Mary Lois Newton

Mary Lois Newton, 90, of Marion, Iowa, passed on toward her next life’s journey on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at The Views of Marion. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion. Graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Marshalltown Cemetery in rural Diagonal, Iowa. Burial arrangements by Armstrong Funeral Home in Mt. Ayr, Iowa.

Born in October of 1934, the daughter of JH and Lulu, she graduated from Guthrie Center High School. That hot summer, gardening in her backyard, she caught the eye of a neighbor, a seasoned GI back from Korea. After a brief courtship, she married James Newton on October 30, 1954, in Perry, Iowa. From this marriage, three children were born in Cedar Rapids, where they worked at Collins Radio. Through him, she was introduced to American history and ham radio. While raising their children in Marion, she held various steno and clerk positions.

She also took an interest in oil painting, sewing, mastering gluten-free baking, in addition to her fabulous holiday candy making, her ever-present sweet fondness for anything chocolate, and her ever-present question, “Gotta Coke?”. We will never forget her funny, dry wit as well as her “things rarely work according to plan” and “shut your mouth” quips throughout the rest of our lives. Thank You, Mom!

Mary and James shared a passion for travel, often taking the family on adventures to U.S. historical landmarks and National Parks. Each summer, they would pack up the kids and set out on two-week road trips. Mary became famous for her trunk cooler buffet, complete with bologna sandwiches. After retirement, the couple took a trip of a lifetime back to Australia, where James had been stationed during WWII, as well as visiting their daughter, Marilyn, who was stationed in England; they also toured London and nearby attractions. They continued to travel extensively, spending 35 winters in Arizona near James’ family.

Cherishing her memory are her children—Julia (Rick) Newmarch, James of Arizona, and Marilyn of Marion—along with many relatives in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, James; sister, Harriet; and niece, Susan.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to The Views and St. Croix Hospice for their compassion and outstanding care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to St. Croix Hospice.