Hood River County OR

Biography of Hon. E. L. Smith

Hon. E. L. Smith, born in 1837 in Vermont, became a prominent figure in California after moving there in 1861. An early member of the Republican Party, he was appointed secretary of Washington Territory and acted as governor. Smith established the first bank in Olympia and later moved to Hood River, Oregon, where he engaged in mercantile business and public initiatives. A respected speaker and community leader, he was elected speaker of the Oregon legislature in 1888. Smith was known for his advocacy of temperance and the Unitarian faith. He and his wife had six children.

Lenington, Pauline Nora – Obituary

Pauline Nora Lenington, 30, of Enterprise, Oregon, passed away unexpectedly on July 17, 1953, due to a brief illness. Born on October 15, 1922, in Hood River, she spent her formative years in Portland and Wallowa. Pauline married James R. Lenington in 1941 and was an active member of the First Baptist Church as a teacher and church clerk. She is survived by her husband, three daughters, her mother, and several siblings. Funeral services took place on July 21, followed by interment in Wallowa Cemetery.

Wold, Ariss Jeanette Jones Englund Crow – Obituary

Ariss Jeanette Jones Englund Crow Wold, 90, passed away on January 31, 2007, in Joseph, Oregon. A memorial celebration will occur on June 23 at Joseph City Park. Born in Great Falls, Montana, she was a music educator and a founding member of Mu Phi Epsilon. Throughout her life, Ariss was deeply involved in her community and various charitable organizations, particularly focused on education and women’s issues. She is survived by her daughter, grandson, and stepchildren from her late husbands.

Barnes, Elston L. – Obituary

Elston L. Barnes, 49, formerly of North Powder, Oregon, killed his wife, Sevilla, before taking his own life at Cascade Locks. The tragic incident, attributed to jealousy, occurred after a quarrel preceding the attack. Barnes, a railroad foreman, shot his wife in the chest before turning the gun on himself. Both were found by Mrs. Barnes’ parents shortly thereafter. Coroner Dr. J.W. Sifton stated no inquest was needed. Elston Barnes was the son of the late Dr. Ephriam Barnes and will be buried in Portland.

Mable Carter – Obituary

Mable Carter, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Carter of Union County, passed away at her parents’ home near Hood River due to a traumatic incident following a runaway accident while she was visiting for Christmas. Married to Dr. E. D. Johnson, a prominent surgeon in Portland, Mable was a respected elocutionist and had taught at notable institutions. Her death is a significant loss to her family and numerous friends in Union and Baker counties, where she was well-regarded.

Rhodes, Harry – Obituary

Harry Rhodes, a middle-aged man from Seattle, died by suicide through a self-administered morphine overdose in Union County, Oregon. His financial struggles, linked to his work selling harness repairs and eyeglasses, likely contributed to his tragic decision. A note left for the hotel proprietor indicated his despair. Rhodes was discovered unconscious after failing to respond to calls, and despite attempts to save him, he passed away the following evening. He was buried with the honors of his I.O.O.F. lodge, though details about his family remain unknown.

Shelton, Hal – Obituary

Hal Shelton, aged 84, passed away on February 1, 1983, at the Hood River Care Center. He was a former owner and operator of Hal’s Mens Wear, which is now known as Marv’s for Men. Funeral arrangements are currently being handled by Anderson Funeral Home.

Jochimsen, Edward Walter – Obituary

Edward Walter Jochimsen, born on August 22, 1883, in Hood River, Oregon, married Laura L. Rowe in 1907 and settled near Estacada later that year. He passed away on March 25, 1922, at the age of 37, leaving behind a wife, three children, his mother, two brothers, and two sisters. A member of a pioneering family, his funeral is scheduled for March 29 at Spring Water Church, conducted by undertaker Joseph E. Gates.

Patterson, Ethel Hazel Reed Mrs. – Obituary

Ethel Hazel Patterson, 97, of John Day, passed away on October 9, 2005, at Blue Mountain Nursing Home. Born on August 11, 1908, in Fox, she married John Smith in 1924 and later Carl Patterson. Ethel enjoyed various careers, including operating a dress shop and working as a beautician. Childless, she was devoted to her numerous nieces and nephews. An avid outdoorswoman, Ethel participated in family reunions and had hobbies like crocheting and fishing. She is survived by 11 nieces and 4 nephews.

Green, Joseph Delo – Obituary

Joseph Delo Green of Mt. Vernon passed away on November 4, 1962, at 70 years old. Born on August 21, 1892, in Long Creek to Marquis L. and Nancy Jane Green, he was one of 14 siblings. He married Nellie E. Parrish in 1928 and had four children, though one son died in infancy. A member of the Odd Fellows and Elks lodges, he spent much of his life in Mt. Vernon and Long Creek. His funeral was held on November 7, with burial at Fletcher Cemetery.

Steffen, Brian Scott – Obituary

Brian Scott Steffen, aged 29, passed away on October 5, 2005, at his mother’s home in Baker City. A memorial service was held at Wade Williams Park, officiated by Shirley McLin. Born on September 13, 1976, in Portland to Jeffrey Steffen and Cathy Steffen Vandiver, he was raised in Cascade Locks. Brian loved the outdoors, fishing, and camping. He is survived by his mother, sister, grandparents, and numerous relatives. He was preceded in death by his father and grandfather.

Bennett, Lois E. M. Shorts Mrs. – Obituary

Lois E. M. Shorts Bennett, 78, of Baker City, passed away on August 2, 2005. She was born on June 28, 1927, in Gillette, Wyoming, and later moved to Oregon. Lois graduated high school at Cascade Locks and married Ed Shorts in 1944, later marrying Marvin Bennett. She cherished outdoor activities, enjoyed collecting memorabilia, and took pride in her Native American heritage. Lois is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, and sister. A graveside service is scheduled for August 3 at Mount Hope Cemetery.

Wood, Charles Douglas – Obituary

Charles Douglas Wood, 59, formerly of Baker City, passed away on February 10, 2004, in Hood River, Oregon. Born on October 2, 1944, he graduated from Baker High School in 1963 and served in the National Guard. Doug enjoyed a diverse career, culminating in his role at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He was devoted to his family, leaving behind four children and four grandchildren. Doug was an avid woodworker and enjoyed fishing trips with his loved ones. He is survived by his wife, Melanie, and many relatives.

Mehlhorn, Dale – Obituary

Dale Mehlhorn, 72, passed away on April 24, 2003, in Hood River. Born on November 2, 1930, he grew up in Halfway, excelling in various sports. Dale graduated from Oregon State University and had a successful career as manager of Farm Credit Services, retiring in 1993. A devoted family man, he supported his sons’ athletic pursuits and helped establish Baker City’s Little League. He enjoyed fly fishing, hunting, and gardening. Dale is survived by his wife, Jean, and their family. A memorial service will be held later.

Rak, Marian Almira McClain Mrs. – Obituary

Marian Almira Rak, aged 77, passed away on March 20, 2003, following a brief illness. Born on July 31, 1925, in Hood River, she pursued social work at Willamette University before marrying John Felix Rak in 1948. The couple settled in Newberg, where Marian was actively involved in her church and community, earning recognition as the 1998 Interfaith Volunteer Caregiver of the Year. She is survived by her daughter Elizabeth Ann, sister Marcia Stone, and numerous relatives and friends.

Leek, Velma Dolly Pendergraft Mrs. – Obituary

Velma Dolly Leek, 92, passed away on August 22, 2003, in Yellville, Arkansas. A graveside service will be held on Saturday at North Powder Cemetery, officiated by Pastor Lenny Spooner. Velma was born on September 19, 1910, in Rock Bridge, Missouri, and married Clarence Leek in 1932. They lived in Prineville before moving to North Powder in 1960, and later to Cascade Locks. They returned to North Powder after Clarence’s retirement in 1970.

Mehlhorn, Jean Smith Mrs. – Obituary

Jean Mehlhorn, 72, of Hood River, passed away on July 20, 2003, following a brief illness. Born on February 3, 1931, in Mill City, Kansas, she grew up in California and later settled in Halfway, where she married Dale Mehlhorn in 1948. Jean had a career as a receptionist and later managed a drug store’s cosmetics department. After retiring, she enjoyed golfing and traveling with Dale. She is survived by her son Ed, grandchildren, siblings, and many cherished family members.