Frances Marion Newell

Frances Marion Newell, 94 of Sandpoint passed on to her new life in the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011 at Bonner General Hospital. Memorial services will be conducted 2:00PM, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011 at 1st Lutheran Church, 526 S. Olive in Sandpoint, with Pastor Dave Olson, officiating. Inurnment will take place Athens, PA. Frances was born August 10, 1917 in Buffalo, New York the daughter and last child of Francis and Leila Rich. She was named after her father who was killed 8 months prior to her birth. She did very well in school, excelling in mathematics, receiving the Jesse Ketchum award. She received a special medal in the 6th grade for her accomplishments. In 1935 she graduated from high school in Kenmore, New York, lost her mother and sister, and began her education at Buffalo State Teacher’s College. She graduated with a teaching degree in home economics in 1938. She taught school in Jeffersonville, NY for a few years and on June 30, 1941 married her high school sweetheart, Charles Russ Newell in Verona, New Jersey. She and her husband loved singing in the church choir, playing cards with extended family, doing crossword puzzles together and dancing. She was an avid reader, enjoyed doing handcrafts, sewing, gardening, her pets, needlecraft, and music. The most important thing in her life was a family whom she taught the values of faith, family, education, citizenship, and patriotism. She was a member of 1st Lutheran Church in Sandpoint, and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Frances’ strongly committed Christian faith has been a hallmark of her life. She worked hard, prayed diligently and learned to trust her “Heavenly Father” early in life. Following her husband’s death in 1980 she sold her home in Kenmore, NY and drove herself 2500 miles across the country to Sandpoint, surprising only in the fact she had only been driving for two years. Her move to Sandpoint came about due to an invitation from her son-in-law. She loved the mountains and the lake and thought Idaho was the most beautiful place in the world. She is survived by her children: Patricia (Bob) Thurston, Shelby (Bob) Huyck both of Sandpoint, Jamie (Kathy) Newell of Cedar Rapids, IA, Michael (Kathryn) Newell of Hackettstown, NJ; 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren: Laura (Tim) Goodroe and their children Gabe & Tanner, Tammie (Scott) Rusho, Tim (Kathleen) Thurston, Steve (Michelle) Thurston and daughter Mackenzie, Rob Huyck, Jon Huyck, Becky (Eric) Lee and children Cody and Lauren and Jay (Lisa) Newell and son Luke. The family suggests memorials to Bonner Community Hospice, PO Box 1448, Sandpoint, Idaho 83864.