Nelda Pearl Potter, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, friend, and life-long Oregon resident passed away on August 19, 2026, at the age of 92 while residing in Florence Oregon. She is survived by her four children: Marc Potter, Paul Potter, Steve Potter and Sheila Blacketer; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was born in The Dalles Oregon on August 24, 1933, to Paul and Alma (Haynes) Benedict. She attended grade school and graduated high school in Dufur Oregon, and then she was accepted to Northwestern Christian College in Eugene Oregon to pursue a degree in education. On October 1, 1955 Nelda married Rodney Gary Potter, a veteran and local sawmill worker. Throughout her life Nelda worked as a Kindergarten teacher, an Avon representative, and as a recorder in the offices of the Dufur Ranger Station and the Dufur City Hall.

Nelda was a spiritual woman who was involved in many church activities, including playing the piano, leading worship during services, and teaching Sunday school. She will be deeply missed by her friends, family, and all who knew her.

There will be a viewing between 2pm – 6pm on September 12th at the Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home located at 1100 Kelly Ave, The Dalles, OR 97058.

A funeral service is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on September 13th at the Dufur Christian Church on 315 Harrison St, Dufur, Oregon. Pastor Tim Fain will officiate.

Marlys Jean Stellingwerf, age 88, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at The Springs at Mill Creek on August 21, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Bryson Jay Jim, age 18, a resident of Warm Springs, OR, passed away August 6, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Stephen James Pratt, age 32, a resident of Madras, OR, passed away August 10, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Don E. Kelsey died August 26, 2026, in The Dalles, Oregon. Born January 1, 1929, in Sheridan, Wyoming. He was the sixth of seven children born to Glen and Viola (Strong) Kelsey. The family left Wyoming shortly after Don was born, following available work, living in Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. He lived on his own from the age of 15, finding work as a logger and farm laborer. In December of 1949, he married Evalyn McGuire in Colfax, Washington and worked there as a farm laborer and then for the highway department. In November of 1950, they moved to The Dalles, where he worked for the highway department and water district. In 1951, they moved to eastern Oregon where Don worked on McNary Dam. They returned to The Dalles in early 1953 where they raised their four children and Don worked for a short time at the Tie Plant and then The Dalles Dam. In October of that year, he began his electrical apprenticeship. Over the years, he did electrical work in town, as well as on the John Day Dam and eventually in Alaska for nearly two years in the mid 1970’s. Don and Evalyn divorced in 1975.

In March of 1976, he married Sue Fleishauer in Reno, Nevada and they moved to Portland. They owned a motel in Portland for a year and a half, but Don continued working in the electrical trade until his retirement in 1991 and they moved to The Dalles. Don built four homes for his family over the years and was known for his large vegetable garden, beautiful flower garden and a strong work ethic. He loved to travel, fish and enjoyed being with his grandchildren.

Don is survived by his wife, Sue; children Diane Kelly, deceased (Doug); Linda Quackenbush (Loyal); David (Wanda) and Steven (Martha). Sue’s children, Lynn Godden; Shanda Wolfe and Laura Pannone; 7 grandchildren, Sara Brandon (Ted) and April Huggler; AJ Quackenbush (Ashlie); Carrie, Sam (Kelsey); Scott (Meagan) Kelsey; and Eric Godden. He is also survived by three great grandchildren, Alice and Liam Quackenbush and Evalyn (Evie) Kelly. His siblings, Grace, Margaret, Betty, Ted, Thelma and Paul predeceased him.

Gary Wayne Kelly, age 68, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on August 29, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Randall Mark Green, age 71, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge August 23, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Samuel Eugene Cobb, age 73, a resident of Tygh Valley, OR, passed away August 29, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Cameron Michael Bostick, age 21, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away August 22, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held at Dufur High School on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Cameron’s name to Dufur School ASB Football. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Beverly J. Ackley Tuttle died peacefully in her sleep on August 11, 2026, at her home.

Beverly was the daughter of Beatrice and Chuck Ackley. She was born in Bingen, Washington, and had an older sister, Betty.

Beverly married David L. Tuttle on February 5, 1955, in North Bonneville, Washington. Together, they bought their first and last home in The Dalles, Oregon, where they built a beautiful life and raised their family. Happily married for more than 70 years, Beverly and David were truly like two peas in a pod. Their love, companionship, and devotion to one another were an inspiration to everyone who knew them.

They had three children: Kim, Kasey, and Jodi.

Beverly was known by her friends and family as a dear and caring woman. Her family and countless friends were her greatest joy. She was very involved in her community and generously gave her time through volunteer work.

Golf, travel, and pinochle were among Beverly’s greatest passions. She loved the game of golf, enjoyed traveling, and cherished the many hours spent playing pinochle with family and friends. She became a grandmother to six and took great pride in her grandchildren. She was a wonderful grandmother and great-grandmother, teaching many of them the rules and etiquette of golf and enjoying watching their sporting events.

Beverly’s generosity, laughter, and endless love touched the lives of so many. She had a way of making people feel loved, welcomed, and valued. She was truly an amazing woman whose presence brought joy to her family, friends, and community.

Beverly will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her beautiful spirit, warm laughter, generous heart, and boundless love will live on in the many lives she touched.

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

Dennis Richard Jarding, age 83, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge on August 17, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Richard Lewis Biggerstaff, born in Nebraska on January 13, 1940, peacefully left this world on August 1, 2026 at Providence Hospital in Hood River, Oregon, at age 86, subsequent to a series of strokes after several years of declining health. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Leitha Biggerstaff, and his siblings, Joanne Biggerstaff Keough and Rodney Biggerstaff.  

Richard, who was known for most of his life as Dick but more recently as Rich, moved with his parents and siblings at an early age to Richland, Washington. He attended Lewis and Clark Elementary, Carmichael Junior High, and graduated in 1958 from Richland’s Columbia High School. He attended CBC, then finished his degree in geology at the University of Washington. He pursued his masters degree in geological engineering at the University of Idaho.

Rich married his neighborhood girlfriend, Sally Hatcher, June 13, 1964 at Richland Lutheran Church. They had three sons together, Thad in 1969, Chet in 1971, and Matt in 1972.  

His work took the family all over the country, including to Oregon, California, Delaware, Texas, Missouri, and Washington. In 1993 they returned to Richland, where Rich worked for several different contractors at Hanford. In 2003, he and Sally purchased 21 acres outside of Goldendale, Washington. They commuted from Richland on weekends to work on establishing a hobby farm and home in the country. A few years later, when Sally retired from teaching and Rich retired as a geological engineer, they relocated there permanently. Rich then obtained his real estate license, and for several years helped many other people find their homes away from city life. 

Rich was excellent at using his hands. He was a wonderful woodworker, producing everything from small carved items to coffee tables to hunting bows to kayaks. He also was a Mr. Fix It, who was disgruntled if he had to hire someone to do any job he could not do himself.

He is survived by Sally, his wife of 62 years, at their home in Goldendale, son Thad of Yakima, son Chet (and companion, Anne) of Goldendale, son Matt (who has been Rich and Sally‘s helper and caregiver since 2019) at their home in Goldendale. Other survivors include granddaughter Kylee Biggerstaff and a great-granddaughter Khalia Biggerstaff in Federal Way, sisters-in-law Darlene Hatcher Tverberg in Pennsylvania, and Lynn-Marie Hatcher Peashka in Richland, three nieces, five nephews, and 12 great nieces and nephews. 

Rich loved nature and hiking. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Washington Trails Association, 705 2nd Ave., Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98104, or online at www.wta.org 

Messages of condolence may be sent to 2257 Glenwood Hwy, Goldendale WA 98620
or smbigger3@gmail.com .
Per his wishes, there will be no services.

Merl Eugene Sanders, age 70, a resident of Goldendale, WA, passed away at Columbia Basin Care Facility on August 5, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Stephen Paul Bisset, the seventh child of Alexis Paul and Marian (Vanderpool) Bisset, passed away May 27, 2026, at Desired for Healing in Pendleton, Oregon, after a long battle with epilepsy.

Steve was the youngest of seven children, with a twenty-year span between him and his oldest sibling. He lived the majority of his life on his parents’ farm on Wolf Run Ridge.

Steve was a bit of a wild child, especially during his high school years at what he referred to as “Dufur Tech,” along with his close friend Dave. Scott pursued common interests with Steve throughout many rebellious years.

Steve enjoyed hunting deer, “diggers,” and fishing. After losing his mother at the young age of 23, he spent many years with his dad working on the farm, changing sprinkler pipes and hauling in hay. He also spent countless hours cutting, hauling, splitting, and carrying in wood among the oaks and pines that surrounded him.

He is survived by his brothers, Tom and John Bisset; sisters Mary Thompson, Margaret Novak, and Barbara Bisset; sister-in-law Sandy Bisset and Carol Bisset; fourteen nieces and nephews; and much extended family.

His horse, Scout, and dog, Peetie, preceded him in death, as did his grandparents, parents, brother James Bisset, and nephews Gregory Alan Bisset and Gerald Thomas McCann.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, August 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home, with a Committal Service following at 4:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery.

We will remember you always, “Tiny.”

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

Robert McNary passed away on August 10, 2026, at Adventist Hospital in The Dalles,

Oregon. Bob lived to see his 90th birthday, the first in his immediate family to do so.

Robert Jackson McNary was born May 29, 1936, near Brown City, Michigan. His

parents were Howard and Clara Bina McNary. Raised on a farm, he milked cows twice

a day and graduated from High School on his 17th birthday. Bob spent two years in the

Army, stationed in Berlin, Germany. The country was still recovering from the ravages of

World War Two, so Bob became a heavy equipment operator, learning the fine art of dirt

moving and road building. After leaving the service, Bob came to Oregon looking for

construction work. He found much to do. He worked for a time for the Corps of

Engineers and learned dynamite skills while helping complete the Lyle tunnels on

Highway 14. In the 1970’s Bob took a job in road construction with J.C. Compton

Company from McMinnville Oregon and retired from traveling around the countryside in

2000.

Bob married Virginia Turner on July 29, 1963. She was a young widow with two small

children to raise. Bob was up for the task. He was a volunteer Scoutmaster, served on

various church committees and served the city of The Dalles on the Landmark

Commission. He was often seen volunteering in the booth for the Wasco County

Democrats and in the High School looking to register young voters.

Bob loved working outside. He enjoyed his tulip garden that many people viewed while

traveling up or down Brewery Grade. He was the master of the hillside.

Bob is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ginny, their children Dave Turner and wife

Paula, Linda Kuciauskas and husband Matthew, Sally McNary Forster and husband

Scott, his sister Joice Fredenburgh and her husband David, and his sister-in-law Sandra

McNary. Grandson Max Turner, wife Payla and granddaughter Autumn. He also leaves

several nieces and nephews in Michigan and Montana. He was preceded in death by

grandson Joseph Kuciauskas.

A Celebration of Bob’s life will be on Friday, August 21st at the First United Methodist

Church 305 East 11th St. The Dalles, Oregon at 11 a.m. Viewing and visitation will take

place at Spencer Libby and Powell on Thursday, August 20th from 2-6 p.m.

Memorial contributions can be made to Columbia Gorge Community College

Foundation 400 East Scenic Drive, The Dalles, OR 97058.

Linda Rae (Kuhn) Lorenzen, born on January 5, 1944, in La Grande, Oregon, passed away on August 17, 2026. Linda was the daughter of Merton and Vadna Kuhn and sister of Donna Kay Trussell. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jay Lorenzen, and her dear puppy, Mocha.

Linda graduated from La Grande High School in 1962, and Eastern Oregon College in 1963. She married Jay Dee Lorenzen on September 1, 1963. They shared life and family together for 30 years until his untimely passing in 1995. She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Albrecht, and son, Jeff Lorenzen, as well as five grandchildren, Kathleen (and Calvin Sawyer), Jake, Sirius, Violet and Porter, and one great grandchild, Leo.

Like so many other parts of her life, Linda spent her career helping others, first as a secretary at the Oregon Highway Department and at the University of Oregon, and later as a learning assistant at The Dalles Junior High, and finally as the President’s Secretary at Columbia Gorge Community College. She officially retired in 2001, but continued to serve and support others for the last 25 years. For many years, Linda and her dog Mocha were familiar volunteers at Mid Columbia Medical Center.

Linda’s faith and commitment to her Lord was the foundation of her time, whether with the Monday Night Bible Study ladies or morning meditation with her sweet black kitty. Through the years, she attended Longview Community Church, First Christian Church, Hood River Alliance Church, and Gateway Presbyterian Church, and was grateful for the fellowship at each.

Linda loved reading, puzzles, building LEGO creations, and her family, though not necessarily in that order. She also loved bringing people together, which she did right up to the end.

The family will host a Celebration of Life at Spooky's Pizza, located at 3320 W Sixth Street, on September 12, 2026, at 2:00 PM. Be sure to wear purple, red, or yellow, and be ready to share stories, laughs, and tears as we remember our Linda Rae.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Springs at Mill Creek and Providence Hospice of the Gorge, and special thanks to all of her wonderful friends who shared their time with her.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Linda's memory to Friends Of The Dalles-Wasco County Public Library or Providence Hospice of the Gorge.

Michael Wayne Keene, age 63, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge on August 13, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Daniel Schmidling, age 67, 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.

Ross McKechnie was born on Oct. 29, 1948, in Portland. He was the first of four children born to Floyd and Virginia (Farrell) McKechnie. He started first grade at Pleasant Valley Elementary, then to Centennial High School, Multnomah Jr. College, and Portland State.

Ross started working as a dance promoter, running weekly rock and roll dances at D Street featuring local and national bands. He expanded with more venues in the greater metro area. Ross was in the Oregon National Guard, worked for Portland Terminal Railroad, started Romac Corporation, and worked in commercial real estate.

He was a Cub Scout and then achieved Life rank and Order of the Arrow in the Boy Scouts. Ross attended the 1960 National Jamboree in Colorado, and with his dad as a leader, went to Philmont Scout Ranch. He grew up going to annual Powell-Propst family reunions, honoring the pioneer family’s treks to Oregon in 1851 and 1852. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Ross married Rebecca Wolf in 1974; they later divorced. He is survived by his two children, Benjamin (Portland) and Jennifer Oukherfalla (London), and four grandchildren; sisters April Ober and Merry Anna Mucken; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Scott.

Many people will remember Ross’s big smile, his laughter, and generosity. He could tell great jokes and always had a very positive attitude. “It’ll all work out.”

A celebration of life will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday, August 16, at Lakeside Gardens, 16211 SE Foster Road. Please share memories and photos, and let us know if you plan to attend. RSVP to april.ober@gmail.com

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

Matthew David Edley, age 44, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away on July 31, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.