Esther Ruth Newell

“My health may fail, and my spirit grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart and He is mine forever.” Psalms 73:26

On August 30, 2023, Esther Ruth Newell went home to her Lord and Savior.  Esther was born on August 1, 1941, to Richard Young McDonald and Emma Pauline Farmer McDonald in Lexington, Mississippi.  She marred the love of her life, Kenneth Newell on May 6, 1960, in Quanah, Texas.  Over time she became the mother to four boys and eventually made their home in Lumberton, Texas.

Esther’s unwavering love for God was an inspiration to her husband, family, and everyone who knew her.  The love, honor, and respect she had for her husband was biblical and her unconditional love and support for her boys was the definition of a mother’s love.

Esther joined her husband traveling and building churches while making new friends along the way. She and Ken spent a few years riding and traveling with old friends and new ones on their motorcycle.  Esther loved to sing and would share the old hymns each opportunity she got.  She was a wonderful southern cook, who enjoyed telling stories at the dinner table over her delicious meals.  She also enjoyed playing dominoes, Wahoo, and later bingo and winning at all.  Esther developed a love for dancing in her early years that continued her entire life.  Esther’s beautiful smile and heartwarming laughter will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Esther is survived by her husband of sixty-three years, Kenneth Newell; her children, Kent Newell and his wife, Kristi, of Ponchatoula, Louisiana; Scott Newell and his wife, Paige, of Kountze, Texas; Lane Newell and his wife, Sheila, of Lumberton, Texas; and Mike Newell and his wife, Deborah, of Marble Falls, Texas; eleven grandkids; fifteen great-grandkids; three great-great-grandkids; and sister, Tandy Boyd and her husband, Bill, of Brookeland, Texas.  She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Theresa Louise Hall; and brother, Richard Young McDonald, Jr.

Esther’s testimony to all is, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

A gathering of Mrs. Newell’s family and friends will be 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., with her funeral service at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, September 7, 2023, at Broussard’s, 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee.  Her interment will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Quanah Cemetery, in Quanah.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Alzheimer’s Association, 700 North Street, Suite M, Beaumont, Texas 77701.