She was born April 29, 1927, in Ocala, Fla., the daughter of Edwin Price and Alma Pearl (Smith) Davies. She lived in Oskaloosa for many years before moving in 1988 to Winchester.

Mrs. Newell was a homemaker and helped her husband with farming.

She married Val Delbert Newell on April 29, 1956, in Winchester. He died Aug. 22, 1994.

Survivors include a daughter, Frances Brown, McLouth; a brother, Herb Davies, Topeka; and two grandchildren.

Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

The family suggests memorials to the Ruth M. Newell Memorial Fund, sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 416, Oskaloosa 66066.