Ada Pearl Locknane Newton

Ada Pearl "Locknane" Newton, a fourth generation descendant of a Pioneer family, passed away peacefully with her son and daughter at her side on December 22, 2012.  Ada was born on March 22, 1919, in Dinuba, California to Ernest and Viola Pearl "Patterson" Locknane. She attended the old Wilson School and in 1936 graduated from Dinuba High School. Ada went on to attend Visalia Junior College with hopes of becoming a nurse, but after her father died, as so many of her generation did, she quit school and went to work to help support the family. Ada met her future husband, Karl Newton, while he was picking grapes across the road; he described her as "a vision of loveliness" as she came into his view. They dated for seven years while Karl worked his way through College. Upon his graduation from Cal, they were married in a Candlelight Ceremony at the old Dinuba Christian Church, on May 10, 1941. After the Pearl Harbor attack they moved to the Benecia Arsenal where they both served in the war effort with Karl later serving in the U.S. Navy. It was during this period that they had their first son, James (Jim) in 1944. After the war and back in Dinuba, came Douglas (Doug) in 1948 with their only daughter, Debora (Debbie) arriving at the end of 1953. Ada was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and could be found happiest along side her husband Karl, whether it be at the Dinuba Christian Church, PTA, the Garden Club, Newton & Sons Real Estate or in community events. She also served as President for the Hospital Auxiliary for three years. The Dinuba Christian Church was a huge part of Ada's life, she first attended it at the age of two weeks. Ada loved life and her family, she supported every area associated with her community and family, including school functions, hosting parties and dinners, and offering help on any project she could. Her house was a favorite of all her children's friends who looked at her as a second mom.  Ada's family was her life, she was the woman behind her husband in all he did and was at her happiest being beside him. Most would describer her as a woman of character who was forthright, strong, generous and loving.  Tragically, Ada and Karl were preceded in death by their eldest son Jim and later Ada lost her husband Karl and her brother Merl. She is survived by her son and daughter in law, Doug and Laura Newton, her daughter and son in law, Deborah and David Johnston, her sister in law, Mary Newton, and two chosen sons, John Lopez, and Paul Olquin. Ada is also survived by four grandchildren, Michael, David and Jamie Newton and Sarah Johnston and seven great grandchildren, Pam, Laura, Rebecca, Darren, Alisa, Melissa, and Jacob Newton.