Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Mary Elizabeth Newbury
Born: May 22, 1936 Dow City Iowa
Died: February 2, 2023, Vancouver WA
Mary Birkhofer met John Newbury in Tacoma WA when she was still in high school. He was station at McChord Airforce base. His uncles family lived next door, he was invited to dinner. She threw a snowball and there was no turning back. In fact he was waiting for her to return on a date to propose. It was my graduation party.
They lived a survivors story. Babes folks died in a tragic car accident later that fall in Iowa, so she went from being a newlywed to an orphan in a blink of an eye.
LIFE FINDS A WAY
She had 2 siblings. Wendell Birkhofer(deceased) and Nancy Sundby, who is not only her sister but her best friend .
There are four children: Linda Tom (Mark), Jamie Morris (Marty) preceded in death Scott Rumbaugh, Joni Raynor and
John Newbury (Rhonda).
They had 12 grandchildren and 5 great grandsons. There are many #1's there was always room at the table for one more. She was loved by many. We used to say that they had 5 children. The fifth was their business. John Newbury Shoe Repair and evolved to John Newbury boot maker. They had a shop in Tacoma Wa, Yakima Wa. On Main Street Vancouver Wa. Meier & Franks Lloyd Center and Bybee Street Portland Or. She was his counter girl.
They retired after Dads stroke and moved their business home where Dad continued to make boots until his death in 2005.
Mary was an active person. She loved spending time with her family and was always planning the next gathering. Her home is filled with birthday calendars, crossword puzzles, books, newspapers, photos and coffee cups.
She was a pen pal and the birthday card lady. I would catch her deep in thought as she sent the next stack of cards. We discovered prayer requests and reminder notes for birthday cards she need to send. She had a sharp mind for business, loved reading the Columbian and was healthy when she died.
In fact her hand was still warm when left us.
Marty & I said she's probably in the bathroom and then said it had better not be the other as we opened the door.
She just went to sleep. It was her time.
It was Groundhog Day.
Mom hated funerals. She would say don't be sad
Be happy
Love each other
Seize the day
Sneak a treat to your favorite dog
Take the trip
Kiss the child
Watch the crazies
Take a risk
Live your best life.
See you in heaven. I am a child of God. I am Jesus girl
She wants people to go to lunch/dinner or have a coffee date. And be happy.
