Vella Dean NewtonAfter a brief illness, Vella Dean Newton passed away peacefully in her home at 8:25pm on December 13th.Vella Dean's last few days on our Earth were spent surrounded by her favorite people, including friends, family, and loved ones.The first child of Bill and Montez Cowherd, Vella Dean was born on February 27th, 1937 in Purdy, MO. As a youngster the family moved often but settled in Exeter, MO where Vella Dean attended Exeter High School and participated in softball and volleyball. She was also a cheerleader and sang in the choir. She graduated in 1954 and wed Jess Newton later that year.Jess and Vella Dean moved to Springfield, MO shortly thereafter and welcomed their first child, Alan in 1955. Followed by Donna in 1957, and Kent in 1959.Vella Dean enjoyed travel, she liked playing cards, jigsaw puzzles and games of all kinds. She spent a lot of her time traveling with friends and family to attend MSU and Drury sporting events. Vella Dean is proceded in death by her husband, Jess Newton, and son, Alan Newton. She is survived by her children, Donna & Steve Sherrill, Kent Newton and Susie Newton. Her grandchildren, Callie Newton-Woods & Zac Woods, Amanda Newton-Plotner & Curt Plotner, Andrew & Amy Sherrill, Emily Sherrill-Jacobs & John Jacobs, Jesse Eli, Ian Newton, and Cole & Kirsten Newton. Her great grandchildren, Lucas Sherrill, Macy & Cayden Plotner, and Sawyer Jacobs. As well as her siblings, Rex & Jan Cowherd, Jim Cowherd, Kay Hawks, and David & Connie Cowherd.Services will be held Sunday, 3:00 December 18th at University Heights Church in Springfield, MO. 1010 S. National Ave, 65804.In lieu of flowers please make donations to University Heights Church of which Vella Dean was a member for 57 years. Funeral services have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home North.