Death Notice: Jonathan Rose, 99, Hood River

Jonathan Rose passed away on October 16th, 2024 in Hood River, Oregon. Jonathan was born on August 15th, 1925, and was 99 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: Diane Rosalie (Monagan) Bungum, 79, The Dalles

Diane Rosalie (Monagan) Bungum was born August 25, 1945, in rural central New York, near the city of Cortland. Her parents were Clifford and Elinor Monagan, both lifetime employees of the Smith-Corona Typewriter factory in nearby Groton, N.Y. Diane and her older sister and younger brother grew up on a pre-Civil War 56-acre farm where over the years they kept a few horses, cows, pigs, ducks and chickens, as well as the usual dogs and cats. It was a rural life in dairy country, a life she dearly loved, and missed when she left it for college.

She attended the State University of New York in Albany for a couple of years, then joined VISTA and moved to western Oregon in 1965, where she worked with migrant worker families. After that she had various
short-term jobs in the Portland area, including several as a waitress.
She met and married Richard Humphrey there and they had a son, Aiden, before they were divorced. She completed her B.A. degree in English from the University of Oregon in 1973.

That year she met Steve Bungum, a former high school English teacher; they married in Eugene in 1974 and moved to The Dalles the next day, where her husband worked for the next 28 years as Library Media
Specialist at The Dalles High School. Their son Peter was added to the family in 1977. Before the office closed, she worked for several years at Oregon Legal Services (legal aid). That was followed by several
years at the local Community Action Program and at the Center for Living, where she was employed until her retirement in 2002.

Diane was a kind-hearted, hard-working person who could empathize with others, especially those whose life was difficult. She was beloved of many of the developmentally disabled adults she assisted over the years, and enjoyed attending parties and dances with these folks, put on by the ARC of Oregon. She was an avid life-long reader, regularly coming home with a large pile of books from the public library, a
habit she continued long after being diagnosed with dementia around 2020. Diane also loved to travel, and made trips back to see her folks in the home she grew up in, in central N.Y., sometimes with her husband, sometimes alone. Together they visited many relatives, most of whom in the Midwest and East. She also often indulged her husband's love of camping and photographing around Oregon and the West, and also enjoyed travel offering more comfy sleeping arrangements, like hotels, motels, and B & B's!

Diane always liked to be busy doing something, like walking, hiking gardening, cooking and reading. She really liked to watch a good movie in the evening, especially with popcorn! She was very proud of Aiden
and Peter, both of whom have advanced degrees, and loved them dearly, and her eight wonderful grandchildren, who loved their Grandma Diane, and several of whom stepped up to help her as her disease progressed. She was moved to a care facility in Eugene in early July, where, after suffering many difficult times, she passed away on September 29th.

Basically, Diane was a sweet, loving, understanding (usually!) and kind human being, doing her best to be a life-enhancer for others. She will be dearly missed.

Diane is survived by her husband Steve, sons Aiden and Peter, and grandchildren Isaac, Johnpaul, Joseph, Lillian, Evan, Jeremy, Runa and Haakon. No funeral is planned. Remembrances can be made to the ARC of
Oregon, Hospice of the Gorge, and Wasco County Humane Society.

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

Death Notice: Mary Elizabeth Bales, 96, The Dalles

Mary Elizabeth Bales, age 96, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on October 11, 20024.

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

Obituary: Guadalupe Robledo, The Dalles

It is with great sadness that we announce her unexpected passing. Guadalupe is survived by her children Jose Robledo (Kyndra Scofield), Anthony Zapien, Jasmin Vejar, and Dominic Vejar. Her long-time partner Jorge Vejar Ramirez. Her granddaughters Ximena Robledo and Nami Robledo. Her cousin Jose Luis Aleman (Jasmin Aleman). Her brothers Uriel Sapien, and Jesus Sapien. Her sisters Alicia Sedano, Librada Villa (Frery Villa). She was preceded in death by her father Jesus Zapien Valdovinos, her mother Esther Sapien Aleman, and her brother Gilberto Zapien.                                                             

Lupe was and still is a cherished person who was known for her kind and loving heart. She was a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, spouse, and friend. Her children and grandchildren were the light of her life, and she loved spending time and caring for those she loved, listening to music, planning parties, and playing loteria, and puzzles. She was also known for making the most delicious food. It didn’t matter if she knew you her whole life or just met you yesterday, you would always be welcome, she was the type of person who always made you feel like you were at home. She was headstrong, funny, and always down for a good time.                                                                          

Lupe was a beacon of kindness and the type of person that we should all strive to be, she will forever reside in our hearts, and her spirit will live on through the love she so willingly shared.

Mass will be held at St. Peters Catholic Church, in The Dalles. Thursday, September 26th at 10 am.

Obituary: Jason Doyle Walls, 56, The Dalles

Jason Doyle Walls, 56, a resident of The Dalles, OR passed away at home on September 23, 2024.

Jason was born on August 20, 1968, in Hood River, OR. He attended the first 2 years of school in Hood River, then finished his schooling in The Dalles, graduating from The Dalles High School.

He was an NGA-certified auto glass technician and was a “top performer” in the region at one time. He made his living doing auto glass for many years.

Jason was very active in motorcycle riding and racing, bicycling, camping, and riding his side-by-side. He loved his toys and had many.

He is survived by his mother, Ruth Beecher of The Dalles, OR and her companion Gordon Hinkle; his father, Jack Walls of Warren, OR; stepbrother, Zac; half-sisters, Jennifer and Julia; grandmother, Mary Ruth Walls; stepdad, Terray Harmon; companion Debra Kay Patterson; best friend Ty Tibbets; surrogate sister, Deidre Baumgarten; aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his Grandma and Grandpa Daley, Grandpa Leonard Walls, Uncle Gordie, Uncle Charlie, and Uncle Harold Ray Walls.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, October 12th, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Spooky’s Pizza in The Dalles.

Death Notice: Arlene Shertzer, 95, Hood River

Arlene Shertzer passed away on October 3rd, 2024 in Hood River, Oregon. Arlene was born August 2nd, 1929, and was 95 years of age at the time of her passing.  

A Memorial Service for Arlene will be held on Saturday, October 19th, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses (1619 Tucker Rd, Hood River, OR 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.

Death Notice: Marvin West Meyers, 85, Moro

Marvin West Meyers, age 85, a resident of Moro, OR, passed away on October 5, 2024.

A Celebration of Life is to be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby, and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Charity Ann Mahan, 75. The Dalles

Charity Ann Mahan, age 75, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on September 27, 2024.

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

Obituary: Manuel “Manny” Escobar Tactay Jr., 87, Hood River

Manuel “Manny” Escobar Tactay Jr., our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully on September 27, 2024, at 87 years old. 

Manny was born on December 21, 1936, to Manuel and Benilda Tactay in Santo Domingo, Ilocos Sur, and raised in Sulvec, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. He was the third child (firstborn son) of eleven children. His birth name was Tomas, but as an infant, he was very sickly; so due to superstitious beliefs, his parents changed his name to Manuel.

Manny initially met his future bride, Terencia “Terri” (Cabudol) in high school, but their relationship flourished after college.  On January 2, 1965, Manny and Terri were married and blessed with two children, Tiffany, born in 1966, and Troy, born in 1968.  Terri dreamed of moving to the United States for a better opportunity to improve their quality of life. After being approved as a professional CPA in January 1971, she moved to Honolulu, Hawaii leaving her young children and spouse behind.   Manny, with the help of their tight-knit family, cared for Tiffany and Troy. They communicated through weekly letters until they reunited on November 14, 1971. Together Manny and Terri built a wonderful life, teaching their children the value of hard work, family, faith, and the importance of education.

In 1976, Manny and Terri became US Citizens. He worked as a foreman for Hawaiian Dredging and a superintendent for SCI working on the H-3 Viaduct. He had a green thumb, growing papaya, guava, mango, and a variety of Filipino vegetables. After being a partner in a construction firm, Integrated Builders, Inc., and owning a painting company, Hawaii Pacific Painting, Inc., he proudly built his own house in a gated community in Makaha, HI, where they lived for 14 years.

Family meant everything to Manny. He enjoyed family reunions, showing his family visitors around town, and keeping up with his siblings and other extended family members through letters and phone calls. After he and Terri became grandparents, they wanted to be closer to their children and grandkids. After they retired, in August 2004, they moved to Hood River to be near their son, Troy, and his growing family.

Manny is survived by his wife, Terri Tactay; his children, Tiffany (Mark) Murphy, and Troy Tactay; grandchildren, Conor (Victoria) Murphy, Sean (Jennifer) Murphy, Malia Murphy, Jonah Tactay, Keone Tactay, Lilah Tactay; great-granddaughter, Isabelle Murphy; siblings, Fe Villamor, Remigio (Norma) Tactay, Estrella (Johnny) Franco, Norman Tactay, and Noemi Tactay; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 5th, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (1501 Belmont Ave, Hood River, Oregon).  Graveside Rites will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.  A reception will follow Manny’s graveside service at Anderson's Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon). 

Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family or to watch a live stream of Manny’s funeral mass.

Death Notice: Rosalie Harris, 79, The Dalles

Rosalie Harris, age 79, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away September 25, 2024.

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

Obituary: Stephen Kelly Ford, 66, Hood River

Stephen grew up in Edgecliff, Texas (a small community outside Fort Worth) and was the oldest of three brothers. Adventure, Life Experiences, and Family were always a top priority in the Ford house; every summer, the family would road trip to new destinations, which always included visiting extended family.

Stephen preferred to spend most of his free time outdoors, making friends and creating adventures wherever possible. Whether riding his motorcycle or trying to teach the family walking horse to buck, Stephen was an instigator of fun and a lover of animals.

 From a young age, Stephen was drawn to alternative sports like rock climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, rodeo, hockey, rugby, and windsurfing. During college, Stephen joined the pro rodeo circuit as a rough stock rider, where he attempted, sometimes successfully, to stay on bucking broncos bareback and riding bulls. Success meant bringing home a few belts, several knocked-out teeth, and usually just enough money to get him to the next event. Through rodeo, he made lifelong friends Stephen would always refer to as family.

 During his early years, Stephen learned the value of hard work. Whether bucking hay, working in construction in the Texas heat, or driving heavy machinery, Stephen never shied away from the tough jobs, and he always found a way to “cowboy up and git R done!”

 Stephen attended Texas Tech University, where he was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity; the University of Wyoming, where he earned a Bachelor of Science with a major in Geology; and Texas Christian University, where he studied Real Estate, Finance, and Accounting. An opportunity to take on a foreign assignment with General Dynamics prevented him from completing his master’s degree.

 As a global logistics manager on F-16 programs at General Dynamics, Stephen helped families relocate to overseas positions successfully. His work took him to Taiwan, Korea, and Israel. These experiences profoundly shaped his perspective and deepened his appreciation for his U.S. citizenship.

 Once back in the United States, Stephen took a "walkabout" in his truck camper, seeking new adventures and the perfect place to begin the next phase of his life. He found it in Bend, Oregon, where he settled down with his first wife, Marsha, whom he met while mountain biking in Utah. In Bend, he embarked on a remarkable career in commercial real estate.

 In 2003, Stephen met his second wife, Karen, through a mutual friend and mentor. Their relationship led to the most epic adventure of his life: raising their son, Parker. The family moved to Hood River in 2005, where Stephen became a vibrant and committed community member. Though they divorced in 2020, Stephen and Karen's dedication to co-parenting Parker in the family home led to a strengthened relationship, marked by mutual respect and friendship that has endured to this day.

 Stephen was known by many of his colleagues as a compassionate person who happened to be a commercial broker. His motto in or outside work was always "treat others as you want to be treated." Therefore, he approached most interactions with empathy, honesty, politeness, and respect. He even gave random telemarketers the courtesy of his time before politely declining their call while offering them feedback and ideas.

 Stephen earned the CCIM designation, demonstrating his expertise in commercial real estate, investment, market, and financial analyses. He mentored many in the Portland and Columbia Gorge communities and was a valuable resource for discussing potential commercial investments.

 Forever grateful to be a part of this community, Stephen was always eager to give back. He did so through his various affiliations, such as the Rotary Club, where he served one term as Hood River Chapter President, as a Lego League Robotics Coach, as a multi-year trail guide at Mountain Bike Oregon, and by working to improve mountain bike trails and elk habitat.

 Once Parker reached high school, Stephen vigorously pursued his burgeoning passions for fly fishing and bow hunting. He eventually bought a camper and began planning his retirement, which included cruising around the US to hunt, fish, and mountain bike with friends.

 In early June of this year, just one year into semi-retirement, Stephen received the shocking news of metastatic bladder cancer. He faced this diagnosis head-on with determination. His due diligence in investigating treatment options led him to join an immunotherapy trial at MD Anderson in Houston before cystectomy. Three days after his first infusion, Stephen fell ill and began to decline quickly. While many believed his discomfort was due to an adverse reaction to the therapy, a scan eventually revealed radical metastasis, including bone cancer.

 Through his swift decline, Stephen was surrounded by love. His dear friends in Houston, Karen, younger brother Roger, Parker, his deeply committed sister and brother-in-law, and the expert team at Providence Hospice supported him. It should be noted that before entering hospice, Stephen received the most loving and professional care from the 2nd-floor nurses and CNAs at Providence Hood River, a nurturing experience for which his family is forever grateful.

 Here are a few of Stephen's favorite things: family, Tex Mex, Texas BBQ, a top-shelf margarita, live music, playing guitar, hitting the trails on his mountain bike or with a ruck, tracking elk, archery, trap shooting, fly fishing, smoking meat, camping with friends, and the Dallas Cowboys.

 Stephen is survived by his loving son, Parker; his ex-wife and life partner, Karen; his younger brother, Roger; his nieces and nephews, Raegan, Romy, Ryan, Johnny, Jessica, and Jake; his in-laws, Gordie, Mike, Cathy, Crystal, and Sandy; numerous awesome cousins and his sweet dog, Migo. Our hearts mourn, but we know Stephen is finally pain-free and conjuring another adventure from heaven while reuniting with his deceased parents and brother, Larry.

 SERVICE

 Private family services will be held in Hood River, Oregon, and Fort Worth, Texas. Throughout the year, celebrations of life will be planned for Stephen's community of close friends, colleagues, and extended relatives.

 Instead of flowers, please consider donating to the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund in honor of Stephen. The fund invests in projects that connect youth and families in diverse and underserved communities to the outdoors, as well as programs that restore healthy ecosystems to benefit Oregon's fish and wildlife and improve the health of our environment for future generations.

 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: Jean Louise Greiner, 91, The Dalles

It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we inform you of the death of Jean Louise Greiner who went on to embrace her loved ones that preceded her in death on August 27, 2024, at the age of 91.

Jean was born on June 26, 1933, to Miranda (Peggy) and Arthur Howell. She attended The Dalles High School before marrying Joseph H. Greiner in 1954. Jean worked as a Domestic Goddess raising seven children while also attending to the needs of farming life. She also worked 20+ years as a seasonal employee at the Oregon Cherry Growers.

She was a shining example of kindness, empathy, and bringing Joy to those around her. Jean was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Greiner Sr., Daughter Kathy Adams, Son Joseph Greiner Jr., Daughter Susan Pezzeti, Son Thomas Greiner, Her parents, Peggy and Arthur Howell, her Brothers Duane, Dick, and Alan Howell and her Sister Betty Harlan.

She is survived by Daughter Diana Shields, Daughter Patty and Husband Tim Latham, Daughter Annette Heideman, Grand Children B.J Lynch, Tony Lynch (Wife Angie), Stephanie and Kevin Shields, Curtis Pezzeti, Jacob Latham, Kalvin Latham (Wife Marissa), Dustin Heideman (Wife Angela), Tom Heideman, Joseph and Nicholas Greiner, and many Great Grand Children.

A Graveside Service is scheduled for Friday, September 6, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Peter’s Cemetery. Spencer Libby & Powell are in charge of arrangements.

Obituary: James Wilson Wham, 75, The Dalles

James Wilson Wham, 75, passed peacefully into heaven on May 6, 2024, in his home, The Dalles Oregon, after a year-long battle with cancer. Jim was born June 13, 1948, in Walla Walla, Washington to Roy Albert “Abie” Wham and Wilma Lorraine Amis.

The family moved next to Kinzua in Wheeler County, where Abie was a foreman of the dry chain at the Kinzua planer mill, and from there to Dayville in about 1952. In 1956 they moved to John Day, where Jim’s mother remarried Robert Edward Larkin. Jim attended Grant Union High School and graduated in 1966. He served in The United States Army in Thailand during the Vietnam War.

Then worked at Bob Larkin’s Arco station, as a mechanic and drove gas and oil delivery trucks until the mid-seventies when he discovered his deep talent in photography. That led to the lifelong career he loved. In 1983 Jim married Wendy Wiggins and moved to The Dalles where they made their home. Jim became a professional portrait, sports, and school photographer.

He and Wendy operated Cascade Color Lab, a one-hour photo processing lab in the Columbia Gorge. He relished scenic night and Milky Way photography and won an award for his spectacular photo of The Hale Bopp Comet. Jim loved to garden. His tomato crop was legendary, often covering one side of the house in the summer.

He was preceded in death by his father Roy “Abie” Wham, stepfather Robert Larkin, mother Wilma Larkin, and his sisters Donna Walter, Cherill Oury, and Lori Larkin. He is survived by his wife Wendy Wham, son James E. Wham, daughter Melody Blackwell, grandchildren Izzak Heiser, Mary Jayne Heiser, David Blackwell, Scarlett Blackwell, Baylee Rue Wham and great-grandson Leon Jones.

A Military Graveside service will be held on October 19, 2024, at 1:00 pm at the Dayville Cemetery, with a Celebration of Life following, at the Dayville Community Hall.

Death Notice: Wayne Leonard Cox, 69, Lyle

Wayne Leonard Cox, age 69, a resident of Lyle, WA, passed away September 13, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Mary Edith Irwin, age 83, a resident of The Dalles

Mary Edith Irwin, age 83, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away September 13, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Shelley Kay Nicholas, 71, The Dalles

Shelley Kay Nicholas, age 71, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away September 11, 2024.

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

Death Notice: William Nielsen, 68, White Salmon

William Nielsen passed away on September 6th, 2024, in Portland, Oregon. William was born January 10th, 1956, he was 68 years of age at the time of passing.

Arrangements are under the direction of Gardner Funeral Home in White Salmon, Washington.  Visit www.gardnerFH.com to share a story or leave a note for the family.      

Death Notice: Grace Strand, 88, Carson

Grace Strand passed away on September 10th, 2024, at her home in Carson, Washington with family by her side. Grace was born on April 2nd, 1936, and was 88 years of age at the time of passing. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Gardner Funeral Home in White Salmon, Washington.  Visit www.GardnerFH.com to share a story or leave a note for the family.      

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.