Death Notice, Diane Elizebeth Newson, 75, The Dalles

Diane Elizebeth Newson, age 75, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on December 28, 2024.

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

Obituary: Ruth Anne Welle, 77, The Dalles

Ruth Anne Welle passed away peacefully December 21st, 2024. Born in The Dalles in 1947, to Dude & Dora Bailey, Ruth is survived by her son Ray of Castle Rock, CO, siblings Jim & Sharon Bailey of The Dalles, Carol & David Yakish of The Dalles, Mike & Joey Bailey of Albany, OR and Bob & Laurie Bailey of Bend, OR, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. 

She also leaves behind her treasured dog Ruby, her constant companion for many years.  Graduating from the Dalles High School in 1965, Ruth went on to receive her RN degree from Emanuel School of Nursing in Portland, OR and later a BSN degree in Colorado. Ruth went on to work in New York, and Denver, CO with a nursing career lasting 34 yrs. 

Ruth met and married her husband Bill in Colorado in 1983.  Son Ray was born in 1985.  They enjoyed many years of camping, hunting and fishing with their good friends Joanie & Barry Eylar of Colorado who introduced Ruth & Bill to each other.   

Ruth was a skilled quilter and spent many hours with her quilting buddies.  Ruth moved back to The Dalles in 2021 and resided at The Springs Assisted Living at the time of her passing. She will be missed by many friends, both in The Dalles and Colorado. At her request, no service will be held. Family will place her remains in the Pacific Ocean on the Oregon coast, a favorite destination of Ruth’s. 

Remembrance donations can be made to Columbia Gorge Humane Society, to honor Ruth & Ruby. 

Death Notice: Ruth Anne Welle, 77, The Dalles

Ruth Anne Welle, age 77, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on December 21, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Daniel Wai Lewis-Hong-Allen, 24, The Dalles

Daniel Wai Lewis-Hong-Allen, age 24, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on December 20, 2024.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, December 28, 2024, 10:00 AM at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home 1100 Kelly Ave, The Dalles, OR 97058. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: James Woodrow Vogt, 89, The Dalles

James Woodrow Vogt, age 89, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on December 6, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Clifford Eugene O’Dell, 76, The Dalles

Clifford Eugene O’Dell, age 76, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on December 4, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Ervin Alvin Ortmann, 92, The Dalles

Ervin Alvin Ortmann, age 92, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on December 7, 2024.

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

Death Notice: William A. Sugg, 87, The Dalles

William A. Sugg, age 87, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on December 5, 2024.

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

Obituary: English Teacher Walter Earl Smith, 95, The Dalles

"Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher."

- Japanese Proverb

Walter Earl Smith

Walter Earl Smith, 95, a resident of The Dalles, passed away on December 6th, 2024.  

Walt was born to Walter and Francis Smith in Myrtle Point, OR in 1929.  He was the youngest of 10 children.  Walt was an excellent student and served as president of the student body.  He graduated from Myrtle Point High School before enrolling at Oregon State University. After two years of studies, Walt transferred to the University of Oregon to enroll in their education program.  There he met his future bride, Beth, in 1950.  

Walt was active in ROTC and while working on his master’s degree, he was called to service following the outbreak of the Korean War.  While in training at Fort Benning, GA, his bride defied her parents and hopped there on a train from California.  Walt and Beth were wed in 1951 and soon after, traveled back to California for more military training.  Walt served in the Army honorably in the Korean War and was awarded the Bronze Star for his acts of bravery.  

After returning home, Walt and Beth immediately returned to the University of Oregon to complete Walt’s graduate program in 1953.  That summer, while working on a dairy farm with his brother, Walt received a call from the superintendent of schools in The Dalles, OR offering him a job.  The young couple packed up and headed to their new home for what they intended to be a five-year stay.  In 1954, Walt and Beth welcomed their first child, and later, three more children.  During this time, Walt’s passion for teaching grew and the family decided to make The Dalles their permanent home.  

Walt went on to teach English at The Dalles High School for 36 years.  He was a quiet man at home and outside of the classroom, but once he stepped foot in that classroom, he came alive.  He was full of charisma, told the best stories, and had an amazing sense of humor.  He and Les Jensen, a fellow English teacher, were always pal-ing around and joking with the students.  While all his children attended The Dalles High School, none of them opted or dared to attend his class.

Walt worked the ticket booths for all three sports seasons at the high school, where he got acquainted in a different setting with his students and their parents.  He was known as the “man at the booth.”  He spent most summers working at Stadelman Fruit processing cherries and making ends meet to support his family.  Walt retired from teaching in 1989.

In his long retirement years, Walt loved traveling with Beth to Reno, making stops at every casino along the way.  He also enjoyed playing golf, although he was never very good at it.  Many locals would also remember his daily morning walks around the neighborhood from his home on Jordan Street.  Walt was also a lifelong Ducks sports fan; you could find him in his recliner watching every game possible.  

Walt was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and extended family, as well as his grandson, Andy Nelson. 

Walt is survived by his devoted wife of 73 years, Beth; children Debbie, Laurie, Kathy, and Gary; grandchildren Melissa and Kayla; and great-grandchildren Trynity, Orion, Jaxson, and Charlotte.  

At Walt’s request, the family will not be holding a service.  

In lieu of flowers, Walt’s family requests memorials be made in his name to the North Wasco County School District Education Foundation.

Obituary: Lillian Clara Brewster, 86, The Dalles

Lillian Clara Brewster, age 86, passed away December 3, 2024, at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge in The Dalles, Ore., with her loving family by her side.

Lillian was born in Los Angeles, California on July 23, 1938 to Frank & Clara Stowers.

Lillian attended and graduated from Baldwin Park High School. Lillian was an only child, thus made her always want many children of her own. She adopted 4 children. First at age 24 and last at age 50! Her love for children lead her into doing daycare out of her home for over 2 decades.
When Lillian wasn’t caring for her children, grandchildren or others’ children, you would find her in the yard, manicuring beautiful roses or enjoying her dogs or cats, who she deeply loved and cherished as well.

Lillian and her husband Don, married in 1976 and moved from California to Oregon in 1979. Hood River was their home for over 25 years. Eventually they downsized and relocated in 2005 to a smaller beautiful home, in The Dalles.
Lillian and Don spent the remainder of their lives living at The Springs, in The Dalles, Oregon.

Lillian’s love for God, her family, children and animals, made a lasting impression on so many and will be greatly cherished and remembered.

Lillian is preceded in death by her Husband of 44 years, Donald and her Father and Mother. She is survived by her 4 children, Robin Brewer, Allyson Struzan, Ted Brewster and Victoria Bustos. 11 Grandchildren, Troy, Paul, Nikki, Donald, Trinity, Wyatt, Brian, TJ, Harper, Avery & Lillian and 5 Great-Grandchildren.
She will be greatly missed.

Death Notice: Lillian Clara Brewster, 86, The Dalles

Lillian Clara Brewster, age 86, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on December 3, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Laurence “Dino” Arcuri, 84, The Dalles

Laurence “Dino” Arcuri, age 84, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on November 28, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Robert De Lee Rolen, 97, The Dalles

Robert De Lee Rolen, age 97, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on November 28, 2024. The Funeral service will be on December 10, 2024, 11 am at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home, 1100 Kelly Ave, The Dalles, OR.

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

Death Notices: Allen Brent Van Gilder, 47, Rufus; Marilyn K Daggett, 88, The Dalles

Allen Brent Van Gilder age 47, a resident of Rufus, OR, passed away on November 24, 2024. A viewing will be held December 6, 2024, from 1 pm to 2 pm at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home, 1100 Kelly Ave, The Dalles, OR. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Marilyn K Daggett age 88, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on November 20, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held December 14, 2024, at 2 PM in the Fireside Room at the Civic Auditorium, 323 E 4th St, The Dalles, OR. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Marjorie Waller Rosemont, 97, The Dalles

Marjorie Waller Rosemont passed away November 23, 2024 at The Springs at Mill Creek in The Dalles, Oregon. Marjorie was born November 6, 1927 and was 97 years of age at the time of passing.  

Services are pending with 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: Michael Harold Palmer, 68, The Dalles

Michael Harold Palmer, age 68, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on November 18, 2024. A Viewing will be held Wednesday, November 27, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Spencer, Libby, and Powell Funeral Home, 1100 Kelly Ave, The Dalles, OR.

Hello, World!

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

Death Notice: Earl LeRoy Helmer, 69, The Dalles

Earl LeRoy Helmer, age 69, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on November 21, 2024.

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

Obituary: John William Shearer, 98, The Dalles

John William Shearer, of The Dalles, peacefully passed away on November 9, 2024, at the age of 98. He was born May 5, 1926, in The Dalles, OR to Marcus and Matilda (Davis) Shearer.

John grew up in Maupin where he attended school and helped at his family’s hotel and restaurant. After graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force during WWII. During his service, he studied flight engineering, worked on a B17 engine change crew, trained as a drill instructor, and was accepted into a liaison pilot training program.

After an honorable discharge, John returned to Maupin where he reconnected with a high school friend, Barbara Crabtree. They were married on June 12, 1946, at the age of 20, and were married for 77 years. John and Barbara eventually settled in The Dalles to raise their four children.

John has always been interested in airplanes, starting with building model planes as a young boy. He earned a commercial and private pilot’s license and was hired as a crop duster. Despite setbacks, including a crash resulting in a broken neck, John built the business he owned and operated starting in 1950. John's impressive work ethic has made Shearer Sprayers become a multigenerational business serving the Gorge for over 70 years. Even after retiring from flying, John was always involved in the happenings of his business and its success.

John had a love for cars, airplanes, guns, cats, traveling, and spending time with his family. He was also an excellent writer with a great sense of humor, and his family and friends always enjoyed John's poems. John was the center of his family, the Patriarch, and who everyone looked to for inspiration and guidance on how to live life to the fullest. He will be remembered for his generosity, wit, determination, and fearlessness.

He is survived by son John Richard Shearer and wife Kathy; son Gary Shearer and wife Dixie; daughter Mary Johnson and husband Terry; Grandchildren Cory Erickson and wife Paula; Mandi Coats and husband John; Kevin Shearer; Marcus Shearer; John Robert Shearer and wife Jennifer; Meggan Erland and husband Alec; as well as 10 great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Shearer, daughter Linda Erickson, brother C.R. "Dick" Shearer, and brother Jack Shearer who died in infancy.

Being a humble and private man, it was John's request that no formal service is to be held. Those wishing to honor his life may make a donation in his name to the Western Antique Airplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM) in Hood River, OR.

Obituary: June Jeanette (Johnson) (Carter) Vroman, 95, The Dalles

June Jeanette (Johnson) (Carter) Vroman passed away November 13th, 2024 at The Springs in The Dalles, Oregon. June was born May 29th, 1929, and was 95 years of age at the time of passing.

June was born in Detroit, Michigan to  Carl Arthur and Margaret (Sweder) Johnson, her father was from Sweden and he always called her “Junie”.  She was one of three children, a brother, Al and sister Mae.  She grew up in Michigan and graduated from Melvindale High School.  She lived in Michigan until 2021 when she moved with her daughter to Hood River, Oregon.

During her working career she was a secretary but was also involved  with the VFW in Monroe, Michigan Post 3943 with dinners, holiday parties, veteran parades, and many other activities.

She enjoyed traveling with her late husband, Roger Vroman, in their camper van. They enjoyed traveling together to Hawaii, Alaska, and Florida. They also enjoyed being on the boat and fishing in Lake Erie.

June loved animals, especially her dogs, cats, and horses.  When I 94 was under construction for the first time, June and her brother Al, would ride their horses down the dirt roadway that would become I-94, near Detroit.  She loved to feed her squirrels peanut butter sandwiches, she always had a plate full of quartered bread and would hand them out when they came to visit her patio door.

June is survived by her daughter, Cheryl McKay, (Hood River, OR); son, John (Jenny) Carter (Sweetwater, TN); three granddaughters, Sheyla (Rumler) (Steve) Barteck, (The Dalles, OR),   Adreah (Rumler) (John) Kuderik  (Monroe, Mich),   and Rachel McKay (Josh Voshall)  Parkdale, OR; six great-grandchildren:  Katie Smith, Hunter Cheney, Reese Kuderik, Bryce Barteck, Barrett Voshall, and Kaela Gallas; and many great great-grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by, her parents, Carl and Margaret Johnson; sister, Mae (Johnson) Torangeau; brother, Al Johnson; great-granddaughter, Jessicah Kuderik and her husband, Roger Vroman.

A private memorial is to be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to your local pet shelters/Humane Societies

A special thank you to the very compassionate staff at The Springs. All of you were her extended family and she loved you.

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: Jimmy Dale Drennan, Sr., 82, The Dalles

Jimmy Dale Drennan, Sr. passed away October 29th, 2024 at Columbia Basin in The Dalles, Oregon. Jimmy Drennan Sr. was born October 20th, 1942 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and was 82 years of age at the time of passing.  

Services are planned for 1:00 P.M., Saturday, November 9, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (1825 May Street, Hood River, OR 97031). Jimmy will be laid to rest at Idlewilde Cemetery (980 Tucker Road, 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.