Johnny Paris, age 82, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the Oregon Veterans Home on December 24, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Constance (Connie) Mae Glesener, age 96, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the Oregon Veterans Home on December 27, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Zelta Marie Wasson, age 102, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at The Springs at Mill Creek on December 22, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Dr. Lee Balentine, of Maupin, Oregon, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2025. He was born in New Mexico, to Floyd “Pablo” Balentine and Twila “Red” Balentine.
Lee married his high school sweetheart from Tucson, Arizona, Sharon (Doughty), on June 26, 1971. He was a Arizona Wildcat alum and lifelong fan.
Lee dedicated his life to service—service to his family, his community, and his country. A proud Navy veteran, he began his professional journey as a dentist in the military before going on to serve as a dentist for 47 years, including 37 years caring for the community of Maupin when he moved his family there in 1985. To say he loved this community is an understatement. He considered Maupin part of his extended family.
Lee’s commitment to Maupin went far beyond dentistry. Throughout his life, he served on the school board, volunteered as a firefighter, and spent countless hours as a volunteer EMT, responding to calls at all hours of the day and night. He was also an active member of the Lions Club, the American Legion, and the Ambulance Board, always stepping up wherever he was needed. His dedication, generosity, and deep love for people made a lasting impact on the entire community.
Outside of his service, Lee enjoyed the simple pleasures that made his life full—golf, hunting, fishing, tent camping and cheering for his favorite baseball teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers and Seattle Mariners. He was a standout left-handed pitcher in high school, a talent he carried with pride throughout his life. He cherished time spent outdoors, time with friends, and above all, time with his family.
Lee is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Balentine, and their children: Chad Balentine (Charity), Eric Balentine (Christin), Ryan Balentine (LaTezeon), and Sara Nash (Chris). He was a proud grandfather to Caitlyn Marks (Caleb), Abigail and Ethan Nash, Christian and Logan Balentine, and Parker and Quinn Balentine. He is also survived by his brothers, Cam Balentine and Jeff Balentine.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd “Pablo” Balentine and Twila “Red” Balentine, and his sister, Jill Powers.
A Celebration of Life will be held on in June 2026, where friends, family, and community members will gather to honor the remarkable life of a man who gave so much of himself to others.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the South Wasco County Ambulance, P.O. Box 125, Maupin, OR 97037.
Lee is now with his Lord and Savior, and his family takes comfort in knowing he is at peace. His legacy of service, compassion, and love will continue to live on in the many lives he touched.
Art Bull was born in Edmonton, Alberta Canada on January 1st, 1935 as the eldest son to John Arthur Bull and Evelyn Emily (Pocock).
Art's father was a Canadian Army Nurse and moved 11 times. Art attended elementary school in Petawawa, Ontario Canada. Art's parents divorced when he was 13 and his Mother, twin sisters and Art moved to Vancouver B.C. at the start of his 6th grade. It was there a male teacher “pulled him out of a mud puddle” and told him to make some good decisions. His pastime of throwing rocks came in handy as he went out for baseball at King Edward High School where he also participated in basketball, soccer, rugby and football.
Art always said that baseball was his "GPS". As a King Edward high school pitcher, he pitched 3 no-hitters in 3 years. His team were City Champions for 4 consecutive years and he was elected to the Provincial 1st Team All-Stars for 3 years straight.
In 1954, Art played baseball for AABC Vancouver, BC and were the (PCL) Whitespots Provincial Champions and he was nominated for Athlete of the Year. He also pitched against Satachel Page at Edwards Air Force Base. In basketball, his team won the Canadian National Men's Basketball Title and he was inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame.
In the summer of 1955, Art tried out with the Seattle Rainiers and also received letters of interest from the Philadelphia National Baseball League Club, the Chicago Cubs and Edmonton Baseball Club.
In 1955, University of Portland recruited Art to play basketball and baseball. Art majored in Health and Physical Education/Coaching and earned a Masters in School Administration. He played basketball for three years and baseball for four years receiving All-American recognition. His claim to pitching fame still stands at UofP where in 1958, he pitched 2 no-hitters in back to back games.
In the summer of 1956, Art played on the WCBL Edmonton Eskimos Baseball Championship Team.
After college baseball, Art played for Archer Blower and Pip World Series (AABC) and were National Champions. In 1962, he was elected to the Cooperstown Hall of Fame. He also played on the Beaverton (AABC) National Baseball Champion team.
After college graduation, Art's careers spanned 39 years:
1959 in Rochester, Washington teaching at the Juvenile Delinquent center.
1960-1962 St. Francis Academy in Baker, Oregon: Athletic Director/Coach.
1962-1964 Pine Valley High School in Halfway, Oregon: Athletic Director/Coach
1964-1972 Nampa High School in Nampa, Idaho: Athletic Director/Coach/Teacher
1972-1994 The Dalles High School as the Athletic Director
1994-1998 TDHS Vice Principal (retired at 64)
It was by chance Art stopped in The Dalles on his way from Nampa, Idaho to visit his in-laws in Portland, Oregon that summer of 1972. He heard there was a position open at TDHS and 26 years later, Art would finish out his career as A.D. and Vice Principal.
Art's leadership at the school and state level were exceptional:
Idaho National Award for The Presidents Council For Health & Physical Fitness
1980-1981 OADA Executive Board President & Developed the OADA Constitution
1981 OADA Athletic Director of the Year
KATU Humanitarian Award: Spoke at many schools - Dangers of chewing tobacco
Committees: OSAA Scheduling Districts & State Activities
State / Metro Baseball (20 yrs)
Lions Club President & Lions Club Baseball Chair (22 yrs)
Little League Vice President & Babe Ruth Vice President
Legion Advisor
Parks & Recreation Director and Parks & Rec Board Member (22 yrs)
Athletic Records hanging in the High School Hallway
Organized Winter Basketball Tournaments for returning alumni on college break
TDHS ASB Advisor & Hall of Fame Organizer for Students
Athletic Records hanging in the High School Hallway
In 1979, Art had an opportunity of a lifetime. He organized and played in a Hall of Fame Baseball game at the Portland Civic Stadium alongside Wille Mays, Hank Aaron, Pete Ward, Joe Dimmaggio, Mickey Mantle, and Ernie Banks, to name a few.
Under his Athletic Directorship, he truly built an outstanding athletic program as he witnessed 5 State Baseball Championships, a Girls' Tennis Championship, and numerous individual State Champions in Wrestling, Track and Cross Country.
While at University of Portland, Art met sophomore "Queen of Hearts Prom Queen", Frances Jean Gaman his junior year and married his senior year of college on Oct. 18, 1958. He always made sure people knew that she was a "City of Portland Ping-Pong Champion".
Art and Fran were blessed with five children: sons Chris, Jeff, Tim, Jerry and daughter Shawn Stroud. His greatest joy was following the growth and achievements of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren... especially on Facebook.
Art's love of travel took him to many places in the U.S. and around the world - Panama Canal, England, Alaska, etc… but the one destination he and his wife Fran routinely enjoyed visiting for over 35 years was Cabo San Lucas, where they loved to spend springtime at Club Cascadas and Pueblo Bonito at Sunset Beach.
Art loved the outdoors and enjoyed both hunting and fishing. From Mountain Goat hunting in the mountains of Idaho, to float plane fishing in Alaska and numerous lake fishing trips around Oregon as well as salmon fishing at Chinook, Washington.
Art's name fitted him so, as he was very artistic and drew/scrawled wherever he went. He loved carving, where he beautifully sculptured gunstocks for each of his children. He also loved doing leatherwork for knife sheaths, gun straps, and belts.
During his retirement years, Art & Fran were "snowbirds" back and forth from their home in Lake Havasu, Arizona and their "Rock Ranch" at Crooked River Ranch in Terrebonne, Oregon. In 2023, they sold their home in AZ and lived the next two years at Crooked River Ranch until they moved to The Springs in The Dalles, Oregon in August of 2025 where Art would live out his final four months.
Arthur is survived by his wife Frances Jean (Gaman) of 67 years.
He is also survived by his children:
Son Christopher and Elizabeth Bull of Boring, Oregon - Nick and Candace Bull, Danielle;
Daughter Shawn and Jim Stroud of Rufus, Oregon - Kasey and Jeff Webber (Grady, Clara and Ella), Codie and Joseph Selby (Kyler and Emery), James and Shelby Stroud (Linley and Grayson), Scot and Nicole Stroud (Adley and Bennet);
Son Jeffrey Bull of Troutdale, Oregon - Curtis and Kevin;
Son Timothy and Dawn Bull of Troutdale, Oregon - Andy;
Son Gerald and Susan Bull of The Dalles, Oregon (Raylee) - Dakota, Hunter, Shannon, Dustin.
Please join us at Art's Celebration of Life Service at 1:00pm on Saturday, May 16th, 2026 at The Dalles High School Auditorium. The service will include a slideshow and "open mic". Please feel free to share a short story or comment.
Following the service, we will have a simple dessert reception in the "Chat-N-Chew" or one may want to spend time in the "Bull Pen" which was built to honor Art.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Bristol Hospice or any Youth Sport Program in Art's name.
Our family sincerely thanks Bristol Hospice (especially "Dee") and The Springs at Mill Creek for their kind and compassionate care of Art's last days. Also Spencer, Libby and Powell for all their help and guidance.
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In addition, we also want to thank all of you for your thoughtful words of sympathy.
Whether through a facebook comment, a text message, a call, or a quick stop out in the community, your words or short stories of Art have comforted and touched our hearts forever and mean more to us than any words can express.
Arthur Fredrick George Bull, age 90 a resident of Terrebonne, OR, passed away at The Springs at Mill Creek on December 22, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Roger Dick Christopherson, age 72, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge on December 20, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Konrad Wesley Price, age 82, a resident of Tygh Valley, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge on December 24, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Joan Elizabeth Chantler, age 77, a resident of White Salmon, WA, passed away December 18, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Jonathan Franklin Sullivan, age 52, a resident of Goldendale, WA, passed away at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center on December 4, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Jerry Lee Ward, age 84, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the Oregon Veterans Home on December 15, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
David Eugene Staehnke, age 83, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at a local Care Facility on December 15, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Jack Lee Harmon at the age of 90 passed away peacefully on December 11th at Harmony Adult
Foster Home in The Dalles. He was born on June 1, 1935, to Lena and Ace Harmon in La Grande, Oregon. He graduated from high school in1953 and continued at Eastern Oregon College graduating with a degree in Education. Jack enlisted in The National Guard for three years and was honorably discharged in 1959. In 1955 Jack married his high school sweetheart, Una Mae Leavitt and spent 70 years together, raising four boys, (Jeff, Kurt, Rod, and Mitchell).
Jack is survived by his wife, Una Mae; children, Jeff, wife Laurie, Kurt, wife Marian, Rod, wife Patty, Mitch, wife Lacero; two sisters, Phyllis Taylor and Dixie Miller. Jack has 9 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, preceding his death are his parents and two brothers David and Charles Harmon.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or charity of choice.
Service in his memory will be held at The Dalles Middle School Commons room on January 18, 2026, at 1:00pm
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangem
Richard Roeder, age 79, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the Oregon Veterans Home on December 12, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Shirley May Mattson, age 91, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on December 11, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Scott Lee Finkle, age 60, a resident of Wilsonville, OR, passed away December 14, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements. “Rest easy Cowboy”
Jenny Fay Mathews, age 64, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center on December 10, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Virginia Sue Bark, age 84, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on December 11, 2025. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Robin Elizabeth McReynolds-Gutzler, age 52, a resident of Maupin, OR, passed away at home on December 8, 2025. A Graveside Service will be held Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 11 AM at Kelley Cemetery in Maupin, OR. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Richard Riley Johnson, age 78, a resident of Moro, OR, passed away at home on December 11, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
John William Byers Jr., 93, of The Dalles, Oregon, passed away on Dec. 8, 2025, at Columbia Basin Nursing Home, surrounded by loved ones. Born on April 10, 1932, John lived a life marked by kindness, dedication, community service, and a deep love for his family. John married his teenage sweetheart, Marilyn Emerson Byers, and together they shared an extraordinary 71 years of marriage. Their relationship was a true testament to unwavering devotion, partnership, and joy. They built a beautiful life together, raising four children, owning a cherry orchard, and creating a home filled with love, hard work, and purpose.
John took great pride in his career as a CPA for 70 years, bringing the same commitment, integrity, and steady presence to his profession that he brought to every facet of his life. He was also a dedicated sports fan, especially devoted to the Blazers, Mariners, Seahawks, and University of Oregon, teams that brought him years of excitement and occasional heartbreak.
John is lovingly survived by his wife, Marilyn; his children Karilyn, Becky, Nancy, and John; nine grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and countless others who cherished him deeply. He was a steady source of support, wisdom, humor, and love, and his presence will be profoundly missed.
Throughout his life, John remained deeply committed to serving his community. He held leadership roles on several boards, including The Dalles Little League (25 years), Columbia Basin Nursing Home (27 years), Oregon Cherry Growers, and the Lions Club (71 years). He was recognized by The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce as the 1981 Man of the Year for his involvement, guidance, and dedication to the community. He approached each role with pride and a sincere desire to make his community a better place.
There will be a family Graveside ceremony to honor his remarkable life. Donations may be made in his honor to the Columbia Basin Nursing Home Foundation, The Dalles Little League, or the Lions Club, all causes close to his heart.
A public viewing will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 2 to 6 PM at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home. Per John’s request a private family Graveside Service will be held. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.