In Loving Memory of Frank Thomas Vilos

 October 9, 1937 – September 3, 2025

Frank Thomas Vilos, a beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on

September 3, 2025, at the age of 87 in the Dalles, Oregon, leaving behind a legacy of love and

cherished memories.

 Frank was born on October 9, 1937, in Newcastle, Wyoming, to Chris George Vilos Sr. (Nestani,

Greece) and Elizabeth Marie Shedlock (Dietz, Wyoming) Vilos. Stubborn in the best way, loyal

to his family and friends, and never happier than when there was “real” work to be done. Frank

grew up with ranch grit in his bones— breaking green-broke horses and making sure those

around him were cared for.

Frank had a passion for gardening, with a gift for cultivating just about anything. His garden was

a reflection of his patience and care, and his tomatoes were known to be some of the best

around. Inquisitive by nature and a lifelong learner, Frank was an avid car enthusiast and liked

to turn a wrench. He took satisfaction in knowing everything there was to know about engines

and mechanics. Calm and steady, rarely ruffled, Frank was a forward thinker, always prepared. In

his spare time, Frank also enjoyed fishing and hunting—there wasn’t a spot in Wyoming he

didn’t know.

Frank’s love of food and hard work began in high school, when he worked at a local bakery in

Casper, Wyoming, making sweet rolls that became a best seller. He later used these skills to

make cinnamon rolls and Bismarcks while living in Cooke City, Montana, where they again

became a local favorite. His success in the kitchen followed him throughout life, especially

during his time cooking and helping to run the family-owned restaurant, The Western Cafe in

Bozeman, Montana, a beloved local institution. During this time, Frank also attended Montana

State University-Bozeman studying chemistry for three years and excelling in all his studies.

In the 1960’s, the family moved to Worland, Wyoming, where they owned and operated Scotty’s

Cafe and later relocating down the street, naming it The Ram’s Horn Cafe. Frank also proudly

served his country in the Army National Guard as a radio operator and morse code instructor,

embodying the same steadfast and reliability that defined his life. In October of 1961, he was

placed on active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis and served until his honorable discharge in

August 1962. Shortly after his return, Frank met Ermina Lynn Frost and married on July

28,1968. During their marriage of 11 years, together they had four children: Thereasa Lynn

Vilos, Deianeirra Ermina Kelley, Franceina Marie Brackenbury, and Branden Scott Vilos.

Frank was a natural provider, dedicating his life to work in the culinary arts, oilfield services, and

eventually finding joy in healthcare—supporting others and giving back to his community. After

retiring, he moved to The Dalles, Oregon, to be near his daughter Franceina and son-in-law Fred

Brackenbury, and their two sons, Joshua and Caleb, while staying closely connected to family

and friends in Wyoming.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Chris and Elizabeth Vilos; his siblings, Chris George

Vilos Jr. and Elaine Marie Laird; and his daughter, Thereasa Lynn Vilos—all of whom left a

profound impact on his life.

 He is survived by his children: Deianeirra (Dave) Kelley, Franceina (Fred) Brackenbury, and

Branden Vilos; and his grandchildren: Kevin (Stashia) Humphrey, Zachary Humphrey,

Alexandra Staats, Eric (Luca) Staats, Joshua Brackenbury, Caleb Brackenbury, Thaddeus Vilos,

and Stella Vilos. He is also survived by Loren Laird, husband of his late sister Elaine, and

Glenna Vilos, wife of his late brother Chris, along with many other beloved family members who

will miss him dearly.

Frank’s warmth, kindness, and unwavering support will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

His legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

 **A celebration of Frank’s life will be held in The Dalles, Oregon on September 27, 2025, at

11:00 a.m. at The Dalles Evangelical Church, 1001 East 12th Street, The Dalles, OR 97058.

 **Funeral Services will be held in Worland, Wyoming on July 3, 2026, 2:00 p.m. at Bryant

Funeral Home, 1320 Big Horn Avenue, Worland, WY 82401, with interment to follow at

Riverview Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 501 15 Mile Road, Worland, WY 82401.

Military honors will be provided by the United States Army National Guard.

Lonn William Holston, age 94, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital on September 12, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Jerry Tad Phetteplace, age 95, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at The Dalles Health and Rehabilitation Center on September 9, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Reva Elaine Nickell (Tanner) 96, was born in Burley, Idaho, to Lee D. and Reva Tanner (Young) on July 11, 1929. She died Sept. 8, 2025, at Columbia Basin Care Center in The Dalles, Oregon.

The eldest of nine children, she grew up in Cascade Locks, Oregon, where she attended both grade school and high school. On July 18, 1948, she married John Lewis Nickell. The couple lived in Hood River, Oregon, for several years where they raised their six children. After their children left home, they moved to The Dalles. The couple had three natural children and three foster children they raised from a very young age. They were accepted and loved as their own. They became a blended family, with only five years separating all six children — a blended wonderful chaos with lots of laughter and more chaos. Elaine worked as a nurses aid in both Hood River and The Dalles hospitals for many years, until she hurt her back. She decided, upon her husband’s request, to stay home and be a housewife. After her husband passed, she worked for senior services taking care of “old people” (her words). She was 80.

Elaine had an artistic side. She made beautiful candles that she gave away at Christmas and birthdays or just because. She loved to knit and crochet and made many doilies and tablecloths. She knitted many sweaters for her children and grandchildren. She also tried her hand at painting. Elaine and John also had a daycare where they found their true calling and where they both shined. They were known as grandma and grandpa by all of them.

Many of those children stayed in contact long after they grew up. You were always welcome. No appointment needed. Just pop in and we will set another plate. Elaine was the epitome of unconditional love and forgiveness.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee D. and Reva Tanner, her husband of 52 years John Nickell, her son Robert O.D. Nickell, and four sisters and two brothers. She is survived by three sons, John L. Nickell Jr. (Doreen), Leonard South (Patty), and Larry South; two daughters, Mayrie Welp (Cris) and Deborah Davis (Stuart); 10 grandchildren, Shawn(Tina), Kevin (Jenny), Shelly (Christian), Lacey (Brian) Laura, Patt, Bryan, Jennifer, Gabe (Brooke) and Chelsea (Josh); one sister, Ida Lee Calmer; and one brother Wilford Tanner. She is also survived by numerous great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held on Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Sept. 26 from 9-11a.m. Graveside services will be held at Odd Fellows Cemetery on Cherry Heights Road, The Dalles, on Friday Sept. 26 at 1 p.m. Arrangements are in care of Spencer, Libby and Powell. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to Dementia Society of America, dementiasociety.org.

Kimberly Sue Wiles, age 60, a resident of Arlington, OR, passed away at home on July 5, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Darlene Joyce Wood was born on March 31, 1947, in Los Angeles, California to Joanie and Tony Osborne.

Darlene married the love of her life, Tom Wood, on February 18, 1966, right before Tom headed to Vietnam. They moved a few times before settling in Oregon City with their two sons and then eventually moving to The Dalles in 1987, where they have lived ever since.

Darlene was always very active. She and Tom delivered Meals on Wheels for many years. She enjoyed volunteering with their homeowner’s association by welcoming newcomers to the neighborhood. She was known for her cooking and baking, always making cookies for the senior center, family, and neighbors. Darlene spent a lot of time caring for her garden, enjoying wildflowers, and walking with their dogs through the years.

Darlene is survived by Tom, her husband of 59 years; sons, Mike and Jeff; grandchildren, Hayden and Braylie; great grandson; Tyler; sisters, Marilyn and Kathy; brother-in-law Steve.

She is proceeded in death by her mother and father, and her grandson, Brenden.

Darlene always made people smile with her upbeat, caring personality. She was loved by so many and will be missed terribly.

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

Michael Lee McKenzie, age 72, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the Oregon Veterans Home on August 26, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Mary Deswert

May 6, 1926 - August 19, 2025

Private Burial was held at Dufur Cemetery on August 26th

Mary is survived by her husband Deon M. Deswert; her children Pamela Rosales of Bend, Loraine Benas of Louisville, CO, JoAnn O’Dierno of Prineville, and Deon Deswert Jr, of Friend; 11 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her mother Louisa DeSantis and father Luigi DeSantis, brother Edward DeSantis and sister Caroline Deswert.

Mary and Deon were married December 25, 1948. This year would have marked 77 years together.

Mary loved to learn and teach. She taught her mother how to speak English.

Mary and Deon moved to Friend Oregon in 1976. She taught first through third grades at Dufur School until she retired in 1990.

Mary was active in her children’s schools as room mother, PTA, and 4H Leader.

After her children graduated, she earned her teaching degree at Portland State College, followed by a Master’s degree in Special Education. She taught special education at Fruit Valley School in Vancouver, WA, before moving to Dufur Elementary School.

Mary loved to travel. She and Deon visited Mexico, and took their children and spouses to Hawaii. Other trips included Turkey, Greece, Germany, France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein; and Rovito, Italy, where her family is from. Her nephew Bob Deswert and wife Robbyn took Mary on a motor home tour of the southern states.

Mary was a gifted artist. She loved oil painting, and she belonged to the Dufur China Painting Club.

Other interests included the Dufur Garden Club; the Dufur Threshing Bee, of which she was an Honorary Grand Marshal. As a cancer survivor, she helped facilitate a cancer support group in The Dalles.

Following is Mary’s Celebration of Life

Celebrating the Life of Mary Deswert

Saturday October 18th, 1pm-3pm

802 NE 5th Street

Dufur, OR 97021

Food and Refreshments will be served.

Please bring your favorite stories, memories, and photos to share.

In lieu of flowers to honor Mary’s legacy, a donation box will be available at the Celebration of Life. All contributions will be made in her name, directed to the Dufur Valley School.

Please RSVP to either one of the following email addresses and the number of people joining you

Pam Rosales......pam.river97@gmail.com

JoAnn O'dierno....joann.odierno@gmail.com

Debra Deswert.....deborahkay29@aol.com

Evelyn Johnson, age 98, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on August 23, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Linda Louetta Williams, age 84, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on September 2, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Merlin Daniel Long, age 71, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on September 1, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

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.