Katherine Newton Obituary

KATHERINE JAHNS NEWTON August 7, 1917 ~ September 7, 2010 Died peacefully at her home in Riverside surrounded by family and friends. She was 93. Katherine, a lifetime resident of Perris Valley graduated from Perris High School in 1935 and attended San Bernardino City College. In 1937, she married Robert "Bob" Jahns, a long time valley farmer and rancher. Bob passed away in 1980. Katherine, the daughter of Teresa and Carlo Cena, grew up in Nuevo, California with her siblings, Liberty, Gene, Lawrence and Margaret. Kat, as she was called by most of her family and friends, lead a full and active life: from running an orange juice business with Bob, acting as "spotter" during the war, to owning a dress shop in Perris. At the age of 40, she began her professional career with the Riverside County Probation Department. She was eventually named Director of the Van Horn Youth Center, devoting countless hours to helping local youth at risk. After her retirement in 1982, she married Richard (Newt) Newton, spending many wonderful years with him until his death in 1996. She enjoyed Bunko parties, the Perris Valley Historical and Museum Association, as well as Perris High School gatherings and reunions. She was a long- time member of Canyon Crest Country Club, where she spent many birthdays and Easter brunches with her daughter, grandchildren, and three greatgrandchildren--though the youngest, Ellie, was always afraid of the guy in the bunny suit, an annual source of many laughs! Katherine is survived by her beloved brother, Lawrence Cena; daughter, Patti Proudfit (Richard); granddaughter, Mary Scott "Scotti" Strockis (Luke); grandson, Blake Proudfit (Joely) and three great-grandchildren, Mack Strockis 17, Ben Strockis 15, and Ellie Strockis 12. A heartfelt thank you to her wonderful Caregivers: Jessie Power, Teresa Wohlers and Shirley Lewis, and to her dear cousins and life-long friends, Robert Guvuzzi and Velma Hastings. A graveside service was held at Olivewood Cemetery on September 11, attended by immediate family. A memorial gathering is scheduled for October 9th, 11:00am at Canyon Crest Country Club in Riverside. Donations may be made in her memory to The Perris Valley Historical Society and Museum Association, 120 4th St., Perris, CA 92570. Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary (951) 688-1221 To offer further condolences please visit www.achesonandgraham.com

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Published by The Press-Enterprise on Oct. 1, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Katherine Newton

3 Entries

Bryan&Marybeth Williams

October 2, 2010

We will always remember Kathy as bright, shining light - always radiating joy and a positive attitude that was truly contagious. Since I can remember, many of our visits to my grandma Helen's house, we would cross the street to Kathy's home to say hello and were always welcomed with a huge smile and eyes and ears that were always interested in us. Kathy was a treasure that we all got to have a special piece of and will hold dearly in our hearts forever.
Our most sincere thoughts and prayers to her family. With love, The Williams Hawaii Family

October 1, 2010

To Kathys Family, I will always remember when Kathy moved in across the street from us and how much my mom and step-dad
(Jerry & Helen Richardson) and myself enjoyed having her for not only a neighbor but a TRUE FRIENDI I ALWAYS enjoyed visiting with her when I was down from the high desert or home on vacation from my overseas job. I along with others will miss her so very much and she was a bright spot in my life as well. I am heartbroken to say the least and my thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Rich McCarthy. (Roi Namur,Marshall Islands)

Chris Tostenson

October 1, 2010

Dear family of Kat - I was deeply saddened to hear of Kat's passing. She had called me not too long ago to arrange a visit to see my mother Peggy Hook. We weren't able to set up a time that was convenient for the two of them. Kat was in my dad's (Bud Hook) class at PUHS. My mother and I both have wonderful memories of Kat and send our condolences. Mom will miss talking politics with her friend Kat. With love,
Chris Tostenson and Peggy Hook

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