Norma G. Newton, a lifelong resident of Springer, New Mexico left this earthly life on September 25,
2020 at her home in Springer, NM at the age of 87. She was with family members at the time of her
peaceful passing. Her husband of 59 years, Jack Newton, preceded her in death in July of 2011. She was
also preceded in death by her parents Ed and Esther Jeffers and siblings Viola, Sonny, Dorothy, and
Shirley.
Surviving family members include her three children: Landon and wife Carolyn of Springer, Nelson and
partner Tom Barker of Clearwater, FL., and Tammy of Phoenix, AZ, granddaughter Tristan Newton and
great-grandchildren, Houston and twins Grace and Helena of Phoenix, AZ, grandson Captain James
Dakota Newton, currently stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. Step grandchildren Cindi Norton
and husband Al of Gulf Shores, Alabama and their sons Specialist Tyler Norton and wife Staff Sergeant
Erica Norton currently stationed at JBER Alaska and PFC Tanner Norton stationed at Fort Bragg, North
Carolina and step-grandson Daniel Graham of Los Lunas, NM. Norma is survived by a sister Connie Allen
of Scottsdale, AZ, and a brother-in-law Jerry Newton and wife Roberta of Belen, NM as well as the
the extended family of nephews, nieces, cousins, and a host of friends.
Norma was born December 8, 1932, at the family ranch near Farley, NM, were growing up she helped
with the family chores and other duties of the Ranch. She attended School in Farley, NM until the
school was consolidated with Springer School System. Norma graduated from Springer High School in
1950 and then attended Amarillo Junior College. In 1952, Norma married her high school sweetheart,
Jack Newton. Jack served two years in the United States Army stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska, and was
accompanied by Norma during these two years. After serving his country, Norma and Jack returned to
New Mexico and settled in Springer in 1956 to begin raising their family and Hereford cattle on their
ranch near Springer.
Norma’s early married life was dedicated to raising their three children, but she also had many roles
outside of the home as well. She worked in the cafeteria at Forrester Grade School and for several years
many people will remember her as a retail associate at Linder’s Drug Store where she made delicious
malts, milkshakes, and ice cream sundaes. Norma enjoyed an active social life. She was a member of
the United Methodist Church, Sewing Club, 42 Club, Bridge Club, 4-H Leader, Red Devil Booster Club,
and many other community organizations.
After Jack’s retirement from the New Mexico Boy’s School, Norma and Jack owned and operated
Rancher’s Supply Feed Store in Springer for more than 25 years. The feed store will always be
remembered among the area’s residents, ranchers, and business community as a place to have a hot
cup of coffee and to enjoy friendly banter and conversation with their many customers. Not only did
Norma works the stores’ front counter, even loading out sacks of feed, she also kept the books and
provided monthly statements and financials for the business.
Norma and Jack were also very active at Springer Senior Citizen’s Center where they enjoyed many
hours of camaraderie with friends. Norma and Jack both competed for many years in the Senior Citizen
Olympic activities at the local, county, and state levels. One of the highlights of their year was the
annual State Senior Olympics Competition where the Colfax County Team were always serious
competitors. Norma was known as a shrewd pool player and brought home many Gold Medals for
winning her age category at the State level. She also participated and performed quite well in air rifle
Obituary for Norma G. Newton
competition, basketball free throw, discus, shuffleboard, javelin, and softball throw. She proudly
displayed her medals and ribbons for family and friends to see.
Norma was a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan. She rarely missed watching their games on television each
week. The standing bet among family members when their favorite team played the Cowboys was five
dollars a game. Norma and the family even attended the 2007 Thanksgiving Cowboys game at the old
Texas Stadium which turned out to be one of the coldest games of the year. The family always joked
about not being prepared for that “cold weather game” in Dallas. At least the turkey dinner later at the
hotel was good and hot and enjoyed by all. Norma also enjoyed watching the PGA tour on television.
Her favorite player was Phil Mickelson.
Services for Norma will be held Saturday, October 17th, at 10 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in
Springer. Her remains will be placed in the Springer Cemetery next to her husband. In lieu of flowers,
donations may be made to the United Methodist Church of Springer.
The family wishes to thank Robin Pilley and Connie Shields of Anvoi Hospice Care and Ivonne Urquijo of
Springer and Carolyn Newton for the care given Norma in her last weeks.
Norma Grace Newton – Sunrise December 8, 1932, Sunset September 25, 2020.
2020 at her home in Springer, NM at the age of 87. She was with family members at the time of her
peaceful passing. Her husband of 59 years, Jack Newton, preceded her in death in July of 2011. She was
also preceded in death by her parents Ed and Esther Jeffers and siblings Viola, Sonny, Dorothy, and
Shirley.
Surviving family members include her three children: Landon and wife Carolyn of Springer, Nelson and
partner Tom Barker of Clearwater, FL., and Tammy of Phoenix, AZ, granddaughter Tristan Newton and
great-grandchildren, Houston and twins Grace and Helena of Phoenix, AZ, grandson Captain James
Dakota Newton, currently stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. Step grandchildren Cindi Norton
and husband Al of Gulf Shores, Alabama and their sons Specialist Tyler Norton and wife Staff Sergeant
Erica Norton currently stationed at JBER Alaska and PFC Tanner Norton stationed at Fort Bragg, North
Carolina and step-grandson Daniel Graham of Los Lunas, NM. Norma is survived by a sister Connie Allen
of Scottsdale, AZ, and a brother-in-law Jerry Newton and wife Roberta of Belen, NM as well as the
the extended family of nephews, nieces, cousins, and a host of friends.
Norma was born December 8, 1932, at the family ranch near Farley, NM, were growing up she helped
with the family chores and other duties of the Ranch. She attended School in Farley, NM until the
school was consolidated with Springer School System. Norma graduated from Springer High School in
1950 and then attended Amarillo Junior College. In 1952, Norma married her high school sweetheart,
Jack Newton. Jack served two years in the United States Army stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska, and was
accompanied by Norma during these two years. After serving his country, Norma and Jack returned to
New Mexico and settled in Springer in 1956 to begin raising their family and Hereford cattle on their
ranch near Springer.
Norma’s early married life was dedicated to raising their three children, but she also had many roles
outside of the home as well. She worked in the cafeteria at Forrester Grade School and for several years
many people will remember her as a retail associate at Linder’s Drug Store where she made delicious
malts, milkshakes, and ice cream sundaes. Norma enjoyed an active social life. She was a member of
the United Methodist Church, Sewing Club, 42 Club, Bridge Club, 4-H Leader, Red Devil Booster Club,
and many other community organizations.
After Jack’s retirement from the New Mexico Boy’s School, Norma and Jack owned and operated
Rancher’s Supply Feed Store in Springer for more than 25 years. The feed store will always be
remembered among the area’s residents, ranchers, and business community as a place to have a hot
cup of coffee and to enjoy friendly banter and conversation with their many customers. Not only did
Norma works the stores’ front counter, even loading out sacks of feed, she also kept the books and
provided monthly statements and financials for the business.
Norma and Jack were also very active at Springer Senior Citizen’s Center where they enjoyed many
hours of camaraderie with friends. Norma and Jack both competed for many years in the Senior Citizen
Olympic activities at the local, county, and state levels. One of the highlights of their year was the
annual State Senior Olympics Competition where the Colfax County Team were always serious
competitors. Norma was known as a shrewd pool player and brought home many Gold Medals for
winning her age category at the State level. She also participated and performed quite well in air rifle
Obituary for Norma G. Newton
competition, basketball free throw, discus, shuffleboard, javelin, and softball throw. She proudly
displayed her medals and ribbons for family and friends to see.
Norma was a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan. She rarely missed watching their games on television each
week. The standing bet among family members when their favorite team played the Cowboys was five
dollars a game. Norma and the family even attended the 2007 Thanksgiving Cowboys game at the old
Texas Stadium which turned out to be one of the coldest games of the year. The family always joked
about not being prepared for that “cold weather game” in Dallas. At least the turkey dinner later at the
hotel was good and hot and enjoyed by all. Norma also enjoyed watching the PGA tour on television.
Her favorite player was Phil Mickelson.
Services for Norma will be held Saturday, October 17th, at 10 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in
Springer. Her remains will be placed in the Springer Cemetery next to her husband. In lieu of flowers,
donations may be made to the United Methodist Church of Springer.
The family wishes to thank Robin Pilley and Connie Shields of Anvoi Hospice Care and Ivonne Urquijo of
Springer and Carolyn Newton for the care given Norma in her last weeks.
Norma Grace Newton – Sunrise December 8, 1932, Sunset September 25, 2020.
She and Jack were a great couple. Jack was the first person I worked with at the Boy’s School. I had great respect for them both, and I hope they are happy in heaven for ever now.