Sandra Sue Woodside, age 93, a resident of Maupin, OR, passed away at Canyon Rim Assisted Living on September 22, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
April 12, 1935 – October 8, 2025
Norwood M. Smith, age 90, a resident of The Dalles, Oregon, passed away peacefully at home on October 7, 2025.
Norwood was born April 12, 1935, to John Albert Smith and Lela Mae (Phillips) Smith in Huron, South Dakota. Norwood lived a life grounded in faith, family, and hard work. He married the love of his life, Alvena Strand, on January 3, 1953. Together, they shared nearly 70 wonderful years of marriage before her passing — just 11 days shy of their 70th wedding anniversary.
Norwood worked at the Aluminum Plant in The Dalles for 35 years and retired in 1994. Even in retirement, he stayed busy in his beloved workshop, where he found joy building wooden crosses — a reflection of his strong Christian faith.
A longtime member of Life In Christ Church, Norwood was known for his kind heart, steady presence, and dedication to his community. He loved camping, fishing, caring for his rose garden, spending time with horses, and most of all, being surrounded by his family.
He is survived by his children: Donna Smith Sills, Cheri Betschart, Debbie Elkinton (Gary), and Cliff Smith (Angie), all of The Dalles; nine grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren.
Norwood was preceded in death by his beloved wife Alvena, his parents, and three brothers.
A public viewing will be held at Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 8:30 to 9:30 AM. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM at Life In Christ Church with Pastor Allen officiating. A meal will be served after the service. A private burial at Odd Fellows Cemetery will take place at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to an Alzheimer’s charity of your choice in honor of Norwood’s memory.
Arrangements are in the care of Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home.
Arthur Ward Addleman Jr, age 79, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on September 7, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Eagles Club, 2006 W 7th St., The Dalles, on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 1:30 PM. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Virgil Petteway, age 85, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the Oregon Veterans Home on October 3, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Linda Joslyn Bergeson, age 83, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at The Springs at Mill Creek on October 2, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Merla K Biggins, age 92, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Columbia Basin Care Facility on October 3, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Debra “Debbie” Darline Howe, age 72, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge on September 29, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Douglas Eugene Bartling, age 75, a resident of Goldendale, WA, passed away at Klickitat Valley Health on September 26, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Joan Marlene Lambert, age 83, a resident of Tygh Valley, OR, passed away at Canyon Rim Assisted Living on September 20, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
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.