Ima June (Heck) Newton, 88, passed away May 6, 2020. A celebration of life will be held at a later date due to social gathering limitations at this time.
Ima June was born September 25, 1931 at home in Centrahoma, Oklahoma, the first daughter of Odie Heck and Ruby (Kennedy) Heck. After graduating from high school, she got her bachelors in Education from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, Oklahoma. She married James E. Newton in 1952 and followed him through his military career. She taught school for 43+ years, starting in Bishop, Texas and ending in retirement from the Connally Independent School District. Her love for educating children continued after retirement as she returned to substitute teaching at Axtell Elementary. She was involved in many extracurricular activities with some of her best stories being her Academic UIL trips all over the state of Texas with high schoolers! She has touched and influenced the lives of countless children and generations of families through her love of teaching and generosity to others. If you knew her, you loved her and she loved everyone!
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James (Jim) Newton; and most recently in March, her son Tommy Newton; her brothers, Cletus Heck, Burtus (Nub) Heck, George Heck, Keith Heck, and her sister, Melba Evans.
She leaves behind to share so many awesome memories, sons Gary Newton, and Larry Newton and wife Linda Kay; her daughter, Linda Shorter and husband Randy; and daughter-in-law, Sherry Miller; many loving in-laws, nieces, nephews and a host of longtime friends.
Her hobbies and her most prized possessions were her grandkids, Josh Newton and Jerri; James R. Newton and wife Amy; Jennifer Newton and Billy Holder; Amber Basile and Adam; Keli Guyer and Rob; Gary Newton Jr.; Shane Shorter and Katie Jo; Miranda White and Andrew; and Stacy Miller; and great grandkids, Tyler and Matthew, Keely, Mason and Wyatt, Grayston, Isabelle and Preslie, Sadie, and twins, Cheyenne James and Landrie June.
At this time, flowers may be sent to Lake Shore Funeral Home or in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Texas Retired Teachers Foundation.
Print Obituary & Condolences
She was a pistol . She never met a stranger and because of her u have some sweet memories of high school and running the neighborhood and the pool
RIP Aunt Ima June. She was such an amazing person with such a beautiful soul. Continued prayers for her immediate family, and everyone that knew her.
Thinking of you.
Mrs.Newton was one of the most stern teachers I ever had but definitely one of my favorites. Sending my condolences and prayers. ❤
I remember so many Saturday nights of overdoing it as we always did, and then landing back at Linda’s house on Sunday and eating the baked goods as fast as Ima June could bake them. I talked to an old classmate of ours, Kenny and he said that she taught him to swim and he had so many wonderful memories of her. She touched many many lives and always put up with our nonsense. Praying for all of you just know that we love you and are here for you anytime??
Dear Gary, Larry, Linda and the entire NEWTON FAMILY,
We, the LACEY FAMILY send our deepest condolences and deepest sympathies.
We have so so many wonderful memories during our years at TSTC. Never a dull moment between our two families. One day we will all be reunited again in heaven. Christians never say goodbye for the last time and THE BEST IS YET TO BE. SENDING OUR LOVE AND PRAYERS TO EACH OF YOU, NOW AND ALWAYS.???
Very special lady to my girls always. Love by many others as well as her siblings. My prayers and love to the family during this part of their journey.
Prayers, may our Lord Jesus hold your hand through this time.
God bless Mrs. Newton. Condolences to the Newton family. A Great teacher and support person. One of the Best. Our prayers are with you. George and Grace Banda
Linda I am praying God’s comfort and strength for you and your family. Mrs. Newton was my 3rd grade teacher. She touched so many and left a profound positive lasting influence that we carry with us today. You did not say “I Can’t” in Mrs. Newton’s class. LOL!!! She would find a way to pull it out of you and make a believer out of you that “You
Can” do whatever you put your mind to do. Thank You Mrs. Ima June Newton. Rest well.
Mrs. Newton was a firecracker. I love that she spoke her mind and told it like it was. She touched so many children’s lives that came through the Connally School District. I know her and dad are having a reunion and telling stories. RIP! My condolences to the Newton Family.
Mrs. Newton was one of most dedicated teachers I had the privilege to work around. She was always willing to help with any extracurricular activity. Her students loved and respected her.
She touched my soul with her giving spirit. When I was fighting cancer. She was always there for me and my family. Her moving to Axtell was one of the best things that happened to me. I loved her so much. I will carry her in my heart until we meet again.
So very sorry! Our thoughts and prayers are with y’all! She was so sweet and so loved!
Love, hugs and prayers to Linda, Larry, Gary and all of Ima June’s family and friends❤️
She was a blessing to so many of us at Connally ISD. I was fortunate enough to have Mrs. Newton as my 2nd and 4th Grade English teacher then again in High School. I remember her as being fun, caring and willing to force you to learn. She is one of the teachers I tell my own children about. My prayers are with the family. God Bless.
Great lady! Condolences to the family. Prayers are with you.
Lucky for my career that Ima June was at Connally when I arrived in 1982. Best support for any young coach, best role model for what an educator should be. My sincerest condolences to the family.
My first day at Axtell (2003) ,Mrs. Newton introduced herself by sharing a brownie with me and said ” your gonna love it here,” From there always enjoyed her smile and sweetness..
she was one of my favorite teachers. Elementary as well as HS typing … RIP