Death Notices: Gerald Wilbur Tripp, Sr. Larry Michael Baker

Gerald Wilbur Tripp, age 67, a resident of Tygh Valley, OR, passed away on December 18, 2021. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Sr. Larry Michael Baker, age 72, a resident of The Dalles OR, passed away on December 16, 2021. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Loren Lee Harnar

Loren Lee Harnar passed away on December 15, 2021, in Portland, Oregon. Loren was born February 2, 1963, and was 58 years of age at the time of his passing.  Services are pending at the time with arrangements under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Steffanie Carter

Steffanie Carter passed away December 15, 2021 in The Dalles, Oregon. Steffanie was born January 6, 1954 and was 67 years of age at the time of her passing. 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.

Obituary: James Gowlan Wells

James Gowlan Wells

James Gowlan Wells “Jim” died on Sunday, December 12, 2021, at his home in the Pine Grove community of Hood River, Oregon. 

He was born on April 10, 1946, in Hood River, Oregon to W. Gowlan Wells and Jeannette L. Wells (Cochran). He was the firstborn of 5 children of the 4th generation of orchardists in Pine Grove. He attended Pine Grove Elementary school, Mid Valley junior high, and graduated from Wy’East High School in 1964. Jim was involved in band, wrestling, and FFA. After high school, Jim attended Oregon State University earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Economics. While at OSU (Go Beavs!) he was in the marching band, having the honor of marching in the Rose Bowl in 1965.  

During college, Jim married his high school sweetheart Wilma Jean Cookston. They were married at the Odell Baptist Church on June 18, 1966.  

After college, Jim and Jean returned home to work on the family orchard and celebrated the birth of their daughter, Cynthia Jean Wells on October 6, 1968. Shortly after Cindy’s birth, Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force and left for Basic Training in March of 1969. After basic and tech school, Jim was deployed to Germany where Jean and Cindy joined him. They traveled extensively in their VW Bus, and enjoyed life in Europe for 3 years.  

Following his military service, in 1973 Jim returned to Hood River to farm pears and apples with his family. Shortly after returning to Hood River, Jim and Jean’s son Devon James Wells was born on October 23, 1973.  

For the following 48 years, Jim was involved in numerous farming-related committees and boards. He was a BSA Scoutmaster for many years, earning recognition as the District Scoutmaster of the Year in 1995. Jim was most proud of his involvement in the emergency services. Jim was a Life Member of the Crag Rat Mountain Rescue team and was heavily involved in all facets of their responses up to his death. Jim was also a Firefighter/EMT for the Pine Grove/Wy’East Fire Districts for 48 years, retiring in 2018 at the rank of Assistant Fire Chief. Additionally, Jim was a volunteer ski patrolman at the Cooper Spur Ski Area for many years in the 1980s and ’90s. He was very passionate about serving others and being a leader. He was an avid teacher and loved helping others learn things he was involved in.  

He was very involved in the community by volunteering as the Skate Club President at Pine Grove Elementary School for over a decade, taking elementary students on school field trips to teach them about orienteering, life skills, outdoor survival, and other important topics. He was also a lifelong member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church serving on committees, teaching Sunday School, and helping with numerous activities.  

Jim enjoyed traveling especially to Mexico and Central America to tour the many Mayan ruins available there. He also loved his return trips to Europe and a special trip to China with his daughter Cindy. His favorite summertime family trip was to the Cove Palisades State Park in Central Oregon. He went to the Cove every year for 47 years, waterskiing, camping, and enjoying the hot summer days with his friends and family. He loved the outdoors, “his” Mt. Hood, and camping. He was the best fan for his grandkids in all their sports, band, and other events in life. He loved his grandkids and found immense joy in being around them.  

Jim is survived by his wife Jean of 55 years, daughter Cindy Wells of Hood River and son Devon Wells and his wife Tia of Hood River. Grandchildren Acacia Wiseman (Brian) of Philomath, Kelsey Smith (Zach) of Hood River, Tanner Wells (Kelsey) of Pleasant Grove, UT, Myla Blachly of Philomath, Zac Wells, Cooper Wells, and Ian Wells all of Hood River. Great-grandchildren (baby girl arriving in March 2022 to Kelsey and Zach Smith). Siblings Sandra Haek (Jim) of Beaverton, John Wells (Susie) of Hood River, Annie Ward of Salem, and Nancy Waller (Dave) of Hood River. He has numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and in-laws. 

Jim is preceded in death by his parents W. Gowlan Wells (2015) and Jeannette Louise (Cochran) in 2003. Jim was laid to rest at the Pine Grove Butte Cemetery on Dec 18, 2021, with Military Honors and numerous family and friends in attendance. 

Donations in Jim’s name can be made to the Hood River Crag Rat mountain rescue team… 

A time for friends and family to celebrate Jim’s life is planned for 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 18th, 2021 at The Crag Rat Hut (960 Crag Rat Hut Road, Hood River, Oregon 97031). Family services at Immanuel Lutheran Church and burial at Pine Grove Butte Cemetery will precede Jim’s celebration of life service. 

A time for friends to greet with family and viewing is planned for 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday, December 17th, 2021 at Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.   

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

Death Notice: Christopher “Chris” Farrell

Christopher “Chris” Farrell passed away December 13, 2021, at his home in Cascade Locks, Oregon. Chris was born December 10, 1947, and was 74 years of age at the time of his passing. Graveside Services with military honors are planned for 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 21st, 2021 at the Cascade Locks Cemetery (100 Wa Na Pa St, Cascade Locks, OR 97014).

Obituary: Denzel Maxine Anderson Green

Denzel Maxine Anderson Green

Denzel Maxine Anderson Green passed away December 13, 2021 Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital. Denzel was born May 7, 1924 and was 97 years of age at the time of her passing.  Denzel was born in Rainier, Oregon to Jacob Peter and Ruth (Hutson) Anderson of Parkdale, Oregon.  Her maternal grandparents, Albert Jerome and Clotilda Whitbeck Hutson had come to Hood River in 1899 from Wisconsin as part of the mill relocation of Capt. Davidson Lumber Company.  She spent her whole life living in the Valley except during WWII years when she lived in Portland, Oregon.  

On June 30th, 1940, she and Lewis L. Green were married in Stevenson, Washington.  The wedding pictures show the extended family on the ferry that crossed the Columbia River during that era.  She lived 97 years, 7 months and 13 days and saw monumental changes in Hood River and all of Oregon.   She was very proud of her Oregon roots.  One of her favorite stories was that as a school girl in 1937, she and her class walked from the Parkdale School to the junction of the old Highway 35 to see the then President of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s motorcade drive by on his way to dedicate Timberline Lodge. 

As a young mother of Karen and Judy, she was a homemaker, room mother, gardener, seamstress and the go to person for most of the extended family. “Aunt Denzel” was always available to help with the rest of the family at all times. 

Her early years working outside of the home were as a seasonal packer for Diamond Fruit and the Parkdale plant.  Many of her lifelong friends and neighbors were also employed there.  She was there for more than 25 years and was offered a position as a representative for the Teamsters Union in the Hood River office, so she changed careers.  Shortly after retirement from the Teamsters, she decided that staying home was not for her and went to work on career number three… she became an employee at Mt. Hood Meadows.  She always liked having a job and even many years after retiring from Mt. Hood Meadows, she would say she wanted to get another job. 

Denzel was always busy in life.  She was a collector of many things and would never pass up a garage or estate sale.  She had an amazing array of glassware, rocks (which she dug), dishes and antique items of all sorts. 

She was a great role model in life for her daughters, because at 49 years of age, she became a widow as Lewis died unexpectedly in 1973. She forged a whole new way of life and called upon her determination to live independently.  She worked hard, planned and was very successful all on her own merits. 

In August of 2018, she moved from her home of 66 years in Mt. Hood, Oregon to Parkhurst Place in Hood River.  Her yellow house with the “Dun Fix’n” sign on it was a great source of pride for her. 

Preceding her in death were her husband, Lewis; parents, Jacob & Ruth; and brother, Darrell Anderson.  Denzel is survived by; her daughters, Karen Morgan of Springfield, Oregon and Judy (& John) Svoboda of Springfield, Oregon; grandsons, John Morgan of Springfield, Oregon, Ryan (& Katie) Svoboda of Lafayette, California and Wade Svoboda of Portland, Oregon; great-grandson, Gage Svoboda of Lafayette, California who she lovingly called “Bo Biscuit”; sister, Doris Hill of Parkdale, Oregon; and her special daughter, Rocio Alejo of The Dalles, Oregon. 

The family thanks all of the staff at Parkhurst Place for providing a warm and caring home for Denzel’s past three years, the staff at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital for their compassion and medical care. 

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at Anderson’s Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. The family request that all in-person attendees wear a mask and be vaccinated. Denzel’s service will be livestreamed through ZOOM and can be accessed on her web guestbook at www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com.  

Memorials are encouraged to be made in Denzel’s name to the Hutson Museum, PO BOX 501, Parkdale, Oregon 97041.

Death Notice: Sharon Ardeane Martin

Sharon Ardeane Martin, age 92, a resident of Hood River, OR, passed away on December 11, 2021. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Mary Louise Ekstrom

Mary Louise Ekstrom of Cascade Locks, Oregon passed away December 13, 2021, at Portland Providence Medical Center. Mary was born May 31, 1959, and was 62 at the time of her passing. Services are pending at this time and will be updated soon.

The family has set up a GoFundMe, https://gofund.me/3b7fff55 Even a small donation could help reach the fundraising goal. And if you can't make a donation, it would be great if you could share the fundraiser to help spread the word.

Sharon Yvonne Duke

Sharon Yvonne Duke, age 61, a resident of The Dalles OR, passed away on December 11, 2021. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Obituary, Christopher Lavern Schwebke, 41

Christopher Lavern Schwebke

Christopher Lavern Schwebke, 41, of La Grande, (Hood River) and (Yakima Washington) passed away on Sunday, December 5, 2021, at St. Luke’s Medical Center in, Boise, ID. from Hemochromatosis, a rare blood disease that is treatable if diagnosed early enough.
Although iron is an essential mineral in many body functions, too much of it can damage the heart, joints, liver, pancreas, and other organs. Several types of disorders lead to iron overload or excess iron, but the most common is hemochromatosis.

There are several types, but one in every 200 to 300 people in the U.S. develops hereditary hemochromatosis, the most recognized form. Caucasian, middle-aged men of Northern European descent and post-menopausal women are most likely to develop the disease.

Physicians diagnose most cases during routine blood work or family screenings. Only about one in 10 people who have the genes for hemochromatosis develop iron overload or damage to organs because of the disease. He was finally diagnosed in July.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Christopher was born on September 16, 1980, in La Grande, Oregon to Marc and Anna (McClure) Schwebke. He resided in La Grande, OR; Hood River, OR and Yakima, WA. He attended grade school in La Grande and attended Hood River Middle and High schools. He married his one best friend and true love, Crystal Dufour.
Christopher was a chef and father of 3 sons. He enjoyed woodworking, building things, helping neighbors, huckleberry picking, cooking, canning, gardening, target shooting and an avid Blazers and Oregon Ducks fan.

Christopher is survived by his wife, Crystal; children, Trenton Schwebke, Skyler Schwebke of La Grande and Brendan Schwebke of North Carolina; parents, Marc and Anna Schwebke of La Grande, Grandmother Cornelia (McClure) German of LaGrande Oregon brothers Kruz Schwebke of Klamath Falls, OR and Tracy Schwebke (Valerie) of Pasco, WA; sister, Maryann Younger (Jeremy) of Springfield, OR; 2 nieces and 4 nephews; great aunts and uncles, Jan and Larry Bayliss and family, Duane and Gay Zander and family; aunts and uncles, Cinda McClure of Kent WA, Jimmie and Lynn McClure of La Grande, OR and Karen and Greg Balmer of Portland, OR and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Jimmie O. McClure; aunt, Ruthie McClure; step-grandfather, Loydd German; grandmother, LaWanna Schwebke and grandfather, Harold Schwebke.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the family to help with expenses through Anna Schwebke at PO Box 1334, La Grande, OR 97850

Death Notice: Beatrice Louise Dick

Beatrice Louise Dick, age 97, a resident of The Dalles OR, passed away on December 4, 2021. A celebration of Life will be held at a later date in the summer. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements. She was married to Edgar M. Dick.

Death Notice: Sherman Derry

Sherman Derry passed away December 9, 2021 in The Dalles. Oregon. Sherman was born January 26, 1946 and was 75 years of age at the time of his passing. 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.

Death Notices: Kathleen Ann Southan, Mary Mesa

Kathleen Ann Southan passed away on December 5, 2021, in Hood River, Oregon.  Kathleen was born on September 9, 1936, and was 86 years of age at the time of her passing.   

Catholic Funeral Rites are planned as follows for Kathleen and both her Rosary & Mass will be shared via ZOOM - please visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com and go to Kathleen’s guestbook to access.  Call Anderson’s at (541) 386-1000 if you need assistance with access. 

Vigil, Viewing & Rosary 

Is from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Rosary to be prayed at 6:00 p.m.), Thursday, December 16th, 2021 at  Anderson's Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon  97031.   

Funeral Mass 

Is at 10:00 a.m., Friday, December 17th, 2021 at  St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1501 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon  97031.   

Graveside Committal  

It will immediately follow at Mountain View Memorial Cemetery of Hood River, Oregon. 

Mary Mesa passed away on December 2, 2021, in Hood River, Oregon. Mary was born on August 29, 1962, and was 59 years of age at the time of her passing. Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Death Notice: Alan Vernon James “AL”

Alan Vernon James “Al” passed away December 6, 2021, in Lyle, Washington. Al was born October 1, 1949, and was 72 years of age at the time of his passing.  Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family. 

Death Notice: Russell N. McNamer

Russell N. McNamer passed away on December 6th, 2021, at his home in The Dalles, Oregon with family by his side. He was born June 30th, 1930, in Martinez, California and was 91 years of age at the time of his passing. 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.

Death Notice: David Wood

David Harold Wood passed away on December 4, 2021, in Hood River, Oregon. David was born September 23, 1957, and was 64 years of age at the time of his passing.

A memorial service is planned for 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 18th, 2021 at the Hood River Fairgrounds (3020 Wy’east Rd, Hood River, OR 97031).

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

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

Memorial Service Planned for Roderick “Rod” Martin

Roderick “Rod” Martin passed away November 21, 2021, at Oregon’s Veterans Home in The Dalles. Rod was born September 23, 1925, and was 96 years of age at the time of his passing. A memorial service is planned for 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 11th, 2021 at The Dalles Evangelical Church (1001 E 12th Street, The Dalles, Oregon 97058). 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.

Death Notice: Christine Lee Pounders

Christine Lee Pounders, age 71, a resident of Wishram WA, passed away on December 1, 2021. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Matthew James Murphy

Matthew James Murphy, age 53, a resident of Ronan MT, passed away November 22, 2021. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Jacob Wayne Smith

Jacob Wayne Smith, age 47, a resident of Shedd, OR, passed away November 29, 2021. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.