Barbara Jean Newton, 88, passed away April 3, 2020, in Hutchinson, KS. She was born July 30, 1931, to Austin and Alice (Blair) Ramsey in Arkansas City. Barbara attended public school there and graduated from the local junior college and later Kansas State University. She married Albert E. Newton of Dexter on October 27, 1950, at her parent’s home. He died May 4, 2019. They taught in several school districts across north central and western Kansas, retiring at Conway Springs in 1985.
During retirement they made their home in rural Arkansas City before embarking on full-time camping in the late 1990-96. Barbara loved to travel, read, tell a joke or funny story to whomever would listen, and quilt. She delighted in making quilts for each grandchild and great-grandchild and great-great-grandson. She and Albert were proud that they had visited each of the 50 states. They moved to Hutchinson in 2006 to be closer to family.
Other survivors include three sons – Chris of Lawrence; Craig (Kristy) of Decatur, TX; Clint (Joann) of Salina; seven grandchildren – Austin and Kevin Newton; Jamie (Mark) Pena and Tyler (Jennifer) Newton; Tonya (Bobby) Lawson, Tina (JD) Grace, and Stacey (Sterling) Montgomery, and two sisters – Marjorie (Fred) Wolf, El Reno, OK; and Betty Smith, Ferndale, Washington. Also surviving are eleven great-grandchildren, a great-great grandson, and a host of nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death was her husband, daughter-in-law, parents, sister, brother, two brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law.
A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Arkansas City on June 5, 2021, at 11 am and burial at Hope Cemetery at 2 pm near Arkansas City. Cremation has taken place. Memorial contributions can be made to Kansas Retired Teachers, Arkansas City Chapter.