Jean Etta Newman

Jean Etta Newman was born March 1, 1930 in Rathdrum, Idaho. She was the middle of 3 girls born to Franklin and Myrilla Wallace. On May 11, 2021, Jean left to rest for eternity with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, peacefully in her home of 62 years.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Hogan Bob Newman; father and mother, Franklin and Myrilla Wallace; sister, Marlys Matson; son in laws, Pete Miller and Robin Basnaw; and great granddaughter, Vivian Hurlbert. Jean is survived by her 5 children; Judy Miller, Metaline Falls; Bob and (Coni), Blanchard; John and (Debbie), Newport; Liz and (Luke) Keogh, Usk; and Dorothy Newman, Ione; 18 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Mardee Gates, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Jean and Bob's love story is one for the movies. While walking down the streets in Newport with one of her girlfriends, Jean was spotted by Bob driving by with one of his friends. In his many recounts of that day, Bob was adamant that Jean was, "the most beautiful girl he had ever seen" and that, even though they'd never met, he was going to marry her one day. Before even meeting Jean, Bob recognized her grace and quiet integrity. He saw something incredibly special in Jean and chased it. They married in July of 1947. Jean's strength, determination, wisdom, and loyalty helped drive Bob to become the man we all knew him to be. She cultivated in him the desire to be better, to do better. Her ability to encourage and influence, uplift and love were some of the main reasons her and Bob had such a beautiful and admirable marriage. In the span of 69 years, they never wavered in their love or commitment towards one another.

Jean spent her time tending the various places that Bob provided for her, and together they turned those places into homes. Raising the 5 children that God blessed her with filled her days with a busyness that she navigated with dignity and grace. Her innate ingenuity allowed her to prosper in any situation, whether it were in the small cabin by the river, or the homestead on the hill off Sullivan Lake Rd where she helped with the farming and ranching, nothing was too overwhelming or daunting for Jean. She always was able to make the most of what she had. She could make a meal stretch to feed the extra mouths found at her table, or repurpose, reuse, or reinvent what she had lying around to fit her needs. There was always a way, and rarely a complaint. She was known for her "Jeannie-rigging" and she was darn good at it. Her simple and practical nature meant her family never had too much or too little, but they always had what they needed and were never left wanting.

Bob and Jean were gracious with their resources, knowing that they were a gift from the Lord to be used to help those in need. Their home was always open to anyone needing a helping hand, and their eagerness to be "God's hands and feet" was apparent to all who knew them.

On multiple occasions they had people staying on the homestead, so that Jean could help care for them during their last days. Her compassion and generosity were unrecognizably rare.

One of Jean's most honorable qualities was her commitment to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was a dedicated member of the Ione Baptist Church, where she often volunteered her time helping with Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She had a passion for sharing the Gospel with the younger generation, and this divine way of embodying Christ's love to make people feel valued and cherished for the beautiful creations that they were. Jean had a special way about her that fostered a person's sense of worth and purpose. Her heart was always open to welcome in another soul to love.

Jean has left such a beautiful legacy behind through her unwavering faith in her Heavenly Father. Those who were blessed to know her, friends and family alike, can all testify to her genuine and compassionate spirit. Her impact on this world will remain because of the enviable love her and Bob shared for those cherished 69 years. Because of their love, they were blessed with an abundance of family who will forever miss both of their physical presence on this earth. But because of Jean's strong and steadfast devotion to honoring the Lord's calling for her life, she has passed down a deep desire to also love and honor the Lord to her children, and therefore, their children, and God willing, their children. Jean's life, up until the very end, was spent devoted and submitted to the One who sustained all her needs; the Giver of life; the Light of the world; the Way, the Truth and the Life; Christ Jesus. Her dependence and faith in Him led her down a beautiful road of acceptance and trust. Her life was a testimony of His goodness and love. Jean's presence in this world may be gone, but the mark she left, and the lives she has touched, will never be forgotten.

Proverbs 31     28 Her children arise and call her blessed…

31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,

and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

A service will be held for Jean at the Ione Cemetery on Saturday May 22, 2021 at 11 o'clock. A picnic is to immediately follow at the home of Dorothy Newman just off Sullivan Lake Rd.

Sherman-Campbell Funeral & Cremation Services in Newport is in charge of arrangements.  Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at shermancampbell.com .