
Lorne was a strong Christian all his life and a very generous man. He loved helping people - in fact he thrived on helping people! So many of us remember his yellow legal pads and restaurant napkins with real estate plans, new inventions and many, many dreams of which most or all would make a small fortune. He was an optimist and we loved him for it.
Lorne – husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend, and helper of many is survived by his wife Beth. His children are Lynn (Tracie) Richman of Silverton; Bruce (Tammy) Richman of The Dalles; Danny (MaryBeth) Richman of The Dalles; David (Carrie) Richman of Haines; Oregon and Julie (Stacy) Adams of Lebanon; Stan (Jenny) Peickert of The Dalles and Cynthia Carty of The Dalles. He had 18 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
Lorne is survived by siblings: Don (Mavis) Richman of Bloomington, Minnesota; Wally Richman of Redmond, Oregon; Jerry (Della) Richman of Valley City, North Dakota; Jane Fiebeck of Bend, Oregon, and Janet (Walt) Edmonds of Salem, Oregon. He is preceded in death by his brothers Merwin, Daryl and Robert Richman.
Lorne was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in The Dalles. He loved getting cards and letters and was good at “staying in touch” with friends and family. He had a corny sense of humor and his farm and real estate were his hobbies. He loved to “make a deal.” His love and his hugs, cards, laughter, generosity, stories, and family focus will be greatly missed.
His celebration of life will be January 11, 11:00 at Calvary Baptist Church in The Dalles, Oregon. A short interment will precede the service. Following the 11:00 service will be a gathering of family and friends for a meal and fellowship.
In lieu of flowers and in honor of Lorne's life and giving spirit, the family would like donations to be made to:
Camp Jonah, 31 Little Mountain Rd., Trout Lake, WA 98650
or
Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607-3000
Marvin Allen Pohl, age 75, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away December 30,2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Bargeway in The Dalles on May 3rd, 2025, from 2pm-6pm. Please RSVP with link attached below.
Rick Martinson, of The Dalles, Oregon passed away at the age of 67 on December 24th, 2024 after a courageous fight with ALS.
Rick was born on September 26th, 1957 to Dale and Adoline Martinson in Radcliffe, Iowa. He was the third of five children, collectively known as the five “R”s: Randy, Rhonda, Reggy, and Rory. After graduating high school, Rick later attended Iowa State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Fish and Wildlife Management.
Soon after graduation, Rick joined the Peace Corps and spent two years in the Philippines supporting local fisheries. During his time in the Peace Corps, Rick met his first wife, Katie Montag, the mother of his children. He spoke fondly of his experience abroad, having made lifelong friends and cherished memories.
In the Spring of 1988, Rick took a temporary job in The Dalles, Oregon, that would lead to a 34-year career dedicated to monitoring the smolt salmon population in the Columbia River. In The Dalles, Rick met his devoted wife of the last sixteen years, Mary.
Rick often said that raising his daughters was the greatest accomplishment of his life. As a devoted dad and handyman he became involved in numerous community projects. These included helping build Tree Top Play Park, developing the concession stand for the Softball Association, playing a key role in organizing St. Mary’s auctions for many years, and coaching his daughters’ sports teams.
After retiring in 2022, Rick enjoyed spending his time remodeling homes, photographing the beautiful Pacific Northwest, woodworking, framing, and hunting. He loved fishing on the Columbia River in his boat, playing basketball on his lunch break, and meeting his Wednesday night men’s group for poker.
Rick was a devoted father, loving husband, and a kind and loyal friend. You could always count on him to lend a hand, exchange a story, or grab a beer.
Rick is survived by his wife, Mary Martinson; daughters Hannah and Kelsey Martinson; stepsons Spencer and Casey Dodd; four siblings Randy, Rhonda, Reggy, and Rory; and many friends and loved ones. He was preceded in death by his father, Dale, and mother, Adoline.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to ALS Northwest, an organization that was instrumental in supporting Rick and his family, as well as others living with ALS in the area. Visit https://secure.alsnorthwest.org to learn more.
Curtis Campbell passed away at home on December 28, 2024, at the age of 61.
Curtis is survived by his, his four children, Jessica Campbell and Amy Campbell, Joseph Campbell, and Steven Campbell, and his eight grandchildren, Kali Campbell, Alyssa Fletcher, Sophia Burris, Connor Burris, Oliver Burris, Dallas Lawson, Brooke Lawson, and Hailey Campbell.
Curtis was a devoted father, who loved working on his cars and painting them. He would take them to shows and win first place on them. He also enjoyed being outdoors, at the river, fishing, camping, and hunting when he could. We will always carry you in our hearts.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Diane Elizebeth Newson, age 75, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away December 28, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
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.