Mary Newton

Mary Anne Newton

May 23, 1937  -  August 20, 2022

Mary Anne was born to Lewis and Blanche Hazelton Circle on May 23, 1937 in the Alva, Oklahoma Hospital.  She was raised in Kiowa, Kansas along with her older sister, Peggy Lou Edman.  The family farmed, had cattle, and ran a grocery store for part of her childhood.  She had fond memories of sitting on the stool at the old soda fountain.  After graduation from Kiowa High School in 1955, she enjoyed working as a switchboard operator at the phone company.

During high school she began to notice a handsome young man, Jake Newton, who worked at the Conoco Gas Station.  Jake had moved from Cleo Springs, Oklahoma to live in the Kiowa area with his sister, Rose and her husband, Howard Gillig.  Mary Anne and Jake fell in love and married on March 31, 1956.

Together, they had a good life, while raising four daughters.  Connie, the oldest, was born in Frankfurt, Germany during Jake’s Army service, followed by Laurie, Lisa, and Shelly who were born in Kiowa.  In October 1959 they moved to the farm south of Kiowa.  Mom loved the country life, where she could have a variety of animals.  This included chickens, dogs, cats, turkeys, guineas, cattle, horses, rabbits, sheep, and the occasional rescued animal (i.e. deer, duck, etc.)  Dolly, a German Shepherd, was a great companion for her the last several years.

We will remember Mom as a great cook, excellent housekeeper, homemaker extraordinaire, and lover of her family.  She was fun, kind, and a very devoted wife.  She was always thinking of others above herself.  She collected stuffed bears, antique furniture, and all things country.  She hosted many slumber parties, card parties, and guests from out of town (i.e. hunters and Army buddies.)

She worshipped at the Kiowa United Methodist Church, where she served on committees faithfully.  This usually included cooking, such as funeral meals, Labor Day booth, and Senior Teas.

She was one of the founding members of what eventually became the General Store.  She volunteered her time there and enjoyed the friendships.

Her biggest legacy is her family.  She is survived by her four daughters, Connie (Butch) Rooks, Laurie (Rock) Shelite, and Lisa Newton, all of Kiowa, Kansas, and Shelly (Mitch) Merklein of Wichita, Kansas; her eight grandchildren, Robyn (Casey) Whitaker, Candi (Justin) Maddux, Holly Rooks (and fiancé, Carson Launchbaugh), Heather (Brad) Grabar, Heath (Liz) Shelite, Todd (Rachel) Shelite, Kali (Joe) Faircloth, Erin (David) Nicholson, and Lauren Merklein (d: 2009); her fifteen great grandchildren, Trevor Rooks, Chloe and Cara Whitaker, Reese and Peyton Maddux, Beck and Halle Grabar, Mia, Isla, and Kate Shelite, Veda Shelite, Baker, Maisie, and Jase Faircloth, and Charlotte Nicholson; her sister, Peggy Lou of Tustin, California; as well as extended family and many dear friends,  The grandkids call her Grammy.  She was affectionately known as Gramdizzle to one granddaughter.

Mary Anne is preceded in death by her parents, Lewis and Blanche Circle; her granddaughter, Lauren, and her beloved husband of 65 years, Jake.

Mary Anne Newton spent the last two weeks of her life in the hospital following surgery to repair a broken hip.  Her family enjoyed this time with her, visiting and playing cards – something she loved to do.  She enjoyed the care she received from the loving staff.  She passed away peacefully in the early morning of August 20, 2022, surrounded by her family at the age of 85 years.

A private service will be held, per her request, and she will be laid to rest at Riverview Cemetery with arrangements by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Kiowa.   Visitation will be at the funeral home on Monday, August 22, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. with family present from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.  www.lanmanmemorials.com  Facebook: Lanman Funeral Home Inc.

Memorials may be given to the Kiowa United Methodist Church or the General Store through the funeral home.