Pearl Mae Newton

Pearl Mae Newton of Des Moines, IA, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 16, 2026 at the age of 96.

Mae was born on March 17, 1929 in Peru, IA. She was born to Alonzo and Myrtle Silliman, the 2^nd of 8 children. In 1949 she was united in marriage to Gene Newton. They made their home on the south side of Des Moines and raised their 3 children: Marcia (Greg) Eveland, Marty Newton, Marilyn (Gary) Culver. She is survived by 5 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters and 1 brother.

Mae spent many years working for the Des Moines Public School system, first in the cafeteria and later as a secretary. She loved to work in her yard caring for her petunias and rose bushes.  Mae also had a large garden and enjoyed canning her home-grown vegetables.  Crafting was one of her favorite past times, she was talented in ceramics, sewing, knitting and crocheting. Mae was a very thoughtful and helpful person who would do her best to help anyone in any way that she could. In 1977, she was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and was a member of the Watrous Terrace Congregation. She had the joy of conducting many bible courses with people she met, and loved telling everyone about her God, Jehovah.

Per Mae’s wishes, she was cremated and there will be no services.