Mareta Helen Maier
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.