Death Notice: Edwin King, 95, Hood River

Edwin King passed away on May 13th, 2025, at home in Hood River, Oregon. Edwin was born on January 2nd, 1930, and was 95 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.

Obituary: Sharon Rose Ramsey, Fossil

Sharon Rose Ramsey

Sharon Rose Ramsey passed away on May 2 2025 in Paulina OR. Sharon was born in Newberg, Ore. to John and Laura Robertson. She was the youngest of four; she enjoyed growing up on their farm on Ladd Hill.

When she was in the sixth grade the family made the move to Newberg where she graduated from Newberg High in 1958.

On July 12, 1958 she married her cowboy Herbert F. Ramsey. In February of 1959 they loaded up their horse, Buck, leaving the Willamette Valley for Sherman County, where they began their adventure of wheat and cattle ranching while also raising five children.

After her children were raised, Sharon returned to school becoming a CNA. She first did in home care then worked at the Veterans Home in The Dalles. After many years of being part of the Sherman County community Sharon moved to Fossil OR to be near her young grandchildren. Sharon volunteered at the Wheeler county food bank for many years. Sharon’s retirement was spent by visiting her children, grandchildren and recent great-grandchildren.

Sharon is survived by her children. Elizabeth McCurdy Wasco OR, Karen & Anthony Hudetz Beaverton OR, Darren & Kimberly Ramsey Show Low AZ, Frank & Angel Ramsey Paulina OR. Grandchildren: Jaclyn McCurdy, Jamie & Andre McCurdy-Flores,  Jerod & Ashten Wright, Jason Ramsey , April & Matt  Bauska, Kathryn Ramsey Great-Grandchildren: Jedidiah

Brothers: Rollin & Nancy Robertson , Marvin Robertson

Sharon was preceded in death by Herbert Frank Ramsey, Husband, Herbert A Ramsey son , Connie Strokher sister

Graveside services will be held on June 14 2025 1pm Sun Rise cemetery 71222N Sawtooth RD Wasco OR . A gathering of Memories and Sharon’s favorite snacks following at Wasco event center 903 Barnett ST Wasco OR

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to:

• St. Charles Redmond Cancer Center

• Life Flight Network

• Sherman County Historical Museum  

Obituary: Mildred Lee Deg, 85, The Dalles

Mildred Lee Deg, 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, May 9, 2025. She was born Mildred Lee Rodriguez on November 30, 1939, in Oakdale, Louisiana, to Branch Earl Rodriguez and Vera Inez Johnson. Raised in a close-knit Christian family with strong values, Mildred shared her childhood with her siblings: Raymond, Fred, Arita, Leamon, Janice, Barbara, and Darrell.

Mildred met the love of her life, Leo Allen Deg, while he was stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana. Their paths crossed at church, where they were brought together by their shared faith in God. The couple married on November 8, 1957, in Oakdale, Louisiana. Following Leo’s honorable service in the U.S. Army, the couple settled in Yakima, Washington, before planting roots in The Dalles, Oregon, in 1961. It was in The Dalles, where Mildred and Leo built their dream home, brick by brick, in 1962.

A strong Christian woman, Mildred was an active member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. She cherished time spent with her family, enjoyed gardening, and had a love for shopping. Her cooking became a family treasure, and her unwavering kindness made her a pillar in her community.

Mildred dedicated 20 years to working for the local school district before retiring. More than anything, she found joy in being of service to her family and church. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, pouring love and care into every moment she spent with them.

She is survived by her children: Patti Timmer, Penni Hardin (husband Steve), and son Leo Deg Jr. Mildred’s legacy continues through her grandchildren: Heather Ornelas, John Timmer (wife Brooke), Brandon Deg, Natasha Deg, Tyler York (wife Sara), Jonathan Hardin, Jillian Blanco; and her great-grandchildren: Natalie, Eric, and Alyssa Ornelas, Jaxon and Elliette Timmer, Clayton Miller, Henry and Alexander York. Mildred was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Leo, and her son-in-law, Tim Timmer.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Mildred’s life at Spencer, Libby, & Powell Funeral Home on Thursday, May 15, with a viewing from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 a.m.. A luncheon will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church at 1:00 p.m.

Mildred will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her loving spirit, and her endless devotion to her family and church. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.

Obituary: Barbara Ann Osborn, 60

In Loving Memory of Barbara Ann Osborn 

March 6, 1965 – May 1, 2025

Barbara Ann Osborn lived life on her own terms, meeting every challenge with grit and an infectious laugh that could brighten even the darkest day. She passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025, surrounded by the people who mattered most: her children and family, who never left her side through all of life’s twists and turns.

Barbara’s greatest pride was being a mother to three children: Michael Hegewald and his wife Rebecca, Denise Farrell and her husband Shamus, and Nathaniel Jones and his wife Alyssa. Her love for her family only grew with the arrival of her six grandchildren: Clancy Farrell, married to Meg Farrell (stepfather to Maddie), Cloei Farrell, Hailey Farrell, Nathaniel Farrell, Ayden Jones, and Gabriel. With them, she built the warm, accepting family she had always dreamed of—one where everyone belonged.

Friendship was another anchor in Barbara’s life, and her friends meant the world to her. Among them, her best friend of fifty years, Scott Donavan, held an especially cherished place. Scott was by her side in every season of life, and in her final days, he held her hand until the end. Together, they even wrote a song—a testament to their lifelong bond and the joy they found in each other’s company. Another lifelong friend, Wanda Vandeventer, was a constant source of comfort and faith for Barbara. Over the years and especially in her last days, Wanda spent countless hours on the phone with Barbara, praying with her and offering steadfast support and love when it was needed most.

Barbara’s love stretched far beyond her immediate family. She cherished every one of her nieces and nephews, her aunts and uncles, and grandparents. Family gatherings were never complete without her warmth, laughter, and genuine interest in the lives of all her relatives. She took pride in being part of a bigger family network, finding joy in their accomplishments, sharing in their struggles, and making each one feel valued.

Her generosity and motherly spirit spilled out into the town she called home. It wasn’t just her own family who felt her warmth—over fifty children in the community called her “Mom” or “Nana.” She welcomed them all with open arms, offering support, a listening ear, and a safe place to land. To Barbara, every child deserved to feel loved and accepted, and she made sure no one ever left her presence without a sense of belonging.

Life wasn’t always easy for Barbara. She navigated complex family dynamics and loss, but her love for her siblings ran deep. She is survived by her siblings: David Smith (and wife Graciela), Steven Catron (and wife Leah), and her sister April Catron. She was preceded in death by her mother Carol Catron and father Archer “Corky” Jones. Through it all, Barbara found her own path, determined to create happiness wherever she could.

Those closest to her knew Barbara as someone who could find humor in almost any situation. She delighted in life’s simple pleasures—watching videos of monkeys on her phone, or just sitting with her kids and grandkids. Her love for animals revealed the gentle heart beneath her strong spirit, and she kept her wit and sense of humor sharp until her very last days.

Barbara’s true legacy is the family she built—her children, grandchildren, and the strength, resilience, and joy she passed on to them. She taught us that family is something you create, and that laughter, even in hard times, can carry you through.

May she rest in peace, knowing she succeeded in what mattered most: building a loving family of her own, filling their lives with warmth, acceptance, and endless laughter, and holding her friends—and all those who needed her—close, always.

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

Death Notice: Norma Lee Garcia, 88, The Dalles

Norma Lee Garcia, age 88, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on May 11, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held later this year, in the Fall.

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

Death Notice: Nancy Lorraine Block, 75, The Dalles

Nancy Lorraine Block, age 75, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on May 13, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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

Obituary: Betty (Lipp) Plotkin, 95, Hood River

Betty (Lipp) Plotkin

October 25, 1929 – May 11, 2025

With sparkling blue eyes, a ready smile, and a deep love for people, Betty Plotkin (née Lipp) brought warmth and vitality wherever she went. Born and raised in Princeton, New Jersey, Betty was shaped by the challenges of the Great Depression—experiences that instilled

in her a lifelong sense of frugality, resilience, courage, and quiet strength.

She trained as a nurse and began her career caring for newborns—an early expression of her nurturing spirit and her lifelong love for babies and caregiving.

In 1956, she married Arieh Plotkin, a foreign graduate student at Princeton University, whom she met at a dance. They spent time living in Israel, where their first daughter was born, before settling in Belle Harbor, on the Rockaway peninsula in New York City, in the late 1950s. There, they raised their four children who all attended public school in Rockaway.

Betty had a gift for connection. She never hesitated to strike up a conversation—whether with a neighbor or a stranger at the supermarket. Her warmth and curiosity left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

She lived with a love of movement and nature. Betty was drawn to the ocean, rode her bicycle through the neighborhood, and continued running well into her 70s. For many years, she tended a community garden plot at Fort Tilden in Rockaway.  

After Arieh’s passing in 1993, Betty embraced the next chapter with grace. She found love again with her partner of 17 years, Roy

Ferguson—whom she also met, coincidentally, at a dance.

In 2018, Betty moved to Hood River, Oregon, to be closer to her daughter Sarah. She remained active and engaged in the senior community.

Betty passed away peacefully on Mother’s Day, May 11, 2025, one week after suffering a stroke. She was surrounded by loved ones in her final moments.

She will be deeply missed by her children and their families: Judy and her husband Alan, and their daughters Loren and Ellie; Sarah and her husband David; David and his daughters Annie and Cara; and Michael and his wife Carrie.

Betty will be remembered for her strength, her boundless energy, her love for life—and for delivering her signature verdict on many a conversation or debate with a firm, loving: “Enough already.”

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.

Death Notice: Betty Plotkin, 95, Hood River

Betty Plotkin passed away May 11, 2025, in Hood River, Oregon. Betty was born October 25, 1929, and was 95 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.

Death Notice: Lorna Huskey, 85, The Dalles

Lorna Huskey passed away May 1st, 2025, at The Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles, Oregon. Lorna was born June 10th, 1939, in Portland, Oregon, and was 85 years of age at the time of her passing.  Lorna served in the United States Artmy during Vietnam and will be laid to rest at Willamette National Cemetery of Portland, Oregon. 

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.

Obituary: Jerry S Davis, 85, The Dalles

Jerry S Davis was born in The Dalles, OR, on October 8, 1939, to George M and Eva Anderson Davis. He was a fifth-generation Oregonian. Jerry attended schools in The Dalles, graduating in 1957 from The Dalles High School. He received a BS Degree in Business from Oregon State University in 1961. Following college ROTC, Jerry entered the Navy, serving two years on the USS Iwo Jima. After his release from active duty, he continued with the Navy Reserve, serving for a total of 25 years and rising to the rank of Commander.

Jerry owned and managed Mill Creek Orchard and his family’s George M Davis Orchard. He was a former President of the Oregon Horticultural Society. Jerry loved his family, Beaver football and gymnastics, steam locomotives, the old Baldwin Saloon, his Wednesday chapel group, and everything “Navy.” He taste-tested 4-H cooking projects, was a Cub Scout leader, helped with high school girls’ soccer, and was a school board member.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 61 years, Peggy Healy Davis; daughters, Cynthis L Kliewer and husband Kyle, Kara K Davis; son, George M Davis and wife Heather. Jerry was a proud “Papa” to six grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Nicole, and Emily Kliewer, Zain Hartsook, Parker and Addie Davis; sister, Georgia Davis Ordway. Jerry leaves behind many nieces and nephews, including great-great niece Macey Vice and great-great nephew Michael Vice.

A Memorial Service is to be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Cove Ascension School, 1104 Church Street, Cove, OR 97824, or to Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Attn: Development Department, 875 Randolph St. Suite 225, Arlington, VA 22203.

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

Obituary: Mark Richard Paulin, 67, Vancouver

Mark Richard Paulin

March 25, 1958 – April 26, 2025

Mark Richard Paulin passed away unexpectedly at his home in Vancouver, Washington, on April 26, 2025. He was 67 years old.

A Lifetime of Applied Curiosity

Mark was born on March 25, 1958, in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. When he was eight years old, his parents, Judy and Neil Paulin, moved the family to Hood River, Oregon, where Mark grew up alongside his two younger brothers, Dale and John.

Entrepreneur and Eagle Scout

From a young age, Mark demonstrated drive and initiative. He played Little League baseball, delivered newspapers for The Oregonian to over 60 customers by the age of 12, and was active in the Boy Scouts, earning both his Webelos and Eagle Scout badges.

A Passion for How Things Work

Inspired by his father, a self-taught engineer, Mark developed an insatiable curiosity about how things worked. Long before computers were commonplace, he was taking apart telephones and adding machines to study their mechanisms. As a teenager, he embraced the emerging era of electronics, building his own walkie-talkies and experimenting with circuit boards. A devoted reader of science fiction, he was drawn to the imaginative worlds of Ray Bradbury and Isaac Asimov.

The Original Geek

At Hood River Valley High School, Mark was known for his brilliance in mathematics and his signature look: a calculator and slide rule on his belt and several mechanical pencils in his shirt pocket. He had memorized over 200 digits of pi and relished solving complex problems. He graduated as a National Merit Scholar with a perfect 4.0 GPA.

Mark went on to study mathematics and computer science at Reed College in Portland, Oregon. His senior thesis focused on "Latin Squares," a foundational concept linked to the early development of string theory.

A Pioneer in Technology

After college, Mark worked with several early "Silicon Forest" tech companies, helping to develop software for COBOL compilers and early speech recognition systems. Later, at General Electric, he served as an IT strategist, contributing to innovations in tracking and routing the thousands of railcars that keep the U.S. supply chain moving.

A Lifelong Tinkerer

Even after retiring in 2020, Mark remained intellectually active. At the time of his passing, he was designing a more efficient camshaft for automotive engines—a testament to his enduring passion for innovation.

Survived By

Mark is survived by his mother, Judy Judd; his brothers, John Paulin and Dale Paulin; his beloved dog, Bonnie; and many other family members and friends who will miss his intellect, humor, and generous spirit.

Service Information

A service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the Upper Valley Parkdale Cemetery, 6917 Allen Road, Parkdale, Oregon.

Arrangements are under the care of Anderson’s Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  To share a memory or leave a note of condolence, please visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com.

Obituary: Keith Smith, 87, Dufur

The gates to heaven must need a little welding because on May 3rd, 2025, Keith Smith, beloved farmer and rancher, officially fired up the big welder in the sky and got to work. 

Born August 21st, 1937, and raised in the Dufur countryside, he spent his life tending to his crops and cattle with the dedication that can only come from someone who truly loves what he does. 

Keith enjoyed riding horses, hunting, fishing, and working in his shop.  But his shop wasn’t just a shop — it was a sanctuary and gathering place where young and old came to hear some of his well-earned wisdom. Keith fondly referred to these sacred sessions as “choir practice,” though it’s unclear if any hymns were actually ever sung.  What is clear is that the place was filled with gossip, laughter, questionable political correctness, and enough empty beer cans to make it qualify as a recycling center.

 Keith leaves behind many vehicles that may or may not start without a small prayer and a large kick and a herd of cats his deceased wife collected, and he pretended not to like, but always tried to coax one onto his lap to watch Perry Mason. 

Keith is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Shannon and Ryan, grandson Taylor, nieces Marni and Carrie, and nephews Jeremy and Brian.

 Services will be held on May 18th at noon at Spencer, Libby, and Powell funeral home, and burial at the Kingsley Catholic Cemetery.  A celebration of his life will be held immediately after at Dave Wilson’s shop, where guests are encouraged to wear suspenders, bring their favorite beer, and tell a good story. Extra points if it involves Keith, someone falling off a horse, or both.  

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

Obituary: Gary Emerson, 90, The Dalles

Gary Emerson passed away on April 3, 2025, at the Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles, Oregon. He was 90 years old. 

Gary was born on June 4, 1934, along with his twin sister Mary Lou, to Lloyd and Mary (Kiggins) Emerson, in Naponee, NE.  When the twins were in grade school the family moved to Caldwell, ID. Gary graduated from Caldwell High School in 1953. He entered the Navy after graduating and spent 4 years in the Navy Seabees stationed in San Diego, CA, spending time in the Eleuthera Islands and North Africa.

Gary married Carol Ann Toft in 1957 and together they had three children, Debra, Scott and Gordon “Jay”. Gary worked on the Toft farm until 1962 when he joined the Idaho State Police and was stationed in King Hill, then Boise where his family made lifelong friends. Gary was transferred to Coeur d’Alene in 1972 where his family enjoyed spending time in the many recreation opportunities that the North Idaho area provided. He also attended North Idaho College obtaining his Associate Degree in Law Enforcement. Gary left the ISP in 1981, he and Carol returned to the Boise area in 1987 and later divorced.

Gary was an avid gardener, he raised gladiolas for many years for pleasure and as a business. After leaving the ISP, he worked in different agriculture settings.

He also worked as a Private Investigator, Bus Driver and Bus Supervisor at the Meridian School District, and spent a summer as a Campground Host in S.E. Idaho. Gary had many adventures including traveling to New Zealand and rafting the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.

Gary loved people and their stories and had an abundance of friends. He had so many interests and hobbies over the years which gave him knowledge about a huge variety of subjects. He was definitely our go-to for any plant/gardening questions. 

His last years were spent with his companion Linda Clemens, in Goldendale, WA, where they enjoyed gardening, raising chickens, and the pleasures of country living.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Paul and Ivan and his twin sister Mary Lou King. He is survived by Linda Clemens, Goldendale, WA, his daughter Debra Emerson, Boise, and sons Scott Emerson, Nampa, and Gordon “Jay” Emerson (Dolly), Bellevue, WA. He has six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Gary’s ashes will be interred at the Boise Veterans Cemetery. His family will gather afterward for a celebration of his life.

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

Death Notice: Mark R. Paulin, 67, Vancouver

Mark R. Paulin passed away on April 26th, 2025, at his home in Vancouver, Washington. Mark was 67 years of age at the time of passing.  

Services are planned for 2:30 p.m., Sunday, May 18th, 2025 at the Upper Valley Parkdale Cemetery (6917 Allen Road, Parkdale, Oregon). 

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.

Death Notice: Lee Charles Kaseberg, 85, Wasco

Lee Charles Kaseberg, age 85, a resident of Wasco, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Portland on May 7, 2025.

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

Obituary: Sharon G. Peterson, 97, Hood River

Sharon G. Peterson, three weeks shy of her 98th birthday, slipped away peacefully in her sleep on April 24th, 2025, after a beautiful Easter weekend surrounded by her loving family.

She was predeceased by her parents, Allen W., and Loutina Griffith; her brother, Conrad Dene (Bill) Griffith; and her beloved grandson, Eric Mahon.

Sharon is survived by and will be deeply missed by her children: Lynn Peterson, Eric Peterson, Mari (Marvin) Wolk, Susan (Ron) Scott, Jana (Scott) Mahon, and Jill (Daniel) Melendez; her cherished grandchildren: Shannon (Kacee) Callahan, Ashley Pugh, Justin (Liz) Wolk, Brandon (Lauren) Wolk, Steven (Kate) Wolk, Dustin Scott, Brenton (Alisha) Scott, Peter Mahon, Jeffrey (Yusrah) Mahon, Kimberly (Bill) Michael, Troy Black, and Olivia (Christopher) Wells; ten adored great-grandchildren and one on the way: Mikayla Callahan, Henry, Elenor, Ari, Asher, Benjamin, and Bradley Wolk, Lelianna and Cassandra Scott, Adam Mahon, and baby Michael; as well as her sister, Gayle Faye.

Throughout her life, Sharon’s greatest joy was her family. She lovingly raised her six children and took immense pride in each new generation. Sharon was an avid gardener, a gifted baker, and a lifelong learner who delighted in reading and exploring new ideas. She also loved traveling, especially her visits to Oregon, where she felt closest to nature and family roots. Sharon’s door was always open, and her heart even more so- she built a life rich with memories, traditions, and unconditional love.

In honor of Sharon’s wishes, a family service will be held in Hood River, Oregon. 

GRAVESIDE SERVICES WILL BE SHARED VIA LIVESTREAM           

11:00 a.m., Monday, May 19th, 2025 at www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com on Sharon’s webpage.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sharon’s honor to Easter Seals, the Arthritis Foundation, or a charity of one’s choice supporting family or nature causes.

Death Notice: K. Keith Smith, 87, Dufur

K. Keith Smith, age 87, a resident of Dufur, OR, passed away at home on May 3, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Jon Christian Thomsen, 66, Hood River

Jon Christian Thomsen, age 66, a resident of Hood River, OR, passed away at home on May 4, 2025.

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

Death Notice: Priscilla J Dodson, 102, The Dalles,

Priscilla J Dodson, age 102, a resident of The Dalles, OR, passed away at home on April 24, 2025.

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

Obituary: Juanita June (Crofford) Carpenter, 97, The Dalles

Juanita June (Crofford) Carpenter, 97, passed peacefully on April 24, 2025, at the Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles, Oregon. Juanita was born on August 27, 1927, in Yakima, Washington. She was the oldest of five children born to Abram and Evelyn Crofford.

Raised in Whitefish, Montana, during the depression, she graduated from high school in Cut Bank, Montana, in 1945. She spent the war years working for Bell Telephone in Shelby, Montana, as a switchboard operator. In 1946-47, Juanita enrolled at Northwest Nazarene College, where she majored in Elementary Education. There, she also met her future husband, Donald Carpenter, who was majoring in Music Education. They were married in 1948, and four years later started their family.

Juanita, Donald, and their two boys spent many years in Idaho and Montana before moving to The Dalles, Oregon, in 1957. Juanita took a job as a bookkeeper with the Apex Finance Company. However, having an appreciation for the arts and being a talented piano player, it wasn’t long before she was hired by The Dalles School District #12 as an elementary music education specialist. Juanita would travel from school to school, classroom to classroom, teaching music appreciation, singing, and playing simple instruments.

During the summers, Juanita and her husband would pack up the family, move to Portland, and attend summer school at Portland State University. In doing so, Juanita finished her degree in Elementary Education. With a Bachelor's of Science certificate in hand, Juanita accepted a 3rd grade teaching position at Dry Hollow Elementary.

When her children were independent enough, she again enrolled at Portland State University in pursuit of a Master’s degree. Juanita would commute to Portland for classes during the day, only to return home in time to give piano lessons.

Possessing an affinity for the arts, and as a noted bibliophile, Juanita was awarded a Master’s degree in Media Science. These credentials allowed her to finish her career in the service of youth in the community as a school librarian. In fact, one of her granddaughter-in-laws vividly remembers how engaging her library was at Colonel Wright Elementary, no doubt partly due to the introduction of Apple Computers and “The Oregon Trail” computer game, as well as Juanita’s ability to share her love of books. True to form, Juanita’s family is still discovering in her possession personally signed tomes by the likes of authors such as Shel Silverstein, Maurice Sendak, Eric Carle, and Beverly Cleary.

When it came time to retire from serving the school community, Juanita remained engaged with philanthropic organizations such as P.E.O. International and Daughters of the American Revolution, volunteering as a Docent at Maryhill Museum of Art, she had substantial social involvement in Bridge and Golf at The Dalles Country Club, and the Swap and Swing Square Dance Club. She was, later in life, limited in her active travel time enjoyment due to a freak accident that severely limited her ability to use her legs and hands.

Juanita is survived by her sister, Naomi (Phillip) Beymer of Eugene, Oregon; her son Michael (Lynn) Carpenter of The Dalles, Oregon; her grandsons Kyle (Jennifer) Carpenter of Aurora, Oregon, and Cory (Karyn) Carpenter of Bozeman, Montana; three great-grandsons, Conley, Kase, and Cutler; and one great-granddaughter, Wren. As well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; son, Steven; parents, and brothers, Calvin, Norman, and Donald Crofford.

Juanita will be remembered for her love of teaching youth, her fierce intellect, her knowledge and appreciation of art, fashion, film, music, and literature, her wonderful culinary talents, her dry sense of humor, and the overall class that she conveyed. She was truly quite the lady, admired for how she could do whatever she set out to do. Donations, in her honor, may be made to the The Dalles-Wasco County Library or the Oregon Veterans Home. Her family would like to give special thanks for their wonderful care and support at OVH.

Arrangements are under the direction of Spencer, Libby, and Powell; 1100 Kelly Ave., The Dalles, Oregon, where condolences/remembrances may be directed.