Karen Darlene Newton (Horning) unexpectedly passed away on September 8th, 2016 at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital. Karen was born in Lewistown, Montana to Clarke and Darlene (Pospisil) Horning on May 8th, 1950. She was the oldest of four children. She grew up in Lewistown and graduated with honors from Fergus County High in 1968. Karen went on to get her Masters of Education at Eastern Montana College in Billings.
In 1972 Karen moved to Glasgow, Montana to start her career in Education. She soon caught the eye of local banker Tim Newton while dancing at the Elks Club and they were married on August 3rd, 1974. The couple built a house on the East side of town next to Tim’s parents. In 1980 they had their first child, Andy. Followed by their second, Dyan, in 1982. Karen taught one year of 5th grade and then moved to 4th grade for the next 28 ½ years in the Glasgow School System. Karen was known for bringing out the best in people. Many student still remember her as being their favorite teacher. She retired from teaching in 2001.
Karen was an avid sports fan. She would be at every one of Andy’s little league games or high school football games. She filled out a March Madness bracket every year and knew all about the up and coming players and teams. When her children both lived in Arizona, she became a Cardinals, Suns & Diamondbacks fan. She would try to attend a game whenever she would visit. And if she was at home she would text them when she was watching an AZ team from Montana so they could watch it together.
In 2012 Karen and Tim built a house and moved out to Fort Peck, Montana. Their “lighthouse” garage quickly became the place to gather. Karen loved to plan parties and impromptu get-togethers. She was always the first to welcome any new families to the neighborhood and introduce them into their tight-knit community. Their famous Kentucky Derby Party has become an annual tradition combining her love of sports and community. She kept a book of everyone’s birthday. She would send a card or gift and try to make you feel special on your day. She also enjoyed being a member of the Soroptimist, Book Club and several coffee groups. Dyan always teased her about being the busiest retired person she knew.
Karen loved her family. She loved gushing about and sharing pictures of her new Granddaughter Zoey and Grandson Hunter. Her home décor changed quite a bit as pictures of the 2 of them filled every room. She couldn’t wait for her daily pictures of Zoey to giggle at and share with her friends. She loved watching and cheering Hunter on in his soccer games and wrestling matches. She was so happy and proud to be Grandma Karen.
Karen touched a lot of hearts and we are grateful for the love and support you have all shown in her sudden passing.
Karen was preceded in death by her father Clarke Horning and mother-in-law, Shirley Newton.
Karen is survived by her husband, Timothy Newton; son, Andy (Sara) Newton; daughter, Dyan (Ben) Garcia; grandchildren, Hunter William Pierce and Zoey Darlene Garcia; mother, Ruby Darlene Horning; sister, Kristine (Geary) Brisendine; brothers, Russel (Carey Jo) Horning, Rodney (Carolyn) Horning; father-in-law Kenneth Newton, sister-in-law Carole Appling, brother-in-law Terry Newton, brother-in-law Ted (Karen) Newton, sister-in-law Lorie (Bob) Newton Sachs, sister-in-law Lisa (Andrew) McCormick and numerous nephews and nieces.
Services will be held on Wednesday, September 14th, 2016 at 2:00 PM at the First Lutheran Church in Glasgow, Montana. A luncheon will follow services at the Glasgow Elks Club. Condolences may be left at bellmortuarymontana.com.