Jo Newman

Clara Josephine "Jo" Newman, age 93, of Bolivar, Missouri, formerly of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away on September 15, 2026, surrounded by her three daughters. Born on January 9, 1933, Jo lived a long, beautiful life defined by deep Christian faith, devotion to her family, and a generous spirit of service to others.

A graduate of Higbee High School, Jo dedicated her life above all to being a loving homemaker. Her home was a haven of warmth and hospitality, always open to others with a welcoming smile and boundless love. As a devoted Christian, her faith guided every aspect of her life and fueled her lifelong passion for helping those around her.

Jo found immense joy in the simple beauties of everyday life. She loved cooking, baking, tending to her garden, admiring her favorite flowers, and birdwatching. Among her fondest memories were working alongside her husband during the harvest, taking pride in canning vegetables to help provide for her family.

Her heart for service extended far beyond her own walls. Jo taught both children's and adult Sunday school classes, actively participated in her church's Adopt a Student program, and faithfully led the meal ministry at First Baptist for more than four decades. She also shared her leadership gifts with the Christian Women's Club in Kirksville.

Jo was preceded in death by her beloved husband of nearly 67 years, Wayne Newman; her parents, Lewis and Mary Reeves Westfall; her brothers, Earl, Ira, William, Frank, and Everette Westfall; and her sisters, Marjorie Runyon, Elsie Lynn, Ellen Orton, Edith Ash, and Frances Whisenand.

She leaves behind a legacy of love through her daughters and their spouses: Patti and David Bolton of Bolivar, Missouri; Kimberly and Greg Plett of Owasso, Oklahoma; and Julie Newman of O'Fallon, Missouri. She was a proud grandmother to Amy and Aaron Becker, Sarah Bolton, Kyle and Kelsey Bolton, Jennifer and Daniel Chesser, and Jacob and Carolyn Plett, as well as a cherished great-grandmother to Brody and Addison Becker, Baylor and Clara Chesser, and Jack Plett. Her family continues to grow and look forward to welcoming new additions, including the Bolton twins in February and baby sister Annie for Jack in March. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly.

Visitation will be held on September 21, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Playle Rimer Millard Family Funeral Chapel, located at 2100 E Shepherd Avenue in Kirksville, Missouri. The funeral service will follow directly at 12:00 p.m. at the chapel. Interment will take place at Jacksonville Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, Missouri following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.