Rebecca “Becky” Jo (Linert) Newell

After three months of hospitalization and diligent effort to recuperate from a sudden, life-threatening illness; bravely facing serious setbacks along the way, Becky took her last breath the evening of Monday, February 21, 2022.

She will be remembered as warm and welcoming, efficient, cheerful, a peacekeeper, determined, conscientious, stylish, supportive, vibrant, genuine …. Always willing to lend a hand. Clever sense of humor. Strong-willed with a kind heart. The first to send a greeting card or prepare a meal to make sure others felt valued and loved. Devoted to the happiness of family and friends. Dedicated to the success of any job or project she took on. The glue that held us together. Salt of the earth.

Born in Bedford, Ohio to Edward and Marian Linert in 1946, Becky spent summers at Round-up Lake Park where she met William “Bill” Newell, the love of her life. Bill and Becky were married in 1964 and moved to Mantua in 1968 to raise their family.

When her children were young, Becky was a full-time, doting mother and volunteer at their school. Later, she worked outside the home, including many years as office manager of Round-up/Jellystone and at Benner Masonry.

Bill and Becky sold their home in 2011 with plans to split their time between Ohio and a warmer climate. After just one year as “snowbirds,” they fell in love with Welaka Lodge & Resort and stayed in Florida. Becky was working there full-time, alongside her dear friend and “Florida daughter” Jessica Finch until she fell ill on November 10, 2021.

Becky was active in the community in both Mantua and Welaka, making many life-long friends though volunteering. Most recently, she served as Secretary for Friends of Welaka and participated in town cleanups, food distribution, children’s bicycle clinics, and more. Guests of Welaka Lodge regularly commented on Becky’s hospitality and compassion, most returned year after year and became fast friends.

Bill was at her bedside for 100+ days, minus the time he spent in his own hospital rooms after a heart attack midway through Becky’s ordeal.

Becky and Bill appreciate the generosity of family and friends during their trying times. Grateful to daughter Michelle Barnauskas and sister-in-law Kathleen Newell for putting their lives on hold to temporarily relocate and help with care … son-in-law Kevin Barnauskas for dropping everything to bring his RV for them to stay closer to the hospital (and filling-in with Becky’s care when Michelle was with Bill in a hospital two hours away) … son Matthew Newell for being by Becky’s side at the beginning and the end … and Matt’s family Tammy, Justin, and Chelsea for sending their love and prayers every day … along with the many other family members and friends who did the same, sent cards and donations, and reminded them of life outside the hospital.

Becky did not fear death; rather, she worried about the sorrow of her loved ones. She held hope that: the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth— those who did good things to a resurrection of life (John 5:28-29). And He will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore (Revelations 21:4). We can honor her by cherishing happy memories, caring for each other, and seeking meaning to life.

Bill and 4-legged daughter, Tippi, will reside at Williston Crossings. In lieu of flowers, please send cards to Bill (Williston Crossings, William Newell Site #484, 410 NE 5th St, Williston, FL 32696) or post memories and photos here.