Mary Lou Richardson, age 76, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Columbia Basin Care Facility on March 7, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Dennis Wayne Gray, age 77, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on March 8, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Barbara Ann Jones, age 81, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on March 3, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Deborah Lou Kratzer, age 74, a resident of Wasco, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Columbia Gorge on February 28, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell in care of arrangements.
Dorothy Dean Gosson, age 93, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Flagstone Retirement and Assisted Living on February 14, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Harry Douglas Nelson, age 89, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Flagstone Senior Living on March 3, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Carole A Carlson, age 91, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at The Springs at Mill Creek on February 26, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Jesse Dane Alsup, age 69, a resident of Wasco, OR, passed away at home on February 23, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
In Loving Memory of Kathleen Sawaka January 31, 1935 – February 23, 2026 "My time is in your hands.." Psalm 31:15
Kathleen Sawaka, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Having fought the good fight to the very end, she now rests in the arms of her Heavenly Father.
Kathleen was born on January 31, 1935, in Seattle, Washington, to Francis Russell and Julianna Krull. She was the eldest of three siblings. She was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Krull, and is survived by her sister, Carol Steinman, along with three nieces and two nephews.
She graduated from Holy Mary’s Academy in Seattle and began her working life with “Ma Bell” in Seattle as a young woman. Throughout her life, Kathleen held many positions that reflected her determination and strong work ethic — waitress, bank teller, secretary for Wasco County in The Dalles, Oregon, and for various law offices and businesses. In the mid-1970s, she worked for Boeing Computer Services in Portland, Oregon. Later, after returning to The Dalles, she began working for Union Pacific Railroad. Starting as a janitor, she worked her way up through dedication and perseverance to timekeeper, crew dispatcher, and ultimately management before retiring. Her journey was a testament to her resilience and strength.
Kathleen was the proud mother of four children. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Donald Good Jr., and her great-grandson. She is survived by her daughters: Elizabeth Hernandez, Christine Good, and Rosemarie Good. She leaves behind five grandchildren — Heather Webber, Amber Webber, Racheal Perry, Corie Coggins, and Jonathan Good — as well as fifteen great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren who carry forward her legacy of love.
Throughout her life, Kathleen traveled extensively. As the wife of military servicemen, she journeyed across the country with her family. Later, through her connection with Union Pacific Railroad, she continued to explore. In retirement, she delighted in visiting places she had not seen as a young woman. Her favorite destination was Ireland, which held a special place in her heart.
She devoted time to volunteering at Martha & Mary in Poulsbo, Washington, and served as an ombudsman, offering support and compassion to others. She loved her country deeply and cherished the values it stood for.
Kathleen adored her many pets over the years. Her final beloved companion, her cat Precious, was faithfully by her side, often resting on her lap.
She found joy in simple and meaningful pleasures. She loved playing cards — especially Nerts — which became a cherished way to spend one-on-one time with her children. In later years, Friday night card games with her daughters and friends were something she eagerly anticipated. She loved to dance and tried to teach her children to dance as well. She delighted in tongue twisters and had a playful spirit.
Kathleen was also an avid doll collector. She first collected Joseph Originals and later filled rooms with specialty baby dolls, surrounding herself with beauty and nostalgia.
Above all, Kathleen loved being surrounded by her family. Her greatest dream was to have her loved ones gathered close around her — and nothing brought her more joy than seeing generations together at her feet. She was a woman of strength, grace, deep faith, and unwavering love. She leaves behind a living legacy of beauty, resilience, and devotion to family.
She will be dearly missed by her daughters, grandchildren, and generations to come, but her light and love will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew her.
A Blessing of the grave will take place at St. Peter’s Cemetery next to the church on Friday, March 13th at 10:00 a.m. Following the grave side Blessing family and friends are welcome to come share their stories/memories at Mom’s house 750 Division Street, #239 The Dalles, Oregon.
Rand E Hartill, age 76, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at the Oregon Veterans Home on February 3, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
December 7, 1939 – February 15, 2026
Janice Marie Crompton, 86, passed away on February 15, 2026. She was born in Ponca City, Oklahoma, and was a longtime resident of Rainbow, California, and The Dalles, Oregon.
Janice served 30 years in civil service with the United States Marine Corps and Navy, retiring as a Management Analyst for the Navy. She was a trailblazer for women in her field and a fierce example to her daughters and grandchildren.
She loved horses, Louis L’Amour books, sunbathing, and Elvis Presley. She was never happier than reading a book outside on a warm day.
Janice is survived by her devoted husband of 52 years, John Crompton; her daughters, Erin Spitzer, Katherine Curbello, and Sylvia John Crompton; her brother, James Barnett; her grandchildren, Amber Chambers, Audra Crawford, David Pemberton, and Andrea Pemberton; and her great-grandchildren, Jason Crawford, Jana Marie Crawford, and Mikayla Chambers.
She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for her quick wit and sage advice.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Jacqueline Marie McKinstry, age 53, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on February 16, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held on April 11, 2026, 1:00 pm, at Rivers of Grace Church, 1122 Oak Street, The Dalles, OR 97058. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Robert Mark Shaver, age 71, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on February 18, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Caleb Andrew Massengale, age 38, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away February 11, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Margaret Ellen Tidwell, age 82, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on February 3, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Donna Jean Gray-Davis, age 91, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at Columbia Basin Care Facility on February 14, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Arlyn Lee VanGilder, 81, of Wasco, passed away on February 10, 2026, at the Oregon Veterans’ Home in The Dalles. He was born on November 12, 1944, in The Dalles to Art and Marjorie VanGilder.
Arlyn grew up on the family farm and graduated from Sherman County High School in 1965. Shortly after graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1965 to 1969. During his service, he attained the rank of Sergeant, demonstrating leadership, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to his fellow Marines.
Following his military service, Arlyn began a long career at the Goldendale aluminum plant, where he worked for more than 40 years. It was there that he met Sandra, who would become his wife of 49½ years. Early in their marriage, Arlyn earned his pilot’s license and owned a Luscombe airplane, a hobby he greatly enjoyed. Throughout his time at the plant, he worked as both a mechanic and a welder and was known for his willingness to learn and master new skills. He retired from the Goldendale smelter in 2011.
Arlyn and Sandra were also longtime small business owners, purchasing Wasco Variety & Video and operating it for 27 years. Through their business and community involvement, Arlyn became known as an honest, hardworking, and dependable member of the community.
A devoted husband, father, and family man, Arlyn valued the people in his life above all else. He is survived by his sister, Dee; his brother, Brent; his children, Sheila, Sam, and Kristy; as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Arlyn will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Saturday, February 21, 2026, 11:00 AM, Dedication of Grave will follow at Wasco Sunrise Cemetery at 3:00 PM.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
David Eugene Staehnke was born on July 28, 1942, to Walter and Edna Staehnke near Bemidji, Minnesota. He passed away on December 15, 2025, at a care facility in Hood River, following a battle with vascular dementia.
After moving with his family from Minnesota, David grew up and attended school in Havana, North Dakota, graduating from high school in 1960. Shortly after, he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1960 to 1964, including service with the 57th Combat Support Squadron in Okinawa, Japan.
David and his first wife Joan moved to Oregon in 1964. They later divorced. He married Judy Sigman on January 9, 1971.
David dedicated nearly 40 years of his working life to Harvey Aluminum, later known as Martin Marietta and Northwest Aluminum. His strong work ethic and loyalty were hallmarks of his career.
Outside of work, David stayed busy and active. He enjoyed golfing, woodworking and home improvement projects, and had a creative side that showed through his stained-glass work. He took great pride in caring for his lawn—and often the lawns of others—always willing to lend his time and effort. In retirement, David and Judy enjoyed their winter trips to the southwest United States to visit family and attend NASCAR races. David was deeply committed to his health and fitness, working out at the club three days a week for more than 30 years, a testament to his discipline and determination.
He also gave generously of his time to his community. David was actively involved in youth baseball, coaching and maintaining ballfields, where he helped install the first batting cage and electric scoreboard at 16th Street Ballpark. He honored veterans by assisting the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars place graveside flags at local cemeteries on special holidays. Later in life, he continued his service as a delivery driver and chairman of the board for Meals on Wheels.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Judy Staehnke; his children: Sandy Loop (Larry), Mike Sigman (Adrienne), Teresa Vaders, Cathy Staehnke, and Mark Staehnke (Adina); 19 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his sister, Shirley Lee; his sister-in-law, Nancy Hunt-Petersen (Chet); and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Edna Staehnke; his son, Rick; and his siblings, Betty Peterson, William Staehnke, Neil Staehnke, Enid Parrow, and Ferne Anderson.
A celebration of life honoring David will be held at Bargeway Pub in The Dalles on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend and celebrate his life. David will be interred at the Dufur Community Cemetery in a private ceremony at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made in David’s memory to Meals on Wheels.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Joy Moree Macnab, age 68, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at The Springs at Mill Creek on February 9, 2026. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Shirley Leone Fritts, age 95, a resident of Hood River, OR, passed away at Hawks Ridge Senior Assisted Living Community on February 7, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.