Obituaries

He was born to Myrtle Freda (Crowel) and Herbert William Poppen in Lebanon, Ore., on April 29, 1943.

Mr. Poppen moved from Lebanon to Milbank, S.D. Later, he relocated to Othello and settled in White Salmon 36 years ago.

Mr. Poppen worked as a truck driver for C&H Logging. He loved to fish and hunt. He also enjoyed working on cars and would often buy old automobiles and fix them up.

Survivors include wife, Lynn Poppen, White Salmon; sons Troy and Wesley Poppen, both of White Salmon, and Jason Poppen, Vancouver; daughters Caroline Ciokewiez, Spokane, and Jennifer Hosfield, Kennewick; and six grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2004, at Gardner Chapel in White Salmon.

LYNN B. WILLIAMS

Lynn B. Williams, born Jan. 11, 1944, in Omak, died of a sudden infection on Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2004, at Emanuel Hospital in Portland, Ore.

Mr. Williams was raised in the Molson-Chesaw, Oroville area, and graduated with Oroville High's class of 1962. He received his bachelor of arts degree in education at Eastern Washington State College.

He married LaVena Moore and they made their first home in married student housing in Cheney, while he was finishing his college education. In 1967, the couple moved to Lyle. They were longtime members of the Lyle United Methodist Church, where he was an active board member. For the last 15 years, they've attended Gateway Presbyterian in The Dalles, Ore.

He taught middle school math and science for seven years in Lyle. Then for 23 years in Klickitat, he taught various grade levels, art and photography, advised the yearbook staff, coached track and basketball, and refereed volleyball.

Mr. Williams was well known for his years of running the clock and announcing at basketball games and the Lyle/Klickitat/Wishram football games, where his sense of humor always resonated over the P.A.

He loved reading and continuing to learn. He kept connected to many friends in daily e-mails which always included a joke or two. His passion for fishing is known throughout the Columbia River Gorge and he shared his love with several generations by taking many children on their first fishing trips.

Mr. Williams retired from teaching in 1997 and shortly after was diagnosed with cancer. While battling his failing health, he spent all the time he could with his precious grandkids, had weekly dates with lifelong friends at the Pancake House and Spooky's in The Dalles, and continued to spread laughter and joy to everyone he met.

He was a loving husband, wonderful father, inspiring friend and teacher. A confidant to many former students, a terrific storyteller, a gentle soul and a constant joker. He has left a legacy of learning, love and laughter, and a void in all our hearts.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years LaVena; son Terry Williams, Dallesport; daughter Jennifer Erickson, Beaverton, Ore.; mother Ruby Sherling, Oroville; sister Darlene Allen, Spokane; brother David Partlow, Omak; stepsister Kay Tracy, Tonasket; grandchildren Randi Jo and Jessica Erickson, and Zoe and Tristan Williams; several nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins and many students, colleagues and dear friends.

A graveside service for Mr. Williams will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 18, at Balch Cemetery, Lyle. All are welcome.

EARL STRODE

Earl Delbert Strode was born to Burton and Mae Strode in Rathdrum, Idaho, Jan. 12, 1915, and died in The Dalles, Oregon, on Sept. 7, 2004, at the age of 89.

The Strode family moved to B.Z. Corners, and at 18, Mr. Strode began working for various sawmills on the green chain. One of those mills was Hopp De Wilde's at Gilmer, where he was rewarded with an engraved watch after 10 years of service on-what he called-"the chain gang."

Mr. Strode married Jane Parmele on New Year's Eve, 1949, at the Taft de Lake Seventh-day Adventist Church at Taft, Ore. (which today is the south side of Lincoln City, Ore.). After a brief honeymoon, the newlyweds made their home at B.Z. Corners for 18 years.

In the fall of '68, the couple purchased a house on Underwood Mountain. Then Hopp's mill closed, and Mr. Strode tried logging in the woods awhile, then worked for Hallenbeck sawmill at Trout Lake. Next was Hegawald's mill near Stevenson, then finally Broughton's sawmill west of Underwood until his retirement in June, 1980.

Throughout those years, Mr. Strode earned a reputation for his Herculean strength and mild-mannered disposition. His hobbies have included gardening, mechanical work, and raising sheep.

For many decades the Strodes have been faithful members of the White Salmon Seventh-day Adventist Church. In 1992, they sold their Underwood home. Then because of failing health, they moved to a private care facility at The Dalles a few years later.

Mr. Strode is survived by his daughter, Linda Rhodes, The Dalles; and he was preceded in death by his wife Jane on May 9, 2004.

Mr. Strode's memorial service was held on Sept. 13, 2004, at his White Salmon church, and Gardner Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

DOLORES WILLIAMS

White Salmon resident Dolores Joan Williams, died in Hood River, Ore., on Sept. 8, 2004. She was 68.

Mrs. Williams was born in Wichita, Kan. on Oct. 12, 1935, the daughter of Lillie Fern (Shelton) and Charles Edward Crawford.

She moved to the Yakima and Tri-Cities area in 1948. She married Vernon Lee Williams and they lived in Ritzville, in the 50s. In the 60s, they moved to White Salmon and lived in the BZ Corner area.

Mrs. Williams loved crocheting, ceramics and crafts.

Survivors include her children, Harold Lee Williams, Sumner, Wayne Vaughn Williams, Murdock, Rova June Call, Vancouver, and Tamara Faye Williams, Appleton; brothers Calvin Crawford, Grandview, and Melvin and Chuck Crawford, both of Yakima; sisters Frances Fox, Richland, Phyllis Jacobson, Aurora, Ore., Kitty Wade, Benton, Ky., Shirley Crawford, St. Louis, Mo., and Rita Stephenson of White Salmon; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

At this time, no formal services have been planned.

Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Gardner Funeral Home's Columbia River Crematory in White Salmon.