Allen H. “Al” Miller, 80, a resident of The Dalles, Ore., passed away on Monday, Feb. 11, 2008, at the Oregon Veterans Home.

He was born on April 17, 1927, in Portland, Ore., the youngest of three children to Glenn E. and Barbara A. (Higgins) Miller.

Allen grew up in Parkdale, attending Parkdale schools, and attended Whitworth College in Spokane, Wash., graduating in 1952, and earned his Master of Arts degree from Lewis and Clark College in 1978. He served in the Army during World War II, and married Betty J. Dockter on Dec. 20, 1954, in Berkeley, Calif.

Al was a physical education teacher, teaching for a year in Spokane, and for 30 years at The Dalles Junior High. He started the high school cross country team, and coached high school track for over 33 years. He encouraged and mentored his students over the years, and meant a lot to his students. Al also had a second career on his family’s orchards.

He was a member of Gateway Presbyterian Church, and enjoyed church activities, sporting events, attending his grandchildren’s sports activities, playing golf, traveling to Arizona in the winter months, reading and flying; and was a World War II history buff, a great helper and volunteer to those in need.

Al is survived by his wife of 53 years, Betty Miller, of The Dalles; children Glenn Miller and his wife, Linda, of Parkdale, Kristie Jacobs and her husband, John, of Seattle, Tracy Miller and his wife, Carol, of Oakridge, Ore., and Garth Miller and his wife, Claire, of The Dalles; grandchildren Joel, Taylor, Amanda, Hannah, Amy, Megan, Marie, Audrey, John, and Jenna; brother, Chad Miller, of The Dalles; niece, Barbara Miller, of Parkdale; and nephew, Donald Miller Jr., of The Dalles.

Al will be remembered most for his infectious smile, his sense of humor and his love of people. He always took time to listen, whether to his family and friends or to the many students and athletes he taught over the years. If someone needed help, Al was right there, or he provided other means. His actions exemplified the Christian faith he so strongly believed in. Al lived his life with a sincerity, warmth, and love of people that is rarely seen today.

A viewing/visitation was held on Thursday, Feb. 14, at Spencer, Libby, and Powell Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 16, at 1 p.m. at Gateway Presbyterian Church, with Pastor Jim Hazlett officiating.

Arrangements are in care of Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home, 1100 Kelly Ave., The Dalles, OR 97058; (541) 296-3234.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gateway Presbyterian Church building fund, 1111 Dry Hollow Road, The Dalles, OR 97058, or to The Dalles-Wahtonka High School track and field program, care of Jerry Christenson, 220 E. 10th St., The Dalles, OR 97058.

Mary Eleanor Ford, a Hood River, Ore., resident, died Feb. 12, 2008, at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital. She was 92 years of age.

Mary was born April 30, 1915, in Hood River, Ore., to George and Clarice May (Chase) Bouck. She was raised and educated in Odell, Ore., where she graduated from high school.

She married Charles W. Paull in 1930. They later divorced. She resided in The Dalles, Ore., for 12 years. She married David “Buster” Ford and they owned and operated Buster Ford’s Arleta Tavern in Portland, Ore.

After the sale of their business, they moved to Ocean Park, Wash. Buster died in 1985. Mary moved to Canby, Ore., and then to Hood River, Ore., four years ago to live with her son.

She enjoyed knitting, crocheting and quilting.

She was preceded in death by her husband, a son, her sister and a grandson.

Survivors include four sons: Wes Paull, of Hood River, George Paull, of Portland, Ore., Kenny Ford, of Molalla, Ore., and Wayne Ford, of Beaverton, Ore. Numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews also survive.

Interment will be at Lincoln Memorial Park in Portland, Ore.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Seventh-Day Adventist School in care of Anderson’s Tribute Center (Funerals, Receptions, Cremations), 1401 Belmont Ave., Hood River, OR 97031; (541) 386-1000; www.andersonstributecenter.com.