Death Notice: Mavis Ann Prinzing, 86, Hood River

Mavis Ann Prinzing passed away May 23rd, 2025, at Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center in Oregon City, Oregon. Mavis was born January 6th, 1939, and was 86 years of age at the time of passing. 

A Celebration of Life with reception is planned for 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at   Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.   Graveside committal will follow at Mountain View Memorial Cemetery (1235 Tucker Road, Hood River, Oregon 97031).

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  

Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Obituary: Olivia Seferina Salerno, 102, The Dalles

Olivia Seferina Salerno

Olivia Seferina Salerno, 102, passed away on July 9, 2025, in The Dalles, Oregon. She was born in Michoacan, Mexico on August 26, 1922, to Cirilo and Emerenciana Soria.

At a young age, she moved to Portland with her parents and siblings. Olivia attended Sacred Heart Grade School then graduated from Immaculata Academy.

At the close of WWII, Olivia married Dario “Dar” Romeo Salerno on August 17, 1946, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. While in Portland, they welcomed a daughter, Darlene, and sons Frank and James. In 1951, Olivia received a Certificate of Naturalization. The family moved to Eugene, Oregon in 1952, then returned to Portland in 1959.

Olivia (aka Lee) was employed by North Pacific Lumber Co., Fabric House, and U. S. Bank in Portland. Following her retirement from the bank, Olivia and Dario moved to Keizer, Oregon in 1996. During their marriage, Lee and Dar traveled to Canada, Mexico, Australia, Tasmania, and Hawaii. In 2011, Olivia, along with Darlene and Bill, ventured through Spain on a pilgrimage to Lourdes in France.

Lee had many hobbies and interests throughout her lifetime that included cross-stitch sewing, bowling, gardening, cooking, painting ceramics, puzzles, and watching countless episodes of Perry Mason. She delighted in spending time with her family and numerous friends. Olivia loved cats and dogs, beautiful flowers, the Oregon coast, and family celebrations. She was a very loving, kind, patient person who led a devout prayer life.

Olivia is survived by her daughter Darlene Marick (Bill), son Frank, grandsons Stephen (Justice), Thomas, Anthony, great-grandson Aiden (Shylo), great-great-granddaughter Avalan Rain, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Dario in 2010 and son James in 2005, in addition to her siblings.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, July 24, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in southeast Portland. Prior to Mass, recitation of the rosary will be at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church. Committal services and interment will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Obituary: Randy Lowell Elliott, Parkdale

Randy Lowell Elliott passed away on July 11, 2025, at the Providence Medical Center in Portland, Oregon.

Randy spent most of his life in Oregon and the upper Hood River Valley close to family. He was currently residing in The Dalles, where he had retired. He worked for Duckwall Brothers and Diamond Fruit Growers, which he retired from. Randy was in the Oregon National Guard for over 20 years and was proud of his service, and was held in high regard by his colleagues.

Randy will be remembered for his eclectic sense of humor and his good nature.

Graveside Committal with Military Honors planned for 10:00 a.m., July 16th, 2025, at the Upper Valley Parkdale Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  

Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Obituary: Aaron Mark Helseth, 50, The Dalles

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Aaron Helseth, who departed this life on June 23, 2025. Aaron was a devoted father, a fiercely loyal friend, and a man who lived his life with humility, kindness, and quiet strength.

Aaron spent his life finding beauty in the simple and overlooked. He had a gifted eye for transforming the ordinary into something meaningful, whether it was a forgotten piece of furniture or a cooked meal made with love.

Aaron’s greatest joy and purpose in life was being a father. His love for his kids was boundless- a rare, unshakable connection that will endure forever. Their bond was one that words cannot fully capture, built on unconditional love, trust, and a deep understanding. His children were his pride and joy and it was with them he shared a love that will never be replaced or replicated.

To know Aaron was to know compassion. He carried a forgiving heart, never holding grudges, and always offering grace. He was the kind of man who always saw the best in people, even when they couldn’t see it themselves. His presence comforted those around him, and his laughter had a way of softening even the hardest of days.

Aaron will be remembered not just for who he was, but for how he made people feel: accepted, seen, and loved without condition.

He is survived by his three beloved children, Abbey, Gabe, and Jackson, his grandson Mateo, son-in-law Tony, his parents Karen and Bob Fisher, and sister Angie, who will carry his spirit and love with them always, along with extended family and friends whose lives he deeply touched.

A celebration of Aaron’s life will be held @ The Dalles Armory on Sunday, August 3rd from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. In place of flowers, the family asks that you honor Aaron’s legacy by sharing a meal with someone you love, forgiving freely, and finding beauty where others might not think to look.

Rest easy, Dad. You were deeply loved and will forever be deeply missed

Death Notice: George Joseph Kopp, 76, Tygh Valley

George Joseph Kopp, age 76, a resident of Tygh Valley, OR, passed away at home on June 17, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Charles Frederick Williams, 78, Trout Lake

Charles Frederick Williams passed away June 5, 2025, at home in Trout Lake, Washington. Charles was born August 23, 1946, and was 78 years of age at the time of passing.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family. 

Death Notice: Elsie M Walker, 95, The Dalles

Elsie M Walker, age 95, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the Oregon Veterans Home on June 5, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Scott Alan Rumsey, 65, White Salmon

Scott Alan Rumsey passed away on June 2nd, 2025, in White Salmon, Washington. Scott was born February 25th, 1960, and was 65 years of age at the time of passing.

Services are pending with arrangements under the direction of Gardner Funeral Home (156 NE Church Avenue, White Salmon, Washington). Visit www.GardnerFH.com to share a story or leave a note for the family.      

Death Notice: Stephen Michael Burdick, 79, Hood River

Stephen Michael Burdick passed away June 2nd, 2025, at home in Hood River, Oregon. Stephen was born February 24th, 194,6 and was 79 years of age at the time of passing.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Obituary: Ira ‘P-Nut’ Brittle, 88, Scroggins, Texas

Ira “P-Nut” Brittle passed away peacefully on Friday, May 23rd, 2025, in Scroggins, Texas. He was 88.  

P-Nut was born on February 26, 1937 in Baxter Springs, Kansas to George Douglas and Lillie (Murray) Brittle. He was raised in Oklahoma and often spoke fondly about his time there, where he grew up with his brothers, Frank, Danny, and Jim, and his sister, Vivian.

Though life back then wasn’t easy, his favorite stories to share were of his childhood home and his adventures in Devil’s Hollow. As he matured, he worked as a laborer on various highway jobs all over Oklahoma and Kansas, even supporting the development of the Will Rogers Turnpike.

In 1959, during a job in rural Kansas, he met a young woman who was supporting construction crews and fell in love. Later that year, Ruth Leonard and P-Nut were married and began the next chapter of their lives together.

Shortly after marriage, P-Nut got a job in The Dalles, Oregon at the aluminum plant. After their first child, Tammie (deceased) was born, Ruth followed him to Oregon and it was there that they gave birth to their first son, Lance, in 1961. They initially lived in Rowena and later moved to The Dalles where their son, Tony, was born in 1973. P-Nut and Ruth enjoyed camping on the beach with their family and they were members of the Columbia Gorge Climbers, where they raced Jeeps. P-Nut greatly enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons and passed his passion for fishing on to his grandchildren. P-Nut and Ruth were active members at Emanuel First Baptist Church in The Dalles.

P-Nut worked at the aluminum plant until 2000 when the plant closed. As part of the Trade Readjustment Act, he attended college at age 63 and over a six-year period earned three associate degrees in Management, Diesel Mechanics, and Marine Mechanics. P-Nut was proud of his degrees and put his education to use starting a small business repairing the boats of friends and close acquaintances.             

When Ruth suffered a stroke in 2003, P-Nut dedicated his time to acting as a primary caregiver for her, managing her meals and medication. He cared for her until she passed away on May 2, 2019.

In October of 2024, P-Nut moved from The Dalles to live next to Lance in Scroggins, Texas. His final months were spent on the lake watching the birds and deer, taking trips in golf carts, and doing what he loved most – fishing.

P-Nut is preceded in death by his wife Ruth Brittle, daughter Tammie Brittle, and sister Vivian. He is survived by his three brothers, Frank Brittle, Danny Brittle, and Jim Brittle as well as by his son Lance Brittle and wife Peggy and his three grandchildren Maggie, Amie and Seth; and by his son Tony Brittle and wife Sarah.

P-Nut's burial services were held in his hometown in Oklahoma, but a memorial fish fry will be held here in The Dalles in a few months. If you'd like an invite, please reach out to P-Nut's granddaughter, Amie, at amiebrittle@gmail.com. 

Death Notice: Michael Shawn Duncan, 52, The Dalles

Michael Shawn Duncan, age 52, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away May 4, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Gerine Minnette Mackey, 62, The Dalles

Gerine Minnette Mackey, age 62, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on May 15, 2025. A Viewing will be held at Spencer, Libby, and Powell Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 12 pm.

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

Obituary: Lee Kaseberg, 85, Wasco

Lee Kaseberg, 85, of Wasco, unexpectedly died Wednesday, May 7, 2025 during a medical procedure. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, June 7 at 1pm at the Sherman School gym in Moro. Referees are asked to wear their stripes. Instead of flowers, donations are suggested to The Dalles Meals on Wheels, PO Box 689, The Dalles OR 97058.

Lee was born November 24, 1939 to Paulen and Margilee Morse Kaseberg, and lived almost all of his life on or near the homestead property west of Wasco. He and siblings Terry and Alice grew up surrounded by many cousins and extended family. Lee and cousin Larry went to the 1953 National Boy Scout Jamboree in California, and Lee returned home knowing how to play poker.

Lee attended Wasco Grade School, Moro High School, and in 1957 was part of the first class to graduate from the consolidated high school. His only time living out of Sherman County, Lee moved to Eugene to major in History at the University of Oregon, "where in my junior year I found a cute Sigma Kappa by the name of Karen".

Lee and Karen were married August 19, 1961 and have three children: Cindy, Brett, and Deron. He welcomed their spouses into the family: Charley Brown, Tina Kaseberg and Twila Kaseberg. Lee was actively involved in the lives of his children, and truly loved being a grandparent. He always thought "great grandpa" was an adjective, not just a title. His pride and joy: Justin Brown and Amanda Richey with Eva and Dutcher; Stanton Brown; Riley Brown; Stephanie Kaseberg and Bryan Vanek with Ryder; Stacy and Steven Kane with Harper, Henry and Hayden; Shelby Kaseberg and Brandon Gosson with Colt; Hollee and Kaleb Sperry; Hunter Kaseberg; Eric and Megan Temple with Dallas (and one on the way); Jacob and Jordan Temple with Lincoln and Delaney; and Alison Kaseberg Worth and Dylan Worth.

Lee was always very community minded. He was a 65 year member of the BPOE Elks in The Dalles and a life member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, helping with fundraisers and activities. These included The Dalles Meals on Wheels and concessions at the Wasco County Fairgrounds. Lee also supported 4-H and FFA youth for 50+ years, helping at livestock weigh-ins for local shows and fairs, and donating at the livestock auctions.

He coached baseball at the youth and high school levels in Sherman County and Maupin, and coached all three of his kids, a future son-in-law, and one grandson. As a young couple, Lee and Karen attended many OSU-UofO civil war games, rain or shine. He always cheered for Oregon and was grumpy duck at dinner if the Beavers won the game.

Lee began as a basketball referee at age 40 and football at age 60. When he retired from officiating in 2020, he was one of the oldest active referees in the state. In 2015, OAOA awarded him State Football Official of the Year. People have called him "The Teaching Referee" due to his focus on helping youth learn. Lee was a fixture at the OSAA state 1A basketball tournament in Baker City. Once in 1988 as a referee, and many years managing the hospitality room for the referees.

As part of the Sherman County Barnstormers community theatre group, Lee served on the board, helped build sets, directed several plays, acted and chaired the casino nights. He never needed a mike on stage.

As a farmer with his father and brother as K-3 Ranches, Lee was a life member of the Oregon Wheat League, served on the Sherman Co-op Board, and received the OSU Diamond Pioneer Award in 2013. A recycler all his life, in 1990 Lee started the Sherman County Recycling Program near the Wasco Farm Store. He generously donated the proceeds to youth organizations, school activities and special projects. The Association of Oregon Recyclers awarded him "Recycler of the Year" as special recognition in 1996.

His hobbies have always included playing cards, drinking coffee, eating chocolate chip cookies and ice cream with Nesquik on top, telling stories, hunting, spending time at the cabin in Wallowa County and his lifetime love of the Dodgers. He was quite a creature of habit, always stopping at the same restaurants and rest areas on every drive he made to Eastern Oregon or Portland. Lee was a one-in-a-million guy and quite a character.

Obituary: Betty (Lipp) Plotkin, 95, Hood River

Betty (Lipp) Plotkin

October 25, 1929 – May 11, 2025

With sparkling blue eyes, a ready smile, and a deep love for people, Betty Plotkin (née Lipp) brought warmth and vitality wherever she went. Born and raised in Princeton, New Jersey, Betty was shaped by the challenges of the Great Depression—experiences that instilled

in her a lifelong sense of frugality, resilience, courage, and quiet strength.

She trained as a nurse and began her career caring for newborns—an early expression of her nurturing spirit and her lifelong love for babies and caregiving.

In 1956, she married Arieh Plotkin, a foreign graduate student at Princeton University, whom she met at a dance. They spent time living in Israel, where their first daughter was born, before settling in Belle Harbor, on the Rockaway peninsula in New York City, in the late 1950s. There, they raised their four children who all attended public school in Rockaway.

Betty had a gift for connection. She never hesitated to strike up a conversation—whether with a neighbor or a stranger at the supermarket. Her warmth and curiosity left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

She lived with a love of movement and nature. Betty was drawn to the ocean, rode her bicycle through the neighborhood, and continued running well into her 70s. For many years, she tended a community garden plot at Fort Tilden in Rockaway.  

After Arieh’s passing in 1993, Betty embraced the next chapter with grace. She found love again with her partner of 17 years, Roy

Ferguson—whom she also met, coincidentally, at a dance.

In 2018, Betty moved to Hood River, Oregon, to be closer to her daughter Sarah. She remained active and engaged in the senior community.

Betty passed away peacefully on Mother’s Day, May 11, 2025, one week after suffering a stroke. She was surrounded by loved ones in her final moments.

She will be deeply missed by her children and their families: Judy and her husband Alan, and their daughters Loren and Ellie; Sarah and her husband David; David and his daughters Annie and Cara; and Michael and his wife Carrie.

Betty will be remembered for her strength, her boundless energy, her love for life—and for delivering her signature verdict on many a conversation or debate with a firm, loving: “Enough already.”

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Johnnie Dave Abbott, 51, Pilot Rock

Johnnie Dave Abbott, 51, of Pilot Rock, Oregon, passed away April 28, 2025, in Pilot Rock, Oregon. He was born in Seattle, Washington, on September 20, 1973.

Arrangements are with Burn Mortuary of Pendleton. Condolences may be left at http://www.burnsmortuary.com.

Death Notice: Timothy Jay McDonnell, 57, The Dalles

Timothy Jay McDonnell, age 57, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on March 28, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Gary Kent Emerson, 90, The Dalles

Gary Kent Emerson, age 90, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the Oregon Veterans’ Home on April 3, 2025.

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

Death Notice: LF Fahler Dunlap, 94, Hood River

LF Fahler Dunlap passed away April 2nd, 2025, at Parkhurst Place in Hood River, Oregon. LF Fahler was born February 25th, 1931, and was 94 years of age at the time of passing.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Pastor Gladen “Stan” Rosengren, 90, The Dalles

Pastor Gladen “Stan” Rosengren passed away on March 6th, 2025 at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge in The Dalles, Oregon. Stan was born October 9th, 1934, and was 90 years of age at the time of passing.

A memorial service for Stan will be held at the Zion Lutheran Church (101 W 10th St, The Dalles, OR 97058) on Friday, March 14th, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • Celilo Chapel 204 E. 4th Street, The Dalles, Oregon 97058.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Memorial Service: Steven “Steve” Barnes, 77, Stevenson

Steven “Steve” Barnes passed away November 15th, 2024, in Stevenson, Washington. Steven was born June 4th, 1947, and was 77 years of age at the time of passing. 

A Memorial Service is planned for 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 12th, 2025 at Hegewald Center, 710 SW Rock Creek Drive, Stevenson, Washigton (no potluck to follow).   Pastor Matt Califf of Skamania Community Church will officiate Steve’s service.

Arrangements are under the direction of Gardner Funeral Home (156 NE Church Avenue, White Salmon, Washington). 

Visit www.GardnerFH.com to share a story or leave a note for the family.