Nikki Jo Amoss, age 79, a resident of White Salmon, WA, passed away at home on October 15, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Lenora Maude Parke, age 88, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the Oregon Veterans Home on October 14, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Winifred Mary Schecter passed away on October 12, 2026, at the age of 80. Born Winifred Isseks on May 27, 1946, in Portland, Oregon, Winifred was an author, wife, mother, proud grandmother, world traveler, and teacher who lived in Friend, Oregon. Winnie, as she was called by all who knew her, passed away peacefully at home after a battle with Glioblastoma.
In 1970 Winnie and her husband Bob Schecter left Portland for Friend, Oregon, a rural area in the foothills of the Eastside Cascade Mountains, where in Winnie’s words they, “planted trees, built houses, and turned 36 acres of scrub pine into a home”. Bob and Winnie formed a group of tree-planters that planted over a million trees in Wasco and Hood River County forests. They built a small cabin that after several additions became Winnie’s dream home. They raised their two sons and spent most of the next fifty-seven years in Friend. Winnie was the secretary/treasurer of the Friend Community Club that maintains the Friend School House and Friend Cemetery for over twenty years.
Winnie had over a dozen books published under her pen-name Winifred Morris. Her writing career began in 1985 with the young adult novel With Magical Horses to Ride followed by The Jell-O Syndrome and Dancer in the Mirror. She went on to write numerous award-winning children’s books including David and the Ice Elf, Just Listen and What if the Shark Wears Tennis Shoes, and later moved to romantic comic thrillers like The Sometime Burglar and Bombed. Winnie never stopped writing. Her first science-fiction story Narcopia was published in September 2026 by Amazing Stories Magazine.
Winnie graduated from Portland State University with a Master of Arts in English in 1970. She taught Math and English at Jefferson and Lincoln High Schools in Portland. Later, in the 1990s, she taught English and Creative Writing at Portland State University, Portland Community College, and Mount Hood Community College.
Winnie’s travels took her to India, China, Japan, Poland, Italy, Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and across the United States and Canada. She saw a good portion of the American West from the back of a motorcycle on the numerous road trips she took with Bob. She liked to ride fast on curvy roads.
Winnie was an avid skier who skied Mt. Hood until she was seventy-nine years old. She loved cats, walking in the woods, riding her mountain bike, reading on the porch, and watching the turkeys and deer gather at the pond.
She is survived by her husband of fifty-nine years, Bob Schecter, two sons, Jess and Steve Schecter, grandchildren Colin and Evelyn Schecter, daughters-in-law Varina and Amanda Schecter, and brother Nathan Isseks.
Winnie brought her own unique light to this world, inspiring many through her writing, adventures, and passion for learning. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A memorial service for Winifred Schecter will be held at The Friend School House on Saturday November 7 th at 2pm. Friend School House, 80060 Friend Rd, Dufur, OR 97021.
Pearl Lucille Munsen, age 98, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on October 11, 2026. A Funeral Service will be held on October 24, 2026, 11:00 AM at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home, 1100 Kelly Ave., The Dalles, OR 97058, the Graveside Service will follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery on Cherry Heights Road. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
David Alexander Avila Graves of The Dalles, Alex to his friends, passed away October 12, 2026, at OHSU Hospital in Portland.
Alex was born in The Dalles December 5, 1995, to Diana Mary Graves and Raul Avila. He and his siblings attended St. Mary’s Academy in The Dalles in their early school years. Alex completed his GED and some college level classes at the local community college. As a youngster he enjoyed cub scouts, soccer, and basketball. He really enjoyed longboarding and playing Xbox as well as hanging out with some of his good friends.
Alex enjoyed cooking as a kid and gardening. He imagined himself becoming a world class chef. As it turned out he did become a culinary expert with a BBQ grill! Alex also was an outstanding fisherman and absolutely loved fishing.
He had many jobs throughout his life but ultimately enjoyed his time at the Sinclair gas station where he worked his way to and became the manager for several years. As an adult he enjoyed spending time with his children as well as fishing and barbecuing often. He loved taking his kids on weekend outings with a favorite destination being the Oregon Coast.
His humor was an acquired taste; he was always cracking jokes and in a good mood. His positive attitude always shined through no matter what the circumstances. Even in his hardest times of life, he was always the one cheering other people up.
He is survived by his estranged spouse, his children Vanessa and David Jr, Father, Raul Avila; Grandfather, Ron Graves; brothers, Aaron Graves and Adrian Graves; Aunt, Rebecca Tobias; Uncle, Mike Graves, many great aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews and many friends who were truly like family. Alex was predeceased by his mother, Diana Mary Graves in 2009, and Grandmother Catherine Mary Graves in 2026.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, October 14, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in The Dalles, Oregon.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 15, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church in The Dalles, followed by a Graveside Services and a reception in the Parish Center.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Kara Marie Allphin, age 57, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Home on October 11, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Patricia Mack, 90 Years old
Patricia Seneker Strle Watson-Mack was born January 24, 1936, in Joliet Illinois. Died October 8, 2026, at Hood River Post Acute Care Center in Hood River Oregon. She was surrounded by family and friends.
Proceeded in death by her daughter Linda Strle, parents George and Margaret Seneker and her brother Leon Seneker. She is survived by her children Rich (Mary) Strle, Terry (Steve Ferree) Strle, Ron (Donald Skillestad) Strle, and Robert (Brenda) Strle. Her sister-in-law Rita Seneker. Eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Patricia was a true Roaming Catholic. Moving from Joliet Patricia, lived in Fairbanks Alaska, Las Vegas Nevada, Long Beach California, and Sedona Arizona and settled in The Dalles Oregon 12 years ago.
A celebration of life will be held at later date.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Jan Marie Gimlin, age 66, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on October 9, 2026. A Graveside Service will be held Saturday, October 17, 2026, 11 AM at the Mt. Adams Cemetery on Cemetery Road in Glenwood, Washington. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
In Loving Memory of Jesse James Fox
June 25, 1939 - October 7, 2026
Jesse James Fox, 87, passed away on October 7, 2026, at his home. He was born on June 25, 1939, in Oakland, Arkansas, to Burt J. Fox and Esther May Reeves.
Jesse grew up in Yakima, Washington, alongside his siblings Bea, Ruby, Darlene, Les, Eddie, and Marvin. In 1995, Jesse married his beloved wife, Janice, and they shared over three decades of love and companionship, eventually settling in Wasco, Oregon.
Jesse was known for his strong work ethic, working as a machinist for Western Metal until his retirement. He was a resilient man who found great joy in the outdoors, including fishing, camping, and gardening. He loved working the land, and building with his hands, including a cherished family cabin.
Jesse was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers and sisters; his daughter, Virginia; and his grandson, Joshua.
He is survived by his loving wife, Janice; his daughters, Teresa and Corena; his son, Tony; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The family extends their deepest gratitude to Janice, Teresa, and his caregivers at Hospice for the dedicated, loving care that allowed Jesse to remain comfortably at home during his final years.
Rose Anna Dorzab, age 82, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Flagstone Assisted Living on October 6, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Kenneth “Ken” Wayne Nierman passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by a lifetime of love, just days before his 99th birthday.
Ken was born in October 1927 and raised on a farm near Osmond, Nebraska. It was there that he learned the value of hard work and developed a lifelong talent for growing just about anything—although his family would tell you that his corn and potatoes were particularly hard to beat.
After graduating from high school near the end of World War II, Ken answered the call to serve his country. His military service ultimately took him to the US Navy, where he served as a Yeoman First Class. Following his active-duty service, he continued serving in the Naval Reserve.
In 1952, Ken married the love of his life, Norma Kenny. Their marriage became the foundation of a family and a life they built together over more than seven decades. Just this September, Ken and Norma celebrated an extraordinary 74 years of marriage—a testament to a love and partnership that endured nearly a lifetime.
Ken was happiest outdoors, especially when he was hunting, fishing, tending a garden, or simply spending time with the people he loved. Above all else, family was at the heart of his life.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Norma; his son, Doug Nierman; and his daughter, Janna Hage and her husband Garry. His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Jason Hage and his wife, Nickie; Nicole Ryan and her husband, Nick, and through his four great-grandchildren, Maggie Ryan, Eames Ryan, Brody Hage, and Gunner Hage. He is also survived by his younger sister Joan Schulz of Norfolk Nebraska and numerous nieces and nephews in Nebraska.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Laura and Elmer Niermann, and his younger brother, Norman, who surely were there to greet him at the pearly gates.
Nearly 99 years is a remarkable amount of time to spend on this earth, and Ken filled those years with service to the church, faith in his Lord, love of family, friends and laughter. He lived long enough to see generations of his family grow around him, to celebrate 74 years beside the woman he loved, and to leave this world peacefully knowing just how deeply he was loved.
He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to Faith Lutheran Church in Ken's name.
A Memorial Service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 2810 W 10th St., The Dalles, OR 97058, on October 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
William Edward Hardy, age 72, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at OHSU on October 2, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
March 23, 1941 — September 21, 2026
Nancy Weigelt Hitzemann was born on March 23, 1941, in The Dalles, Oregon, to Gus and Lily Weigelt. An only child, she grew up surrounded by books and stories in her family’s bookstore “Weigelt’s Bookstore & Stationers,” reportedly the longest privately owned bookstore “West of the Rockies.” Nancy grew up to be quite independent.
At The Dalles High School, Nancy was crowned Sweetheart at the Valentine’s Ball, played the bugle with the Booster Girls and was a member of the Ushers. Summers were spent at the “Nat,” where she swam on The Elks Swim Team. She won numerous trophies—and she was good— really good!
After high school, Nancy and her friends, Sally and Glenda, discovered that the University of Idaho had a favorable ratio of men to women. Naturally, they headed to Idaho. Nancy earned a degree in elementary education, and won an award for having the best legs on campus— a distinction she surely would have wanted remembered.
In 1982, Nancy married Jim Hitzemann and became stepmother to Deric and Krista (Todd). After brief stays in Bellevue, Washington, and Rancho Bernardo, California, where Nancy became a substitute teacher for the Poway School District, Nancy & Jim made their final home in Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii. She volunteered with AdvoCATS, a rescue organization dedicated to saving, spay and neutering feral cats. Nancy and Jim had three cats of their own, and fostered many, many more. Their love of cruising also benefitted their friends, who were frequently recruited to cat sit. Fun, adventurous, independent, generous and warm-hearted, Nancy lived fully on her own terms. Her life included swimming, teaching, travelling with Jim, family, lifelong friendships, laughter, books and more cats than anyone can reasonably count.
Nancy returned to The Dalles and moved to The Springs where she passed away on September 21, 2026. Her ashes will be scattered, together with Jim’s, off the beach in Kona, Hawaii, returning them together to a place they loved.
Donations in Nancy’s memory may be made to: Columbia Gorge Humane Society, 200 River Road, The Dalles OR 97058 and indicate in memory of Nancy Weigelt Hitzemann.
Wanda Marie Scott, age 83, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on September 21, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Hom in care of arrangements.
Glen Roger Hantelman was born in Fenton, Iowa, to parents William and Marie (née Schmidtke) Hantelman. He is preceded in death by his parents, his two sisters Mary Johnson (Iowa) and Rebecca McCartney (Ontario, Canada), and his cousin Leora (California). He is survived by his sister Susan Harvey (Jersey, UK), as well as his three favorite nieces, Amanda, Christine, and Jennifer. He will be greatly missed by his dear friend Shantel, in Colorado, his California family, his Minnesota family, and by his many friends and family members in Oregon and across the globe.
Glen was a man of service. Service to his country. To his community. To his family. After graduating from Fenton’s Sentral Senior High School, where he played football, he enlisted and served in the U.S. Army, including duty with the 3rd Battalion, 81st Artillery Regiment in Korea, and the 3rd Battalion, 38th Artillery Regiment at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, with a temporary duty assignment at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, where he was trained to arm nuclear missiles during the Cold War.
He later worked in Wyoming and Colorado as a lineman for Bell, refusing any promotion that would have put him behind a desk — he preferred to be outdoors, in nature, and as far away from any corporate oversight as he could get. (Those who knew Glen knew that he was a man of great independence.)
He shopped locally, he supported local restaurants — Zim's, Holstein’s, Petite Provence, and Momma Jane's — and he refused to buy things online when his money could be spent investing in his own city — his home.
For more than 20years after his retirement, that home was The Dalles, Oregon.
He was also a man of great intellect. When he’d take visitors to the top of Rowena Crest, he’d gaze out at the ancient scenery and point out the geological features — where the floods came, what the rock colors and stratifications could tell you about the region’s history. He knew everything about the Oregon Trail, which terminated a few blocks from his home, and about the local growing seasons for cherries, apples, corn, and lavender — he was from a small farming town, after all.
He knew the names and details of Hungarian orchestra conductors, Canadian Prime Ministers, American songbirds, UK naval battles, and could tell you exactly what the rail cars were carrying — lumber, coal, grain — as they rumbled by his house alongside the banks of the Columbia River. He found great peace in sitting out on his back deck, with a panoramic view of the gorge, the river, and sky.
In Oregon, he felt, he had found his true home.
He had a massive vinyl collection — mostly classical but he loved folk music, Peter, Paul and Mary, and the Beach Boys. He played the guitar at family gatherings. He loved the Rocky Mountains. He loved roadside diners and long drives along America’s greatest, most historic roads. He loved chef Alice Waters, Estes Park, the opera, and books about U.S. history.
He had a great love for his country, and always sought to make it better. He was a union man, through and through. And he believed decent and honest men and women were the backbone of American society. He believed in second chances. He was a mentor to many.
He rented a room in his house but refused to charge market rate. “No one should be paying 70% of their salary just to have a roof over their head,” he’d say. He believed in fairness. In decency. In doing unto others as you’d do unto them.
He was kind, understanding, non-judgmental and a great listener.
He was also a modest, quiet man, so you may not have known all these things about him, unless you took the time to ask.
He will be missed. In lieu of flowers, buy a book at Klindt’s, his favorite bookstore, or go take a walk in nature, and think of him. And remember to call the ones you love, as often as you can.
Finally, in the words of my Uncle Glen, as he signed off every phone call:
Take care of each other.
Christa Lynn Downing, age 69, a resident of The Dalles, Oregon, passed away peacefully at home on August 26, 2026. No formal service will be held. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Christa’s memory may make a donation to the Oregon Humane Society in memory of Christa L. Downing:
Oregon Humane Society
In Memory of Christa L. Downing
1067 NE Columbia Blvd.
Portland, OR 97211
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
To know Mareta H. Hendricks Maier was to know a woman of remarkable strength, deep love, and unmistakable spirit. A stranger to no one, she had a way of striking up a conversation wherever she went and making a connection with nearly everyone she met.
Mareta, 95, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2026, at the Oregon Veterans’ Home in The Dalles, Oregon, with her family close and surrounded by love throughout her final hours.
Born May 8, 1931, in The Dalles, Mareta grew up on Tygh Ridge on her parents’ wheat ranch, often riding her horse to school. Mareta attended the Ireland School House and The Dalles High School before continuing her education at Oregon State University.
While working as a bank teller, she met Richard “Dick” Maier, beginning a beautiful life together that would span 61 years. After raising their four children, she joined Dick in growing the family’s longtime clothing store, Maier & Krier, in downtown The Dalles. She enjoyed greeting customers and, in many ways, became an ambassador for the community she loved.
Mareta filled her days with the people, places, and traditions she loved. She was a storyteller and the family historian, and after a lifetime as full as hers, she had no shortage of material. Proud of her Irish heritage and with a deep appreciation for history and days gone by, she made sure the stories of generations past continued to be told. She enjoyed her time on the golf course, treasured the friendships and lively conversations of her longtime bridge group, and could often be found walking through Sorosis Park. Music was another constant in her life; she loved to sing and play the piano. Her grandchildren will remember the special bran muffins she baked and shared with them, along with the many stories that came with them. She always cheered on Gonzaga basketball and lived for a good party.
Mareta was deeply woven into the fabric of her community and was always willing to participate, lead, or lend a hand. She served as president of P.E.O. and of The Dalles Golf Club Ladies Organization, served on the Red Cross Board of Directors, volunteered at the Discovery Center, and was active in St. Peter’s Altar Society. These were just some of the many ways she gave her time and energy to the community she loved and called home.
Above all, Mareta’s greatest legacy was the family she loved and the many people whose lives became intertwined with hers. One of her greatest joys was spending time with her 11 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her life.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard “Dick” Maier; her parents, Mildred and Lester Hendricks; her two older brothers, Gerald Hendricks and Thomas Hollis Hendricks; and her two younger sisters, Arline Kniesteadt and Jane Ericson.
She is survived by her children, Helen Jane Mather (married to John Mather) of Lake Oswego, OR, David Maier (married to Susan Tucker Maier) of The Dalles, Marilyn Staeheli (married to Dr. John Staeheli) of Richland, WA, and Michael Maier (partner to Julie Marosi), of Fairfield, ID and 11 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
The Funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday, September 29 at 11 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church in The Dalles. The Rosary will begin at 10:30 a.m., with a Celebration of Life to follow the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Discovery Center 5000 Discovery Center Dr. The Dalles, OR 97058 or St. Mary’s Academy 1112 Cherry Heights Rd. The Dalles, OR 97058, two organizations close to Mareta’s heart.
Kristi LaLine Roberts, age 37, a resident of Goldendale, WA, passed away at Peace Health Medical Center on September 11, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Robb Alan Frickey, age 58, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on September 18, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Eldon William Eaton, age 91, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2026, at the Oregon Veterans’ Home in The Dalles, Oregon.
Eldon was born in Yakima, Washington, to W.A. and Clara Eaton. He was a graduate of Grandview High School. Shortly after graduation, Eldon—affectionately known as “Sonny” to many who knew and loved him—joined the United States Air Force, where he served as an airplane mechanic. During his military career, he served several tours of duty in Vietnam and Thailand and earned numerous commendations for his service.
Eldon remained in the Air Force until a debilitating injury led to his retirement.
In his younger years, Eldon enjoyed riding motorcycles and working on cars. In his later years, he especially enjoyed playing cards with fellow veterans at the Oregon Veterans’ Home. He cherished the friendships and camaraderie he found there.
Eldon will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his son, Daniel Eaton; his sister, Janet Hallman; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Oregon Veterans’ Home for the loving care and kindness they gave Sonny.
A military service and celebration of life will be held at a later date.