Merry Newton

Merry (Clagett) Newton, age 86, of Marshalltown passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at the Iowa River Hospice Home.

A memorial service celebrating Merry’s life is scheduled for Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 1:00–2:00 P.M. at Mitchell Family Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest at Troy Township Cemetery, south of Eagle Grove, Iowa. Those wishing to honor Merry may direct memorial contributions to her family for a future designation. To send condolences or find additional service details, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641‑844‑1234.

Born on May 19, 1940, at her home in Eagle Grove, Iowa, Merry Jean Clagett was the beloved daughter of Grayson and Aleene (Larson) Clagett. She grew up in the Eagle Grove community and attended Eagle Grove High School. On October 12, 1957, Merry married her lifelong partner, Jack Newton, in Iowa City, IA., and together they welcomed five children. Merry started her working life as a machine operator at Hollingsworth Manufacturing Company. She went on to spend nearly 28 years with UPS, loading and unloading packages and later enjoying the chance to drive and deliver them herself. She took great pride in her work and remained with UPS until her retirement in 2001. Merry was admired for her strong work ethic, keeping pace with many of her male coworkers through sheer determination and grit. She earned a special place in UPS history as the first female part‑time employee to retire with a full pension, a testament to her dedication and resilience. In her free time, Merry enjoyed baking, gardening, and traveling to visit family. She also loved cooking for the lodge and shared with her husband a deep appreciation for wildlife, especially birds.

She is survived by her five children: Jacqueline Wilkening of Kellogg, IA., Heidi Simmons of Hortonville, WI., Grayson Newton of Gladbrook, IA., Jon Newton of Victoria B.C., Canada, and Merry Warnell of Marshalltown; 15 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and 2 great- great grandchildren; her sister Linda Grudi of Palmyra, PA.; aunt Nelda Kiley of Eagle Grove, IA.; and various cousins, nieces and nephews.

Merry is preceded in death by her husband Jack Newton; her parents: Grayson and Aleene; and her brother James Clagett.