Betty Lou Stemp

Betty-Lou Newcomb Stemp, born May 16, 1933, in Pasadena, California, lived a long and love-filled life that touched generations. She peacefully passed away surrounded by family, leaving behind a legacy of humor, warmth, and a family tree that could fill a small stadium.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband and high-school sweetheart, Eugene “Gene” Stemp Sr.; her daughter Cindy Stemp-Thomson; her parents Frances Collier and Donald Newcomb; siblings Daniel (Danny) Newcomb, Robert (Bobby) Newcomb, Anna Belle Dement, and Rose Marie Boush/Johnson; and her great-granddaughter Bexley Skrivan. We imagine they were
all waiting for her with open arms - and likely had Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” blasting at the highest volume.

She is survived by her four children, Diana Schrader (Rob), Eugene Stemp Jr. (Lee Gervais), Randy Stemp, and Annette Johnston (Jeff); 14 grandchildren; and an impressive 25 great-grandchildren who will forever carry on her sassy and spunky spirit.

Her journey began in Pasadena, but the family made their way north to the Pacific Northwest, landing in towns big and small. Hoquiam always held a special place in her heart before the family finally rooted themselves in Puyallup - a town she cherished deeply and would forever call home. She graduated from Puyallup High School in 1952 and carried the PHS fight song with her (almost as a personal anthem) for the rest of her life - proof that once a Viking, always a Viking. That same year, she married her sweetheart Gene, who had just enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
On August 30, they started their adventure together-eventually building a home on the raspberry fields and filling it with the love and chaos of raising five children and maintaining a farm.

She was known for having the biggest heart - generous, tender, and always ready with a laugh. Her quirky sense of humor was legendary, and her lighthearted way of seeing the world reminded those around her not to take life too seriously. She loved music, she loved to dance, and she loved the thrill of winning at the casino. She enjoyed a good cocktail, sparkled in fun jewelry, and was rarely without her signature red lipstick. For over 50 years, she and Gene were season ticket holders for UW Huskies football-cheering loud, win or lose, because loyalty and fun meant more than the score.

What we’ll miss most about her is the light she carried into every room. She loved deeply, told the most fabulous stories, and found joy in the everyday moments. She had a gift for making people feel comfortable and free to be themselves - leaving everyone a little better for having been near her.

Her family takes comfort in knowing she’s reunited with so many she loved, and that somewhere on the other side, she’s smiling, dancing, and doing things her way.