Claudie Ruth Newell

C Ruth Newell (90) passed away on July 23, 2023, in Pocatello, Idaho. Ruth was born October 5, 1932, in Cascade, Idaho. Her parents were William J "Bill" and Vada Bean. She graduated from Cascade High School. Ruth married her soul mate, Merle Newell, on May 21, 1950, in Star, Idaho. Together, they became loving and supportive parents to Beth, Bill, and Dan.

Ruth and Merle made their home in several places while following Merle's mining career. Ruth and her husband attended the University of Idaho where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Fifth Year Teaching Certificate. She also became a long-standing member of the U of I Alumni Association. Ruth taught elementary school in Moscow, Idaho, Richland, Washington, Bakersfield, California, and Pocatello, Idaho. Ruth was a life-long learner and enjoyed sharing her passions with her children and grandchildren.

Ruth retired in 1994 but kept active in the community by volunteering and serving on various boards. Ruth and Merle enjoyed their retirement years together until 2002 when she lost Merle to cancer. Since then, Ruth has spent her time gardening, taking care of her yard, reading, playing the piano, singing, and meeting with friends.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Beth (Chuck) Sloan; her son, Dan (Kym) Newell; daughter-in-law, Susie Newell; 3 granddaughters, 4 great-grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren, 10 step great grandchildren, 8 step great-great grandchildren, and extended family members. Ruth was proceeded in death by her husband, Merle Newell; her son, Bill Newell; her parents, Bill and Vada Bean; her sister, Willa Roberts; her in-laws, Art and Hattie Newell; and brother-in-law, Scott Carlton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the University of Idaho Alumni College of Education fund or the charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, August 4th at 11AM in the Cornelison Funeral Home, 431 N. 15th Ave., Pocatello. Family will receive friends one hour prior to services. Private burial at Mountain View Cemetery, Section 8E.

A live stream and recording will be available on the Cornelison Funeral Home Facebook page.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.cornelisonfh.com
208-232-0542

 

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