Wanda Ive Willis, age 91, a resident of Maupin, OR, passed away at Canyon Rim Assisted Living on May 12, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Irma Irene Nichols, age 61, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at OHSU Hospital on May 1, 2026. The Funeral Mass will be Friday, May 15, 2026, 4:00 pm at St. Peter Catholic Church, following the Funeral Mass there will be a viewing at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Kozet Ann Mitchell, age 50, a resident of Tygh Valley, OR, passed away at home on May 7, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Janet Gail Malott, age 76, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge on May 5, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Lee Allan Thornton, age 72, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away April 24, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Lutah Avis Wallulatum, age 42, a resident of Warm Springs, OR, passed away May 5, 2026. Services begin May 7, 2026, 4:00PM at the Simnasho Longhouse, burial will be Sunrise on May 8, 2026, at the Red Lake Cemetery in Simnasho. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Linda Lee Bogart, age 75, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Columbia Basin Care Facility on May 5, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Charlotte Ann Velador, age 64, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on May 5, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Mavis J. Ruddell passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026, at the age of 98. She was born on July 14, 1927, in The Dalles, to Harry and Myrtle (Byers) Wickman.
Following World War II, Mavis graduated from University of California, Berkeley in 1947. In 1949, she married her beloved husband, George I. Ruddell, an Air Force fighter pilot. Together, they embarked on a life filled with travel and adventure, living in numerous states and countries throughout George’s military career. Among their favorite assignments were their years in Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
Mavis formed lifelong friendships with fellow Air Force pilots’ wives, offering steadfast support through the unique challenges of military life. A gracious host and exceptional cook, she frequently organized luncheons and gatherings that created a warm sense of community among the pilots’ families.
Raising her family as an Air Force wife became Mavis’s true calling. After 33 years of service, George retired from the Air Force, but his love of flying soon led them to a new chapter in the Virgin Islands, where he flew seaplanes for a commercial airline. They spent 18 wonderful years there before returning to The Dalles to enjoy retirement surrounded by family and friends. Mavis especially cherished family visits and reunions.
To know Mavis was to feel loved. A devoted family woman, she was nothing short of extraordinary. She had an innate ability to make everyone feel seen, cherished, and special—whether through a home-cooked meal, a warm embrace, or the thoughtful way she listened and cared for others. Her love was never passive; it was intentional and ever-present, woven into the everyday moments her family will carry with them always. Mavis was the kind of person whose presence made every room feel warmer and every gathering feel complete.
Mavis was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Myrtle Wickman; her husband, George; her son, Jeffrey; and her sisters, Shirley (Bud) and Evelyn (Ralph).
She is survived by her sons, Gregory (Cheryl) and Kenneth; her granddaughters, Tiffany (Tyler) and Caitlyn; her step-grandson, Cyrus (Miranda); her great-grandchildren, Mayson, Irelynn, and Daxton; and her step-great-grandchildren, Kassidy, Zachary, and Bryson.
Arrangements are in the care of Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home.
Shawn Elizbeth Ruddell, age 52, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away May 2, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Marilyn Jane Brown, age 99, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge on April 28, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Gary Lee Coffman, age 84, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the Oregon Veterans Home on April 27, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Kevin Jack Grabler, age 60, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on April 3, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Michael James Sandberg, age 84, a resident of Rufus, OR, passed away at home on April 23, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Susan Marie Booth, age 52, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away at home on April 23, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Lester Nodurft passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories. He was born on January 2, 1940, in Pipestone, Minnesota, to Ray and Eulalia Nodurft. Lester spent his formative years in Durant, Iowa, where he grew up surrounded by family and community, and where he met the love of his life, Alta.
Lester and Alta were united in marriage on July 2, 1960, beginning a beautiful journey together that spanned 65 devoted years. Their love and partnership were the foundation of a life filled with laughter, resilience, and deep family bonds. In 1961, they made their home in The Dalles, Oregon, where they lovingly raised their family and created countless treasured memories. After Lester’s retirement, they enjoyed time together in Yuma, Arizona, before returning to The Dalles in 2024, a place that always held a special place in their hearts.
He is lovingly remembered by his children: Sally Branham (Ken), Sharon Darnielle, and Sid Nodurft (Jennifer). Lester took great pride in his family and found immense joy in his role as a grandfather to Cody and Shayn Darnielle, and Eugene and Leslie Branham, along with their spouses. His legacy continues through his eight great-grandchildren, who brought him endless happiness.
Lester was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alta, who passed just nine days before him, a testament to the deep bond they shared; his parents, Ray and Eulalia Nodurft; and his sister, Bonnie. Though deeply missed, he will be remembered for his warmth, his steady presence, and the love he gave so freely.
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 2, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Sorosis Park in The Dalles, Oregon, at the newer shelter, remembering Alta and Lester. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honor a life well lived.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
James Alfred Titus, resident of Lyle, WA, passed away peacefully with family by his side on April 22, 2026, 5 days shy of his 93rd birthday. Jim was born April 27, 1933 on the family farm in Castle Rock, WA to Arthur and Mildred Titus. He was the middle of seven siblings, joining Dick, Ron, Dorothy and followed by Keith, Carol, and Sue. Jim grew up in the Castle Rock area graduating from Castle Rock High School in 1951. He excelled in sports and was part of the 1950 undefeated football team. Go Rockets!
Jim joined the United States Naval Reserves while in high school and then reported to active duty in 1952 with just under 3 years of service. He attended Lower Columbia Community College and then Western Washington College of Education (now Western Washington University).
Jim met his future wife while attending WWU, Joan McQuigg, in 1957 when Joan needed a ride home from Bellingham to Toledo, which is on the way back to Castle Rock. That ride was the start of the courtship, which turned into infatuation, and then a marriage that lasted 66 years, starting December 29, 1957. They graduated together from Western Washington in 1958 and started looking for teaching opportunities within the same school district that would hire them both. Jim and Joan accepted positions from Lyle High School for the fall of 1958, after agreeing on a plan to stay and gain experience in Lyle for two or three years. The plan changed and Jim’s entire career lasted for 31 years in the Lyle School District until his retirement in 1990. Jim taught Social Studies, History, PE and coached Football, Basketball, Baseball, Track, and Cross Country. He had many great teams and athletes, which turned into lasting memories and lifelong friendships. He took up the duties of Athletic Director in 1967. Jim attended summer schools at Central Washington University where he obtained his Principal credentials before becoming Principle of Lyle High School in 1972. He held both positions until his retirement. Durning this time, Jim and Joan, raised two wonderful sons, Erik and Paul. The whole family went to most sporting events and spent countless hours sitting on the hard wooden bleachers. In 1992, Lyle High School bestowed an honor to Jim by dedicating the naming of the gym the James A Titus Gymnasium.
In retirement, Jim kept himself busy by working for Amery Farms and continued countless hours of community support with the Lyle Lions Club. Jim and Joan had a winter residence in Apache Junction, AZ where they were snowbirds for over 15 years. They loved the desert, hiking, and wildflowers in bloom.
Jim and Joan purchased a minivan that was nicknamed the fun bus, where Jim was the driver. The fun bus had many adventures with weekly Friday night dinners with the William’s, Oldenburg’s and whoever else might be able to join.
Jim was an avid reader with local history and Westerns being his favorite. He loved following sports on TV and watching Mariner’s baseball.
Jim loved his two son’s beautiful families and their wives, 4 granddaughters, and 7 great grandchildren.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife Joan (2024), infant son Jon Eric Titus, parents Arthur and Mildred Titus, brothers Dick, Ron, and Keith, and sister Dorothy. He is survived by his son Erik and Crystal and their children, Leah, Sarah, Krista, and son Paul and Mary Jo and their daughter Natalie, sisters Carol and Sue, and best friend Dean Oldenburg. They did crafts together, helped each other on projects, and Dean was part of the Titus family. Dean was a great neighbor, helped look after Jim to make sure all was well and responded to his emergencies when needed.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Lyle Lions Club or the charity of your choice.
A service will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Spencer, Libby & Powell in The Dalles, OR, followed by a luncheon at the Lyle Lions Club.
Alta Nodurft of The Dalles, Oregon, passed away on April 13, 2026.
Alta was born in Lowden, Iowa, to John and Ethel Meyer on May 28, 1942. She graduated from Durant High School in 1960 and, on July 2 of that same year, married the love of her life, Lester Nodurft. Together they began a life centered on family, commitment, and shared experiences.
In 1961, Alta and Lester moved to The Dalles, where they established their home and raised their family. Following Lester’s retirement, they spent several years in Yuma, Arizona, before returning to The Dalles in 2024.
Alta will be remembered for her devotion to her family and the life she built alongside her husband of 65 years. She is survived by her husband, Lester; daughters, Sally Branham (Ken) and Sharon Darnielle; son, Sid Nodurft (Jennifer); grandchildren, Cody and Shayn Darnielle, and Eugene and Leslie Branham and their spouses; and eight great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Ethel Meyer, and her brothers, Gale and Bill.
Alta’s legacy lives on in the generations of family she loved so deeply.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Ryan Christopher King, age 38, a resident of West Richland, WA, passed away on April 14, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Gayle Raye Ward, age 76, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Adventist Medical Center on March 28, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell in care of arrangements.