Our family mourns the loss of Lawrence Black, Jr., 72, of The Dalles, who passed away on July 26th.

Larry Black, Jr. was born to Lawrence Sr and Barbara Black, July 23rd, 1952, in Renton, WA, joining big sister Meredith. When his dad left Boeing for civil service, the family moved to Alaska, where Bonnie was born. Next, they were called to Guam, a young boy’s paradise, where he played “Mowgli” in the jungle!   Meredith remembers being proud as Larry bravely went forward to receive Jesus as his Savior and asked for baptism at eight years old. He never wavered in his faith in God. Littlest sister Lori Ann remembers him always giving her a ride whether it be by piggyback, horseback, or on a bicycle. He taught her to ride bikes and ponies with the best of ‘em!

Moving to The Dalles, OR, after his Dad went into real estate, Larry became a “jack of all trades,” as he helped his folks with the rentals.

Larry’s love of animals led him to raise and show German Shepherds and sheep in 4H. A great passion of his was riding spirited horses and motorcycles. Naturally mechanical, he tinkered on bikes, vehicles and tractors his whole life.

Larry, Jr. graduated from Wahtonka High School in 1971, going on to Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham. He became a welder and skilled heavy equipment operator, excelling in the field.  At one point while working as a foreman in Madras, Oregon he was offered an great opportunity but it meant moving the family to Montana.  He chose to stay close to family and continued life in Oregon where he had met his sweetheart Sharon Brace.  They met in 1972 and it wasn’t long after they were married at a little church in Cannon Beach, Oregon in 1975.  They were blessed with six children, Charissa, Larry III, Andrew, Davin, Sharyl and Alvin. Son Davin was tragically lost in 2007.

Larry was always very proud of his children and their accomplishments.

His grandchildren, Rylee, Taevin, Koby, Serenity, Casey, Alexia, Lilyana, Ariana, Samantha, Alejandra, Briana, Sterling and Alvin, Jr. were a great source of pride and joy. Larry enjoyed a big family BBQ, horseplay with the grandkids, and would most times end up with one of the littles falling asleep on his lap.

Larry loved to read, researching many topics such as natural health, which he shared in hopes of helping others. He was helping Bonnie on a project when the Lord called him home. Larry will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Go rest high on that mountain, Larry.

Larry is survived by his spouse Sharon, children Charissa & Terry, Larry III & Tiffany, Andrew & Carolyn, Sharyl & Oscar, and Alvin & Seth, grandchildren Rylee, Taevin, Koby, Serenity, Casey, Alexia, Lilyana, Ariana, Samantha, Alejandra, Briana, Sterling, and Alvin, Jr.; siblings Meredith, Bonnie, and Lori Ann; and other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lawrence Sr & Barbara Black, brother-in-law Alan Hare, and beloved son Davin Black

A visitation will be August 17th from 1-3pm at Spencer Libby & Powell Funeral Home, followed by a memorial gathering at Bargeway Pub from 4-6pm. Burial will be at Odd Fellows Cemetery at a later date.

Mary Ann Meyer age 94, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away July 20, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Mary Patricia Pierce-Anderson age 74, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away July 25, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Lennie Dale Williams age 48, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away July 26, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Mary Ann Meyer (Schlichting), aged 94 years, peacefully passed away in her home, July 20, 2024.  She was born in Minot, North Dakota, September 29, 1929, to Adolph and Bessie Schlichting (Carlson), which was the first year of the twelve-year-long Great Depression. Her family moved several times for her father’s job opportunities, which varied from businessman to teacher and education administrator. The family moved to The Dalles just before Mary Ann’s senior year of high school.

Mary Ann came from a musical family and was blessed with a beautiful singing voice.  She was untrained until a junior high music teacher recognized her talent. After school, they worked together on improving Mary Ann's breathing techniques. This teacher was a gift to her future.  After graduating from The Dalles High School, she entered St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, where she earned her degree in Home Economics. She was the only freshman invited to sing in the renowned 75-voice St. Olaf Choir, the premier traveling a cappella choral ensemble at St. Olaf and was a member of the choir all four years of college.   This was truly an honor!

 She taught home economics formally for one year in Minnesota after graduating, but then in 1952, returned to The Dalles to marry the love of her life, Wilson J. Meyer-- an orchardist who had many visions and was a Jack-of-all-trades. They had three children together:  Pam, Caryl, and David.  All married, all had children, and over the years they enlarged Mary Ann's role from mother to grandmother to great grandmother. Wilson predeceased her in 1994, at the age of 81.

 Mary Ann was a full-time farmer’s wife and mother taking on all the duties thereof with energy and joy. She had a work ethic and a knack for organization that was second to none. She was interested in community and was an active member for many years of the local chapter of the AAUW (American Association of University Women), serving as President for two of the years.

 She was also, throughout her life, an active member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church and took pride in she and Wilson being the first couple to be married in the newly constructed building at 10th and Union. In the early years, she directed the children’s “Carol Choir.” Along with her husband, Wilson, they initiated and piloted the teen church youth group in Bible studies with various projects and activities in the new church. She led the church in putting on glorious “Mother/Daughter Teas” for several years with inventive and complex programs to entertain the attendants from the church and community. Later, she presided through the church over the local organization of WELCA (Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) and was accepted as a lifelong board member. She also presided over the Women’s Mt. Hood Cluster of the ELCA Oregon Synod. She sang with her beautiful voice everywhere and all the time, including in the church choir, continuing to sing throughout the rest of her life up to and including the choir’s monthly performance this past March.

She was an excellent cook and having a Scandinavian background, lefse, flatbrod, Swedish pancakes, and Krumkake were “tradition” and treats all the family enjoyed. Mary Ann had many other interests, hobbies, and talents as well, including swimming, exquisite sewing and quilting, gardening, the interior design for the two homes she lived in, both constructed by Wilson, and lastly, a new hobby of drying flowers and using them for cards to send for special communications.  Everyone loved receiving those beautiful cards and the wonderful handwritten letters they always contained.  Mary Ann was a gifted and treasured correspondent to many. She wrote as she spoke – her warmth, wit, and love of life and others rang through in every phrase.

 Above all else, her faith and trust in the Lord filled her every day.  She relished Bible study, church services, daily devotions, and believed in the power of “LOVE.”  From a brief memoir she wrote of her life for Zion’s newsletter, The Voice, in 2020, she stated:  “Love has no bounds.  I pray for Christ's continued guidance through challenges that we, all of us, face today.  And I pray for LOVE of, and peace for our families, friends, and -- all humanity.”

 Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Fred and Jim, and her beloved husband, Wilson. She is survived by her children Pam (Mike) Riise, Caryl Brewbaker, and Dave (Dana) Meyer; her grandchildren Tanya, Matt, Kelsey (Jake), Erin (Aaron), Dayna (Tom), Brita, Brenna (Bryan), and Luisa (Jaydn); great-grandchildren Kaley, Donovan, Thea, Roslyn, Lara, Liam, Emery, and Rowan; and numerous nieces and nephews.

 Mary Ann, you have lived life fully and have been faithful to Christ to the end. You will be forever loved and admired for what you have given us.  Thank you. Rest in Peace.

 A memorial service for Mary Ann will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Zion Lutheran Church, 101 W. 10th Street, The Dalles, Oregon. Memorials in Mary Ann’s honor may be made to Zion and designated towards the music program or quilting group.

Frank "Gabby" S. Nelson Jr, 77, died May 20, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born January 2, 1947, in Rockford Illinois to Frank and Greta Nelson. He was the middle brother between Nancy and Beth.

After high school, Frank joined the US Air Force, where he earned the name "Gabby" for his quiet nature.

Always fascinated with rocks, after the Air Force, he enrolled at Northern Arizona University, where he studied geology. He could tell you the name of any rock or mineral you could ever come across. He was an engineer for the US Forest Service in Arizona, but in his soul, he was a hard rock miner.

While at NAU, he married Becky Cooper. They had 2 children, Ron and Gillian. They divorced in 1979.

In the early 1980s, Gabby moved to the PNW to study natural healing. He became a Licensed Massage Therapist in 1984 and moved to Olympia, Washington. After practicing massage therapy for many years, he became interested in the practice of  Jin Shin Jyutsu, the ancient art of energy healing. He owned a Jin Shin Jyutsu practice until his retirement.

He was an avid outdoorsman, preferring to be outside in the garden, hiking to find cool rocks, cross country skiing, kayaking, or traveling. Many a winter vacation was spent along the Washington coast or playing in the snow.

He is survived by his children, Ron and Janie Nelson of The Dalles and Gillian Nelson of Dufur; ex-wife and longtime friend, Becky Nelson of The Dalles; grandchildren Caleb and Megan Nelson of The Dalles and Alex and Hannah Labenske of Dufur; younger sister and brother-in-law Beth and John Watson of Lacey, WA, and several nieces, nephews, and great-neices and nephews. He is also survived by his life-long Air Force buddies, Mike (Star) de Leon and Bill George, his second ex-wife, Ilene, and many other friends. He is predeceased by his parents, older sister Nancy Malm and her husband Dave, and granddaughter Abby Grace Labenske. 

A family celebration will take place at a later time.

Steven Leroy Meador, age 62, a resident of Tygh Valley, OR, passed away July 15, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Rosalind “Timinsh” Charley Sampson, age 73, a resident of Warm Springs, OR, passed away July 14, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Joyce Anna Hickerson, age 97, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away July 16, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

What a life! Helen Mary Rose Zwick was born at home in the Bronx, in New York City, on March 25, 1922 to Anna Silinski Zwick and Nicholas Zwick, both immigrants to this country, Helen passed peacefully in her sleep on July 10, 2024, at the age of 102. Helen and her younger sister Millie were avid skaters, and one day in 1941, Helen met a young man in uniform at the skating rink; Hobart Lynch. Shortly before Hobart shipped out to fight in WWII, Helen and Hobie became engaged. He made arrangements with a local florist to deliver one dozen roses to Helen every month while he was overseas. By the time Hobart returned home from Europe in July, after the war ended, Helen had received 39 dozen roses. Hobart and Helen married on August 26, 1945, and began their life together in New York. Their first child Patricia, arrived in July 1946. Michael was born in July the following year. From then on, another child arrived about every year and a half or so, until by 1964 there were ten! For several years the growing Lynch family traversed from New York to Oregon, then back again to Massachusetts, New York and Florida, until finally they returned to the best place: Oregon. Hobart was a carpenter and The Dalles was a bustling place in the 1950s and 60s with the building of The Dalles dam, new housing and a big aluminum plant. They put down roots. While Hobart worked as a skilled carpenter, Helen worked at jobs with hours that allowed her to be home when the kids got home from school. She may have worked a graveyard shift at a nursing home, but when the kids got off the bus, there would often be warm cake or cookies waiting for them as an after school snack. By the 1980s her kids were mostly grown and Helen was able to give more time to the community doing what she did best; helping others. She worked with the Community Action Project, helping people find jobs, housing, home weatherization, and other basic human needs. In 1983 The Dalles was one of many communities suffering through a recession and some people had difficulty getting food. Her experience with her children and the example of Jesus gave Helen the simple insight that when people are hungry, you feed them! Helen and several other people organized a community meal, provided, cooked and served by local groups that welcomed everyone who needed a good hot meal. It became a regular feature. Helen volunteered to help cook and serve at the meals until she was well into her 90s. She was able to join in as the Community Meal celebrated its 40th Anniversary in October 2023. Helen was a dedicated member of St Peter’s Catholic Church in The Dalles, beginning when it was in the original landmark church in town. She volunteered for years with several community based groups including St Vincent de Paul. Helen practiced her faith daily with love, patience, kindness and nonjudgmental acceptance of people as they are. When Helen was mostly retired, she spent lots of time with her grandkids, especially in the summers. Highlights included swimming at Horsethief Lake, picking huckleberries on the slopes of Mt Adams, canning cherries, making fruit dumplings, enjoying leisurely pancake breakfasts, even wading up Oneonta Creek to the waterfall! Helen and Hobie raised ten pretty decent human beings, and they all, with their amazing partners, survive her: Patricia, Michael (Fran), Maureen, Gail (Steve), Carol (Paul), Richard, Timothy (Lisa), Christine (Kevin), Nicholas (Tara) and Millie. They live mostly in the Pacific NW in Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Helen embraced an ever changing number of biological, borrowed, adopted and step grandchildren, great grandchildren, and even great-great grandchildren! Helen survived the loss of her parents, sister Millie, husband Hobie and grandsons Philip and Eric. Hobie passed away in 1994, not quite 50 years after they married. Helen faced this major change in her life by volunteering even more hours to community and charity work. Helen could be counted on to be calm in the midst of chaos. She was kind and loving, even when people disappointed her. Her outlook was positive and upbeat when others found reason to be discouraged. When asked if she wanted to try something new, her response was “Why Not?” (except for jalapeños) Helen’s daughter Christine and her son in law Kevin in Vancouver WA provided loving and devoted care for Helen as she required more assistance and care. They opened their hearts and opened their doors to Helen and her entourage of visitors. Kevin crafted a connection between Helen and a large following on Facebook and Instagram by posting Helen’s latest adventures and advice under the hashtag #belikeHelen. Her trusty four legged sidekick Tor was with her every step of the way. Helen’s many family, friends, and fans will miss her. And perhaps Tor will miss her most of all. Helen donated countless hours to organizations that provide support and dignity to people. Volunteers are the heart and soul of these organizations, and they are also grateful for donation of items and monetary contributions. Helen’s favorites include The Dalles Community Meal, St Vincent de Paul, and Meals on Wheels in The Dalles; and A Caring Closet, Clark County Food Bank, and Meals on Wheels People in Vancouver WA.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church August 6, 2024, at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at the IOOF Cemetery 2565 Three Mile Rd, The Dalles, OR. A reception at St. Peter’s Catholic Church will follow the burial.

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

Jean Mahala Bucher, age 86, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away July 4, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Agnes Helen Kenslow, age 105, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away July 1, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Doris Ann Bernys, age 89, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away June 30, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Marilyn Wong was born on January 22, 1954, the 4th child and first girl to parents Shung and Yuk Chu Wong.  Marilyn attended Petersburg and graduated from Wahtonka.  She graduated from Oregon State University School of Pharmacy. 

During her younger years, Marilyn and her siblings worked on the farm owned by her parents.  She earned enough money to pay for college as most of her siblings did.  Marilyn did her internship at Davies Rexall Drugs.  After she received her pharmacy license, Marilyn continued to work at Davies.  In March of 1981, Marilyn was hired by Fred Meyers in The Dalles.  She continued her career as a pharmacist, manager (head pharmacist) and then part-time pharmacist for 42 + years.  Marilyn was a leader in our community and a great example for many pharmacy students, interns and technicians. 

As 42+ years working at Fred Meyer wasn’t keeping her busy enough, Marilyn volunteered her time for many community activities.  A few of the activities were a pharmacy adviser for Hospice, budget committee member for two terms at Columbia Gorge Community College, and spearheaded Fred Meyer team for the Festival of Trees for several years.  Marilyn participated in walks for March of Dimes, ACS Making Strides, Susan B Komen Breast Cancer Walk, Portland Grand Floral Parade Pre-walk and the Junior Parade for Fred Meyer, and many more.  Her most passionate volunteer work was for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, promoting research, education, advocacy and services.  She started the Fred Meyer Family and Friends team that participated in Hood River for four years and then spearheaded a new relay site in The Dalles in 2001.  Eventually Hood River and The Dalles merged into one event, Relay for Life of Mid-Columbia.  Marilyn also liked to help with decorating floats for the Portland Rose Festival.  In addition to her many volunteer activities, Marilyn enjoyed traveling to South America, Asia, Japan, Europe, OSU bowl games, and Portland Winterhawks’ Booster Club trips.  Her other passions included being a member of The Bonsai Society in Portland, and activities associated with Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society.

Marilyn was an inspiration to all who knew her and her presence in the community will be missed.  

Marilyn passed away on May 31, 2024, at OHSU after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Shung and Yuk Chu Wong.  Marilyn is survived by her brothers: Hang, Bing, Ping, John, and her sister, Sandra. 

Marilyn’s Celebration of Life will be July 12 starting at 5:45 PM at Columbia Gorge Discovery Center.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society in memory of Marilyn. 

Hattie Ann “Toots” Schmidt passed away June 27, 2024 at the age of 93. She was born January 27, 1931 in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  Toots was the first of five children born to Hattie (Taylor) Howatt and Elmer Howatt.  As with most families during the depression, the Howatts struggled.  Mom often told of fanning smoke pots in the house to keep mosquitos at bay while her mom cooked.

 In 1943 the family moved to Oregon to work in the shipyards in Portland. After living in Portland briefly and then Vanport (before the flood), they moved to Sandy, OR.  Toots graduated from Sandy High School in 1948.  Shortly thereafter Toots met Morris Schmidt at a dance.  They married Oct 16, 1948, six weeks after meeting and settled south of Mosier, OR.

 Morris and Toots accumulated property in the area, eventually running a cattle ranch outside of Mosier. The lifestyle included a lot of hard work and cold winters but was infused with a steady stream of family and friends who considered the ranch a getaway and loved spending time with Morris’ stories and Toot’s cooking.  Toots often helped buck hay in between making three huge meals for the family and ranch hands (this may explain the unrelenting back pain she suffered later in life.)

After selling most of the ranch in 1969, the Schmidts moved “closer to town”.  Here they continued to raise four kids and settled into a much easier lifestyle. Toots worked for a while outside the home, including a stint as an electrician at the Marlette Manufactured Home facility in The Dalles. She perfected her counted cross-stitch, traveled most of the US, collected ironstone china, and spent time with friends at the Elks and Eagles. 

Toots is preceded in death by her husband, Morris Schmidt, and her daughter, Beverly Schmidt. She is survived by her children Darrel "Butch" (Audra) Schmidt, Doris Schmidt, Ron (Carina) Schmidt, Maxine Myers, and grandchildren Brooke Schmidt, Chad Schmidt and Gavin Schmidt. Per her wishes the services will be private with a public celebration of life being held in late July.  

Juventina Rodriguez Hernandez, age 74, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away June 18, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Elton LeRoy Fadness, age 88, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away June 22, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Darlena “Dee” May Hill, born on April 8, 1940 to Dorothy and Nyle Hill and a life-time resident of The Dalles, OR passed away on June 17, 2024 with her family by her side.  Dee attended The Dalles High School where she met Darrell Hill, who became her sweetheart and lifelong partner.  The two began their lives as a married couple on June 15, 1958.  As they started their love story, everyone who met Dee knew that she had married her best friend as they completed each other. 

Over the years of service to the community of City of The Dalles and Wasco County, Dee was often in the front seat of Darrell’s car tossing candy out to children in parades.  To say the two were inseparable would be an understatement.  As Darrell retired they started to travel around the United States exploring genealogy and fulfilling their love of adventure.  Dee and Darrell also loved to take pictures of community events, travels, family and friends. 

The Hill family expanded with daughters DeAnna Hill and Debbie Hill (Loomis).  As a young family the Hill’s liked to go camping.  Dee loved traveling the world with her daughters and visiting grandchildren.   Dee and Darrell also opened their home to many children and youth through serving as foster parents for the State child welfare system and youth with disabilities.  They served as house parents for the Community Attention Home before the closing in 2005.

Dee worked in office settings as Office Manager, bookkeeper, and personnel manager for several businesses and the City of The Dalles.  She was a dedicated public employee and was the first female employee at the city treatment plant.  Dee was always blazing a trail for others. 

Dee served on The Dalles City Council and was Darrell’s right hand when he ran and was elected Wasco County Sheriff.  As Dee states, this cannot just be about her as for over 58 years they were life partners and together they loved and supported each other.

Dee is survived by her daughter DeAnna Hill (Mark), of Anchorage, AK, daughter Debbie Loomis (Brady), Gig Harbor, WA, two sisters, Donna Smith (Richard), Loretta Commander (Jerry), one brother, Joe Hill, four grandchildren, Britney Bass (Matt), Garrett Loomis (Trish), Greyson Loomis (Meressa), Grant Loomis (Amber), and eight great-grandchildren.  Dee is preceded in death by her husband Darrell Hill, parents, and three brothers.

A celebration of life will be planned at a later date.  Memorial contributions can be made to the Heart of Hospice.

August Jimmy Law, age 68, a resident of The Dalles, OR and Wishram, WA, passed away June 18, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Chris Robert Flint, age 68, a resident of White Salmon, WA, passed away June 23, 2024. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.