Obituary: George William Stephens, Jr., 83, The Dalles

George William Stephens, Jr., 83, of The Dalles, OR, passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, after a long battle with cancer.

George was born in Butte, MT, on November 1, 1941, to George William and Helen Frances (Smith) Stephens. He was joined by two brothers: Walter John in 1944 and Daniel Edward in 1947. The family moved to Libby, MT, in 1948, where George grew up and attended school, graduating Libby High School in 1959.

During his high school years, he was manager of the football team, a member of the Lettermen’s Club, intramural basketball and class plays, and he also worked at Sleizer’s Grocery Store. He attended Western Montana College in Dillon MT, graduating in 1963 with a Bachelor of Education with majors in math and history. In 1971, George graduated from Southern Oregon University with a master’s degree in mathematics.

On August 11, 1963, George married the love of his life Tanis Gatten at the Methodist Church in Libby, MT. To this union, their sons Lance and Lane completed their family.

George started his 35-year teaching career in Browning, MT where he taught math and coached football, basketball and track for 1 year. They moved to Lake Bronson, MN and George took a teaching and coaching position there for the next 3 years. Wanting to move closer to family, George took a teaching position in The Dalles, OR, where he taught until his retirement in 1998. While teaching in The Dalles, George was honored to be selected as “Teacher of the Year” two separate times.

George also taught courses at Columbia Gorge Community College, in The Dalles.

Throughout his life in The Dalles, George was an active member of FUMC. He also took pride in his later love of running by taking part in the “Hood to Coast” 195-mile relay run multiple times, the Cherry Festival run and the Seaside Marathon.

George is survived by his wife Tanis of 62 years, sons Lance (Juana) and Lane (Sue), both of The Dalles, grandsons Ethan, Payton and Noah and granddaughter Jordan (Kyle) McDonnell; brothers Walter (Linda) Buffalo, SD and Dan (Kathy Wheeler) Libby, MT, numerous nieces and nephews. He is proceeded in death by his parents, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, sister-in-law Dixie Smart, brother-in-law Mike Gatten, and sister-in-law Cynthia Stephens.

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

Death Notice: Ariya Noelle Poasa, 6, Vancouver, Wash.

Ariya Noelle Poasa, age 6, a resident of Vancouver, WA, passed away at Randall Children’s Hospital on February 12, 2025.

A viewing will be held on February 26, 2025, from 2-6 pm, at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home, a Funeral Service will be held on February 27, 2025, starting at 11 am at The Dalles Seventh-Day Adventist Church. A reception will follow the Funeral Service at The Dalles Civic Auditorium in the ballroom. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Obituary: Raleigh Bradford (Brad) O'Blenes, 82, The Dalles

Raleigh Bradford (Brad) O'Blenes

Raleigh Bradford (Brad) O’Blenes, born on April 27, 1942, in Lynn, Massachusetts, passed away on February 2, 2025, in The Dalles, Oregon, at the age of 82.

Brad honorably served in the United States Air Force. In 1974, he married Shirley Jean (Jeannie) Henson, and they celebrated 50 years of marriage. He worked at the aluminum plant and C.H. Urness Motors in The Dalles. Throughout his life, he resided in Coos Bay, Oregon, and Maine before returning to The Dalles in 2009.

Known for his exceptional barbecue skills, he earned the affectionate nickname "Bar-b-que Man" and took great joy in cooking for others and seeing them enjoy his food. In his final days, he entered hospice care and passed away peacefully at home with his beloved wife Jeannie by his side.

Brad is survived by his devoted wife Jeannie; his children, Kelly Pullins and Scott O’Blenes, both of Washington; his grandchildren, Jill Neil and Amanda Piper of Colorado, and Jeffery Pullins of Washington; and his great-granddaughters, Autumn and Hazel Neil. He cherished and loved his family deeply.

Brad will be remembered for his love, kindness, and culinary talents. His family and friends will hold his memory close to their hearts.

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

Death Notice: Ruth Elaine Sargeant, 88, The Dalles

Ruth Elaine Sargeant, age 88, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at a local care facility on February 3, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held on February 22, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the First Christian Church, 909 Court St., The Dalles, OR.

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

Death Notice: Roy Harrison, 77, Hood River

Roy Harrison passed away February 8, 2025 at Oregon Veterans Home in Hood River, Oregon. Roy was born July 17, 1947 and was 77 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.

Death Notice: Steven Lee Smith, 65, The Dalles

Steven Lee Smith, age 65, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on February 4, 2025.

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

Death Notice: John David Warkentin, 53, The Dalles

John David Warkentin, age 53, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on January 26, 2025.

A Celebration of Life will be held on February 22, 2025, from 11 am to 2 pm at the Rivers of Grace Church, 1122 Oak Street, The Dalles, OR. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Cynthia James, 83, The Dalles

Cynthia James passed away February 8, 2025, at Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles, Oregon. Cynthia was born on April 18, 1941, and was 83 years of age 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: Maureen “George” Francis Lappen, 84, Maupin

Maureen “George” Francis Lappen, age 84, a resident of Maupin, OR, passed away at a care facility on February 9, 2024.

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

Death Notice: Jessie “Jess” Groves, 74, Hood River

Jessie “Jess” Groves passed away January 29th, 2025 at Providence Portland Medical Center in Portland, Oregon.

Jessie was born September 14, 1950 and was 74 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.

Death Notice: Michael Gary LaCroix, 39, The Dalles

Michael Gary LaCroix, age 39, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at a local hospital on December 31, 2024.

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

Death Notice:Teri Shane Wiles, 65, The Dalles

Teri Shane Wiles, age 65, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at a local care facility on February 2, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Raleigh “Brad” Bradford O’Blenes, 82, The Dalles

Raleigh “Brad” Bradford O’Blenes, age 82, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on February 2, 2025.

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

Obituary: Lawrence E. Wilber, 90, The Dalles

Lawrence E. Wilber passed away on January 31, 2025, at the Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles, OR. He was born on June 11, 1934, in Laona, WI to Gert & Skinny Wilber. They moved to Goldendale, WA in 1950. After graduating High School in 1952, he enlisted in the Air Force. Several months later, he was diagnosed with diabetes and received a medical discharge. Afterward, he returned to Goldendale and married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Layman, on June 11, 1955 and they enjoyed 69 wonderful years together. They had one son, Phillip James.

In 1958 they moved to The Dalles, OR where Larry worked for Bill Maxfield selling automotive parts, then later drove a Richfield gas truck for Herb Miller delivering gas and diesel all over Wasco County. In 1970, he opened Larry's Ninth Street Shell Station. He retired in 1995 and then moved to Dallesport, WA. Larry was a friend to all and enjoyed his family and friends, especially his two grandsons. He also enjoyed bowling, woodworking, and sports, especially the Seattle Mariners, his church, and was a proud member of The Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight from 1969 to 1971.

He is survived by his loving family, including his wife Ruth, son Phillip and his wife Kim of Milwaukie, OR, grandsons Zachary of Milwaukie, OR, Jackson and his wife Miranda of Vancouver WA, his brother Lyle and his wife Cindy Wilber of Ellensburg WA, sister in law Alice Wilber, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Leonard Wilber.

There will be a Rosary held at 10:30 am followed by Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peter's Catholic Church at 11:00 am on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, with Father Rene Labrador officiating. The interment will be at St. Peter's Parish Center Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Foundation or to St. Peter's Catholic Church.

Spencer, Libby, and Powell Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements.

Death Notice: Larry Wayne Metzker, 77, Arlington, Ore.

Larry Wayne Metzker, age 77, a resident of Arlington, OR, passed away at a local care facility on January 28, 2025.

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

Obituary: Cheryl Denise Tucker, 66, The Dalles

Cheryl Carter passed away in her home in The Dalles, OR, on January 27, 2025. 

Cheryl Denise Tucker was born October 12, 1958, to Tommy Ladon Tucker and Esther Caroline (Hill) Tucker in Medford, OR. She was the third of four children. The Tucker Family moved to Prineville, OR in 1962. Cheryl attended school in Prineville until she graduated Crook County High School in 1977. 

Cheryl moved to The Dalles in 1980. She met Dana Carter in 1981 and married in May of 1984. They welcomed their first born Denissa Carter (Rouse) in November of 1984. Later they move to Troutdale where they welcomed their two sons, Ross Carter in March of 1988 and Logan Carter in November of 1989. They moved to Terrebone in 1992. In 1998, Cheryl and Dana divorced  and Cheryl and the kids moved back home to Prineville, OR.

In 2001, Cheryl received her Associates Degree in Medical Billing and  Coding from Central Oregon Community College in Bend, OR. After graduation she moved back to The Dalles, OR, where she worked at MCMC in the Home Health Office. Cheryl loved living in The Dalles where she watched her kids grow, get married, and have kids of their own. She moved back to Prineville in 2013. 

Her pride and joy were her 10 grandkids; David Rouse, Delanee Rouse, Delila Rouse, Kelly Carter, Daisy Rouse, Elizabeth Carter, Jase Carter, Nahla Carter, and twin boys Evan and Emmett Carter. When Cheryl wasn’t spending time with her kids or grandkids she loved gardening, camping, fishing, and a good fire. After many health issues, Cheryl ended up moving back to The Dalles, OR, with her son Logan.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Esther (Hill) Tucker; sister, Ladonna Tucker; brother, Gary Tucker; and nephew, Thomas Tucker. She leaves behind her daughter, Denissa (Dave) Rouse of Prineville, OR; son, Ross (Kristine) Carter of Condon, OR; son, Logan (Monica) Carter of the The Dalles, OR; and her 10 grandkids listed above. Her brother, Wes (Margaret) Tucker and Neice, Tavya Tucker all of Madras, OR.

Services for Cheryl will be held at the Juniper Canyon Baptist Church, 9180 SE Juniper Canyon Rd., Prineville, OR, on February 7, 2025, at 1pm. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: George “Mike” Michael Grossmiller, 85, The Dalles

George “Mike” Michael Grossmiller, age 85, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on January 27, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Lonny Dale McLaren, 70, The Dalles

Lonny Dale McLaren, age 70, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on January 18, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Donald Roy Reckmann, 68, Maupin

Donald Roy Reckmann, age 68, a resident of Maupin, OR, passed away on January 17, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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

Death Notice: Diane Virginia Cazalet, 81, Lyle

Diane Virginia Cazalet, age 81, a resident of Lyle, WA, passed away on January 15, 2025.

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