honest local news for the mid columbia region
10/22/2025
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Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home

Dordena Jane Wolfe, age 65, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on October 17, 2025.
A Memorial Service will be held at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home on November 1, 2025, 10:00 AM, Inurnment to follow at 11:30 AM at St. Peters Catholic Cemetery with luncheon following in the Parrish Hall. Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home

Kenneth “Kenny” Holt Hoptowit Sr.
Kenny Wym’Kut’tutt Hoptowit
February 19, 1969 – October 14, 2025
Kenneth “Kenny” Holt Hoptowit Sr., known by his tribal name Kenny Wym’Kut’tutt Hoptowit, was born on February 19, 1969, in The Dalles, Oregon, to Delno Hoptowit Sr. and Pamela Jean Goudy. A proud son of the Columbia River, Kenny lived his life deeply rooted in the traditions and teachings of his people.
An avid Treaty fisherman and hunter, Kenny spent his life along the River, passing down the sacred ways to his children and ensuring the knowledge would live on for generations. He was a master of traditional food preservation—canning, smoking, drying, and storing for the winter and hard times. His hands shaped moccasins, vests, shirts, knives, silverware, sheaths, nookshys, and hats. He tanned hides, crafted beadwork, and created art that reflected his heritage and spirit.
Kenny’s love for the outdoors extended to hunting, trapping, and bird hunting, and he cherished his fishing trips to Alaska with his father. He found joy in watching his children, grandchildren, and niece play basketball, as he excelled in sports himself. Kenny was a gifted athlete—honored as a baseball all-star in the major leagues and recognized as an all-state All-American football player, celebrated in New England at professional games. He graduated from Wahtonka High School in The Dalles, Oregon.
Kenny is survived by his A’yut, Vanessa Rene Spener; his children Kenny Holt Hoptowit Jr., Al Jay Goudy Hoptowit, Marcelline Monzon, and Bill Knight; his sisters Rianna Lee Hoptowit and Betty Rene Hoptowit; and his adopted brother Chris Sargeant. He was preceded in death by his parents, Delno Dee Hoptowit Sr. and Pamela Jean Goudy; his daughter Sally Jo Mae Hoptowit; and his sister Angela Goudy.
Kenny will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy, teachings, and love will forever live in our hearts.
Services
Dressing: Friday, October 17, 2025, at 2:00 PM
Overnight at Lone Pine Longhouse: Begins at 4:00 PM
Sunrise Burial: Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Wish-Cum Cemetery, Dallesport, WA
Arrangements: Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home
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.
Anderson's Tribute Center

Jesse Lee Gross
Jesse Lee Gross of Parkdale, Oregon passed away October 3, 2025, at Adventist Health Medical Center in Portland, Oregon, surrounded by family. Jesse was born July 27, 1946, in Weiser, Idaho, and was 79 years of age at the time of his passing.
He was the son of Leon and Twylah (Neill) Gross. In his youth, Jesse trained his horse to herd cattle and developed a strong work ethic early on. He worked for Hanel Lumber Company for 29 years, then at Northwest Aluminum in The Dalles for 8 years, and briefly at Warm Springs Sawmill before retiring from Diamond Fruit in 2012. Later in life, Jesse found joy simply watching his neighbors' horses from the comfort of home.
On August 21, 1965, Jesse married Ruby Laura Wachter. This past August, they celebrated 60 years of marriage. Together, they were blessed with two daughters, Kim and Renae.
Jesse is survived by his beloved wife, Ruby Gross; daughters, Kim Granville and Renae Wallace; grandchildren, Alexis Waters, BreAnn Granville, Austin Granville, and Bently Straub; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Randy Gross; and sister, Peggy Gross.
Services are planned for 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 15th, 2025 at The Upper Valley Cemetery of Parkdale, Oregon.
Please visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to share messages of condolence with the family.
Anderson's Tribute Center

Lifetime Hood River Valley resident, William “Bill” Sheppard, Jr. passed away on October 1, 2025, in Hood River, Oregon.
Bill was born on March 30, 1928, to William Orville Sheppard, Sr., and Ruth Jane (Jordan). Bill was blessed to have three sisters, Jane, the older sister, and Sue and Sally, younger twin sisters. Bill and his sisters all grew up in Hood River and attended Hood River High School.
Bill graduated from Hood River High School in 1946, where he played football, basketball, and ran track. He went on to attend Oregon State University and became a lifelong Beaver fan and supporter. During his time at Oregon State, Bill became a member of the ROTC program. This was his pathway into the United States Air Force. Bill proudly served his country during the Korean conflict.
When Bill was a senior in high school, he met Virginia Ford Wilson, a Parkdale high school student, at the local Strawberry Festival. In 1950, Bill and Virginia were married. On September 2, 2025, they celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary with their children. Their 75 years of marriage were wonderful years. They traveled the world to enjoy the many incredible sights in Australia, England, Switzerland, Spain, and many places in Canada and the United States. Bill and Virginia loved road trips. Even a long road trip to Alaska! Each visit created many stories and experiences. In the 70’s, Bill and Virginia made a second home in Palm Springs. They loved spending their winters in the warmer climate. They became “snowbirds” for many years.
After Bill’s time in the service, he worked for his dad, W.O. Sheppard, and his Uncle, C.M. Sheppard. Bill continued to run the implement business for many years until his oldest son, Craig, was able to take part of the reins of the business. A bonus for Bill was when his grandson Ben joined the team.

Bill was very active in community organizations. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and served on the boards of the Pine Grove Fire Department, Hood River Memorial Hospital, and Idlewild Cemetery. Bill joined the Hood River Rotary Club in 1957 and was still a member at his death. Bill was a member of Hood River Valley Christian Church.
Bill joined the Crag Rats in 1946 and was very active as a mountain climber and rescuer. He successfully reached the summit of all the major mountains in the Cascade Range at least twice. A great joy for Bill was knowing that Virginia and all of his children had reached the summit of Mount Hood. A grandson was also able to make the climb with his grandfather. He would and could tell mountain climbing stories about every expedition. Every trip in his journal ended with: “It was a good day”. Hiking and camping were activities that Bill and his family enjoyed.

Bill loved his family. He loved to play cards of any kind. He loved to play with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The cribbage board was always on the kitchen table, where Bill and Virginia had at least one daily game. A lot of teasing and laughter happened around the card table.

Bill is survived by his wife, Virginia. Two sisters, Sue and Sally. His four children, Craig Sheppard (Jean), Keith Sheppard (Greta), Debbie Sheppard McCann (Kevin), and Dodie Sheppard Sims (James). 13 grandchildren, Ben Sheppard (Rachel), Merridy Bickford Stehlik (John), Brian McCann (Sage), Carra Sheppard Cadman (Brian) Chris McCann (Dana), Amy Bickford Burtner (Adrian) Corey McCann Sims (Scott) Audrey Sheppard Forrest (Jeremy) Emily Bickford Struthers (Jeff), Mark Sheppard (Amy), Michael LaMaita (Karli), Chris LaMaita (Kayla), and Drew LaMaita (Dara). Bill had 26 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. As Bill always said, there are many generations of Sheppards to come.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Hood River Valley (975 Indian Creek Road, Hood River, OR 97031). Columbarium Urn Placement at Idlewilde Cemetery will follow at a later date.
Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home

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.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home

Ed Hrebec II passed away on October 10th, 2025. He was 63 years old.
Ed spent his childhood in Illinois, where he grew up hunting and fishing with his brother, Dave. His love for his outdoor pursuits continued until he became disabled and could no longer enjoy them.
Ed met and married his wife, Mary, while he was in the Army and stationed at Ft Lewis, Washington. They relocated back to Illinois when he was medically discharged from the Army. They spent the next 15 years there and welcomed a son Ed III in 1987 and a daughter, Amanda, in 1989. They relocated back to the Northwest, and Ed enjoyed time with his family, his five grandchildren, Heidi, Chloe, Eric, Katie, and Ed IV. He continued his love for the outdoors, fishing, and hunting, and also fixed up a 1984 Yamaha that he enjoyed riding.
Ed spent many years making Native American-style flutes until he was forced to retire due to his disabilities.
Ed was preceded in death by his son, Blake, his Father-in-law, Clark, and his brother, Dave.
Ed is survived by his wife, Mary; his children Ed (April) and Amanda (Jonny); five Grandchildren; his Mom, Edna; his Dad Ed; and his Brother, Steve.
A private viewing will be held for close friends and family at Anderson’s Tribute Center.
A graveside burial will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery on Old US 50, Trenton, Illinois.
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.
Columbia Community Connection

Jerry Dean Berry passed away on October 5, 2025, at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland, Oregon, at the age of 69.
Jerry was born in Hood River, Oregon, to Elvin Berry and Bertha (McQuillan) Berry on April 1, 1956. He spent most of his life in Hood River, where he made his home and built lasting relationships with family and friends. Jerry worked for Duckwall as a forklift driver and took great pride in his work.
A true outdoorsman, Jerry loved to fish and could often be found by the water with a fishing pole in hand. Beyond his hobbies, Jerry was a devoted believer and follower of Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. He was an active participant in local AA programs, always willing to help others through their journeys of recovery and faith.
Jerry is survived by his twin daughters, Jessica Berry and Melissa Spurlock, and her husband, Rick Spurlock, all of Harrison, Arkansas. He was a proud grandfather to five grandchildren and great-grandfather to five great-grandchildren, all living in Harrison, Arkansas. He is also survived by his late wife’s three daughters and several grandchildren, all residing in Oregon.
Jerry’s surviving siblings include Mike Berry and his wife Nancy Berry of Wichita, Kansas, and Diane Cochran and her husband Don Cochran of Hood River, Oregon. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol Berry.
Jerry Berry was a man of quiet strength, deep faith, and a generous heart. He walks with God and dances with salmon.
Services to honor and celebrate Jerry’s life will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, as follows:
A time for viewing and a special video tribute will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Anderson's Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon).
A Graveside Committal Service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Mountain View Memorial Cemetery (1235 Tucker Road, Hood River, Oregon).
To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com
Anderson's Tribute Center
Spencer, Libby, and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
Columbia Community Connection
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.
Anderson's Tribute Center
Services are planned for 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Hood River Valley Christian Church at 975 Indian Creek Drive, 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.
Anderson's Tribute Center
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.
Columbia Community Connection
Spencer, Libby, and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Columbia Community Connection
Spencer, Libby, and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Tom Peterson
Spencer, Libby, and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home
Spencer, Libby, and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home

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