NEAL, Newton

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona - 01/04/2005 Newton Neal, 94, and a life time resident of St. Johns, Arizona, died in his home Dec 28, 2004. He was born in 1910 to Thomas Jefferson Neal and Evelyn Lewis. In the 94 years of his life he has seen many changes. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints. He served as a stake missionary, High Priest group leader, Sunday School President and was a home teacher until he was 90 years old. He made his living as a rancher, was well known in northeastern Arizona and New Mexico, and never went out of the house without his boots and hat. He married Louise Rothlisberger on New Years day in l933. They spent their lives working side by side running the ranch, and raising their six children: Nelda and (Gus Farr) Frank Reich, David Newton and Christine Cowley Neal, Thomas and Kathryn Smithson Neal, Dorothy and Bob Cole, Juanita and Elwood Richey and Alice and Duke Cowley; 28 grandchildren, 66 great grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren. All of his descendants have lovingly called him "papa". Newt and Louise were married for 62 years. She passed away in 1995. He then married Louise Platt. She has been a good friend and companion to him. His life will be celebrated Wednesday, Jan 5, at 1 p.m. in the St. Johns Downtown LDS chapel. There will be a viewing at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Perpetual Education Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Arrangements are under the direction of Norvel Owens Mortuary, Flagstaff.