Photo Credit: Terry Richards

Eugene Albert Gravel, 80, passed away at home on March 20, 2025. Born on September 3, 1944, to Lorraine Marie McGraw and Frederick Charles Gravel, Gene was the oldest of four rambunctious boys, a role that instilled in him a sense of responsibility and leadership from an early age.

Eugene served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. After his military service, he pursued a long and impactful career as a civil engineer. Among his many achievements, he contributed to significant projects such as the lock at the Bonneville Dam, a feat of engineering that remains a testament to his skill and commitment. His work also took him to remote and challenging locations, including Alaska's Prudhoe Bay and St. Paul Island, where he oversaw vital infrastructure projects.

In 1973, Gene married Lorraine Jean Rebo, and together they built a loving family. They had two children and over the years, their family grew with the addition of four grandchildren.

Those who knew Gene appreciated his quiet demeanor, which often belied a stubborn determination that served him well in both his personal and professional life. Yet, beneath his reserved exterior lay a gentle soul. Kind and generous, Gene loved giving gifts. He had the habit of quietly humming while he worked, and typically had a dog by his side.

After retiring, Gene fulfilled a lifelong dream by building a ranch on 75 acres of timberland. For the past 27 years, he found peace and joy there, surrounded by nature and the fruits of his labor. Truly a special place, the ranch was a sanctuary where he cultivated memories with family and friends.

Eugene is remembered for his unwavering dedication to his craft, his risk taking, and his love for the outdoors. He is survived by his wife, Lorraine; their two children Ryan and Erin; and his four grandchildren, Birch, Elizabeth, Basil, and Aurora.

Gene's legacy lives on through his contributions to engineering and the lives he touched along the way. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered.

Susan Marie Morin (Becker), 71, of Bullhead City, Arizona, passed away on February 19, 2025, after a battle with cancer. She was the daughter of Jack and Ida Mae Becker (Hughes) and was born on July 6, 1953, in Danville, Illinois.

Susan was married to her loving husband, Michael Morin, for 53 years. The two met in San Diego while Michael was serving in the U.S. Navy. After the birth of the couple’s son, they were stationed in Japan, where they later welcomed their daughter. Upon returning stateside, they settled in The Dalles, Oregon, where they made their home and raised their family.

Susan worked for Albertsons for over 20 years, where she served as a manager before later opening and owning an insulation company with her husband. She enjoyed traveling in their RV, boating and camping on the John Day River, and going on cruises. She really enjoyed spending time with her special group of line dancing friends, was an avid reader, loved doing puzzles, and adored her dogs. In her spare time, she spent many hours crocheting baby blankets, gifting them to family and friends. Susan was passionate about giving back, supporting charities such as Wounded Warriors, organizations helping the homeless, and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.

She is survived by her husband, Michael Morin; her son, Jason Morin, and his wife, Julie; her daughter, Jennifer Durall (Morin), and her husband, Damon; and her grandchildren, Michael Morin, Jenna Chamness, Emily Judd (Morin), and Hunter Chamness. She also leaves behind her sisters, Sheila Becker and Valerie DiMola, five nieces and one nephew.

At her request, there will be no formal services. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the charities Susan loved.

Gregory Andrew Gaylord, age 72, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away at home on March 14, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Richard “Rick” Lively of The Dalles, Oregon was granted the peace he desired on the evening of March 13, 2025 at the age of 80. The second child and first-born son of Helen & Gene Lively, originally of Wallowa, Oregon.

That’s about all the room there is for a standard obituary if you knew him at all!

The independent black sheep in our family for sure, but in his case this carried an endearing and loving connotation. All would agree: He wore his heart on his sleeve every day of his life no matter the cost. He lived life his way, as his sister would say!

Always kind and generous to others down on their luck and quick to stick up for the underdog. He was also known for the special fondness he reserved for the many (many) stray critters who found their way into his care over the years.

His accomplishments were many, but what mattered most were the relationships he cherished. Probably none more so than his lifelong best friends and hunting “crew”; always his lifelines, the original ride-or-dies, bear tags or not. They perhaps knew him better than anyone else and will gather to tend to a private service, according to his wishes, in the Catherine Creek Unit in Eastern Oregon.

Unwaveringly loyal to family, he imparted many life lessons we each pass along to our own families now. Children, grandchildren, precious siblings and beloved nieces and nephews all beneficiaries of his unique perspective on life. Preceded in death by his wife of twenty-five years, Dena Irene Lively. Forever his mother’s son he will be.

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

Deloris Ruth Cox, age 88, a resident of Arizona, passed away March 8, 2025. Saturday, March 15, 2025, a viewing will be held starting at 10 AM, with the Funeral Service to follow at 11 AM at the Life in Christ Church, 3095 Cherry Heights Rd, The Dalles, OR 97058, burial will follow the service at the IOOF cemetery on Cherry Heights Rd. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Marieum Kay Havig, age 83, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at an assisted living facility on March 9, 2025. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Billy Ray Jones, age 94, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on March 7, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Lawrence James Berry, age 44, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the hospital on February 26, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Keith Alton Wolfer, a resident of Tygh Valley, OR, passed away February 23, 2025. A Graveside Service will be held at the Lone Pine Cemetery, 27260 Smock Rd, Wamic, OR 97063, Saturday, March 8, 2025, 2 PM. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Jeremy Edward Price, age 43, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away February 28, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Robert Hart Barlow Sr, age 95, a resident of Wamic, OR, passed away at home on March 3, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Betty Lucille Bright, age 87, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away February 13, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Elizabeth Ann Taylor, age 74, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at a local care facility on February 25, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Tamara Lynn Feriante, age 58, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on February 25, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 8, 2025, 1:00 PM at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Mary Ann Erickson, age 82, a resident of Maupin, OR, passed away at home on February 18, 2025. Viewings will be Friday, February 28, 2025, 2 to 6 PM and Saturday, March 1, 2025, 8 to 11 AM at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home. Graveside Service is Saturday, March 1, 2025, 1 PM at the Lone Pine Cemetery in Wamic, OR, and the Celebration of Life will follow at the Community Center in Wamic at 2 PM. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Susan Carole Notter, age 77, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the hospital on February 19, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Vera Darlene Erlenbush, age 87, a resident of Dallesport, WA, passed away at home on February 15, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

George William Stephens, Jr., 83, of The Dalles, OR, passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, after a long battle with cancer.

George was born in Butte, MT, on November 1, 1941, to George William and Helen Frances (Smith) Stephens.  He was joined by two brothers: Walter John in 1944 and Daniel Edward in 1947. The family moved to Libby, MT, in 1948, where George grew up and attended school, graduating Libby High School in 1959.  During his high school years, he was manager of the football team, a member of the Lettermen’s Club, intramural basketball and class plays, and he also worked at Sleizer’s Grocery Store. He attended Western Montana College in Dillon MT, graduating in 1963 with a Bachelor of Education with majors in math and history. In 1971, George graduated from Southern Oregon University with a master’s degree in mathematics.

On August 11, 1963, George married the love of his life Tanis Gatten at the Methodist Church in Libby, MT. To this union, their sons Lance and Lane completed their family. George started his 35-year teaching career in Browning, MT where he taught math and coached football, basketball and track for 1 year. They moved to Lake Bronson, MN and George took a teaching and coaching position there for the next 3 years. Wanting to move closer to family, George took a teaching position in The Dalles, OR, where he taught until his retirement in 1998. While teaching in The Dalles, George was honored to be selected as “Teacher of the Year” two separate times. George also taught courses at Columbia Gorge Community College, in The Dalles.

Throughout his life in The Dalles, George was an active member of FUMC. He also took pride in his later love of running by taking part in the “Hood to Coast” 195-mile relay run multiple times, the Cherry Festival run and the Seaside Marathon.

George is survived by his wife Tanis of 62 years, sons Lance (Juana) and Lane (Sue), both of The Dalles, grandsons Ethan, Payton and Noah and granddaughter Jordan (Kyle) McDonnell; brothers Walter (Linda) Buffalo, SD and Dan (Kathy Wheeler) Libby, MT, numerous nieces and nephews. He is proceeded in death by his parents, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, sister-in-law Dixie Smart, brother-in-law Mike Gatten, and sister-in-law Cynthia Stephens.

A Memorial Service will be held at The Dalles First United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 1, 2025, 1:00 PM. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements. Zoom link attached below for services.

https://greaternw.zoom.us/j/725114495 Zoom User ID: 725 114 495

Ariya Noelle Poasa, age 6, a resident of Vancouver, WA, passed away at Randall Children’s Hospital on February 12, 2025. A viewing will be held on February 26, 2025, from 2-6 pm, at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home, a Funeral Service will be held on February 27, 2025, starting at 11 am at The Dalles Seventh-Day Adventist Church. A reception will follow the Funeral Service at The Dalles Civic Auditorium in the ballroom. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Ruth Elaine Sargeant, age 88, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at a local care facility on February 3, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held February 22, 2025, 11 am at the First Christian Church, 909 Court St., The Dalles, OR. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.