Alice Newton

When reflecting on the life of Alice Leahone Newton, words such as patient and loving come to mind, but no greater word could describe her life than selfless. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She treasured the time she spent with her growing family and enjoyed the company of each and every one of them. Her passion for bowling was shared with her children as well as her grandchildren and they owe her all the credit for teaching them all of her tricks over the years. Her loving presence and generosity will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.

Reflecting on the 1920’s, it was a period of sustained economic prosperity with a distinctive cultural edge. Radio stations were growing in popularity throughout the US, and the media was focused on jazz music and celebrities. In the same year that Charles Lindbergh completed the first solo flight across the Atlantic, The Jazz Singer opened ending the era of silent movies, and Leslie and Florence (Alexander) Ford welcomed their newborn daughter, Alice, into their hearts on July 3rd, 1927 in Lowell, Michigan. Her birth brought her family much joy and happiness.

Growing up with her brother, Richard, she was given to her grandmother by the tender age of four years old. By the time, Alice turned eight, her mother had remarried and she went back to live with her and her stepfather in Kalamazoo. Later, they moved to Paw Paw, then to Mattawan, before settling in Gobles by her freshman year in high school. Alice proudly graduated with the Class of 1945 from Gobles High School before moving away from home. She accepted her first job with the Sutherland Paper Company. Driven and determined to make her way in the world, Alice was able to maintain her job and also afforded her own room and board while living in Plainwell with Mary Gernaat. It was Mary, that introduced Alice to her brother, Raymond Newton in May of 1946. After a short three-month courtship, the two of them were eager to spend the rest of their lives together and joined in marriage on August 10th of that same year! Happily in love, they raised three wonderful children together; Michael, Linda, and Theresa “Terri.”

She was a wonderful mother who loved each of her children with the greatest compassion and care. She treasured her years attending their special events and shared her lifelong values with each of them. By 1962, the family relocated to Meridian, Mississippi where she attended three days of AJBC coaches school. Little did she know that this achievement would launch her into a forty-two-year career as a certified bowling coach! Bowling right up until the age of 75, Alice absolutely loved the sport! When she was finally able to relax and enjoy herself, she cherished her memories of camping as a family. They’d often go to one of their two favorite locations, Function Junction or Willow Lake! Whenever Alice was with her family she was most content. Most times they’d camp for a week in July and then another week right around Labor Day. Being around her own children and grandchildren gave her the truest sense of joy. Holidays and family gatherings were her favorite pastimes, although she did also love to tinker in woodcrafts, painting, crocheting, and some golfing as well. There simply wasn’t anything that Alice wouldn’t do!

Alice was easy to please. When it came to her coffee, she’d prefer it very dark and often drank it all day long! She loved to watch old Westerns and game shows on television and Blake Shelton won her heart as a country western music fan! Alice would often try her luck at Bingo and loved scratch off tickets! Win or lose, it was the company of friends and the thrill of victory that kept her coming back! Her most prized possession in addition to her family was her music boxes. She had quite an extensive collection from years and years of buying and receiving them as gifts! Described as a Dachshund lover, fiercely independent, and the owner of one of the most winningest smiles, Alice leaves behind a wonderful legacy of living life to the fullest and finding joy in everyday living.

Alice L. Newton, of Vicksburg, passed away on Monday, September 25, 2017, at the age of 90. She is preceded in death by her husband, Raymond and one granddaughter, Rita. She is survived by her three children: Michael (Deb) Newton, of Portage; Linda (Michael) Diffendal, of IN; Terri (Bill) Kelley, of Scotts; five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 2 pm at the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg (269-649-1697). The family will receive friends on Wednesday one hour prior to the service starting at 1 pm. Burial will be held at the Vicksburg Cemetery. Please visit Alice’s web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign the guestbook, and share a memory and/or photo. Those who wish may make a contribution to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.