Jesse Dane Alsup, age 69, a resident of Wasco, OR, passed away at home on February 23, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Kathleen Mary Margaret Sawaka, age 91, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge on February 23, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Rand E Hartill, age 76, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the Oregon Veterans Home on February 3, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
December 7, 1939 – February 15, 2026
Janice Marie Crompton, 86, passed away on February 15, 2026. She was born in Ponca City, Oklahoma, and was a longtime resident of Rainbow, California, and The Dalles, Oregon.
Janice served 30 years in civil service with the United States Marine Corps and Navy, retiring as a Management Analyst for the Navy. She was a trailblazer for women in her field and a fierce example to her daughters and grandchildren.
She loved horses, Louis L’Amour books, sunbathing, and Elvis Presley. She was never happier than reading a book outside on a warm day.
Janice is survived by her devoted husband of 52 years, John Crompton; her daughters, Erin Spitzer, Katherine Curbello, and Sylvia John Crompton; her brother, James Barnett; her grandchildren, Amber Chambers, Audra Crawford, David Pemberton, and Andrea Pemberton; and her great-grandchildren, Jason Crawford, Jana Marie Crawford, and Mikayla Chambers.
She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for her quick wit and sage advice.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Jacqueline Marie McKinstry, age 53, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on February 16, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held on April 11, 2026, 1:00 pm, at Rivers of Grace Church, 1122 Oak Street, The Dalles, OR 97058. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Robert Mark Shaver, age 71, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on February 18, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Caleb Andrew Massengale, age 38, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away February 11, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Margaret Ellen Tidwell, age 82, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on February 3, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Donna Jean Gray-Davis, age 91, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Columbia Basin Care Facility on February 14, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Arlyn Lee VanGilder, 81, of Wasco, passed away on February 10, 2026, at the Oregon Veterans’ Home in The Dalles. He was born on November 12, 1944, in The Dalles to Art and Marjorie VanGilder.
Arlyn grew up on the family farm and graduated from Sherman County High School in 1965. Shortly after graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1965 to 1969. During his service, he attained the rank of Sergeant, demonstrating leadership, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to his fellow Marines.
Following his military service, Arlyn began a long career at the Goldendale aluminum plant, where he worked for more than 40 years. It was there that he met Sandra, who would become his wife of 49½ years. Early in their marriage, Arlyn earned his pilot’s license and owned a Luscombe airplane, a hobby he greatly enjoyed. Throughout his time at the plant, he worked as both a mechanic and a welder and was known for his willingness to learn and master new skills. He retired from the Goldendale smelter in 2011.
Arlyn and Sandra were also longtime small business owners, purchasing Wasco Variety & Video and operating it for 27 years. Through their business and community involvement, Arlyn became known as an honest, hardworking, and dependable member of the community.
A devoted husband, father, and family man, Arlyn valued the people in his life above all else. He is survived by his sister, Dee; his brother, Brent; his children, Sheila, Sam, and Kristy; as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Arlyn will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Saturday, February 21, 2026, 11:00 AM, Dedication of Grave will follow at Wasco Sunrise Cemetery at 3:00 PM.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
David Eugene Staehnke was born on July 28, 1942, to Walter and Edna Staehnke near Bemidji, Minnesota. He passed away on December 15, 2025, at a care facility in Hood River, following a battle with vascular dementia.
After moving with his family from Minnesota, David grew up and attended school in Havana, North Dakota, graduating from high school in 1960. Shortly after, he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1960 to 1964, including service with the 57th Combat Support Squadron in Okinawa, Japan.
David and his first wife Joan moved to Oregon in 1964. They later divorced. He married Judy Sigman on January 9, 1971.
David dedicated nearly 40 years of his working life to Harvey Aluminum, later known as Martin Marietta and Northwest Aluminum. His strong work ethic and loyalty were hallmarks of his career.
Outside of work, David stayed busy and active. He enjoyed golfing, woodworking and home improvement projects, and had a creative side that showed through his stained-glass work. He took great pride in caring for his lawn—and often the lawns of others—always willing to lend his time and effort. In retirement, David and Judy enjoyed their winter trips to the southwest United States to visit family and attend NASCAR races. David was deeply committed to his health and fitness, working out at the club three days a week for more than 30 years, a testament to his discipline and determination.
He also gave generously of his time to his community. David was actively involved in youth baseball, coaching and maintaining ballfields, where he helped install the first batting cage and electric scoreboard at 16th Street Ballpark. He honored veterans by assisting the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars place graveside flags at local cemeteries on special holidays. Later in life, he continued his service as a delivery driver and chairman of the board for Meals on Wheels.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Judy Staehnke; his children: Sandy Loop (Larry), Mike Sigman (Adrienne), Teresa Vaders, Cathy Staehnke, and Mark Staehnke (Adina); 19 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his sister, Shirley Lee; his sister-in-law, Nancy Hunt-Petersen (Chet); and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Edna Staehnke; his son, Rick; and his siblings, Betty Peterson, William Staehnke, Neil Staehnke, Enid Parrow, and Ferne Anderson.
A celebration of life honoring David will be held at Bargeway Pub in The Dalles on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend and celebrate his life. David will be interred at the Dufur Community Cemetery in a private ceremony at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made in David’s memory to Meals on Wheels.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Joy Moree Macnab, age 68, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at The Springs at Mill Creek on February 9, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Shirley Leone Fritts, age 95, a resident of Hood River, OR, passed away at Hawks Ridge Senior Assisted Living Community on February 7, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Evelyn Joyce Clayton (Maiden name - Aas), age 93, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2026, in The Dalles, Oregon. A devoted Christian and beloved matriarch, Evelyn’s life was marked by faith, family, and quiet dedication to her community.
Born on December 29, 1932, in Pequot Lakes, Minnesota, Evelyn moved with her family to The Dalles, Oregon in 1943, where she graduated from The Dalles High School in 1950. She shared this milestone with her future husband Gilbert Clayton and her sister Arlene Kerbs. Evelyn and Gilbert’s bond began during his service in the U.S. Navy and National Guard and grew into a lifelong partnership rooted in love and mutual respect. Evelyn worked alongside Gilbert as a bookkeeper in their businesses; Gilbert Clayton Well Drilling and the family cherry orchard on Lambert Street.
Evelyn was an accomplished typist whose professional career spanned three decades. She worked diligently for attorneys and later at First Interstate Bank in The Dalles. Her precision and work ethic earned her the respect of colleagues and clients alike.
A woman of deep faith, Evelyn was confirmed in the Lutheran Church at the age of 13. Her spiritual life remained central throughout her years, guiding her actions and nurturing her enduring love for family.
Evelyn found joy in the simple pleasures of life—gardening vegetables in her backyard, crocheting, quilting blankets with her Lutheran World Relief group, and canning fruits & preserves that filled her home with warmth each season. These hobbies reflected her nurturing spirit and attention to detail.
She is lovingly remembered by her three sons: Craig (Kari), Dan, and Kent (Debbie); brother Orville Ray Aas (Sharon) and family; grandchildren Keith Clayton (Crystal) with children Cameron, Joaquin, Jackson, Zoe, and Sadie Grace; Neil Clayton (Erin) with children Natalie Patzkowski (Luke), Sean, and Samuel; Lindy Mongenel (Matt) with children Braxton and Enzo; Benjamin Chapman; Kenna Clayton; Kyle Clayton; Melissa Clayton (fiance’ Justin Paul), Austin Clayton. In total, Evelyn leaves behind eleven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren who will carry forward her legacy of love.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 66 years Gilbert Clayton; infant daughter Jan Marie; parents Orville Calmer Aas and Ruth Anne Aas; and sister Arlene Grace Kerbs.
May Evelyn’s memory bring comfort to all who knew her. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Faith Lutheran Church 2810 W 10th St. Light refreshments will be served after the Service.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Faith Lutheran Church, The Dalles or the Oregon Veterans Home.
Richard Allen Miller of The Dalles, Oregon, passed away February 3, 2026, after living bravely with ALS. He was born February 6, 1946, in Massena, Iowa to Albert and Frances Miller. Rich grew up on a farm near Corning alongside his three brothers. The Miller boys spent their days playing baseball in the pasture by the creek, shooting hoops in the barn, and helping with chores on the farm. These were lessons in teamwork and perseverance that shaped the rest of Rich’s life.
After attending grade school in a one-room schoolhouse, Rich went on to Corning High School where he played football, wrestled, and pitched for the baseball team. Following graduation he attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (GO BIG RED!) on a combined baseball and wrestling scholarship. While there, he joined Delta Tau Delta fraternity, was admitted to the College of Pharmacy, and served as the college’s representative to the Associated Students of UNL. An unlucky ski accident and a fortunate introduction to rehabilitation changed his course. Rich became one of twelve students admitted to the first Physical Therapy class at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Rich often said being a part of that first class was the best thing that ever happened to him because one of those classmates was Karen Rieker, who became the love of his life and best friend. Rich and Karen graduated from the physical therapy school in 1972 and married in 1973, setting the stage for more than 52 years of partnership in both life and work that brought joy, care, and inspiration to many.
In 1974 Rich and Karen set off for Oregon where Rich was hired to start the first physical therapy department at what was then The Dalles General Hospital. Rich served as Director of Physical Therapy there for 10 years before partnering to form East Cascade Physical therapy, a private practice specializing in orthopedics and sports medicine. He was an active member of the Oregon Physical Therapy Association and represented the state at the American Physical Therapy Association’s national conference. Rich loved every aspect of his work, but his favorite part was getting to know and care for each of his patients.
Outside of work, sports remained a centerpiece of Rich’s life. He ran marathons and achieved a personal goal when he qualified for and ran the Boston marathon in 1993. A devoted coach and mentor, Rich served on local baseball boards for the Hustlers, Babe Ruth, and Little League programs, proudly coaching the Little League All-Stars to a third-place finish in the state tournament in 1991. He loved golfing with his friends at The Dalles Country Club, white-water rafting and the Oregon coast. He was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church where over the years he served on council, was president of the congregation, and president of the trust fund.
After retirement, Rich enjoyed spending time with family and friends, traveling, golfing, tending his garden, and rooting for his favorite teams. He faced his journey with ALS with courage, grace, and gratitude, always thankful for the love and support that surrounded him.
Rich is survived by his beloved wife Karen, his daughter Brittany and her husband Miles Imwalle, his son Collin and his wife Maya Miller and grandchildren Elise, Abigail, Isabel and Isla. He is also survived by his brothers Tom Miller and Pat Miller, and was preceded in death by his oldest brother Dale Miller.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts in Rich’s memory be made to ALS Northwest (825 NE Multnomah, Suite 940, Portland, OR 97232), an organization instrumental in supporting Rich and his family and others living with ALS in the area, Zion Lutheran Church Trust Fund, or a charitable organization of your choosing.
Gary Elmer Conley January 4, 1935 – February 1, 2026
Gary Elmer Conley was born in The Dalles, Oregon, to Elmer Conley and Sylvia Ayres. He spent his early childhood in Smock Prairie near Wamic, where he lived until age ten. His family later moved to The Dalles when his father began working for the Union Pacific Railroad. Gary attended Wilson Grade School, Whittier Junior High, and The Dalles High School, graduating with the Class of 1953. During his youth he worked summers on his uncles’ farms, especially during harvest, forming a lifelong connection to the land and the people of Wasco County.
In 1953, Gary married Shirley Robertson. This past November, they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary—a milestone marked by deep devotion and partnership. Together they raised three children.
At age nineteen, Gary began what would become a remarkable 43 year career with the Union Pacific Railroad. His dedication to his work and his community was evident throughout his life. He was a proud member of the Wasco County Pioneers and was honored as Wasco County Pioneer Man of the Year in 2020. He was also active in the Senior Center, delivering Meals on Wheels for more than twenty years.
Gary was a longtime member of the Columbia Gorge Power Sledders, where he oversaw trail grooming for many years and served as the cook for their annual chili feed. His commitment to service extended to the First Christian Church, where he ushered and played a key role in the setup for the “Last Days of Jesus” Easter production. His knowledge of Wasco County history was extensive, and he loved sharing it with others.
He was also active in the Elks Club, the Eagles Club, and the Union Pacific Employees Club, serving as President in 2020 and organizing their annual retirement dinners. Outside of his community work, Gary loved hunting, motorcycles, snowmobiling, and spending time in the mountains—especially at his beloved hunting cabin in Friend.
Gary is survived by his wife, Shirley Conley; his children Cindy Bakke (David) of Gresham, Kelly Carroll (Jim) of Ridgecrest, California, and Ty Conley of Salem; his grandchildren Isaiah Martin, Carl Bakke, Bryce Bakke, and Kylee Koch; and six great grandchildren. He is also survived by his nephew Larry Conley of Bend; nieces Ruth Graham, Lesley Nelson, and Camie Metheny; and nephew Calvin Meyers.
A Memorial Service will be held February 21, 2026, at 10:30 AM at The First Christian Church, 909 Court St., The Dalles, OR 97058.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Dalles Senior Center.
Arrangements by Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home.
Sienna Mondragon, born on February 11, 2010, passed away in the early morning hours of Sunday, February 1, at the age of 15.
Born to German and Lucy Mondragon, Sienna was a cherished and deeply loved daughter and sister whose presence brought light, creativity, and strength to her family and all who knew her. From her first moments of life—when a nurse remarked on her long, beautiful eyelashes—Sienna left a lasting impression.
Sienna was a gifted and passionate young woman who loved the arts, especially theater. She was actively involved in soccer, band, choir, and drama, and approached everything she did with fierce determination and tenacity.
Mature beyond her age, Sienna was often a voice of reason to those in her circles, offering honesty, love, and gentle reminders to be kind with one another. Her voice, both in song and in spirit, filled her home and will be deeply missed.
Sienna was eagerly anticipating her 16th birthday trip to New York with her father to experience the magic of Broadway, reflecting her deep love for the arts.
She is survived by her loving parents, German and Lucy Mondragon, and her sisters, Ebany and Nadia. Though her time with us was brief, Sienna lived a full and vibrant life. Her memory, light, and love will forever remain in our hearts.
A viewing will be held Friday, February 6, 2026, 3:30 to 6:30 PM, at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home, 1100 Kelly Ave., The Dalles, OR. Funeral Service will be Saturday, February 7, 2026, 10:30 AM at Calvary Baptist Church, 3350 Columbia View Dr., The Dalles, OR.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Jean Ellen Waterbury, age 95, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at The Springs at Mill Creek on February 2, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Steven William Held, age 77, a resident of Maupin, OR, passed away at home on January 28, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Marcia Kaye (Thorson) Nordwalll, 76, of The Dalles, Oregon, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 2, 2026, at The Dalles Health and Rehabilitation Center after a long battle with cancer.
Marcia Kay Nordwall was born on February 18, 1949, to Alvord and Agnes (Odland) Thorson. She attended elementary school in Sunburg, MN, and graduated from Glenwood High School in 1967. She continued her education at Mankato State University majoring in Psychology.
On September 12, 1970, Marcia was married to Earl Nordwall at First Lutheran Church in rural New London, MN. Together they owned and operated fine dining restaurants in Minnesota, South Dakota, Colorado, and Serenity's in Trout Lake, Washington. Marcia's passion was entertaining and cooking special dishes especially old family Scandinavian dishes.
Marcia is survived by her niece, Ariel; nephews, Dennis and Jesse; aunt, June Odland of Spicer; cousins Lynette and Dave Cors and family; Lyle and Charlene Bengtson and family; Lenda and Doug Sammons and family; Wayne and Deb Odland and family; and families of the late Lance Bengtson and Gaylon Odland. Marcia was preceded in death by her husband, Earl; father, Alvord; mother, Agnes Mair; and, brothers Larry and Ronald Thorson.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at Crow River Lutheran Church, rural Belgrade, MN.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.