June Lois Trimble showed remarkable faith and determination throughout her 99 years of life. She didn’t tell you what was important in life, but instead showed what is important, as she faced more challenges than most people with grace. 

June Lois Trimble was the first child born into the North Dakota family of Clarence and Irma Lunde on November 4th of 1925. June’s grandparents had emigrated to North Dakota from the Stavanger region in Norway and began life in a sod house. By the time June was born the multiple Lunde families were living and working farms and stores around the area of Cooperstown, North Dakota. June’s early years were on the farm that was worked with horses. Schooling was a one room school house and winter’s were severe in North Dakota. Challenges began in the 1930’s when farming became difficult. Her family moved off the farm and went to work in a “mercantile” run by another family member. Before she completed high school, June was sent by herself out to the Seattle area, where she lived and worked with two aunts doing child care. Eventually June’s parents and younger brother, Bud, moved to Oregon City and the family was reunited. The war had begun and after finishing her last year of high school in Oregon City she went to work in the shipyards in Portland. She wanted to be a nurse and was admitted to the Emanuel Hospital nursing program. The program was very strict and at one point she got in trouble for going to see her parents in Oregon City without permission. She did well in the program and was one of just four students sent to Palo Alto Veterans Hospital to work during the last portion of her training. She said this time was both great fun and very difficult. The fun was four young girls in an apartment away from the school administrators and a beach nearby. The difficult part was working in the Psychiatric ward where the treatment for soldiers was “Insulin Shock.” She recalled watching the men go through seizures induced by the Insulin as being a hardship.

After graduation from the Nursing program, she went to work in the “Premie Nursery.” In time she had a blind date with Robert Trimble who was living in the area and had been a pilot in the service. Bob and June were married and soon had a child (Pam) on the way. Bob went to Indonesia for months to build up hours flying helicopters. After returning, Bob began flying helicopters with contracts in many places around the west. Bob and June would pack up their belongings onto a trailer with the helicopter and off they drove to the next job. These jobs were most often with the Forest Service fighting fire or doing surveys, but sometimes there was work with Hollywood making motion pictures. In time Bob and June began a helicopter company located in Etna, California. The company grew to seven helicopters and allowed Bob to teach June’s younger brother Bud how to fly. Bob and June had a second child, Jerry, in Etna. Jerry was born early but June managed him in an incubator at home.

 One of the biggest challenges was the accident in 1961 that took Bob’s life. June became a single mom overnight. With help from community members, June was raising Pam and Jerry, and began nursing work again by first commuting to Yreka. In time the family moved to Medford for a better job as a Public Health Nurse. After several years there, even a better job as an office nurse, became available in Eugene and the family moved again. June’s last nursing job was in the Student Health Center at the University of Oregon. June said that the jobs were the Lord providing for her. Eugene was really a place that June loved. She had many friends in her church and friends in her neighborhoods on Strathmore street and then in Songbrook. June loved her grandkids and often had time for them in Eugene. She enjoyed going to concerts at the Hult Center and meeting the performers on the afternoons before the evening concerts.

In time health changes necessitated moving to The Springs Assisted Living in The Dalles to be closer to family. June accepted the move from her Eugene community with grace and again made many friends in The Springs. She would host “happy hours” in her room for the other residents. She took her walker and walked around the building twice daily. June’s favorite bible quote was: I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. Psalms 121:1&2 ESV

Maureen “George” Francis Lappen, age 84, a resident of Maupin, OR, passed away at a care facility on February 9, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Leonie Adelheid “Loni” Robbins, aged 85, passed away to Heaven on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in Bend, Oregon, after a brief illness. A resident of The Dalles, Oregon, for more than 50 years, Leonie moved to Bend in 2020 to be near family. They were present when she ended her long and full life’s journey in peace, at Partners In Care Hospice House.

Leonie was born on March 3, 1939, in Erbach-im-Odenwald, Germany, to Johann Walther and Gretel (Dengler) Walther. It was only months before the Second World War, and a difficult time under Hitler’s dictatorship. Her father, a Social Democrat, had earlier spent time in one of the first Nazi concentration camps. While Leonie shared typical pleasant childhood memories, she also remembered the family’s underlying anxiety about their future, and other unique wartime experiences like riding in a blacked-out train, or seeing the glow in the night sky from a nearby city being bombed. In 1945, relief and liberation came with the American Army’s arrival. Kind, friendly GIs who befriended little Leonie made a huge impression on her. From that time onward, she always expected she would marry an American.

In her youth, Leonie developed passions for languages, folk music, travel and fun. She attended Gymnasium secondary school and was in the stenographer’s club. She showed her adventurous, independent streak with trips to Holland and Yugoslavia. She graduated from the Jugenheim teachers’ training college in Darmstadt, becoming an elementary school teacher in Mumling-Grumbach, near her hometown. This was when she met her lifelong partner, Grant Robbins, who was stationed in Babenhausen with the U.S. Seventh Army. They were married twice in Germany, first on July 16, 1963, by the Burgermeister of Erbach, and again in a July 27 Protestant church wedding. This was followed by her first visit to Oregon, with a car tour around the state and deer hunting in Southeast Oregon. She enjoyed telling how her first view of the expansive Steens Mountain country literally took her breath away.

Leonie and Grant were together for the next 57 years, sharing a deep love through thick and thin. They shared the same values and world views. They moved from Germany to posts in Virginia, where son Mike was born in 1965, followed by John in 1968. In 1966, Leonie returned to Germany with Mike, while Grant served in Vietnam. On a trip to meet Grant for his R & R leave, she visited Iran, India and Thailand.

Upon leaving the Army in 1969, they purchased a ranch on Seven Mile Hill, initially roughing it without a phone or running water. Leonie worked at Chenowith Primary School from 1975 to 2001 as a reading aide, impacting the lives of many kids until she retired. She maintained her passion for language by becoming adept in Spanish, enjoying local conversation groups until late in her life. She loved to read about mountaineering. She was a famous walker, either at the Wahtonka High track, or hiking on Seven Mile (surviving a cougar scare!) or elsewhere in the beautiful Gorge.

Over the years, Leonie enjoyed being a loving grandma. In 2012, she and Grant moved into Pomona Meadows. She visited Germany a final time 2017. To the very end, Leonie was ready with a sweet smile, making the best of any situation. We, and so many family members and friends remember her for being full of life, positive and friendly. Everyone appreciated her smiles and her friendship.

Leonie was preceded in death by her husband Grant, son Mike, her parents, sister Margit, Margit’s husband Horst Schmidt, and nephew Hans-Jurgen Schmidt. She is survived by son John and wife Lisa, grandson Joe; granddaughter Christina Robbins-Dahlin, great-grandson Micheal; and by relatives in Oregon and Germany. Leonie will be interred with Grant and Mike at the Odd Fellows Parklawn Cemetery (Three Mile Road) later this spring. A graveside service is planned.

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

Edward C Champagne, age 96, a resident of Estacada, OR, passed away at a local care facility on February 2, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Michael Gary LaCroix, age 39, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at a local hospital on December 31, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Teri Shane Wiles, age 65, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at a local care facility on February 2, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Raleigh Bradford (Brad) O’Blenes, born on April 27, 1942, in Lynn, Massachusetts, passed away on February 2, 2025, at home in The Dalles, Oregon, at the age of 82.

Brad honorably served in the United States Air Force. In 1974, he married Shirley Jean (Jeannie) Henson, and they celebrated 50 years of marriage. He worked at the aluminum plant and C.H. Urness Motors in The Dalles. Throughout his life, he resided in Coos Bay, Oregon, and Maine before returning to The Dalles in 2009. Known for his exceptional barbecue skills, he earned the affectionate nickname "Bar-b-que Man" and took great joy in cooking for others and seeing them enjoy his food. In his final days, he entered hospice care and passed away peacefully at home with his beloved wife Jeannie by his side.

Brad is survived by his devoted wife Jeannie; his children, Kelly Pullins and Scott O’Blenes, both of Washington; his grandchildren, Jill Neil and Amanda Piper of Colorado, and Jeffery Pullins of Washington; and his great-granddaughters, Autumn and Hazel Neil. He cherished and loved his family deeply.

Brad will be remembered for his love, kindness, and culinary talents. His family and friends will hold his memory close to their hearts.

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

Lawrence E. Wilber passed away on January 31, 2025 at the Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles, OR. He was born on June 11, 1934 in Laona, WI to Gert & Skinny Wilber. They moved to Goldendale, WA in 1950. After graduating High School in 1952, he enlisted in the Air Force. Several months later, he was diagnosed with diabetes and received a medical discharge. Afterwards, he returned to Goldendale and married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Layman, on June 11,1955 and they enjoyed 69 wonderful years together. They had one son, Phillip James. In 1958 they moved to The Dalles, OR where Larry worked for Bill Maxfield selling automotive parts, then later drove a Richfield gas truck for Herb Miller delivering gas and diesel all over Wasco County. In 1970, he opened Larry's Ninth Street Shell Station. He retired in 1995 and then moved to Dallesport, WA. Larry was a friend to all and enjoyed his family and friends, especially his two grandsons. He also enjoyed bowling, woodworking, sports, especially the Seattle Mariners, his church, and was a proud member of The Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight from 1969-1971. He is survived by his loving family, including his wife Ruth, son Phillip and his wife Kim of Milwaukie, OR, grandsons Zachary of Milwaukie, OR, Jackson and his wife Miranda of Vancouver WA, his brother Lyle and his wife Cindy Wilber of Ellensburg WA, sister in law Alice Wilber, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Leonard Wilber.

There will be a Rosary held at 10:30 am followed by Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peter's Catholic Church at 11:00 am on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 with Father Rene Labrador officiating. Interment will be at St. Peter's Parish Center Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Foundation or to St. Peter's Catholic Church.

Spencer ,Libby and Powell Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements.

Cheryl Carter passed away in her home in The Dalles, OR, on January 27, 2025. 

Cheryl Denise Tucker was born October 12, 1958, to Tommy Ladon Tucker and Esther Caroline (Hill) Tucker in Medford, OR. She was the third of four children. The Tucker Family moved to Prineville, OR in 1962. Cheryl attended school in Prineville until she graduated Crook County High School in 1977. 

Cheryl moved to The Dalles in 1980. She met Dana Carter in 1981 and married in May of 1984. They welcomed their first born Denissa Carter (Rouse) in November of 1984. Later they move to Troutdale where they welcomed their two sons, Ross Carter in March of 1988 and Logan Carter in November of 1989. They moved to Terrebone in 1992. In 1998, Cheryl and Dana divorced  and Cheryl and the kids moved back home to Prineville, OR.

In 2001, Cheryl received her Associates Degree in Medical Billing and  Coding from Central Oregon Community College in Bend, OR. After graduation she moved back to The Dalles, OR, where she worked at MCMC in the Home Health Office. Cheryl loved living in The Dalles where she watched her kids grow, get married, and have kids of their own. She moved back to Prineville in 2013. 

Her pride and joy were her 10 grandkids; David Rouse, Delanee Rouse, Delila Rouse, Kelly Carter, Daisy Rouse, Elizabeth Carter, Jase Carter, Nahla Carter, and twin boys Evan and Emmett Carter. When Cheryl wasn’t spending time with her kids or grandkids she loved gardening, camping, fishing, and a good fire. After many health issues, Cheryl ended up moving back to The Dalles, OR, with her son Logan.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Esther (Hill) Tucker; sister, Ladonna Tucker; brother, Gary Tucker; and nephew, Thomas Tucker. She leaves behind her daughter, Denissa (Dave) Rouse of Prineville, OR; son, Ross (Kristine) Carter of Condon, OR; son, Logan (Monica) Carter of the The Dalles, OR; and her 10 grandkids listed above. Her brother, Wes (Margaret) Tucker and Neice, Tavya Tucker all of Madras, OR.

Services for Cheryl will be held at the Juniper Canyon Baptist Church, 9180 SE Juniper Canyon Rd., Prineville, OR, on February 7, 2025, at 1pm. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Larry Wayne Metzker, age 77, a resident of Arlington, OR, passed away at a local care facility on January 28, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Betty June Polehn, born June 5, 1929, died Jan. 1, 2025.

Married to Leo Polehn (deceased), Betty had five children: Forrest Polehn, Richard Polehn (deceased), Frank Polehn, Linda Lester, and Mike Polehn. Betty also had five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Betty was a resident of The Dalles, Oregon, for about 70 years. She was an orchardist, gardener, homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved to crochet, do penny slots, play Pinochle, and travel/be a snow bird. She also was an artist and an avid romance and mystery novel reader. She was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church and the Elks. Family and friends will sorely miss Betty and her sense of humor.

Spencer, Libbey, and Powell held Betty's viewing on Friday, Jan. 3, and she was buried Jan. 4 at the Three Mile Cemetery near The Dalles.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Zion Lutheran Church in The Dalles.

George “Mike” Michael Grossmiller, age 85, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on January 27, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Lonny Dale McLaren, age 70, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away January 18, 2025, Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Donald Roy Reckmann, age 68, a resident of Maupin, OR, passed away January 17, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 15, 2025, 11 AM at south Wasco County High School, 699 4th Street, Maupin, OR. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Diane Virginia Cazalet, age 81, a resident of Lyle, WA, passed away January 15, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Cleora Janet Hampton, age 85, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away January 17, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

John Oscar Englund, age 76, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away November 17, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

William Thurlow McCloud, age 93, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away January 5, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Robert Thomas Gardner, age 88, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away January 10, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Grinnell Benn Fosnaugh, age 92, a resident of Wasco, OR, passed away January 15, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.