Zelta Marie Wasson, age 102, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at The Springs at Mill Creek on December 22, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Dr. Lee Balentine, of Maupin, Oregon, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2025. He was born in New Mexico, to Floyd “Pablo” Balentine and Twila “Red” Balentine.
Lee married his high school sweetheart from Tucson, Arizona, Sharon (Doughty), on June 26, 1971. He was a Arizona Wildcat alum and lifelong fan.
Lee dedicated his life to service—service to his family, his community, and his country. A proud Navy veteran, he began his professional journey as a dentist in the military before going on to serve as a dentist for 47 years, including 37 years caring for the community of Maupin when he moved his family there in 1985. To say he loved this community is an understatement. He considered Maupin part of his extended family.
Lee’s commitment to Maupin went far beyond dentistry. Throughout his life, he served on the school board, volunteered as a firefighter, and spent countless hours as a volunteer EMT, responding to calls at all hours of the day and night. He was also an active member of the Lions Club, the American Legion, and the Ambulance Board, always stepping up wherever he was needed. His dedication, generosity, and deep love for people made a lasting impact on the entire community.
Outside of his service, Lee enjoyed the simple pleasures that made his life full—golf, hunting, fishing, tent camping and cheering for his favorite baseball teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers and Seattle Mariners. He was a standout left-handed pitcher in high school, a talent he carried with pride throughout his life. He cherished time spent outdoors, time with friends, and above all, time with his family.
Lee is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Balentine, and their children: Chad Balentine (Charity), Eric Balentine (Christin), Ryan Balentine (LaTezeon), and Sara Nash (Chris). He was a proud grandfather to Caitlyn Marks (Caleb), Abigail and Ethan Nash, Christian and Logan Balentine, and Parker and Quinn Balentine. He is also survived by his brothers, Cam Balentine and Jeff Balentine.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd “Pablo” Balentine and Twila “Red” Balentine, and his sister, Jill Powers.
A Celebration of Life will be held on in June 2026, where friends, family, and community members will gather to honor the remarkable life of a man who gave so much of himself to others.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the South Wasco County Ambulance, P.O. Box 125, Maupin, OR 97037.
Lee is now with his Lord and Savior, and his family takes comfort in knowing he is at peace. His legacy of service, compassion, and love will continue to live on in the many lives he touched.
Arthur Fredrick George Bull, age 90, a resident of Crooked River Ranch in Terrebonne, Oregon passed away December 22, 2025 at The Springs at Mill Creek in The Dalles, Oregon. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Roger Dick Christopherson, age 72, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge on December 20, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Konrad Wesley Price, age 82, a resident of Tygh Valley, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge on December 24, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Joan Elizabeth Chantler, age 77, a resident of White Salmon, WA, passed away December 12, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Jonathan Franklin Sullivan, age 52, a resident of Goldendale, WA, passed away at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center on December 4, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Jerry Lee Ward, age 84, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the Oregon Veterans Home on December 15, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
David Eugene Staehnke, age 83, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at a local Care Facility on December 15, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Jack Lee Harmon, age 90, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away December 11, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Richard Roeder, age 79, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the Oregon Veterans Home on December 12, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Shirley May Mattson, age 91, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on December 11, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Scott Lee Finkle, age 60, a resident of Wilsonville, OR, passed away December 14, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements. “Rest easy Cowboy”
Jenny Fay Mathews, age 64, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center on December 10, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Virginia Sue Bark, age 84, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on December 11, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Robin Elizabeth McReynolds-Gutzler, age 52, a resident of Maupin, OR, passed away at home on December 8, 2025. A Graveside Service will be held Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 11 AM at Kelley Cemetery in Maupin, OR. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Richard Riley Johnson, age 78, a resident of Moro, OR, passed away at home on December 11, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
John William Byers Jr., 93, of The Dalles, Oregon, passed away on Dec. 8, 2025, at Columbia Basin Nursing Home, surrounded by loved ones. Born on April 10, 1932, John lived a life marked by kindness, dedication, community service, and a deep love for his family. John married his teenage sweetheart, Marilyn Emerson Byers, and together they shared an extraordinary 71 years of marriage. Their relationship was a true testament to unwavering devotion, partnership, and joy. They built a beautiful life together, raising four children, owning a cherry orchard, and creating a home filled with love, hard work, and purpose.
John took great pride in his career as a CPA for 70 years, bringing the same commitment, integrity, and steady presence to his profession that he brought to every facet of his life. He was also a dedicated sports fan, especially devoted to the Blazers, Mariners, Seahawks, and University of Oregon, teams that brought him years of excitement and occasional heartbreak.
John is lovingly survived by his wife, Marilyn; his children Karilyn, Becky, Nancy, and John; nine grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and countless others who cherished him deeply. He was a steady source of support, wisdom, humor, and love, and his presence will be profoundly missed.
Throughout his life, John remained deeply committed to serving his community. He held leadership roles on several boards, including The Dalles Little League (25 years), Columbia Basin Nursing Home (27 years), Oregon Cherry Growers, and the Lions Club (71 years). He was recognized by The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce as the 1981 Man of the Year for his involvement, guidance, and dedication to the community. He approached each role with pride and a sincere desire to make his community a better place.
There will be a family Graveside ceremony to honor his remarkable life. Donations may be made in his honor to the Columbia Basin Nursing Home Foundation, The Dalles Little League, or the Lions Club, all causes close to his heart.
A public viewing will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 2 to 6 PM at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home. Per John’s request a private family Graveside Service will be held. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Ralph Olin Browning, age 77, passed away peacefully in his home on November 24, 2025. He was born on May 12, 1948, to Robert Olin Browning and Marian Jean Davis Browning, and he grew up in The Dalles, Oregon.
Ralph graduated from Wahtonka High School in 1966, where he served as Honor Society President and Class President. A talented student-athlete, he played football, basketball, and ran track. He continued his education at the University of Oregon and Western Oregon College of Education, later earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries from Oregon State University.
He proudly served his country in the United States Navy for four years as a submariner and diver. Following his service, Ralph worked across Alaska in Kodiak, Afognak Island, and Seward, as well as in Baker City, Oregon, and Boise, Idaho. He retired from the U.S. Forest Service after more than 30 years of dedicated service. Ralph was an avid outdoorsman with a deep love for salmon and steelhead fishing, as well as waterfowl hunting. He cherished friendships and enjoyed spending time socializing with friends at The River Tap.
Ralph’s memory will be carried on by his brother, Robert Lee Browning, his sister, Carol Jean Rousseau, and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Olin Browning and Marian Jean Davis Browning, and his brother-in-law, Alan Rousseau.
He will be remembered for his humor, his kindness, his dedication, and the strong community of loved ones whose lives he touched. Ralph leaves behind a legacy of service, laughter, and a life lived to the fullest.
Emily Coats Stovall was born in The Dalles, Oregon to parents Eric and Margie Coats Stovall on September 6, 1984. She died on November 28, 2025, after a long illness.
Emily attended Chenowith schools, graduating valedictorian from the Wahtonka High School in 2002. She enjoyed playing many years of AYSO soccer and also played softball including the Cherry City Crush as well as the WHS team.
Emily attended the U of O for a time and later completed her associate’s degree.
Emily spent her adult life living and working in the Portland area. Her hobbies included hiking, gardening, spending time at the beach, needlework and crafts, playing board games, word games, and puzzles. She started reading at age three and never stopped. She loved the Multnomah County Library. She adored her family, friends, babies, kids, and animals. She doted on her dog, Disco, whom she helped raise with her former partner, Marci.
Emily is survived by her parents; sister, Lael (Nathan) and children Kai and Josiah of Kennewick; brother, Riley (Emily) and children Miriam and August of Happy Valley; nephew, Domanic Stovall of Pendleton; as well as many cousins. She is also survived by aunts and uncles including Tom and Karen Coats, Mary and Bo Macnab, Don Coats, Dennis and Linny Stoval, Brian Stoval and Teresa Hepker.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, two aunts, her older brother Jesse and her beloved dog Disco.
A Memorial Gathering will be held in Spring 2026. Details will be posted at a later date.
Memorials in Emily’s honor are suggested to your local pet shelter, the National Alliance on Mental Illness or The Trevor Project.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.