Fern Newland

She was 70 years old.

Born Fern Leavitt on August 22nd, 1953 in Hollywood,California to parents Florence and Edward. She grew up in the High Desert area of California where she would go on to raise her four children Senice, Krista, Holly, and Jerry. She then later chose Phelan as the place she would call home for the later years of her life. Fern had a long and dedicated career working as a Park Ranger for Mojave Narrows Regional Park in Victorville,California from which she retired in 2016. Lovingly known as “Nana” to her grandchildren, Fern was a fiercely strong and tough woman with a caring and generous heart. The matriarch of her family, she was always up for a celebration, especially when that celebration was centered around those she loved.

Fern was preceded in death by her Father Edward Leavitt, Mother Florence Walker, along with siblings James, Florence “Babe”, Andy and Eddie, Daughter-in-Law Candyce Newland, and Grandson Jacob Newland, along with countless others who welcomed her as she was ushered into the Gates of Heaven.

She leaves behind her partner of over 30 years Mike Mestas, Sister Nola Velasco, Three Daughters Senice Witt, Krista Fronek, and Holly Larison, Son Jerry Newland, Son-in-Laws Timothy Witt(Senice) and Shawn Larison(Holly), Grandchildren Brandon Craig, Ryan and Madison Dodds, Tyler Ishman, Brian Fronek, Halie Foy, Dillon Ishman, and Lane Newland, Great-Grandsons Grayson Craig, Sutton Dodds, Sloan Dodds, and Swade Dodds.

Fern’s funeral will take place at Desert View Memorial on August 21st, 2024, with a private viewing for her immediate family from 9am to 9:30am followed by an open viewing and services from 9:30am to 11am with graveside burial to follow.