Valerie McMillan Newton

Valerie M. Newton Valerie M. Newton passed away on May 5, 2013 of kidney disease and complications following a broken hip. Valerie was born in Long Beach, California on August 5, 1927 to Cle and Florence Jordan McMillan. At age 1 she moved to Idaho Falls where she grew up. After graduation from high school in 1945, she worked at a bank for 2 years. She attended BYU for 2 years taking every radio class offered. In 1949 she returned to Idaho Falls where she worked at Radio Station KID as a storyteller, secretary to the owner/manager and wrote commercial copy. In 1950 she began work at KSL Radio as “Lady Valerie and the Land of Make Believe” telling children’s stories. She also had a morning show with Rex Campbell playing music. She met Jack “Fig” Newton in 1950 and they were married on December 15, 1951. They moved to Minneapolis after Jack graduated from medical school which ended her broadcasting career. Their daughter Nancy was born in 1952 and they returned to Salt Lake City in 1953. In 1954, Jack served in the armed forces for 17 months in Korea. They continued to live in Salt Lake during Jack’s residency at the University of Utah. In 1958 the family moved to Ogden where Jack was Superintendant and Medical Director of the Utah State Tuberculosis Hospital. In 1959 they had their son Paul and have remained in the Ogden area ever since where Jack started his private practice. Valerie became an active member of the Junior League of Ogden for many years where she made many lifelong friends. She was a member of the Drama Club of Ogden for 50 years, performing many roles and serving two terms as president. She enjoyed playing golf at the Ogden Golf and Country Club as a member of the Ladies Association where she served as President. Valerie and Jack participated in many Twilight Golf Tournaments. Valerie was active for many years in the Weber County Medical Auxiliary. She was active in the Kiwaniannes. She was proud to be a member of “The Wild Bunch”. She loved Bridge, playing up to 5 times a week. Valerie is survived by her husband, 2 children, 6 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and brother, Jack. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Norma Carter Olswang. Thanks to the staff of the Ogden Regional Medical Center and the Pineview Rehabilitation Center. Thanks to Hospice for Utah for terminal care. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Ogden Symphony/Ballet Association or the charity of your choice. A Celebration of her life will be held on Friday, May 10, 2013 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Mt. Ogden Grill, 440 East 4400 South. Buffet will be served. All of her friends and family are invited to honor and remember her. Cremation entrusted to Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary.