Virginia Lea Newby

Virginia Lea Newby, beloved sister and mother, cherished grandmother and great-grandmother, and steadfast follower of Jesus was carried by the angels to the bosom of our Lord on March 29, 2025. She was born Virginia Lea McGowen on August 13, 1940, in Fanshawe, Oklahoma to Lee Edward McGowen and Ruth Vineyard McGowen. As a child growing up in Fanshawe, she was surrounded by family including her loving mother and father; her little sister, Linda; many cousins, aunts, uncles, and her adoring grandparents. Family closeness was imprinted on Virginia's life very early on and remained the desire of her heart throughout her years. Virginia attended high school in Fanshawe, Oklahoma. She was musically talented - playing piano and singing at weddings and recitals. She also played basketball for Fanshawe High, earning a letter jacket. She was an excellent student and an avid reader into her later years. By the time Virginia graduated from high school, she and her sister, Linda had lost both of their parents. Earlier in her teenage years, she had learned of Jesus, her Lord and Savior, and put her full faith and trust in Him for forgiveness of sin and an eternal home with Him in heaven one day. It was He who carried her through those vulnerable teenage years filled with pain and loss. Indeed, it was He who throughout her whole life sustained her. Virginia married at the age of 18 and had three little girls by the time she was 27. She was an amazing young mother. Always strong, unafraid, sacrificial. She always wanted the best for her girls. She loved knowledge, books, art, music, cooking, and in her adult life, became a tennis fan and even played for a few years. She loved her family dearly, and her grandchildren became her joy and purpose for a good portion of her senior years. She was personally involved in the care and nurturing of many of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and had a way of holding a baby as only our "Bam" could. At 84 years of age, Virginia is finally resting in the arms of her Savior. She is survived by her sister, Linda England; her three daughters, Carlita West, Shelli Lamberson, and Dr. Natalie Murta; ten grandchildren, Courtney Milliken, Hilary Avalos, Madilyn Milliken, Priscilla Cody, Hannah Cheek, Audrey Korondi, Michael Winkler, Thomas Winkler, Isabella Murta, and Ethan Murta; eight great-grandchildren, Presley Milliken, Makayla Milliken, Makenzie Milliken, Lucas Haas, Ella Avalos, Olivia Avalos, Kendall Cody, Lydia Korondi, and two great-grandsons to be born in May and June, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Her legacy will live on in the lives of her family, by whom she will always be remembered and adored. She had profound influence on each of us individually. Our beloved "Bam" will be immensely missed here on Earth, but we are rejoicing today knowing that she is exactly where she wants to be - finally home in the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Virginia Lea Newby

August 13, 1940 - March 29, 2025