Earlene M Newton

She met her husband “Newt” when she was 16. He would babysit her brothers and sisters so she could date other fellas, eventually winning her heart. Earlene married “Newt” in 1945 in Victoria, Texas where she travelled by train to watch him get his pilot wings. They were married for 67 years before Newt’s death in 2012. Earlene and Newt lived around the world together because of his Air Force Fighters Pilot career. They eventually settled in Tampa, Florida when he retired. On 1/31/25 they will be reunited at the cemetery and on 2/1/25 they will celebrate 80 years of marriage.

She was known to her family as Earlene, Mom, Grandma, Da and GiGi. Earlene was the daughter of Ruth and Earle Merkel, the oldest of 12, 8 predeceasing her (Guy, Tom, Wanda, Gail, Lee, Una, Nancy and Denny) and 3 surviving siblings Jerry (Sophia), Bruce (Connie) and Ann (Rich). She is survived by her 4 children Scott (Suzy) of Austin, Tx, Bruce (Jeanne) of Tampa, Mark (Tracey) of Tampa and Mary Jo Culliton (Bob) of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, eight grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and over 45 nieces and nephews. She was a close friend to many.

Earlene, an Officer’s wife, was the fierce loving matriarch of her family. She was an avid Jitterbug dancer and loved reading, the Republican party, the beach (especially on the 4th of July), Easter and egg hunts, getting her hair done, crossword puzzles and being a good friend. She was a devote Catholic and a member of Incarnation Catholic Church for 53 years. When most of her children were grown, she worked in the attendance office of Tampa Catholic High School and loved being with the students. She never missed an opportunity to send someone a card. At the age of 90 she embraced technology by texting her friends and family and following her loved ones on Facebook. She was a live wire, loved celebrations, parties and fun with family and friends. She was also a class act, kind to everyone she met.

We would like to thank Suncoast Hospice who helped us provide a loving and comfortable transition into eternal heaven. Mom, you will be so missed. Here is to a life well lived.

A funeral mass for Earlene will be held Friday, January 31, 2025 at 11:00AM at Incarnation Catholic Church, 8220 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33615. Following the funeral service will be a committal service at 1:30PM at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, FL 33513.