Winona McLaughlin Newby

Winona McLaughlin Newby, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on March 17, 2024, at Oak Grove Nursing Home.   She was born on March 20, 1933, in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

At the age of ten, Nonie moved with her family to Sulphur, Louisiana, where her father accepted a job with Cities Service Oil Company.  It was there that she met a boy that lived two doors down from her, and ten years later, they would marry.

She graduated from Sulphur High School in 1951 and then attended Southern Louisiana Institute in Lafayette and received a Secretarial Science Degree.   It was then that she married the love of her life, Walter Newby, who stood by her side for 70 years, exemplifying a partnership built on love, commitment, and faith.  In 1953, they moved to Port Arthur and began their life together.

She worked for Southwestern Bell for several years, as well as the Medical Clinic on Procter Street.  She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Port Arthur for 71 years and served in several capacities until her health declined.   She loved volunteering in the church library. She was a 24-year member of Port Neches Chapter #677 of the Order of the Eastern Star, and President of the Oak Grove Nursing Home Council.  She was a past member of the Port Arthur Business and Professional Women’s Club, Knife and Fork Club, PTA, United Board of Missions Board Member, Red Hatter, TJ Band Booster Club, Library Coordinator at Oak Grove, as well as a dedicated volunteer to several other organizations. In her latter years, she enjoyed spending time at her camp at Toledo Bend, their ranch, and traveling abroad.  She traveled to Europe many times, as well as Morocco.  She loved to dance, read, and she made the world’s best potato salad.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Diana Lee Newby, her parents, Lester Gerald McLaughlin and Juanita Julia Christensen McLaughlin, her brother, Bart McLaughlin, and her nephew, Bart McLaughlin, Jr.

 In the hearts of Winona’s surviving family and friends, she leaves behind a legacy of loving memories that will forever be cherished.  She will be remembered for her sense of humor, intelligence, and unwavering love for her Lord and Savior.

She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Walter Newby, her daughter, Dr. Janis Newby Parham (Lee), sons:  Eric Newby (Vicki), and Ethan Newby (April), who will always hold dear the memories they shared together.

Her presence will be greatly missed by her grandchildren: Ashlyn Sanderson, Rachel Stambaugh, Aaron Fells, Karen Langham, Graeme Newby, Luke Newby, Geneva Newby, Henry Newby, Matthew Newby, and Julia Newby.   Additionally, Winona leaves behind 16 great-grandchildren who brought joy to her life.

 A visitation in memory of Winona Newby will be held on March 23, 2024, in Groves, Texas from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  As we celebrate Winona’s life and the impact she had on all who knew her, let us carry forward the love she bestowed upon us.  May she rest in peace knowing she was deeply loved and will never be forgotten.

 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children. (https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/locations/texas)

 Her family wishes to thank countless caregivers, neighbors, friends, Oak Grove staff, and Dr. Kristopher Dela Cruz.