January 28, 1927 - January 6, 2024
Tempa Christine (Chris) Testerman Newbold
(January 28, 1927 - January 6, 2024)
NEWBOLD, Tempa Christine (Chris) Testerman Newbold (age 96)
Our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Tempa (Chris) Newbold, passed away on January 6, 2024, to be received into a larger life by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Chris came into this world on January 28, 1927 in Zena, Oklahoma. She was the daughter of Charles (Charlie) and Tempa Testerman. Chris grew up as a young girl in Oklahoma during The Great Depression, where her father and mother operated a general store and post office in the communities of Zena and Grove, Oklahoma. So the story goes that she was held in the arms of "Pretty Boy" Floyd when he once visited her parents store in the late 1920s! She and her family later moved to South Bend, Washington in search of better opportunities. Chris was a gifted singer and studied under Helen Davis, the composer of our state's official song, "Washington, My Home."
She graduated from Raymond High School in Raymond WA in 1944 and soon after learned the accounting system for General Motors and worked as a bookkeeper for a number of different car dealerships in the Willapa Harbor area and in Seattle. Soon after World War II, she caught the eye of Donald (Don) Newbold, who had recently returned home from service in the Marine Corps and was attending Washington State University (WSU). At first she thought he was interested in her to purchase life insurance from him, but he was really interested in her! She and Don were married in September of 1950 and then made their life together in Seattle, Tacoma and Portland during the time that Don served as a District Manager for a couple of life insurance companies. They eventually settled in Olympia WA, where they purchased and operated an insurance agency for many years.
Don suffered a serious leg injury in 1965 and Chris cared for him and stepped in and kept the insurance agency going under difficult circumstances. Chris was a woman of many talents, among which was keeping track of financial affairs, knowing all there is to know about precious gems--even where each gem was mined and how they were formed (she must have been one of Jewelry Television's best customers!), finding terrific deals when shopping, finding treasures among various antique shops and knowing how to "stretch a dollar." She was the definition of the word "hospitality," opening her home to family and friends often and serving delicious meals. Many a good time was had around the dinner table! Chris gave her life to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at a young age and it showed in the way she treated others throughout her life. She taught her family members many useful life lessons. Chris and her husband Don loved good music, especially jazz through artists like jazz saxophonist Johnny Hodges and they enjoyed singing in the church choir together. Her children can recall hearing her beautiful voice singing while ironing clothes at home.
She will be missed by all who had the pleasure and privilege of knowing her. Chris was preceded in death by her beloved husband Don, grandchild Jennifer and great-grandchild Ezra. She is survived by sons Mark (Judy) Newbold of Spokane WA and Matt (Val) Newbold of Kirkland WA; grandchildren Andrea (David) Knaggs of Spokane, Amy (Joel) Cathey of Spokane and Jake (Sarah) Newbold of Spokane, Nerys (Nate) Silva of Euguene OR and Lacy Newbold of Seattle WA; and great-grandchildren Joshua (Josh), Isabel (Izzy), Bobby, Quinn, June, Rowan, Reed, Izaak, Tempa and Ida. A celebration of life gathering will be held for Chris on Saturday, April 20th, at the family home.
Please contact Newbie7@aol.com or (509) 953-8696 for details. Memorials can be given in Chris's memory to a charity of your choice. Many thanks to the team at Riverview Terrace for the good care Chris received there and to Dr. Matthew Hollon, Dr. Jared Wyrick and all of the health care providers who played a part in Chris's care. To all of you, Chris's family is eternally grateful.
