Madeline Newton

Born to Otto Bottolfson and his wife Anna (Anderson), September 26, 1924 in Harrington, Cedar County, Nebraska. Madeline (known as Keg for most of her life) was the tenth of fourteen born, and last surviving child of the Otto Bottolfson Family. She graduated with honors from Wynot High School, Class of 1942, receiving an Honor Scholarship to Norfolk Junior College.

Madeline married Vernon Issac Newton in South Sioux City, Iowa, January 13, 1945 and moved out to Roseberg, Oregon for Vern to work in logging. It was there where their only son, Billy Dean, was born on December 30, 1946. They brought him home to a tent cabin and lived there until returning back to the place she would always call home, Wynot, Nebraska, to be with their large extended families.

In 1947, Keg and Vern joined many of their siblings who migrated to California. The couple lived their Napa life together in the country on Biava Lane, “only three miles from town’, she was frequently fond of saying. She moved into town at 91, next door to her grand-daughter, for more support from the family. Keg worked the Napa Valley harvests of prunes, apples, peaches and walnuts. In her middle years she worked, along side her sister-in-law cleaning for families at Silverado Country Club. She was a skilled seamstress and enjoyed knitting, crocheting, tatting and crafting. A family favorite was her raspberry jam made from berries she grew; the last jars were given as Christmas gifts before she moved into town.

Keg was a saver of many things, as were most who lived through the depression era. It was amazing to see what she had collected over the years; from Bill’s first lost tooth, to school reports, drawings, newspaper clippings and holiday cards. She always wanted to lend a hand and was never afraid of hard work. She enjoyed offering her assistance with folding laundry, doing dishes, sweeping the floor or making a meal… all but the dusting, she used to say that was her least favorite chore. She made what most today consider ‘hard work’ look easy! Not only did Keg do work incredibly well, she enjoyed providing these acts of service to her family as a way of showing her love. All her California life, Keg and Vern enjoyed hosting their many midwest family, and showing off their 5 grandchildren. She treasured the many phone calls from friends and family “back home” and was most happy simply visiting with friends and family from near and far.

She is survived by her son, Bill Newton and his wife Merrilee, grandchildren Clay (Allison), Dana (Crystal), Travis (Karla), Lindsay Fogarty (Mark), and Jaret (Chelsy); along with her great-grandchildren whom she adored; ZZ Anne, Rowan Jaret, Hunter Lissette, EmmeJean Susan and Dean Mikal. She will miss holding her newest great granddaughter, Elliot Rose, arriving early August. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews in and around Napa, across the country and of course, “back home”.

Madeline was pre-deceased by her parents, all of her siblings, her husband of 66 years, Vernon (2011), and her oldest grandson Patrick John (1972). She will be laid to rest in a private graveside service at Tulocay Cemetery. Her family welcomes all who wish to pay their respects to a celebration of her life Saturday, July 29th at 1:30PM, Napa Valley Yacht Club, 100 Riverside Drive, Napa, California.

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