Ethel Florence Newman

Ethel Florence Newman of Yakima, died peacefully on Friday, March 29, 2013 at Good Samaritan Health Care Center at the age of 95.

Ethel was born in Merritt, British Columbia, Canada on June 30, 1917 the oldest of seven children. She met the love of her life, William “Harry” Newman, and they were married December 12, 1936 at the house of her parents, Emma and Ross Graham, in Silver Creek, B.C. She moved to the United States in 1941 and worked as a homemaker, taking care of her family. Ethel moved to the Yakima Valley in 1975 and spent the rest of her time here after she and Harry retired.

Ethel was a warm and caring person with a great love of life. She loved spending time with her family. Ethel was always busy taking care of her children, and anyone else she could to help. Ethel had a great love of the outdoors, especially nature and wildlife. She enjoyed nature by taking frequent camping trips with Harry and taking care of her beautiful garden. She was also an accomplished ceramic artist. She was strong in her faith and was a member of the 7th Day Adventist Church since she was 15.

She is survived by four daughters, Donna Harding of Yakima; Arlene Wright of Hermiston, OR, Verla Matacio of Alberta, British Columbia, Canada, and Audrey Rice of Boise, ID; eleven grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; five great great grandchildren and a sister, Bernice Hyam of British Columbia, Canada. Ethel is also survived by her beloved dog Lance who kept her company during the years after Harry’s death.

There will be a celebration of Ethel and Harry’s life on Saturday, April 20, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. at the home of Mardi and Rollie Bock. Keith & Keith Funeral Home are entrusted with the arrangements.