Bess Newmaster

Bess K. "Ray" Newmaster, 88, loving wife and mother, of Boulder, CO, formerly of Tulsa, OK, passed away peacefully Friday, October 26, 2012 in Boulder. Bess was born into a large farm family in Paden, OK on December 20, 1923 to Rufus and Maud Etta (Morgan) Ray. She attended Paden schools and Draughon's Business School before working in Washington DC during WWII. After WWII she attended Oklahoma A & M, obtained a degree in Home Economics, and met her future husband, Mark L. Newmaster. Her husband was employed by Shell Oil Co. and they lived in New York, Texas, New Jersey and Louisiana. Mark died on March 31, 1966 and Bess moved back to Oklahoma to be near her family. She bought a house in Tulsa where she returned to work, raised her sons, and lived in her home for the next 44 years. Bess had many friends. She was outgoing, supportive of others, and enjoyed her many long term neighbors. Bess was a member of the Asbury United Methodist Church in Tulsa where she was active in church activities including the choir. She was block leader in her Sungate neighborhood, and practiced water aerobics at the YMCA. Bess also enjoyed gardening, bridge clubs, games such as scrabble & dominoes, and spending time with her large family. She had a passion for life and taught us by example how to live. She is survived by her sons, Mark Newmaster, Boulder, CO and Gary (Denise) Newmaster, South Windsor, CT; twin sister, Es Sharp, Bartlesville, OK; brothers, Wayne (Karen) Ray, Paden, OK and Glen (Jean) Ray, Norman, OK; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Bess was preceded in death by her husband, Mark L. Newmaster; five brothers, Fred, Earl, Burl, Woodrow and Wenfred Ray; and five sisters, Ravia Cash, Iva Mae Case, Lucille Williams, Margie Standley, and Vynola Blish. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Connie and the staff of The Shawnee Gardens residence of Boulder for the devoted care they gave Bess for the past almost two years. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 2448 E. 81st St., Suite 3000, Tulsa, OK 74137.

Visitation Details

Thursday, November 1st, 2012 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Service Details

Friday, November 2nd, 2012 2:00pm, Asbury Methodist Church

Interment Details

Memorial Park Cemetery Bartlesville