Death Notice: Sharon Louise Cyphers, 76, The Dalles

Sharon Louise Cyphers, age 76, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on September 13, 2024.

A Celebration of Life will be held soon. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Obituary: Chuck Overmyer, 80, The Dalles

The memorial for Chuck Overmyer will be held at the Celilo Bowmen Archery Range on October 5th at 12:00 PM. Everyone invited, please RSVP Celilo Bowmen Archers if planning to attend.

Charles L. Overmyer, 80, born June 18th, 1944, at Eau Claire Wi, passed away July 18th at home with heart failure.

son of Roy and Mary (Clark) Overmyer. Chuck is survived by devoted pardner of 45 years, Dorothy Heldeman, daughters, Emily Johnson (Brad), Tina Wolfgram, (Jeff), Brenda Mahr, Tara Overmyer, and Sons, Joseph Overmyer (Erica), and Mikel Heideman and numerous grandchildren.

Chuck was passionate about hunting and archery, Chuck received his first bow from an auction at the Mule deer Foundation from Bob Kendall and from then on was an avid archer. He loved spending times at the Celllo Bowmen Archery Range and wore many hats, Including president, vice-president, range master, Chuck would be at the range on an almost daily basis, taking care of grounds and shooting his bow and just visiting. Chuck and Det enjoyed participating in various archery shoots. Some people would say that Chuck was the heart of the archery range always willing to help and always willing to share his passion

of archery with anyone who wanted to leam. Chuck retired after 30 years at the Oregon Cherry Growers where he made lifetime friends. Chuck is deeply missed by those who loved him.

Death Notice: Darlene Lucille Nordquist, 80, The Dalles

Darlene Lucille Nordquist, age 80, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on August 30, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Jack Edward Lorts, 84, The Dalles

Jack Edward Lorts passed away on September 4, 2024, at OHSU Hospitals and Clinics in Portland, Oregon. Jack was born September 4, 1940, and was 84 at the time of 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: Bernice L. Buck, 85, The Dalles

Bernice L. Buck, of The Dalles, OR, passed away on July 27, 2024. She was 85.

Many will remember her from the layaway dept. at K-Mart where she worked for 25 years.
Burial will be on Sept. 5 @ 3 Mile Cemetery beginning at noon.

Death Notice: Walter Peterson, 73, The Dalles

Walter Peterson, age 73, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on August 30, 2024.

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

Obituary: Richard Harry Edstrom, 86, The Dalles

Richard Harry Edstrom

June 29, 1938 – August 28, 2024

Richard Harry Edstrom

Richard, affectionately known as “Dick” or “Dirty Harry” to those who knew him best, passed away on August 28, 2024, at the age of 86 at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital. He was a beloved husband, stepfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Dick’s larger-than-life personality and infectious sense of humor will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Dick lived a full and adventurous life. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force, where he developed a strong sense of duty and camaraderie that would stay with him throughout his life. Following his military service, Dick found his calling in several professions that allowed him to help others and share his many talents.

He spent time as a firefighter, bravely working to protect his community, and as a ski instructor where he shared his love for the slopes with countless students. Dick was also a successful entrepreneur, co-owning a company that specialized in installing elevators. His work ethic and skills were unmatched, and he took great pride in every job he completed.

In later years, Dick enjoyed a different pace of life as a cashier at Walmart, where he worked for 10 years. He loved the people he worked with and formed lasting friendships with both coworkers and customers alike. Dick also helped his wife, Bonnie with her cat rescue.

Dick’s interests were as varied as his career. He was an avid NASCAR fan, a passionate sailor, and a lover of music and dancing. Whether he was fixing or building something, sharing a laugh with friends, or enjoying his morning coffee and a beer at the local watering hole, Dick lived every moment to the fullest. His ability to bring joy and laughter to those around him was one of his most cherished gifts.

Dick is survived by his wife, Bonnie Edstrom; his stepdaughter, Leanne Stemmer; his sisters, Joanne Ahmad and Molly Forsberg and many nieces, nephews, and close friends who will remember him with fondness and admiration.

A viewing was held Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Anderson’s Tribute Center. Dick will be laid to rest at Willamette National Cemetery.

Rest in peace, Dick. You will be forever missed but never forgotten.

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: Joshua Merle Thompson, 45, Wamic

Joshua Merle Thompson was born April 13, 1979, to James L. Thompson and June Marie (Iverson) Thompson in The Dalles. From his earliest days, he could regularly be found either with his family or out of doors, enjoying spending most of his time on the family farm in Wamic.

After graduating from The Dalles High in 1997 Josh sought to further his passion outside by pursuing studies in agriculture and forestry. Through education and many of life’s other adventures, he was regularly found beside his cousin Travis who was his partner in crime for many of his life experiences.

Josh led a life of service to others. He started his public service career in 2000 with the Wasco County Soil and Water Conservation District, where his goal was to help the local agricultural producers find greater success and enhance the local agricultural heritage and community. Outside of work, he also spent most of his life volunteering with local fire services, first with Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue in The Dalles and most recently with Wamic Rural Fire Protection District.

Josh was also known in the community as the type of person who was always first to raise his hand to help, no matter what the need. He served on multiple volunteer boards, from the school district to local wildlife groups and everything in between. He never said no, and inspired others around him to lean in and help where needed.

Josh truly found his calling when he met Michelle Ongers and started the family that became the center of his world. His children: Ian, Dallas, Ryker, William, and Kaylee meant everything to him. Everything Josh did from the moment he became a father was framed from a family-first perspective. Josh especially enjoyed introducing his children to his passion for the outdoors, and most conversations with him of late started with a story of him and his kids on the farm, in a lake, or in the outdoors.

Josh moved to the family farm in 2017 to become the third generation to work on the land he loved, helping his uncle carry on the Iverson legacy that he wanted to pass on to generations in the future.

Josh is survived by his parents Jim and June, his children: Ian (20), Dallas (16), Ryker (14), William (11), and Kaylee (8), his brother Jeremy and his family, cousin Travis and family, Aunts Ruby and Betty, Uncles David, Jay and Herbie, and innumerable other cousins- many of whom truly were closer than title can convey.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any desired donations be sent to the South Wasco County School District to be used toward the finalization of the athletics upgrade project in the form of a scoreboard, a project that Josh was actively involved in. Please include “JT Scoreboard Fund” on any donation made so the school can properly assign funds, and to ensure receipts are directed to donors.

Obituary: Bernie Morris, 75, The Dalles

Bernie Morris was born on Sept 14th, 1936, in Spart, IL to Floyd and Alvina Morris. The family moved to The Dalles, OR in 1948. Bernie attended St. John’s Lutheran School in Sparta and was a charter member of Faith Lutheran Church in The Dalles. He graduated from The Dalles High School in 1955, where he earned a letter in track and held the record for the one-mile race for many years.

He served in the US Navy as an aviation machinist in San Diego and Miramar CA from 1957 to 1961. After the Navy he had various jobs before starting to work for C.H. Urness Motors in 1966. He also worked in the Alaska fishing industry during the summer months, returning to Urness Motors for the rest of the year. After retiring from the fishing industry in 2000, Bernie continued to work at Urness Motors full time until he retired in 2013.

Bernie enjoyed the outdoors – hunting, fishing, woodcutting and camping with his family. He had many friends and was always caring and willing to help others.

Preceding him were his parents, Floyd and Alvina; brother, Walt Morris; and sister, Laura Comini.

Bernie is survived by his wife, Janice; children, Debbie Park (Dave), Gay Scott-Dale and Matt Morris (Carrie); grandchildren, Frankie, Heather (Eric), Ethan, Megan, and Mason; great-grandchildren, Penelope, Everyly and Colson; brother-in-law Bob Denny (Bonnie); and several nieces and nephews.

There will be no funeral service at Bernie’s request.

Memorial contributions (in lieu of flowers) to Bristol Hospice would be appreciated by the family. Contributions can be made through Heart of Hospice Foundation (heartofhospicefoundationtrio.com) or mailed to Bristol Hospice at 407 Portway Ave Suite 201 Hood River OR 9031.

Obituary: Loretta Joan Sidman, 93, The Dalles

Loretta Joan Sidman

Loretta Joan Sidman of The Dalles, Oregon, passed away on August 14th
at OHSU due to complications from a stroke. Her son and daughter were
by her side.

Loretta was born in St. Francis, Kansas, on October 16,
1930, to Emil Zimbelman and Anna (Lampe) Zimbelman. She grew up during
the Dust Bowl on a farm with three siblings and graduated from St.
Francis High School in 1948.

Loretta continued her education at a
local teachers' college and taught briefly in a one-room schoolhouse
until she met and married Von E. Sidman in 1949.

Loretta set up households and had four children across the country in
Nebraska, California, and Texas while Von worked with the Bureau of
Reclamation on various federal projects.

They finally landed in Oregon
to work on The Dalles Dam Irrigation Project in 1964. Moving every few
years became a thing of the past when Loretta’s youngest child saw an
ad for a piece of property in The Dalles Chronicle. Von and Loretta
bought a cherry orchard on Mill Creek Road in 1971, where they
established a home that has been enjoyed by four generations of
Sidmans over the years.

Loretta worked the orchard alongside her
husband and sons until they lost the trees to a bad frost and blight
in 1975.

Loretta was a hard worker in the home, on the property, and in the
workplace, with years of service at The BaKitchen, Chenoweth Middle
School as a teacher’s aide, and Stadelman’s Fruit as a line worker
until her retirement in 1990.

She attended The Dalles United Methodist
Church for decades while her children were growing up. A talented
piano player and singer, Loretta loved music and cultivated that
passion in her children, resulting in many family concerts and
singalongs. The last singalong we shared with Loretta was at the
Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles, where she received truly excellent
nursing care after her stroke in June.

Loretta’s hydrangeas were the
bluest, her wave petunias the waviest, her Christmas cactus always
bloomed on time, and something that sparkled, spun, or shined was
hanging everywhere. She could hit all the high notes in “You’ll Never
Walk Alone” and “Climb Ev’ry Mountain.” Loretta lived on her own
terms, in her home, for all but a few weeks at the end, thanks to good
genetics, the grace of God, and the support of her four children, with
lots of visits from all.



Loretta was preceded in death by her parents, stepmother, a brother,
and her beloved husband, Von Sidman, who passed away on their farm in
October 2014. She is survived by her four children: Mike Sidman of
Spanish Fork, UT; Melinda Sidman of Astoria, OR; David Sidman of The
Dalles, OR; and Paul Sidman of Lewiston, CA; 15 grandchildren; 10
great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild (so far). She is also survived by her sister,
Valjean Schultz, and her brother, Marvin Zimbelman, and his wife,
Donna.

A private service will be held at Willamette National Cemetery,
where Loretta will be interred with her husband, who served honorably
in WWII in the United States Navy. In lieu of flowers, donations can
be made to your local chapter of the Salvation Army or St. Jude
Children's Hospital.

Death Notice: Sherman Robert Martin, 76, The Dalles

Sherman Robert Martin, age 76, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on August 14, 2024. A Celebration of Life is planned for September 8, 2024, 2:00 PM at Rheingarten Park in White Salmon, WA.

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

Death Notice: LaVern "Bernie" Allen Morris, 87, The Dalles

LaVern "Bernie" Allen Morris, age 87, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on August 14, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Shirley Lou Colf, 80, The Dalles

Shirley Lou Colf, age 80, a resident of The Dalles, OR, Passed away on August 1, 2024.

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 16, 2024, at 1:30 PM at the Mid-Columbia Senior Center in The Dalles, OR. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Rosemarie Catherine Barlett, 98, The Dalles

Rosemarie Catherine Barlett, age 98, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on August 11, 2024.

A Memorial Service will be held on October 5, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Redmond Christian Church in Redmond, OR. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Judy Leona Magill, 78, Yuma

Judy Leona Magill, age 78, a resident of Yuma, AZ, and a former resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on August 11, 2024.

A Funeral Service will be held Monday, August 19, 2024, at 1:00 PM at the Wamic Community Church with a reception to follow and a private family burial. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: David Alan Baldwin, 70, The Dalles

David Alan Baldwin, age 70, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on August 7, 2024.

A Graveside Service will be held on August 17, 2024, at 12:15 PM at the White Eagle Memorial Preserve in Goldendale, WA. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Lorinda “Jeanie” Jean Addleman, 75, The Dalles

Lorinda “Jeanie” Jean Addleman age 75, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on August 2, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Janet E Sparling, 81, The Dalles

Janet E Sparling age 81, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on August 2, 2024.

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

Death Notices: Michael Lynn Sexton, 77, The Dalles; Ernest Owen Murphy, 80, The Dalles

Michael Lynn Sexton age 77, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on July 29, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Ernest Owen Murphy age 80, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on July 30, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Obituary: Helen Mary Rose Zwick, 102, The Dalles

What a life! 

Helen Mary Rose Zwick was born at home in the Bronx, in New York City, on March 25, 1922, to Anna Silinski Zwick and Nicholas Zwick, both immigrants to this country. Helen passed peacefully in her sleep on July 10, 2024, at the age of 102. 

Helen and her younger sister Millie were avid skaters, and one day in 1941, Helen met a young man in uniform at the skating rink; Hobart Lynch. Shortly before Hobart shipped out to fight in WWII, Helen and Hobie became engaged. 

He made arrangements with a local florist to deliver one dozen roses to Helen every month while he was overseas. By the time Hobart returned home from Europe in July, after the war ended, Helen had received 39 dozen roses. Hobart and Helen married on August 26, 1945, and began their life together in New York. 

Their first child Patricia, arrived in July 1946. Michael was born in July the following year. From then on, another child arrived about every year and a half or so, until by 1964 there were ten! For several years the growing Lynch family traversed from New York to Oregon, then back again to Massachusetts, New York, and Florida, until finally they returned to the best place: Oregon.

Hobart was a carpenter and The Dalles was a bustling place in the 1950s and 60s with the building of The Dalles dam, new housing, and a big aluminum plant. They put down roots. While Hobart worked as a skilled carpenter, Helen worked at jobs with hours that allowed her to be home when the kids got home from school. She may have worked a graveyard shift at a nursing home, but when the kids got off the bus, there would often be warm cake or cookies waiting for them as an after-school snack. 

By the 1980s her kids were mostly grown and Helen was able to give more time to the community doing what she did best; helping others. She worked with the Community Action Project, helping people find jobs, housing, home weatherization, and other basic human needs. In 1983 The Dalles was one of many communities suffering through a recession and some people had difficulty getting food. Her experience with her children and the example of Jesus gave Helen the simple insight that when people are hungry, you feed them! 

Helen and several other people organized a community meal, provided, cooked, and served by local groups that welcomed everyone who needed a good hot meal. It became a regular feature. Helen volunteered to help cook and serve the meals until she was well into her 90s. She was able to join in as the Community Meal celebrated its 40th Anniversary in October 2023. 

Helen was a dedicated member of St Peter’s Catholic Church in The Dalles, beginning when it was in the original landmark church in town. She volunteered for years with several community-based groups including St Vincent de Paul. Helen practiced her faith daily with love, patience, kindness, and nonjudgmental acceptance of people as they are. 

When Helen was mostly retired, she spent lots of time with her grandkids, especially in the summers. Highlights included swimming at Horsethief Lake, picking huckleberries on the slopes of Mt Adams, canning cherries, making fruit dumplings, enjoying leisurely pancake breakfasts, and even wading up Oneonta Creek to the waterfall! 

Helen and Hobie raised ten pretty decent human beings, and they all, with their amazing partners, survive her: Patricia, Michael (Fran), Maureen, Gail (Steve), Carol (Paul), Richard, Timothy (Lisa), Christine (Kevin), Nicholas (Tara) and Millie. They live mostly in the Pacific NW in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. 

Helen embraced an ever-changing number of biological, borrowed, adopted, step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren! 

Helen survived the loss of her parents, sister Millie, husband Hobie, and grandsons Philip and Eric. Hobie passed away in 1994, not quite 50 years after they married. 

Helen faced this major change in her life by volunteering even more hours to community and charity work. Helen could be counted on to be calm in the midst of chaos. She was kind and loving, even when people disappointed her. Her outlook was positive and upbeat when others found reason to be discouraged. 

When asked if she wanted to try something new, her response was “Why Not?” (except for jalapeños) Helen’s daughter Christine and her son-in-law Kevin in Vancouver WA provided loving and devoted care for Helen as she required more assistance and care. They opened their hearts and opened their doors to Helen and her entourage of visitors. 

Kevin crafted a connection between Helen and a large following on Facebook and Instagram by posting Helen’s latest adventures and advice under the hashtag #belikeHelen. Her trusty four-legged sidekick Tor was with her every step of the way. Helen’s many family, friends, and fans will miss her. And perhaps Tor will miss her most of all. Helen donated countless hours to organizations that provide support and dignity to people. Volunteers are the heart and soul of these organizations, and they are also grateful for donations of items and monetary contributions. Helen’s favorites include The Dalles Community Meal, St Vincent de Paul, and Meals on Wheels in The Dalles; and A Caring Closet, Clark County Food Bank, and Meals on Wheels People in Vancouver WA.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church on August 6, 2024, at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at the IOOF Cemetery 2565 Three Mile Rd, The Dalles, OR. A reception at St. Peter’s Catholic Church will follow the burial.

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