Bobetta Marie Newton

1952 - 2025

With heavy hearts and fond memories, we announce the passing of Bobetta Marie Newton (Apple), who left us on March 21, 2025, surrounded by her family at Abrazo Hospital in Phoenix, AZ, after a long battle with lung disease. Born on June 15, 1952, in Lewistown, MT, Bobetta was the middle child of three sisters: Karen, the eldest, and Susan, the youngest. She spent her childhood on the Apple Ranch southwest of Lewistown, where she learned early on that ranch life involved hard work and grit - more than just the cattle, putting up hay, milking cows and chickens. Her summers were spent helping her dad, Corky, in the fields, where she much preferred being outside rather than being stuck in the kitchen. Bobetta's schooling began at the one-room Cottonwood School, often arriving on horseback. She graduated from Fergus High School in 1970, where she made her mark both on the track and as a cheerleader.

Following a divorce from her first husband, Bobetta and her daughter, Marnie, returned home to Lewistown where she worked at the Council on Aging and helped take care of her mother, Annabelle, who had been diagnosed with breast cancer until her passing on August 16th, 1976. Losing her mother at such a young age was always difficult. Shortly after moving back to Lewistown, Bobetta started dating her life-love, Don Newton - whom she had dated in high school. On December 3rd, 1977, she married the love of her life; a match that lasted 47 wonderful years. Together, they raised two daughters, Marnie and Dayla, in a log home they built on Hanover Road north of Lewistown-a place Bobetta cherished deeply. As a stay-at-home mom, Bobetta poured her heart into her family and garden, canning and preserving the bounty of her labor. Bobetta often credited her mother-in-law, Rosella, for sharpening her cooking skills. Rosella's kitchen was where she learned the fine art of turning a simple meal into something special, and the two shared many laughs and a few culinary secrets.

Bobetta was also an integral part of the family business, Newton Aviation, which she and Don ran for 28 years at the Lewistown Airport. If you ever flew in or out of Lewistown, chances are you were greeted by Bobetta with a warm smile and a helpful hand. Whether it was fueling planes, arranging car rentals, or making sure everything ran smoothly. Her contributions were vital to the business's success, but it was her kindness and genuine care that made her unforgettable to everyone who came through the door.

She was also active in the Soroptimist Club, enjoyed bowling league, and served on the Central Montana Foundation. Her love for the outdoors and nature led her to countless camping trips in the Little Belt Mountains with a wonderful group of friends, and she could always be counted on to bring laughter, sweet treats and good times to any gathering. Whether she was sewing, playing cards (especially Pinochle on winter evenings), or cheering on her kids and grandkids at their various sporting events, Bobetta was a constant presence, supportive, loving, and always there.

In retirement, Bobetta and Don split their time between Lewistown and Arizona, where Bobetta developed a passion for pickleball and glass club; two hobbies that brought her much joy and the gift of new friendships. She never stopped loving to cook for her family, especially at those special gatherings where everyone could sit down together and share a meal. Her life was full of giving and always putting others ahead of herself. Bobetta's legacy is one of selflessness, love, and laughter. She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her.

Bobetta, we'll miss your warm smile, your boundless energy, and the way you made everyone feel like they were part of your family. You've left a lasting imprint on all of us, and we'll carry your love and spirit with us always.

She is survived by her husband, Don Newton; daughters, Marnie (Kelly) Witt and Dayla Newton; sisters, Karen (Rick) Plagman and Susan (George) Wasser; grandchildren, Kiera (Ryan) Herson, Trei Bulluck, Reese Witt, and Cooper Bristol; three nieces and a nephew. She was preceded in death by her mother, Annabelle (Meadors) Apple; father, George O Apple Jr. "Corky"; mother and father-in-law, Edward and Rosella Newton; and nephew, Nathan Plagman.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 10th, 2025, at First Christian Church in Lewistown. A reception will follow at the Eagles Club. We invite everyone who knew her to come and share in the memories she so lovingly created.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Central Montana Foundation Scholarship Fund for graduating High School students.

Arrangements are under the care of Creel Funeral Home. Bobetta's family and friends can share memories and condolences at www.creelfuneralhome.com