Joshua Carl Olsen, age 37, a resident of The Dalles, passed away at OHSU on May 26, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Judith Marie Brackenbury, age 73, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge on May 27, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Jora Jean Benson Phetteplace, age 83, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on May 20, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Jack Allan Curry, age 77, a resident of Maupin, OR, passed away at home May 17, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Michael Shawn Duncan, age 52, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away May 4, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Caysen Lee Jensen, age 3, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge on May 17, 2025. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, 10 AM at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home with a Graveside Service to follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery on Cherry Heights Road at Noon. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Wayne Harris Stout, age 79, a resident of Maupin, OR, passed away at home on May 12, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Jo Ann (Tenney) Fisher, 72, unexpectedly passed away May 9, 2025, at her home in The Dalles, Oregon with her husband Rusty by her side.
Jo Ann was born on May 30, 1952, in Hood River, Oregon to Joe William Tenney and Ethel Mae Tenney. She is survived by her husband R. Rust (Rusty) Fisher of The Dalles, her brother Mike Tenney of Monmouth, Oregon (Val), sister Barb Hosford (Mitch) of Hood River, Oregon stepbrothers: Bob Walden (Connie), Bill Walden, Greg Walden (Mylene), and Anthony Walden, Marta Simons and Hannah Simons. Pet survivors include canine companions, Hanz and Fritz. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Lewis Wixon.
Jo Ann spent much of her life working in Hawaii and Alaska before returning to The Dalles in the late 1990s. For 11 years she managed a store in Mililani, Hawaii before moving to Anchorage, Alaska where for 17 years she worked for the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority in real estate and finance. When she moved back to The Dalles, she went to work for Columbia River Bank, and for many years led Jazzercize classes at the Civic Center.
Jo Ann attended elementary, junior high and high school in The Dalles and graduated from Puyallup High School in Puyallup, Washington in 1970. She attended Pacific Lutheran University.
Growing up she was a competitive swim team athlete, perfecting the individual medley, breaststroke, and freestyle races, achieving state records in La Grande, Oregon. She was a cheerleader and participated in The Dalles Booster Club and loved mountain skiing, sang in small and large groups, and played instruments in the band, such as glockenspiel, clarinet and bass clarinet.
In retirement, she stayed very active riding bikes, playing the ukulele with friends and family, jazzercising, sewing quilts and with her amazing crafting projects. She gave back to the community with service on The Dalles Planning Commission and as a volunteer and treasurer with the Habitat for Humanity. She also helped with the Holiday Festival of Trees.
She and Rusty celebrated nine years of marriage in April. They created a beautiful life together. They enjoyed traveling and spending time at their cabin in Wrightwood, California.
A private, family burial is planned for next month at Idlewilde Cemetery in Hood River. Her wish was that in lieu of flowers, please make donations to Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 378 The Dalles, or online at https://columbiagorgehabitat.org/giving-to-habitat
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements
Gerine Minnette Mackey, known as Geri, passed away peacefully in her home on May 15, 2025. Geri and her sister Jackie were born September 9, 1962, to Ceila and Jack Lorts in Norwalk California.
From an early age Geri was adventurous, whether it was performing with her parents or cooking up mischief with her sister, Geri was determined to succeed in everything she did. When the girls were 11, Geri's family relocated to Douglas County Oregon. Geri attended high school at South Umpqua Highschool and graduated from Canyonville Bible Academy in 1980.
Geri's first love was musical theater, she attended college at Southern Oregon University and Umpqua Community College, where she studied theater. Geri spent many years active in UACT community theater in Douglas County. She also participated in and won many karaoke contests and spent several years in the choir at Roseburg First United Methodist Church.
In 2002 Geri and her children relocated to The Dalles, where she called home for the rest of her life. She was active in recovery programs for the first many years. She worked at Dennys, where she was well known for her wonderful service and community connections. Geri was a tender-hearted woman with a deep, deep passion to see equality the world. She was an advocate for women, LGBTQ, the homeless and countless other persecuted persons and groups. Always clad in dresses of pink, purple and tye dye. Geri never missed a festival or gathering, but she was always the happiest when she was rooting for her Niners. One of her greatest joys was watching NFL 49ers football with her children and grandchildren, especially her grandson Timmy with whom she even got to attend a game, a lifelong goal.
Geri is survived by her children, Ashara, Aubrey, Olivia, Portia and bonus children Ronald, Drew, Brendon and Margaret, her mother Celia, and her sisters Jacqueline and Virginia, as well as her grandchildren Kendra, Malachi, Jestina, Jeremiah, Jemini, Timothy, Alyson, August, Bennett, Atticus, Celia, Kaydence, Skylar, Carson and Zoey. She was preceded in death by her daughter Alyssa, husband Bill and father Jack.
A lover of music, theater sports and community, but most of all her family, Geri will be missed beyond words. Her love, passions and legacy will live on forever in her children and grandchildren for generations to come.
A Celebration of Life will be held May 31, 2025, 2:00 p.m. at The Dalles First United Methodist Church, 305 E. 11th Street, The Dalles, Oregon. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Lee Kaseberg 85, of Wasco, unexpectedly died Wednesday, May 7, 2025, during a medical procedure. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, June 7 at 1pm at the Sherman School gym in Moro. Referees are asked to wear their stripes. Instead of flowers, donations are suggested to The Dalles Meals on Wheels, PO Box 689, The Dalles OR 97058.
Lee was born November 29, 1939, to Paulen and Margilee Morse Kaseberg, and lived almost all of his life on or near the homestead property west of Wasco. He and siblings Terry and Alice grew up surrounded by many cousins and extended family. Lee and cousin Larry went to the 1953 National Boy Scout Jamboree in California, and Lee returned home knowing how to play poker.
Lee attended Wasco Grade School, Moro High School, and in 1957 was part of the first class to graduate from the consolidated high school. His only time living out of Sherman County, Lee moved to Eugene to major in History at the University of Oregon, "where in my junior year I found a cute Sigma Kappa by the name of Karen".
Lee and Karen were married August 19, 1961, and have three children: Cindy, Brett, and Deron. He welcomed their spouses into the family: Charley Brown, Tina Kaseberg and Twila Kaseberg. Lee was actively involved in the lives of his children and truly loved being a grandparent. He always thought "great grandpa" was an adjective, not just a title. His pride and joy: Justin Brown and Amanda Richey with Eva and Dutcher; Stanton Brown; Riley Brown; Stephanie Kaseberg and Bryan Vanek with Ryder; Stacy and Steven Kane with Harper, Henry and Hayden; Shelby Kaseberg and Brandon Gosson with Colt; Hollee and Kaleb Sperry; Hunter Kaseberg; Eric and Megan Temple with Dallas (and one on the way); Jacob and Jordan Temple with Lincoln and Delaney; and Alison Kaseberg Worth and Dylan Worth.
Lee was always very community minded. He was a 65-year member of the BPOE Elks in The Dalles and a life member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, helping with fundraisers and activities. These included The Dalles Meals on Wheels and concessions at the Wasco County Fairgrounds. Lee also supported 4-H and FFA youth for 50+ years, helping at livestock weigh-ins for local shows and fairs, and donating at the livestock auctions.
He coached baseball at the youth and high school levels in Sherman County and Maupin, and coached all three of his kids, a future son-in-law, and one grandson. As a young couple, Lee and Karen attended many OSU-UofO civil war games, rain or shine. He always cheered for Oregon and was grumpy duck at dinner if the Beavers won the game.
Lee began as a basketball referee at age 40 and football at age 60. When he retired from officiating in 2020, he was one of the oldest active referees in the state. In 2015, OAOA awarded him State Football Official of the Year. People have called him "The Teaching Referee" due to his focus on helping youth learn. Lee was a fixture at the OSAA state 1A basketball tournament in Baker City. Once in 1988 as a referee, and many years managing the hospitality room for the referees.
As part of the Sherman County Barnstormers community theatre group, Lee served on the board, helped build sets, directed several plays, acted and chaired the casino nights. He never needed a mike on stage.
As a farmer with his father and brother as K-3 Ranches, Lee was a life member of the Oregon Wheat League, served on the Sherman Co-op Board, and received the OSU Diamond Pioneer Award in 2013. A recycler all his life, in 1990 Lee started the Sherman County Recycling Program near the Wasco Farm Store. He generously donated the proceeds to youth organizations, school activities and special projects. The Association of Oregon Recyclers awarded him "Recycler of the Year" as special recognition in 1996.
His hobbies have always included playing cards, drinking coffee, eating chocolate chip cookies and ice cream with Nesquik on top, telling stories, hunting, spending time at the cabin in Wallowa County and his lifetime love of the Dodgers. He was quite a creature of habit, always stopping at the same restaurants and rest areas on every drive he made to Eastern Oregon or Portland. Lee was a one-in-a-million guy and quite a character.
Delia Ortega Lopez, age 88, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on May 13, 2025. A Viewing/Visitation will be May 18, 2025, 6 pm at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home, Rosary will be May 19, 2025, 12:30 pm at St. Peter’s Catholic Church with Funeral Mass at 1:00 PM and Graveside Service to follow. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Marjorie Ann Stevenson, age 88, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away at home on May 13, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home on June 27, 2025, at 1 pm. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Mildred Lee Deg, 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, May 9, 2025. She was born Mildred Lee Rodriguez on November 30, 1939, in Oakdale, Louisiana, to Branch Earl Rodriguez and Vera Inez Johnson. Raised in a close-knit Christian family with strong values, Mildred shared her childhood with her siblings: Raymond, Fred, Arita, Leamon, Janice, Barbara, and Darrell.
Mildred met the love of her life, Leo Allen Deg, while he was stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana. Their paths crossed at church, where they were brought together by their shared faith in God. The couple married on November 8, 1957, in Oakdale, Louisiana. Following Leo’s honorable service in the U.S. Army, the couple settled in Yakima, Washington, before planting roots in The Dalles, Oregon, in 1961. It was in The Dalles, where Mildred and Leo built their dream home, brick by brick, in 1962.
A strong Christian woman, Mildred was an active member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. She cherished time spent with her family, enjoyed gardening, and had a love for shopping. Her cooking became a family treasure, and her unwavering kindness made her a pillar in her community.
Mildred dedicated 20 years to working for the local school district before retiring. More than anything, she found joy in being of service to her family and church. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, pouring love and care into every moment she spent with them.
She is survived by her children: Patti Timmer, Penni Hardin (husband Steve), and son Leo Deg Jr. Mildred’s legacy continues through her grandchildren: Heather Ornelas, John Timmer (wife Brooke), Brandon Deg, Natasha Deg, Tyler York (wife Sara), Jonathan Hardin, Jillian Blanco; and her great-grandchildren: Natalie, Eric, and Alyssa Ornelas, Jaxon and Elliette Timmer, Clayton Miller, Henry and Alexander York. Mildred was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Leo, and her son-in-law, Tim Timmer.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Mildred’s life at Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home on Thursday, May 15, with a viewing from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a service at 11:00 AM. A luncheon will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church at 1:00 PM.
Mildred will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her loving spirit, and her endless devotion to her family and church. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.
Nancy Lorraine Block, age 75, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on May 13, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Norma Lee Garcia, age 88, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on May 11, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held later this year, in the Fall. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
In Loving Memory of Barbara Ann Osborn
March 6, 1965 – May 1, 2025
Barbara Ann Osborn lived life on her own terms, meeting every challenge with grit and an infectious laugh that could brighten even the darkest day. She passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025, surrounded by the people who mattered most: her children and family, who never left her side through all of life’s twists and turns.
Barbara’s greatest pride was being a mother to three children: Michael Hegewald and his wife Rebecca, Denise Farrell and her husband Shamus, and Nathaniel Jones and his wife Alyssa. Her love for her family only grew with the arrival of her six grandchildren: Clancy Farrell, married to Meg Farrell (stepfather to Maddie), Cloei Farrell, Hailey Farrell, Nathaniel Farrell, Ayden Jones, and Gabriel. With them, she built the warm, accepting family she had always dreamed of—one where everyone belonged.
Friendship was another anchor in Barbara’s life, and her friends meant the world to her. Among them, her best friend of fifty years, Scott Donavan, held an especially cherished place. Scott was by her side in every season of life, and in her final days, he held her hand until the end. Together, they even wrote a song—a testament to their lifelong bond and the joy they found in each other’s company. Another lifelong friend, Wanda Vandeventer, was a constant source of comfort and faith for Barbara. Over the years and especially in her last days, Wanda spent countless hours on the phone with Barbara, praying with her and offering steadfast support and love when it was needed most.
Barbara’s love stretched far beyond her immediate family. She cherished every one of her nieces and nephews, her aunts and uncles, and grandparents. Family gatherings were never complete without her warmth, laughter, and genuine interest in the lives of all her relatives. She took pride in being part of a bigger family network, finding joy in their accomplishments, sharing in their struggles, and making each one feel valued.
Her generosity and motherly spirit spilled out into the town she called home. It wasn’t just her own family who felt her warmth—over fifty children in the community called her “Mom” or “Nana.” She welcomed them all with open arms, offering support, a listening ear, and a safe place to land. To Barbara, every child deserved to feel loved and accepted, and she made sure no one ever left her presence without a sense of belonging.
Life wasn’t always easy for Barbara. She navigated complex family dynamics and loss, but her love for her siblings ran deep. She is survived by her siblings: David Smith (and wife Graciela), Steven Catron (and wife Leah), and her sister April Catron. She was preceded in death by her mother Carol Catron and father Archer “Corky” Jones. Through it all, Barbara found her own path, determined to create happiness wherever she could.
Those closest to her knew Barbara as someone who could find humor in almost any situation. She delighted in life’s simple pleasures—watching videos of monkeys on her phone, or just sitting with her kids and grandkids. Her love for animals revealed the gentle heart beneath her strong spirit, and she kept her wit and sense of humor sharp until her very last days.
Barbara’s true legacy is the family she built—her children, grandchildren, and the strength, resilience, and joy she passed on to them. She taught us that family is something you create, and that laughter, even in hard times, can carry you through.
May she rest in peace, knowing she succeeded in what mattered most: building a loving family of her own, filling their lives with warmth, acceptance, and endless laughter, and holding her friends—and all those who needed her—close, always.
Lee Charles Kaseberg, age 85, a resident of Wasco, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Portland on May 7, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
The gates to heaven must need a little welding because on May 3rd, 2025, Keith Smith, beloved farmer and rancher, officially fired up the big welder in the sky and got to work. Born August 21st, 1937, and raised in the Dufur countryside, he spent his life tending to his crops and cattle with the dedication that can only come from someone who truly loves what he does.
Keith enjoyed riding horses, hunting and fishing, and working in his shop. But his shop wasn’t just a shop — it was a sanctuary and gathering place where young and old came to hear some of his well-earned wisdom. Keith fondly referred to these sacred sessions as “choir practice,” though it’s unclear if any hymns were actually ever sung. What is clear is that the place was filled with gossip, laughter, questionable political correctness, and enough empty beer cans to make it qualify as a recycling center.
Keith leaves behind many vehicles that may or may not start without a small prayer and a large kick and a herd of cats his deceased wife collected, and he pretended not to like – but always tried to coax one onto his lap to watch Perry Mason.
Keith is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Shannon and Ryan, grandson Taylor, nieces Marni and Carrie, and nephews Jeremy and Brian.
Services will be held on May 18th at noon at Spencer, Libby, and Powell funeral home and burial at the Kingsley Catholic Cemetery. A celebration of his life will be held immediately after at Dave Wilson’s shop where guests are encouraged to wear suspenders, bring their favorite beer, and tell a good story. Extra points if it involves Keith, someone falling off a horse, or both.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funereal Home in care of arrangements.
Priscilla J Dodson, age 102, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on April 24, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Jon Christian Thomsen, age 66, a resident of Hood River, OR, passed away at home on May 4, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.