Death Notice: Nancy Irene Lauterbach, 91, The Dalles

Nancy Irene Lauterbach, age 91, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on October 24, 2024. A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, November 18, 2024, 11 AM at St. Peter Catholic Church. A reception will be held immediately following the services at St. Peter’s Parish Hall.

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

Obituary: Wesley Quinten Stuck, 71, The Dalles

Wesley Quinten Stuck of The Dalles, Oregon passed away peacefully on Oct. 25, 2024, at his home with his wife by his side.

Wes was born on Sept. 28, 1953, to Ron and Carla Stuck in Hillsboro, Oregon. He spent his younger years in Gales Creek before moving to the Klamath Falls area. He graduated from Lost River High School in 1971.

After high school, he joined the military serving 6 years in the Air Force Reserves. He moved and settled in The Dalles in 1989. Wes spent his working years as a mechanic and specializing as a Diesel Mechanic. He owned and operated Wes’s Automotive which he loved. Wes worked for CH Urness for 23 years until retirement.

Wes loved his wife, kids and grandkids more than anything else. Sitting on his back deck with friends.

He loved listening to music and being outdoors, fishing, hunting and shooting guns.

Wes is survived by his wife Janie, sons Chris (Charlotte), Steve (Jessie), Wesley (Lisa), Jeremiah (Rachel), stepdaughters Shannon, Kassie, and Loren (Josh), 17 grandchildren, brother Mike Stuck and two nieces. Wes was preceded in death by his parents Ron Stuck and Carla Bartell, brother Steven Stuck, and stepson Joshua Parke.

A memorial service will be held Nov, 2 at 1 p.m. at Spencer, Libby and Powell in The Dalles, Oregon.

Obituary: Norman Andrew "Doggie" Nelson, 39, Mooresville, NC

Norman Andrew Nelson, known as “Andy” or “Doggie”, 39, passed away peacefully at his home in Mooresville, NC on October 13th, 2024.

Andy was born to Norman and Laurie Nelson on April 12, 1985 in Portland, OR at Emmanuel Hospital.  Andy was born very prematurely and required multiple open-heart surgeries as a baby.  He was not expected to reach adulthood. Andy lived his life to fullest and proved the doctors wrong.

As a kid, Andy was a natural on the racetrack.  He began his racing career at the tender age of 6, behind the wheel of a quarter midget as part of the Portland Quarter Midget Racing Association.  He went on to race a junior dragster, go-carts, cage carts, sprint cars, dwarf cars, and a few different drag cars… all before the age of 18.  He won multiple championships and traveled up and down the west coast, including Canada.  Andy grew up and graduated from high school in The Dalles, OR.

Andy’s dream was to be a lifelong racer, a dream that he fulfilled after relocating to North Carolina in 2009.   He arrived in Mooresville with basically the clothes on his back ready to start his new life. He stocked shelves at Walmart, sold meat door-to-door, took a job at Napa… all while trying to break on to the scene.  David Stremme generously welcomed him into his shop to start getting his hands dirty. 

Doggie went on to have a long career with several incredible NASCAR organizations and drivers.  He worked as an interior mechanic and tire specialist and traveled several years with the ARCA Series. He won championships with Brandon Jones, Justin Haley, Ty Gibbs, Sammy Smith, and most recently with a talented young man named William Sawalich. He loved every minute of his work, his team members became his family, and every moment of his career kept a smile on his face.

Andy was the life of every party, and the glue to every friendship and group he was a part of.   You could find him at a variety of local watering holes throughout the week in Mooresville, or really any hole around the United States on the weekend when he traveled with his race team.  He included everyone, cared about everyone, and never met a stranger.  Andy regularly visited his family in Oregon to tackle projects around the house and reconnect with his childhood circle. For some reason, he was always asking what time it was… He would say “getting a call from sissy so you know what time that is?” Kayla would proceed to connect on Facetime and she would have her Jaeger and he would have Jameson along with any friend that he was with to “stay safe.” He loved his sister and especially his niece, Charlotte. He dolled up a Ride-On car for her this past Christmas and the joy of both is still going!

Andy was preceded in death by his father, Norman D Nelson, Aunt Carrie Nelson, and Uncle Mark Nelson;  Grandparents Norm Nelson and Mary Kathryn Chavis.

Andy is survived by his mother Laurie Nelson (The Dalles, OR), sister Kayla Zeigler (husband Dylan, The Dalles, OR), nephew Jaxson Zeigler, and niece Charlotte Zeigler, and grandparents Walt and Beth Smith (The Dalles, OR); Cousins Melissa Gaither (wife Jeri, Portland, OR), Beige Nelson-Cokely (husband Matt, Hood River, OR), and Heather Nelson (Portland, OR).  Aunts Debbie Jones (Portland, OR), Kathy Smith (Portland, OR), Connie Krummrich (The Dalles, OR) and uncle Gary Smith (The Dalles, OR);  Long time roommate Jeff Neuendorf (Mooresville, NC), chosen brother Andrew Holloway, and close friend Cynthia Cantor (Los Angeles, CA).  Andy had a very large chosen family in North Carolina, with simply too many names to list. 

A final safety meeting will be held in Andy’s honor in Mooresville, NC on November 16th, 2024.  Details will follow.

In lieu of flowers, Andy’s family requests memorials to two organizations: the Cajun Army to help victims of the recent hurricanes or Randall Children’s Hospital at Emmanuel, which gifted us 39 years with Andy.  

It was just time for a scenery change, Doggie.  We’ll talk later!

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: Barbara Ann Fridley, 96, The Dalles

Barbara Ann Fridley, 96, passed away peacefully from natural causes on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in The Dalles, OR. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde Fridley Jr., and her son Russell D. Fridley, sister Doris Nisbet and brother Gene McConaughy. Barbara is survived by her daughter Teresa Fridley-Willis (Terry) of Goldendale, her son Stuart (Tracey) of Vancouver, WA, and daughter Evelyn (Chris) Hemming, of Bremerton, WA. Grand-children Sarah (Scott) Dickinson and her three beloved great-grandchildren of Goldendale, Grand-children Alena Fridley and Maryn Fridley, Jonathan Hemming and Gavin Hemming.

Born on July 12, 1928, to Dwight and Vera McConaughy, they moved around the Midwest and western states to keep up with the great depression and WW11. They ended up in Wasco, OR.

It was there she met Clyde, who courted her as she was bed-ridden with Rheumatic Fever. It worked! They were married November 28, 1947, in the Wasco Methodist Church. 

They Moved from Wasco to Los Angeles, CA, to Tillamook OR, as Clyde pursued his dream and love of flying. Returning to Wasco, she set about being a wife and mother. 

The following years saw her family grow as she met the challenges that every “farmer’s wife” faces. Lots of hard work, planning for the best but preparing for the rest.  She and Clyde continued to be active in the United Methodist Church.

The summer of 1967 found Barbara and Clyde purchasing another farm and moving their family to Goldendale, WA. It became the home base and continues to be “The Fridley Farm” to this day.

In the early 80’s everything changed when Clyde was diagnosed with cancer. Barbara and Clyde continued to live and learn as they fought to defeat the beast that became a part of the daily battle. Despite their best efforts, Clyde succumbed in March of 1983. 

Barbara, after recovering from the loss of her husband, decided to “do something” with all the knowledge she had accumulated. She went back to school and became a Chaplain and Patient Advocate at Holy Family Hospital in Spokane, WA. Her knowledge and life experiences would become essential as she helped patients, and their loved ones work through the halls and walls of Modern Medicine. She was the one who made the call no one wants to hear, that your loved one has died. From there she would help the surviving family members through the agony of dealing with that reality. Some families requested that she be the one to conduct the funeral services and help with the other details when one is most vulnerable.         

The next day, she might be the pastor for a wedding because of how she helped the couple or family through a difficult time. Through it all she kept her faith and helped others regardless of their beliefs. 

Barbara retired and returned to the farm in Goldendale where she and her husband, Clyde, worked for so many years. She continued her work with the Methodist Women’s group of SW Washington. She was a vocal and visible supporter for peace, despite the insults and gestures hurled her way as she carried a sign calling for Peace rather than bombs. Because it was the right thing to do.

Barbara will be remembered by all who came to know her. Her smile, her kindness and patience, her life-long faith and wisdom will live on in all those she touched. 

Whether through her lifetime of work in the church, her work and time spent at Holy Family Hospital, or her activism promoting peace, Barbara did all she could to make this world a better place until she no longer had the physical strength to go on. 

She will be missed, but her values and faith will live on. 

Barbara’s Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 18th, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at her Fridley Family Farm.

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.

Obituary: Martha (Marty) Goff, 99, The Dalles

Martha (Marty) Goff

Martha (Marty) Goff of The Dalles, Oregon, died September 14, 2024 from aspiration pneumonia at the age of 99.75 years. She clearly did not “go gentle into that good night.” (Thomas, 1948)

Marty was born on December 22, 1922 in Washington, DC to Joseph Anthony and Clara Katherine Dreszler.  She was the sixth of 7 siblings in a military family. Marty had many stories of her childhood growing up on Army bases which she enjoyed sharing. The family transferred to a new military base every other year. She started school in Louisiana and graduated in Maine. Attending schools in 5 States with differing curricula was academically challenging for Marty. There were times when she had to stay after school for tutoring in order to catch up.  Math was especially demanding and she credited her sister, Helen, for her success. It seems big sister managed to share answers on math exams!  Her  problems in school led to a lifelong admiration for students who made the honor roll,  as well as support for teachers and education.

As a young teen, Marty’s favorite military base was in Hawaii, Schofield Barracks.  Marty enjoyed recalling her escape from the base to climb Sacrifice Mountain. Upon successfully reaching the top, she removed her shoes and sat down to enjoy the tropical flowers, birds and the view. However,  Marty was unable to get her shoes back on her swollen, blistered feet for the trip back! Just in time, MPs to the rescue! In another story, a move took the family through the Panama Canal, and Marty managed to get poison oak, itching from San Francisco to New York City! 

Like three of her sisters, Marty became a war bride in 1944, marrying Cpl. James C. Goff in Stockton CA.  After finishing his education, they settled in The Dalles, where Marty was a proud resident for 74 years. She raised four children and volunteered at St Mary’s Academy after her youngest child started school.  

Marty loved singing, reading and baking, but her passions were gardening and sewing. Neighbors called her backyard an oasis or the garden of paradise, filled with small fruits, flowers, vegetables and fruit trees.  Marty could grow anything.

She loved following fashions and could replicate, without a pattern, any dress she saw in a magazine or on TV.  One daughter, as a teenager, wasn’t impressed when Marty sent her off to school in a miniskirt soon after Twiggy popularized it on runaways.  It was not an age one liked to stand out!  Marty was thrilled when her only granddaughter turned out to also be an excellent seamstress. 

She also loved decorating for and celebrating holidays. Marty joined her children cutting out construction paper witches, ghosts, bats and pumpkins for Halloween, decorating cut out cookies for Christmas and coloring Easter eggs.  This love of holidays carried over to keep her connected to far away grandchildren who were thrilled to receive thoughtfully packed “Grannie surprise packages” every holiday.  

When grandchildren were born locally, Marty was delighted.  Throughout her 60s and 70s, she babysat them, enabling her daughter to continue a job she loved.  Education still being a priority for Marty, she returned to St Mary’s as a volunteer during her grandkids’ elementary years. The parents she met then still talk about how delightful and hard-working she was as well as dedicated to the school and her grandkids, taking them out after school for treats and their other activities and on summer weekends, helping out at their events. 

Marty was always kind and uncomplaining. No matter who her kids dragged home, they were made to feel welcome.   One of Marty’s nurses recently commented on Marty being the nicest patient she had ever had. 

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at The Dalles Health and Rehabilitation for surrounding Marty with patience, kindness, and loving care in her final chapter of life. 

Marty is survived by her children, Stacy Alan Goff (Rose Johnston), Teresa Ann Goff-Lindsay (Jan Beks), Mary Jo Larsen (Harry), Stephen James Goff; her  grandchildren,  Camden Lindsay, Richard Larsen (Amanda), Stephanie Bowen (Austin); her great-grandchildren, Finley, Emmerson and Nash Larsen, and Cassidy and Blair Bowen; and her nieces, Suzanne Macri Pilolla, Ann Denart, Megan Garvey, Valerie Macri. 

She was predeceased by her husband, James C Goff; her first born grandchild, Dylan B Lindsay; and her siblings, Mary Vetters, Josephine Brunofsky, Joseph Dressler, Kathy Ashwood, Helen Lally and Fran Macri.

Father Rene will hold a graveside service at 2pm, Oct 11, 2024 at St Peter's Cemetery, The Dalles.

Teresa Goff-Lindsay and her husband welcome interested parties to an open reception following the service until 8 pm. Come and share memories of Marty. For more information email her at MarthaGoff0924@gmail.com

In lieu of flowers, donations to St Peter’s Church would warm Marty’s heart, if you are so inclined.

Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is 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.

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.

Death Notice: Jason Doyle Walls, 56, The Dalles

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

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

Service Announcement: Martha Dressler Goff, 99, The Dalles

Martha Dressler Goff, age 99, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on September 14, 2024.

A Graveside Service will be held October 11, 2024, 2:00 PM at St. Peter Catholic Cemetery in The Dalles, OR. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Obituary: Laurene Lou (Hayzlett) Sallee, 85, The Dalles

Laurene Lou Hayzlett

Laurene Lou Sallee, born February 16, 1938, in Portland, Oregon, to Marietta Cross-Hayzlett and Andrew Hayzlett, passed peacefully on September 21, 2024.

Laurene’s family moved to The Dalles around 1949, where she graduated from The Dalles High School in 1954. In 1970, she married Bill Sallee, the love of her life, and together they shared 54 wonderful years. While raising her four children, Laurene balanced various jobs and activities, though her true passion lay in caring for her family.

A dedicated gardener, Laurene spent countless hours cultivating her garden, experimenting with different plants and landscaping ideas. Her beautiful garden was featured in a local garden tour, a proud moment for her. Laurene also had a knack for creating beautiful flower arrangements, once transforming the woodshed into a flower shed where she sold dried arrangements and rustic benches made by Bill.

Family was at the heart of Laurene’s life. She loved hosting gatherings, holidays, and celebrations, cherishing the time spent with her children, grandchildren, and extended family, including her brothers and the many reunions with the Hayzlett and Sallee families. She also had a special fondness for the Oregon Coast, where countless joyful memories were made.

Laurene loved to travel. Her and Bill went on many road trip adventures across the United States and Canada, often meeting up with her best friend, Dawn Galliano, and her husband, Bruno, along the way.

She is survived by her four children: son Paul Sallee and daughters Tina (Brett) Kaseberg, Dawn (Jeff) Sallee-Justesen, and Nancy Sallee; her grandchildren Stephanie, Stacey, Casey, Cody, Corin, Shelby, Hollee, Maggie, Hunter, Nathan, and Lilly; ten amazing great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart.

Laurene was preceded in death by her brothers Dick, Roland, Wesley, Winston, and Frank; her parents; her grandson William Justesen; and her cherished friend Dawn Galliano.

A memorial gathering will be held on October 4th at 1 PM at the Bargeway Pub Event Space.

Celebration of Life: Cheryl Atkins, The Dalles

October 19, 2024, at Eagles Lodge, 700 W 8th, The Dalles, OR. The Marriott is next door if you are joining from out of town and looking for a place to stay.

4 p.m. to 7 p.m. is remembering Cheryl and sharing memories (write them down if you want to read or have someone read but can also leave with the family to feel your love for Cheryl). Pictures and videos of Cheryl's life of fun with friends and family will be enjoyed. Eagles Auxiliary provides sliders, coffee, tea, and punch, we welcome any potluck food and there will be a bar available if you want other beverages.

BIG RIVER BLUES BAND 7-10 p.m. on the band stage, after we share memories with family and all friends who want to join. With Cheryl in our hearts, we will dance the evening away. Open to the public, non-member cover charge 3.00. Eagles Lodge. Come whenever you can.

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

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.

Obituary: Jolene Petersen, 70, The Dalles

Jolene Petersen, age 70, died August 27, 2024, at her home in The Dalles, Oregon. She was born September 8, 1953, to Donald and Marilyn Petersen of The Dalles, Oregon.

Jolene was creative – she loved color – and her sense of humor and imagination were evident to those who knew her. She loved and cared for her family and chose to raise two of her grandchildren from birth. She was a caring and selfless person who always made the best out of what she had.

Jolene is survived by her mother, Marilyn; children, Sarah, and Stephen; six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a third child, Elisia; and a father, Donald.

Jolene will be missed by her many friends and loved ones. A private Celebration of Life with family and friends is unscheduled at this time.

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.