Obituary of Barbara Jean Newell

Barbara Jean Newell, age 81, passed away on Saturday, September 2, 2017, at Oklahoma City, Okla. Memorial services will be held at 5:30 pm, Thursday, September 7, 2017, in The Chapel at Griffin~Hillcrest Funeral Home, Ardmore, Okla.

Barbara was born on March 20, 1936, in Mitchell, South Dakota, to Felix Van Walleghen and Helen (McGee) Van Walleghen. She was a graduate with the Class of 1954 from Letcher High School in Letcher, South Dakota. Barbara married her soul-mate, Larry Dee Newell, on August 16, 1956, at St. Scholastica Catholic Church in Letcher. She was a loving mother who was devoted to her family and to the teaching of the children of Ardmore at Big Five Headstart and Will Rogers Elementary School. The school children affectionately called her “Miss. Barbara.”  Her spare time was spent with her horses. She enjoyed being outdoors, and spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, beloved son, Ricky Newell, and sister Elaine Tingle.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 61 years, Larry Newell, of Ardmore, three sons: Perry Newell and wife Laura of Ardmore, Marc Newell and wife Cathy Arthur of Ardmore, and Allen Newell of Kingsport, Tennessee, and daughter, Dawn Rasco and husband Phillip, of St. Joseph, Missouri. She was blessed with eleven grandkids and eighteen great-grandkids.

Those wishing to give donations may make them to the Griffin~Hillcrest Family Fund. Donations made in Barbara’s name will be distributed to Will Rogers Elementary School. PO Box 2475, Ardmore, Okla. 73401