Elizabeth Joan (Jo) Newton, 94 of rural Niota, IL, passed away at 8:13 a.m. Thursday, May 20, 2021, at the Oak Lane Nursing and Rehab in Stronghurst, IL. She was born January 1, 1927, in St. Louis, Mo, the daughter of Cyrus and Edna Jack Newbold. On April 20, 1947, she married Frank Newton in Centerville, IA. He preceded her in death on October 31, 1996. Jo and her husband farmed near Colusa, Illinois for many years. She supported the American Red Cross and was serving as president of the Hancock County Chapter of the Red Cross during the flood of 1993. She was a member of the Appanoose-Faith Presbyterian Church where she taught Sunday School, assisted with Bible School, and served on the Church board. She served many years on the Pontoosuc Township Election board and as a US census taker.She and her husband enjoyed many fishing trips to Canada and Minnesota, dancing, and their family. Jo was a staunch Cubs fan and an avid card player who played many hands of Bridge and Pitch. Surviving are her five children, Dian (Robert) Griffin of Anchorage, AK, Grant (Marty) Newton of King Cove, AK, Greg (Andrea) Newton of Eugene, OR, Sheri Newton Tower of Niota and Mary Beth (David) Grover of Aurora, OR, thirteen grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, two brothers, William Newbold and Michael Newbold, both of Boone, IA and several nieces and nephews.. She was preceded in death by her husband, one brother, Mark Newbold and one sister, Patricia Brunow. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 24, 2021, at the Appanoose-Faith Presbyterian Church, Niota, IL with Pastor David Poland officiating. Burial will follow in the Myers Cemetery, rural Niota. The family will meet with friends, Sunday from 3:00 until 5:00 pm at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Dallas City, IL A memorial fund has been established for the American Red Cross or the Appanoose-Faith Presbyterian Church. To leave a condolence, please visit her obituary at banksandbeals.com.
