Spenser Allen Kost, age 54, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Providence Portland Medical Center on September 3, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Marion Eilene Eslinger, age 104, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on August 31, 2025. Burial will be at the Grass Valley Cemetery on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 10:00 AM, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Edna Mae Miller, 86, of Rowena, Oregon, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2025.
Edna was born on January 21, 1939, in Sacramento, California, to Clarence and Inez (Veach) Rinehart. She was a woman of strength, resourcefulness, and deep devotion to her family and community. Edna earned a degree in drafting from Green River College in Kent, Washington—a testament to her determination and lifelong love of learning.
Over the years, Edna wore many hats: devoted mother, talented seamstress, property manager, and friend to many. She raised five children and built a career in retail as a checker, as well as serving as property manager for several locations including the Hawthorn House in Salt Lake City, Utah; Prater’s Motel in Hood River, Oregon; and River View Court in Rowena, Oregon.
Later in life, she moved to The Dalles to be closer to her beloved grandchildren and extended family. Edna found great joy in simple pleasures—knitting, sewing, quilting, and raising chickens, generously sharing fresh eggs with her many neighbors and friends.
She also had a deep love for genealogy and spent countless hours researching family history for both relatives and friends, first in Salt Lake City and later in The Dalles. Photography was another of her lifelong passions, and she had a gifted eye for capturing meaningful moments.
Edna is survived by her children Debara Gutierez, Ron Miller, and Vic Mill; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and her sisters Barbara Barajas and Sue Baker. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sons Mike Reeves and Allen Miller.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Cultural Hall of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in The Dalles, Oregon. Edna will be lovingly inurned in Fiddletown, California, alongside her father, C.E. Rinehart.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rowena Fire Relief Fund in Edna’s memory.
Arrangements are in the care of Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home.
Virginia Lee Wang, age 83, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the Oregon Veterans Homes on August 28, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
On August 24, 2025, at 12:32 a.m., Samuel H. Patten passed away at the age of 56 in Portland Oregon. Though his time here was far too short, Sam filled it with love, laughter, and countless moments his family will hold close forever.
Born in Tulare, California, Sam moved to Oregon as a teenager. It was there, in Parkdale, that he met the love of his life, Michelle Foster. On July 22, 1992, they married in a simple but heartfelt ceremony at Wilson Park, beginning a journey together that would span decades, raising children, sharing hardships, and celebrating joys.
Sam’s proudest title was “Papa Sam.” Nothing brought him greater happiness than being with his grandchildren — playing, teasing, and loving them with his whole heart. To his children, he wasn’t perfect, but he showed them what mattered most: that love can heal, that family is worth fighting for, and that it’s never too late to make things right.
He leaves behind his wife, Michelle; his children, Destiny (Juan), Jessica (Christopher), Brian, Jonathon(Andi), and Justin; his siblings, Bill (Katina), Daniel, Charlotte (Kerry), and Christina (Robert); his treasured grandchildren: Brayden, Ryker, Vanille, Lorelei, Kaelem, Benjamin, Jazmyn, Summer, Mary, and Luke; as well as many nieces and nephews whom he loved as his own. To Sam, family meant everything, and his love extended far beyond the walls of his own home.
Sam was welcomed into eternity by his son Shawn, his parents Lemuel and Roberta Kay, his beloved nephew Andrew, and many other loved ones who went before him.
Beyond his role as a family man, Sam found freedom on the open road. Riding his Harley brought him peace, joy, and the simple thrill of being “free as a bird.”
True to his wishes, Sam will be cremated, and instead of mourning in sorrow, his family will gather to celebrate his life in the spring of 2026. His daughter Jessica will share details with family and friends.
Sam’s family would like to express their deep gratitude to his friends, especially his “Texas family,” who gave him love, joy, and companionship in his final years.
Above all, Sam will be remembered for the way he loved his family — not perfectly, but fiercely, deeply, and without end.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Wayne Edwin Kangas, age 75, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at a local care facility on August 26, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
It is with profound sadness and love that we announce the passing of our extraordinary mother, Margaret Marie Thornton. Margaret passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on August 11th, 2025, at the age of 87.
Margaret was born on March 24th, 1938, in the small town of Santa, Idaho, to Oliver and Esther Montour. Oliver Montour was tragically killed in a logging accident in 1942, at that time Esther moved her family to Spokane, WA.
Margaret, the oldest of three, enjoyed helping her mother with her younger siblings. She was an avid reader and spent much of her time at the local library. Margaret attended North Central High School, where she was very involved with several scholastic activities, including Scholastic Honor Roll, League Honor Roll, Amores Librorum, Big Sister, several after school sports and worked in the school library. After graduating High School, Margaret attended Northwest Nazarene University.
In 1961 Margaret married Clarence Warren Thornton and relocated to The Dalles, OR. She began working for The Dalles Soda Works and from there spent the next several years working as the office manager for Pepsi Cola Bottling until retirement in 2006.
Margaret continued her love of reading, gardening, and volunteering as much as possible, especially her children’s after-school sports and activities. From keeping time on the mountain during ski team races, to working at the concession stand during baseball and softball. She was very active in the PTA, Half Mile Extension and Mid-Columbia Community Concerts. Music was something that she was extremely passionate about and would encourage as many individuals as possible to support the community concert.
The most treasured event in her life was when she became a grandmother. Margaret loved spending time with her grandchildren and ultimately great-grandchildren. She attended many sporting events, extracurricular activities, and took as many trips as possible with grandchildren.
Margaret was not just a mother to her children, but a mother to all their friends. She had the wonderful gift of listening without judgment, giving advice when asked for and a shoulder to cry on whenever needed.
Margaret also had a love for all pets, no matter what type of animal it was. She loved them and made sure the house was full of furry loved ones.
Margaret is survived by her daughters, Debbie Johnson (Husband Randy), Denise Kilbourne (Husband Gregg), Deanne Carrico (Husband Jamie); son, Douglas Thornton (Wife Kristie). Her cherished grandchildren Amanda, Annie Rose, Allie, Kyle, Colin, Paige, Ryan, Haley, Payton, Alyssa and her nine great grandchildren that she thoroughly adored.
Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Warren Thornton; brother, Alan Montour; sister, Virginia Buckholz.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, following the private family gathering for the inurnment.
Love… bears all things; believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.
Our love for you will never fade, for it lives on through us, our children, and grandchildren and all you have touched.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 11, 2025, 1:00 PM at Bargeway Pub.
In Loving Memory of Virgil
Virgil was born in his parents' home in Hubbard, Oregon, on May 24, 1936. He was one of ten children and the last of his siblings to pass, at 89 years of age.
He often shared stories from his childhood, but his favorite memory was the time his family lived together in an Army tent for three years while building their home in Grande Ronde, Oregon.
It was in Grande Ronde that he met the love of his life, Carol Ann. They were married for just one month shy of 50 wonderful years.
Virgil was drafted into the Army, where he served four years driving trucks during the Korean War. While he was overseas, Carol Ann joined her parents in Kent, Oregon. After his initial discharge, Virgil joined her there—but was called back to serve for another nine months.
Following his final discharge, Virgil and Carol Ann moved to Grass Valley, where they raised two daughters: Cindy and Connie.
Virgil worked hard to support his family. He began by driving a school bus and working at the local gas station in Grass Valley. After a few years, he went to work for Jerald Christiansen Excavating. When Cindy was 12 and Connie 10, the family moved into town, and Virgil began a long and fulfilling career with Mid-Columbia Grain Growers, where he worked for nearly 40 years.
In the summers, he ran the Hay Canyon Elevator. Known for his generosity, Virgil would bring the truck drivers cinnamon rolls Carol Ann had made. When Carol Ann became too ill to bake, she taught Virgil how to make them himself. He proudly carried on the tradition—even teaching a couple of local ladies how to bake them—despite never having been much of a cook before!
Virgil loved spending time with his family and helping those around him. He is survived by his daughters: Cindy (Martin) Monsey and Connie (Larry) VanEpps; grandchildren: Amanda (Willy) Mulder, Nicole (Eric Ekberg) Monsey, Drew Monsey, Justin, Jeff, and Aaron VanEpps; and 9 great-grandchildren.
He had a passion for hunting and crabbing, and he especially enjoyed sharing his bounty with the people of Sherman County.
Virgil will be remembered for his hearty laugh, his generous spirit, and his willingness to help anyone in need. He was a faithful member of Grass Valley Baptist Church, where he always arrived early to open the doors, hand out bulletins—and offer suckers to anyone who wanted one. One of his greatest joys was giving a baby their very first sucker.
Virgil, you will be deeply missed. But we take comfort knowing you're now reunited with Carol, enjoying your forever home together.
A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, August 24, 2025, 10:30 AM, at the First Baptist Church in Grass Valley, OR, with a potluck lunch to immediately after, with burial to follow at Grass Valley IOOF Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Grass Valley Baptist Church.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
John Layton Peel, age 84, a resident of Sandy, OR, passed away at the Oregon Veterans Home on August 20, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Frank Nathaniel LaRoque
Born to Stanley and Minny LaRoque on November 3, 1942, in Minnesota. Frank was raised in Elko, Nevada with 2 brothers, Roger and Martin and 2 sisters, Julie Ann (Olson) and Lorraine (Judah).
In 1965, Frank found the love of his life, Paulette Kay Anderson – affectionately known as PK. They shared almost 59 years of wedded bliss. They had 2 children – Bryan and Camille (Weimar). From the stories that are shared, their family life was rich with laughter, love and many other attributes.
Frank moved his family to The Dalles in 1979, settling on Wahtonka Road. Frank has left his mark on The Dalles with his cabinet making skills, home designs for contractors, and with his passion for restoring antiques. He taught for The Oregon Woodworkers Guild and had many stories about all the fun that endeavor was for him and Paulette.
At 18, Frank joined the Air Force and became an aviation mechanic. After leaving the service, he wore many hats welder, mechanic, interior design, architect, draftsman, and finally, the job he loved the most – craftsman, woodworker, contractor. With that final profession, his business here in The Dalles was born – LaRoque’s Wood Shop.
Frank is preceded in death by all of his siblings and his parents.
Frank is survived by his wife, Paulette; brother-in-law, Gill Anderson; son, Bryan (Johna); daughter, Camille (Doug); grandchildren, Stephen LaRoque (Amber), Kyle Weimar, Melissa Weimar, Kirslynn Craven, Gwendolyn Engle (Logan), Isabella LaRoque; and several great grandchildren.
There will be a Celebration of Life and hope you can join us August 30th, 3pm, at Route 30 in The Dalles. Please come and share your “Frank” stories. All we ask is that there is more joy than sadness. More laughter than tears.
Thank you, The LaRoque Family
Jeffrey Joseph Stewart, age 53, a resident of Cary, NC, passed away at Providence Portland Medical Center on August 14, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Margaret “Peggy” Lucille James passed away in the early morning of August 11, 2025, surrounded by friends and family.
Peggy was born on September 15, 1946, to Harold D. and Helen M. Pike in Portland, Ore. She spent her childhood growing up on Blue Lake and attending Catholic schools in the Portland area. This is where she developed her love for musical theater, choir, and organizing events. Peggy graduated Mary Crest All Girls High School in 1964 and following that summer, she explored her religious devotion by attending a convent in California.
After a short two months, Peggy realized that her true love was Charlie James and returned to Portland becoming Mrs. James on February 19, 1965. Peggy spent the next eight years becoming a mother to her four children Brian (deceased), Richard, Cara, and Katherine. She did all sorts of odd jobs to assist in family needs and always immersed herself, and her family, into community and church events and activities. You would often find Peggy “running the show” which is where she excelled, enjoying watching everything come together.
Chuck and Peggy moved several times between Washington and Oregon following Chuck’s career until finally settling in Dayton, Wash., in 1986. Peggy was always very supportive of her husband, making sure wherever they were she made a house a loving home.
No matter where Peggy lived, she was always known in the Catholic Church, local theater, and community events.
She was also well known in the Dayton community as “the lunch lady,” employed by Dayton High School for over a decade. She enjoyed staying in touch with all the children she watched grow up as they passed through her lunch line. Peggy went out of her way often to make sure everyone was welcomed and knew they were important.
Her special talent was often to get you to volunteer for something you didn’t even know you wanted to do.
Peggy thoroughly enjoyed finding a bargain and could never seem to leave one behind. Taking her newly found deals and putting them back into the community because she knew someone who needed it. Preparing baskets for events, surprising someone with an unexpected gift, sharing a new read everyone must have a copy of; Peggy just enjoyed watching others receive. She would greet you with a big smile, entertain you with friendly conversation, and would never let you leave without a warm hug.
Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, her only sister Mary, her oldest son Brian, and two grandchildren Kendell and Gracie.
She is survived by her husband Charles (Chuck), three children, Richard, Cara, and Katherine; several foster children; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren.
The family has planned the rosary and viewing at the St. Joseph Catholic Church at 112 1st St., Dayton, on August 21 at 5:30 p.m. The final mass is on August 22 at 10 a.m. with burial at the Dayton Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at St. Joseph’s Fellowship Hall.
The family is in the care of longtime friend Mark Powell of Spencer Libby & Powell Funeral Home, The Dalles, Ore.
Wenda Jeanne Kelly, age 63, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away at home on August 15, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Donald R Justice, age 85, a resident of Redmond, OR, passed away on August 7, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Marilyn Jean Phetteplace, age 90, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at OHSU on August 8, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Darrel G McBride was born December 9, 1938, in The Dalles, OR. He passed away peacefully at the Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles, OR, on August 8, 2025.
Darrel grew up in The Dalles and graduated from The Dalles high school in 1957. He then joined the U.S. Navy, serving for six years, and was stationed in Hawaii and Oak Harbor, WA. Darrel worked as a tugboat captain on the Columbia River for nearly forty years.
Darrel loved his numerous trips to Mazatlán, Mexico and playing cards at The Eagles.
Darrel is survived by his brother, Wayne “Mac” McBride; daughters, Tylene Thomsen, Kim Gillet; stepsons, Gary Miles, Dale Miles, Kevin Miles, Don Miles; along with numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Darrel was preceded in death by father, Don McBride; mother, Lila Kaufman; stepfather, Willis Kaufman; wife, Barbara McBride; son, Kyle McBride; stepson, Glenn Miles.
No formal funeral services will be held.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
In Loving Memory of Beverly Ann Shaughnessy
"The graceful and wise one who nurtures, builds, and uplifts through quiet strength and divine compassion."
Sunrise: 09-01-1948
Sunset: 08-03-2025
Beverly Ann Shaughnessy passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 3, 2025.
A devoted mother, nurturing caregiver, and radiant soul, Beverly lived a life defined by kindness, compassion, and self service. She had a heart that always made a room for others, putting their needs before her own without hesitation.
Her laughter could light up a room, and her warmth brought comfort to everyone she met. Whether through her caregiving or her generous spirit, Beverly touched countless lives offering her time, love, and unwavering support to those in need.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, joy, and deep compassion. Beverly will be profoundly missed, but her beautiful spirit lives on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Jimmy Allen Collins, age 61, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge Hospital on July 31, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Eugene Dewayne Emett, age 77, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on August 1, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Kristy Millan, age 49, of Hood River, OR, passed away on July 28 in The Dalles, Oregon.
Kristy was born May 24, 1976, in Long Beach, California, the daughter of Ismael and Barbara Millan.
She went to Hood River Valley high school, and graduated in 1994
She is survived by daughter, Kasia; brother, Jerry; mother, Barbara; granddaughter, Autum; Aunts, Vicki and Ann; Uncles, Johnny and Earnie .
She enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowboarding, and anything to do with the outdoors.
Her big heart and zest for life will be dearly missed.
There will be a small family memorial held in California.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.