Choose font size
honest local news for the mid columbia region

06/28/2025

Create your printable records by selecting items below



Death Notice: Donna Mae Baldwin, 86, The DallesDonna Mae Baldwin, age 86, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on June 21, 2025.

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

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 00:19:32
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home

Death Notice: Sheryl Jane Kaseberg, 87, WascoSheryl Jane Kaseberg, age 87, a resident of Wasco, OR, passed away at home on June 23, 2025.

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

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 00:17:47
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home

Obituary: B. Sue Paige, 89, Mount Hood

B. Sue Paige passed away on June 23rd, 2025, in Mount Hood, Oregon. She was born in 1936 to Fred and Nell in Memphis, Tennessee.

Sue was an avid sportsman and gardener. She excelled in Skiing, golf, and sailing. Skiing alpine mountains by helicopter, sailing a single-person Hobie Cat, and traveling the world.  She transformed everywhere she lived into lush, beautiful gardens and had a flair for interior design. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Trish Paige, friend Sandy Bissell, Tess, and Rocky. She was a remarkable and determined woman in all that she did, including her relationship with cancer.    

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  

Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 21:51:54
Anderson's Tribute Center

Death Notice: Kelly Knopp, Hood River

Kelly Knopp passed away June 18, 2025, at home in Hood River, Oregon. Kelly was born February 27, 1958, and was 67 years of age at the time of passing.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 18:19:03
Anderson's Tribute Center

Death Notice: George Joseph Kopp, 76, Tygh Valley

George Joseph Kopp, age 76, a resident of Tygh Valley, OR, passed away at home on June 17, 2025.

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

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 22:51:26
Columbia Community Connection

Death Notice: Kevin Lee Kumm, 58, The Dalles

Kevin Lee Kumm, age 58, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away June 19, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 28, 2025, 12 PM at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home, 1100 Kelly Ave, The Dalles, OR 97058.

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

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 22:54:21
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home

Death Notice: Thomas Lee Tripp, 59, The DallesThomas Lee Tripp, age 59, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at a local hospital on June 20, 2025.

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

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 22:26:31
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home

Death Notice: Margaret Ellen Dolan, 84, Hood RiverMargaret Ellen Dolan passed away May 19th, 2025, at Providence Dethman House in Hood River, Oregon. Margaret was born May 20th, 1940, and was 84 years of age at the time of passing.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 20:28:34
Anderson's Tribute Center

Obituary: Yuri Lily Hasegawa, 97, Hood River

Yuri Lily Hasegawa, 97, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2025.

She was born on March 7, 1928, in Hood River, Oregon, to Masaru and Akimi (Kuranishi) Kawachi. Yuri grew up in the Hood River Valley and attended Oak Grove Grade School. In 1942, during World War II, Yuri and her family were forcibly removed from their home and sent to the Pinedale Assembly Center in California, then to Tule Lake, and later to the Heart Mountain internment camp in Wyoming. After the war, they returned to Hood River in 1945 and Yuri graduated from Hood River High School in 1947.

Soon after, Yuri earned a business degree and began working for the State of Oregon, where she dedicated 30 years of service before retiring.

On May 6, 1956, she married Mark Hasegawa at Centenary Wilbur Methodist Church in Portland. Together, they raised three children and built a life full of love, laughter, and shared adventures.

Yuri was an avid bowler, participating in two leagues- one on Tuesday mornings and another on Thursday evenings. She loved to travel, taking countless trips to Reno with Mark and enjoying frequent visits to Hawaii with her daughters. In earlier years, family trips to the Oregon Coast for clam-digging were among her most treasured memories. Above all, Yuri found her greatest joy in time spent with her husband, children, and grandchildren.

She is survived by her children: Rhonda (Jeff) Kaneshige of Gladstone, OR; Jeff (Jackie) Hasegawa of Hood River, OR; and Janet (Tom) Mellman of Burlingame, CA. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Courtney Hasegawa (Manuel Garcia), Michael Hasegawa, and Gavin Mellman; her sister-in-law Dorothy Kawachi; brother-in-law James Hasegawa; sister-in-law Ella Hasegawa; and many nieces and nephews.

Yuri was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mark; her parents; her brothers Teruo, Kenji, and Hiro; and her sister, Mary Imai.

She will be remembered for her quiet strength, unwavering devotion to family, and the joyful memories she created with all who knew and loved her.

A Celebration of Life for Yuri was held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 21st, 2025, at Anderson’s Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Ave, Hood River, OR 97031). Graveside Rites will follow at Idlewilde Cemetery. A time of continued sharing will be at the Westside Fire Department Rockford Station.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 21:51:35
Anderson's Tribute Center

Obituary: John Burnam Smith, 69, The Dalles

John Burnam Smith passed away peacefully on June 14th, 2025, in The Dalles, Oregon.

John, the son of James F.M. Smith and Joanne Adeline Smith, was born March 25th, 1956, in Portland, Oregon.

The fifth of six children, John attended Coe Primary, Odell Grade, and Mid Valley Junior High School in Hood River County before attending Wahtonka High School in The Dalles, 1970-1974.

Industrious, multi-talented, and blessed with a delightful wit, by age 9, John was already moving sprinklers in the pre-dawn hours before school in the Odell orchard of beloved first foster parents Glen and Joyce Allen. Later, he picked apples, pears, and cherries under the summer sun in orchards from Odell to The Dalles. John endeared himself to foster parents Jim and Agnes Mortenson and family on their Mosier farm, where he rigorously undertook every brand of labor.

He was a skilled tractor driver in the dusty orchards, performed every job available in numerous restaurants, and in 1977 served as a vigilant first responder with the Wasco Rural Fire Protection District. John worked in the supermarket industry for 10 years in The Dalles, Marsing (Idaho), Bend, Oregon City, Portland, and Vancouver. In 1987, John graduated from Trend College, Vancouver, and found his true calling as a professional bookkeeper for 25 years until health issues forced early retirement.

For more than four decades, John was a familiar sight cruising in and around The Dalles in his fully restored, dark blue, 1956 Chevy Pickup.

John believed in the maxim “Work hard, play hard.” A natural athlete, growing up, he enjoyed multiple team sports. A gifted swimmer and diver, his antics at favorite Mosier Creek swimming holes – The Pocket, Sixteen Hole, Upper 16 Hole – were legendary. At 25, he boldly dived off a 55-foot-high basalt precipice into the mighty Columbia River.

John’s two lifelong passions were fishing and golf—the former primarily with Gary Gast, his close friend of more than 50 years. John and his foster brother and lifelong buddy Bob Mortenson were golf partners for decades, and in their 50s, especially pleased to renew their friendly rivalry at China Creek GC in Arlington.

Blessed with an unsurpassed love and respect for the great outdoors and God’s creatures who thrive therein, Mount Hood and Lost Lake were first among equals for John, though he enjoyed the stunning vista views throughout Wasco County, all along with the Deschutes, Klickitat and Hood Rivers and the whole of the Columbia River Gorge.

Along the journey – at home, school, work, and play -- John forged lifelong friendships. His unique manner of speaking, honesty, and sense of humor truly served to uplift and enrich the lives of family and friends.

John was rightfully proud of his beautiful home of 20 years at Foley Lakes. His manicured lawn and expert landscaping were the envy of the neighborhood.

In addition to the Allen and Mortenson families, as a teenager, John resided with foster parents Herman and Jeannie Bagge in Mosier and Jim and Lucille Torgeson in The Dalles.

In 2013, John survived a major heart attack, and his health gradually deteriorated from the effects of emphysema, COPD, and Peripheral Artery Disease. In 2018, he entered hospice and moved into Assisted Living at Flagstone in The Dalles, where he long served as an effective advocate for other residents.

An abiding faith in God long served as his anchor and gave John strength and peace as he endured the loss of his mother and four siblings. And enabled him to face his health challenges head-on with inspiring grace, dignity, and courage.

The family would like to extend thanks to the entire Bristol Hospice team, especially John’s caregiver, Megan Reed, for her compassion and countless acts of kindness. And to Doctors Lisa Pearson and Sonia Schuemann,

multiple nurses, and the dedicated staff at the Mid-Columbia Medical Center. Sincere thanks to foster sister Mary Ann Hay (Mortenson), Gary Gast, and Bob Mortenson for their love and ongoing support of John and family throughout this challenging time.

John was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Joanne Adeline Smith, in 1971, and his father, James F.M. Smith (2005). And by sister Sheila (1956), brother Daniel (2011), sister Patrica (2012), and brother Patrick (2018). He additionally forged a steadfast bond and friendship with his late brother-in-law, Roger Muma (2016).

John is survived by his dear elder sister, Florence Muma of Battle Ground, WA, and his beloved nieces Julie, Jennifer, and Heather, along with thirteen grand and great-grand nieces and nephews, each of whom “Uncle John” was so proud.

Services are planned for 1:00 p.m., Friday, June 27th, 2025, at Anderson’s Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Ave, Hood River, OR 97031).  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to watch a livestream of John’s service or to leave a note of condolence for the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John can be made to Providence Hospice of the Gorge c/o Anderson’s Tribute Center.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • Celilo Chapel. 

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 21:15:31
Anderson's Tribute Center

Death Notice: Benita Jean McLean, 93, StevensonBenita Jean McLean passed away June 13, 2025, at Rock Grove Assisted Living in Stevenson, Washington. Jean was born December 30, 1931, and was 93 years of age at the time of her passing.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 17:53:54
Anderson's Tribute Center

Remembering Harold & Esther Klein

In loving memory from The family of Harold and Esther Klein:

Remembering you as you dance together in heaven as you did on earth.

Harold and Esther Klein of Portland, Oregon would have celebrated their 78th anniversary today, June 21.

Esther was born in The Dalles and raised in White Salmon, the granddaughter of homesteaders who lived 13 miles east of town in the Wrenthem area. She passed in 2020.

Harold was from Lincoln, Nebraska, and he passed in 2011.

They lived in Northeast Portland their entire married life. Harold and Esther were prolific dancers, spending their weekends ballroom and polka dancing with friends and family.

Sat, 21 Jun 2025 14:50:00
Tom Peterson

Death Notice: Rose Marie Miller, 93, Hood RiverRose Marie Miller passed away June 11, 2025, in Hood River, Oregon. Rose was born June 21, 1931, and was 93 years of age at the time of her passing.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 21:17:35
Anderson's Tribute Center

Death Notice: Virginia “Vir” Kirk, 94, Hood River

Virginia “Vir” Kirk, formerly of Massachusetts, passed away June 17th, 2025, at Hood River Post Acute Care in Hood River, Oregon. Vir was born June 24th, 1930, in Chesterfield, Massachusetts, and was 94 years of age at the time of passing.   Urn Committal services in Chesterfield, Mass., are pending and will be announced later. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 21:06:45
Anderson's Tribute Center

Death Notice: William “Bil” R. Secrist, 79, Hood River

William “Bil” R. Secrist passed away June 17th, 2025, at Hood River Post Acute Center in Hood River, Oregon. William was born on December 10th, 1945, and was 79 years of age at the time of passing.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 19:50:49
Anderson's Tribute Center

Death Notice: Dallas Wayne Dugger, 73, The DallesDallas Wayne Dugger, age 73, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on June 14, 2025.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 22:32:30
Tom Peterson

Obituary: LaVine Alice Knowles Rathkey, 93, The Dalles

LaVine Alice Knowles Rathkey with Taffy

LaVine Alice Knowles was born June 17, 1931, in Eugene, Oregon, to Florene Hill Knowles and Eugene Isom Knowles and passed away June 5, 2025, in The Dalles, Oregon. 

In her early years, she lived with her paternal grandparents on their farm in Trent.  She attended school in Trent Grade School where her father, uncle, and three aunts received their primary education.  She graduated from Springfield Union High School in 1949.

Living with her father and stepmother, her early memories were of severe rationing during World War II, the difficulty buying tires or gasoline, and driving without headlights on in the dark. She recalled the family moving closer to her father’s job as an edger at the sawmill, so he could walk to work.  She was also able to walk to school.   

After high school, LaVine moved to Portland, taking a job at Portland General Electric working with the janitorial crew, cleaning the entire sixth floor, but was soon moved to running the elevator, a position she liked much better. Eventually LaVine became a teacher’s aide, a position she truly enjoyed, working with children.

LaVine married John Pelles August 11th, 1951, in Silverton at the Assembly of God Church. They had two daughters: Mary Catherine in 1954 and Judy Ann in 1955.  LaVine and John also welcomed John Sr.’s son from a previous marriage, John Jr.  John Sr. passed away February 1979.

LaVine married Eldred Richard Rathkey December 29, 1979, in Salem, Oregon.  They enjoyed living on the coast at Pacific City, then moving inland to a ten-acre place outside Dallas, Oregon.  They both enjoyed gardening, reading, and grandkids.  A trip to Alaska to visit granddaughter Amy and her family was a highlight of their travels.  They also enjoyed family and especially the annual Rathkey Cousins’ Picnic.  

LaVine loved writing and her writing group in the Dallas / Salem area.  She authored two books “Chalk Dust and Choices” a novel,  and “A Time to Go” which was a history of the Watts family migration from England to Canada. She also wrote a children’s book, “Rupert Goes To Town” with illustrations by her sister-in-law Dorothy Rathkey Schattenkerk.  She loved her family, going to coffee, telling stories, watching the pelicans at The Dalles Dam, and gardening.

LaVine was predeceased by John Pelles, Eldred Richard Rathkey, stepson Raymond Rathkey, stepson John (Jack) Pelles, son in law, John Gozeleski, and daughter Judy Ann Pelles-Thomas.

She leaves behind daughter Mary Pelles Edmunds (Dean), stepdaughter Rita Rathkey (Scott McKay), daughter in law, Carol Rathkey Van Hyning, and grandchildren, Amy Rathkey Gozeleski, Jana Rathkey Murphy (Warren), Andrew McKay (Ariana Sanchez) and Hillary McKay, as well as five great grandchildren and multiple nieces and nephews.  We rejoice in her faith and know she is still enjoying storytelling and gardening. 

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

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 22:26:53
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home

Death Notice: Lillian Viola Arends, 78, The DallesLillian Viola Arends, age 78, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at a local care facility on June 16, 2025.

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

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 20:42:25
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home

Death Notice: Yuri Lily Hasegawa, 97, Hood River

Yuri Lily Hasegawa passed away on June 14, 2025, in Hood River, Oregon. Yuri was born on March 7, 1928, and was 97 years of age at the time of her passing. A Celebration of life and reception for Yuri will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, June 21st, 2025, at Anderson’s Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Ave, Hood River, OR 97031)

 Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 19:47:39
Anderson's Tribute Center

Obituary: Steven (Steve) William Cyphers, The Dalles

Steven (Steve) William Cyphers passed away peacefully at home in The Dalles, Oregon, on May 28th, 2025. 

Born and raised in The Dalles, Steve also raised his family in the area. He grew up helping his father in the orchards, and his mother at her cafe. Steve had a passion for God, family, and adventure. He worked as a conductor for the Union Pacific Railroad, and later in life received his Masters of Counseling from George Fox University. Still, his greatest joy and accomplishment was his family.

Steve is survived by his son John Cyphers, granddaughters Chamille and Margaux of Beaverton. Son James Cyphers, grandson Weslee Cyphers, wife Hannah, and great-grandchildren Norah Lou and Oliver, granddaughter Emily Mortenson, husband Jim, and great-grandchildren Emmitt and Hazel, all of The Dalles. Daughter Geneva Snow, grandson Caleb of North Bonneville, granddaughter Caitlan Snow, husband Izaac, and great-grandsons Eli, Mason, and Beckham of Minnesota. Son Josh Cyphers, wife Cathy, and grandsons Hayden (University of Idaho) and Tucker of Beaverton. Goddaughter Amy Jordon of Monmouth. Dear friend Terrie Keenum of The Dalles. Many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and “adopted” kids. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sharon Cyphers, parents Grant and Geneva Cyphers, and brother, David Cyphers.

There will be a Celebration of Life at the Mid-Columbia Church of Christ in Dallesport, Washington, on Friday, June 27th at 1:00 p.m. A private, family burial will be held at Odd Fellows Cemetery on Cherry Heights Road earlier that day.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of The Springs at Mill Creek for their dedicated care and love for Steve, Mid-Columbia Church of Christ for their continued support, Providence Hospice for their gentle care, and to Anderson's Tribute Center, who is handling the arrangements.

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 19:12:17
Anderson's Tribute Center
While you're here, we have a small favour to ask...
Honest reporting on important local issues and happenings in the Mid-Columbia region is vital for a vibrant economy, for government accountability and to bring our communities together. Local news acts as a community advocate and CCC News journalists and editors are invested in the communities in which they have personal stake. In other words...we live here too. We’ve made it our mission to bring you, our neighbors closer together by improving access to honest local news through improved technology and innovation, and meaningful reporting. Since the spring of 2020 we have built a service that is free, carbon neutral and updated daily to over 50,000 monthly local readers. We miss the morning paper on our doorstep and the black ink our fingers, but whether you’re sitting on the porch enjoying your morning coffee, or on-the-go, Columbia Community Connection is at your fingertips. You can help our team of journalists continue to build equity, accountability and trust to lift our communities up by choosing one of our subscriptions. All subscriptions and donations help us employ local journalists who work hard everyday at building and maintaining this free service we can all enjoy. You can find various support options at CCCNews.com/frienships. Thank you, we're glad you're here with us.



Keep watching this space for news and fun additions to this page