Karen Darlene Newton (Horning) unexpectedly passed away on September 8th, 2016 at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital. Karen was born in Lewistown, Montana to Clarke and Darlene (Pospisil) Horning on May 8th, 1950. She was the oldest of four children. She grew up in Lewistown and graduated with honors from Fergus County High in 1968. Karen went on to get her Masters of Education at Eastern Montana College in Billings.
In 1972 Karen moved to Glasgow, Montana to start her career in Education. She soon caught the eye of local banker Tim Newton while dancing at the Elks Club and they were married on August 3rd, 1974. The couple built a house on the East side of town next to Tim’s parents. In 1980 they had their first child, Andy. Followed by their second, Dyan, in 1982. Karen taught one year of 5th grade and then moved to 4th grade for the next 28 ½ years in the Glasgow School System. Karen was known for bringing out the best in people. Many student still remember her as being their favorite teacher. She retired from teaching in 2001.
Karen was an avid sports fan. She would be at every one of Andy’s little league games or high school football games. She filled out a March Madness bracket every year and knew all about the up and coming players and teams. When her children both lived in Arizona, she became a Cardinals, Suns & Diamondbacks fan. She would try to attend a game whenever she would visit. And if she was at home she would text them when she was watching an AZ team from Montana so they could watch it together.
In 2012 Karen and Tim built a house and moved out to Fort Peck, Montana. Their “lighthouse” garage quickly became the place to gather. Karen loved to plan parties and impromptu get-togethers. She was always the first to welcome any new families to the neighborhood and introduce them into their tight-knit community. Their famous Kentucky Derby Party has become an annual tradition combining her love of sports and community. She kept a book of everyone’s birthday. She would send a card or gift and try to make you feel special on your day. She also enjoyed being a member of the Soroptimist, Book Club and several coffee groups. Dyan always teased her about being the busiest retired person she knew.
Karen loved her family. She loved gushing about and sharing pictures of her new Granddaughter Zoey and Grandson Hunter. Her home décor changed quite a bit as pictures of the 2 of them filled every room. She couldn’t wait for her daily pictures of Zoey to giggle at and share with her friends. She loved watching and cheering Hunter on in his soccer games and wrestling matches. She was so happy and proud to be Grandma Karen.
Karen touched a lot of hearts and we are grateful for the love and support you have all shown in her sudden passing.
Karen was preceded in death by her father Clarke Horning and mother-in-law, Shirley Newton.
Karen is survived by her husband, Timothy Newton; son, Andy (Sara) Newton; daughter, Dyan (Ben) Garcia; grandchildren, Hunter William Pierce and Zoey Darlene Garcia; mother, Ruby Darlene Horning; sister, Kristine (Geary) Brisendine; brothers, Russel (Carey Jo) Horning, Rodney (Carolyn) Horning; father-in-law Kenneth Newton, sister-in-law Carole Appling, brother-in-law Terry Newton, brother-in-law Ted (Karen) Newton, sister-in-law Lorie (Bob) Newton Sachs, sister-in-law Lisa (Andrew) McCormick and numerous nephews and nieces.
Services will be held on Wednesday, September 14th, 2016 at 2:00 PM at the First Lutheran Church in Glasgow, Montana. A luncheon will follow services at the Glasgow Elks Club. Condolences may be left at bellmortuarymontana.com.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
2:00 PM
Wednesday September 14, 2016
First Lutheran Church
641 2nd Avenue North
Glasgow, MT 59230
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
2:00 PM
Wednesday September 14, 2016
First Lutheran Church
641 2nd Avenue North
Glasgow, MT 59230
Share
Carolyn Bachtold says
I will always remember our trips to MEA convention with Charlie Rice in his ” boat” !
Vicki Kamp Balgua says
So very sorry to hear of Karen’s too-soon passing. It sounds like she had a wonderful life with her family. Many good memories for sure! I always loved her mischievous little giggle and admired her smarts. And I’m sure she was a great educator. Thinking of your family. Vicki Kamp Balgua
Tim Connors says
Newton Family,
Thoughts and prayers your way.
Tim Connors Family
Sandy Archambeault says
Ah, Karen, we will miss you so – you had such a great light about you and made all around you blessed!!! Love to the family, all us Archambeualts put our arms around you in hugs!
Dawna Rasmusan says
My kids loved her as their teacher. May God bless her family JR and Dawna Rasmusan
Aynsley Beede says
Dear Karen, You were always one of those friendly Glasgow faces that greeted with a smile, (and that little gigglle!) whether at a Griz game or one of our Glasgow visits. They were few and far between but always felt more than that. You have touched many people throughout your life and for that you will not be forgotten.
We send condolences to your family and a very big hug to Tim,
C.T and Aynsley
Tammy Mintler says
My heartfelt condolences to the Newton family. Karen was such a thoughtful and joyful woman. She will be greatly missed. May wonderful memories of her shared life embrace and comfort you.
Cindy Martirena Holom says
Tim, Andy, Dyan and families,
My deepest sympathy to all of you. Sending my thoughts, prayers, and hugs.
I will miss Karen’s emails, phone calls, cards, and unique giggle. She was so good about keeping in touch. I know you know this, but all of you were her shining stars. She loved sharing pictures and news about everything she did with you and all of her adventures.
I will not be able to make it to the funeral, I’m sorry. My whole school will be praying for her and your family.
She was an amazing person, mom, grandma, teacher, and friend. I will never look at raspberries or the Kentucky Derby the same way again. She gave a meaning to both of those with memories! Mostly a hangover!! Though I couldn’t make the parties, I was there in spirit. I will drink some of her homemade raspberry vodka on Wednesday! Salute to a dear friend….my SouthSide School buddy!
Love,
Cindy Martirena Holom
Barbara Hansen says
Everyone will remember Karen’s lovely smile and joyful spirit. She was a true ray of sunshine who blessed many lives, especially those children whom she loved and taught. Our condolences to the family.
Barb and Ken Hansen