Orva Jean (Newell) Schminkey was born June 29, 1921, in Colfax, Wash. She was the only daughter of Roy A. and Bessie E. Newell. Orva passed away in her sleep and went to be with her heavenly Father on March 5, 2007, in Gig Harbor. She was 85.

Orva graduated from Langley High School in 1938, and worked briefly for the Whidbey Telephone Co. before marrying Ralph L. Schminkey on July 4, 1940, in Orting.

They were married for 66 years and have seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Orva was a loving person who was devoted to caring for her family and being with them throughout her life. She was always ready to help anyone who needed it. She was a strong person who, with God’s help, overcame many physical problems while still keeping her beautiful smile and a twinkle in her eye. Her presence and sweet spirit will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.

Orva is survived by her husband, Ralph; son, Gary (Theresa) Schminkey of Puyallup; daughters Barbara (Ken) Casey, and Betty (Mike) Brooks, of Tacoma; brother, Russell (Mi Yung) Newell of Las Vegas, Nev., and his son, Jerry (Greta) Newell of New York; sister-in-law, Bonnie Newell of Clinton, and her daughters, Audrey (Jim) Spencer of Langley and Laurie Newell of Freeland; several nieces and nephews, and many good friends, including one of her best friends, Beth Thorsen.

She was preceded in death on Jan. 22, 2007, by her brother, Howard E. Newell, whom we also miss dearly.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 17 in the Valley Chapel at Mountain View Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 4100 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood.