Robyn Bernice Newton

Robyn Bernice Newton, one of Walla Walla’s most beloved songbirds, passed away peacefully at home on June 30, 2023, after a courageous and unrelenting battle with cancer.

Robyn was born March 21, 1952, in Pomeroy, WA, to Dorothe and Richard “Smokey” Newton. Her earliest years were spent in Starbuck, surrounded by family. The family eventually moved to Walla Walla, where she attended Sharpstein, Green Park, Pioneer Junior High, and Walla Walla High School, from which she graduated in 1970. She attended Whitman College and the University of Las Vegas, both of which she studied music with a focus on voice.

During her junior high and high school years, Robyn performed in numerous concerts and theater productions, often in leading roles or as the principal soprano.

After high school and college, Robyn, always a seeker of new experiences and lessons, chose myriad paths, a practice that led to many life-affirming adventures in Los Angeles, Hawaii, Las Vegas, and here in Walla Walla. During these years, she traveled and took jobs that called to her, jobs as diverse as an optometric technical assistant (in Walla Walla as well as Seattle), caterer, and proprietress of a bagel shop. She was also an accomplished seamstress, baker, cook, and in the theater, makeup artist, and hair designer.

Robyn was a highly valued member of the Whitman College Department of Music adjunct voice faculty, joining Whitman (part-time) in August 1988. She continued to teach even as she eventually fought her battles with cancer. She was admired throughout the region for her performances as a solo singer and choral artist. She performed with the Whitman College choirs on tours to Italy, Poland, and Finland. She also performed with the Walla Walla Choral Society and Consort Columbia (Tri-Cities).

Robyn was active in the Walla Walla music and theater communities for many years, gracing the stage with her elegance, style, and vocal talents. Favorite among her theatrical roles were Lalume in “Kismet,” Miss Hannigan in “Annie,” and particularly the titular role in “Mame,” all three given at the Fort Walla Walla Amphitheater.

Robyn was diagnosed with cancer in 2003 and was the ultimate warrior in her fight. Her positive and proactive approach was an inspiration to all. Over the years, the cancer and treatments created new challenges, and she rose to each and every one of them. Despite these challenges, Robyn was able to travel more than once to her beloved Paris, especially pleasing because she was in the company of dear friends.

Robyn inspired all around her, and to the end, she added joy, music, friendship, faith, and laughter to all who entered her orbit.

Robyn is survived by her brother, Mike (Melenie) of Baker City, and his family. She is also survived by her canine companion, Kaiser, who was the light of her life.

Her family and friends would like to thank all the medical professionals who guided her on her journey. They would also like to note Robyn’s expressed deep appreciation for the wide circle of individuals- friends, colleagues, and her beloved students- who provided support and encouragement, meals, rides, laughs, and occasional tears, all of which helped her, in small and in profound ways, to get down the road with dignity and with chin almost always up.

A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at 4:00 PM, at First Congregational Church, 73 S Palouse St, Walla Walla.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation to Susan B. Komen, American Cancer Association, or Blue Mountain Humane Society through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362. In addition, friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.