Fern Newcomb

Fern Newcomb, 88, of John Day, died Monday, December 23, 2019 at home with her family at her side.  A family gathering will be held at a later date.

Fern Ardell Newcomb was born October 23, 1931 to parents Jerry and Gladys Rowland in Amery Wisconsin.  She was raised in Springbrook, Oregon and graduated from Springbrook  highschool.

Fern married Alvin Brown in 1949.  Together they had 2 children, Karen and Jerry.  They later divorced.  In 1978 Fern married James Newcomb. Between them they had 5 children, 5 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.

Fern worked at Pacific Reflex signs for several years. She then worked at First Federal bank as a loan officer in McMinnville before retiring in 1995.  Years later, she and Jim moved to John Day to escape from the big city life.

Bowling was a big hobby for Fern.  She also was involved in water ballet at the McMinnville swimming pool.

She was preceded in death by her husband James of 41 years; brother Bob; sisters Essie Rowland and  Marion Shires.

Fern is survived by her son Jerry Brown of Dundee, OR; daughter Karen Brown of John Day, OR; For those who would like to make a memorial donation in honor of Fern the family suggests Blue Mountain Hospice through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home and Cremations Services, PO Box 543, Halfway, Oregon 97834.  Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com