Rita K. Newbern

Rita Kingrey Newbern, 92 of Victoria passed away Tuesday April 14th, 2015. She was born on January 21st, 1923 in Sharron, West Virginia to the late James and Lona Mae Kingrey. Lona Mae later married Charles B. Coleman. Rita graduated from East Bank High School and School of Commerce. She then worked for the Dupont Belle Plant in Charleston, West Virginia where she met the love of her life David Pelle Newbern. Rita and Dave married on October 9, 1943. They had two children, David Thomas Newbern and Douglas James Newbern. Rita and Dave moved to Victoria in 1950 and made it their home. Dave worked at Dupont for 43 years while Rita was a homemaker where she remained active in the church and community. Rita took great pride in her family and serving God which were priorities in her life.

Rita and Dave were members of the First Christian Church. Rita was faithful to the church and in her community service. In church, she played the organ and was also a member of the choir. She was an active member of the CWF (Christian Women’s Fellowship) where she also served as president. Rita was honored with the Chancel choir award, Angel Award, and Disciple Emeritus Award. She was also active in the community participating in bridge clubs, organ club, Decora Club, Junior Service League and an active member of PTO. Rita was creative and loved decorating for special holidays and events. She loved gardening and could make beautiful arrangements from anything she saw growing. Rita would light up any room and was a ray of sunshine to others. She was kindhearted and to her family she was our Angel here on earth. Dave always said that God placed Rita in his life and knew he was blessed to have shared 70 years of marriage with her.

Survivors include: Tom Newbern and his wife Nanette of Kerrville, and Douglas Newbern and his wife Cathy of Victoria; six grandchildren, Derek Newbern and wife, Pam, of Issaquah, Washington, Ryan Newbern and wife, Tonya of Albertville, Alabama, Jason Newbern of Victoria, Tammy Shamburger and husband, Austin of Plano, Chelsie Newbern and Kylie Newbern, both of Victoria; six great-grandchildren, Caden, Paige, Maci, Kassie, Brooklyn and Gretchen.

Mrs. Newbern is preceded in death by her husband David Pelle Newbern. She is also preceded in death by her brother, James Kingrey and her sister Helen Haworth.

The family will receive friends from 5:30 -6:30 pm Friday, April 17, 2015 at Rosewood Funeral Chapels.

Funeral services will be at 10am Saturday, April 18, 2015 at First Christian Church, Rev. Douglas Richardson officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Victor Rendon, Jim Dusek, Mark Meek, Kent Grier, Carl Camarillo, Austin Shamburger and Jason Newbern.

The family would like to express special thanks to Joyce Burris at TLC and her staff for their love and care during the past three years. We appreciate your kindness and loving care.

Memorials may be made to First Christian Church, 2105 N. Ben Jordan, Victoria, TX 77901 or Hospice of South Texas, 605 E. Locust, Victoria, TX 77901

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com