Rosie Lee "Alcorn" Newton

Rosie Lee (Alcorn) Newton, a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and faithful servant of the Lord, was born April 12, 1940 in Ada, Oklahoma. She passed away peacefully on August 10, 2025 at the age of 85.

Rosie loved life deeply. She was a faithful member of the Durant Church of Christ. Her joy was infectious, and she often brought smiles to others by speaking at Ladies' Day events as her beloved character, Laughing Lou Lou. Even through the most difficult times in life, she chose joy and laughter. This was most evident in her request to have everyone enjoy Braum's ice cream during her family hour... so we honored her request and did just that!

Her greatest earthly love was her husband of 66 years, Van, followed by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Each one held a very special place in her heart.

Rosie lived a life of service – to her family, the Church, and most importantly, to the Lord. She was a homemaker for many years, pouring herself into raising her children and nurturing a Christ-centered home. She was an amazing cook. Her daughters found it quite difficult to replicate their favorites, such as her amazing fried chicken, her fluffy homemade biscuits, and her incredible chicken and dressing. People still rave about her okra salad which she would frequently make for Focus Sunday at Church. In her later years, she continued to care for others by working as a caregiver well into her 70s.

Known for her tireless work ethic, Rosie was always the first to rise and the last to rest. She was gentle and humble, always putting others before herself; yet strong and firm when needed. Her quiet strength, unwavering faith, and her desire for you to know the Gospel of Christ was apparent to everyone who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Van Newton, and her children Debra Turner and husband David, Brett Newton and wife Catina, Jim Roberts and wife Jackie, Laura Hamblin and husband Jeff, Jennifer Crouse and husband Michael.

She was a proud grandmother of Erron and husband BJ, Chelsie, Leslie and husband Stacey, Kimberlee, Brittani and husband Charles Wayne, Shelby and husband Don, Chance and wife Taylor, Haley and husband Sawyer, Kindal, Jimmy Van and wife Jessica, Allison and husband Matt, Tyler, Matt and wife Carrie, Sandi, Sierra and husband Taylor, Nicolas, Isabella, Madison and husband Justin, Mabrie, and Ella; and a loving great-grandmother to Macie, Emma, Jolee, Carter, Ellie, Reece, Rayleigh, Lilly, Zeek, Lyla, Laken, Preston, Phoenix, Alex, Everly, Griffin, Garrison, Grayson, Reid, Ryder, Kaley, Ethan, Lillian, Vivian, Parker, Palmer-Jane, and Evie.

She is also survived by her dear sisters-in-law, Kay Alcorn and Billy Lois Alcorn, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

Rosie was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Mary Alcorn, her precious unborn children, and her siblings, Lendel Alcorn, Archie Dean Stinnett, Jodelia Foster, Tommy Alcorn, Billy Alcorn, and Mary Buchanan.

A family visitation will be held from 6:00 - 8:00 pm on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at the Gordon Center, 305 N. 2nd Ave. Durant, OK 74701.

A celebration of Rosie's life will be held on August 13, 2025 at 10:00 at the Durant Church of Christ, 5312 N 1st Ave. Durant, OK 74701. Burial will be at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Calera, Oklahoma. Pallbearers will be the grandsons: Chance, Tyler, Nicolas, Jimmy Van, BJ, Stacey, Matt, Taylor, Ethan, and Matthew.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Gordon Funeral Home, 221 N. 3rd, Durant, 580-916-9090