Estella May Newell

Estella May Newell, 103, formerly of Spring Bay, IL and Manor Care at Riverview in East Peoria, IL passed away at 12:35 am on Friday, May 26, 2017 at Snyder Village in Metamora, IL. She was born on May 15, 1914 to Sol and Louise (Speck) Winkler. She married Willard Newel on May 30, 1941 at Spring Bay United Methodist Church in Spring Bay, IL. He passed away in 1978. Surviving are her son Vern (Susan) Newell of Edwards, IL; grandsons Zackary and Matthew; sister Evelyn Schaer at Manor Care at Riverview in East Peoria; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by sisters Olga (Marion) Heck, Mabel (Art) Laible, Cecil (Gene) Moulton, Vesta Winkler, and Lucille (Robert) Shottenkirk and brothers Norris (Ouida) Winkler, Russell (Wyllis) Winkler, Elmer (Dorothy) Winkler, and Walter (Clarice) Winkler. She attended high school in Spring Bay and graduated from Illinois State University in 1936 and started her teaching career, teaching in several schools in the Spring Bay area, some of which were one room schools consisting of eight grades, Partridge (the school she attended as a child), Hillside, Bluff View, Washburn, Spring Bay/Riverview and finally at Metamora Grade School from which she retired in 1979, receiving a "Recognition of Service to Education" from the board. She taught for a total of 43 years. In her retirement years, she was a tour guide at the Journal Star for 20 years. She loved taking care of her large yard and several flower beds. She was a life-time member of Spring Bay United Methodist Church in Spring Bay where she served in many capacities, teaching Sunday school for many, many years and serving on many committees. She was noted for sending greeting cards to her family members, her church family, and friends to let them know that she was thinking of them. Estella was an innovative educator. She had the Journal Star deliver newspapers to Metamora Grade School each day for one year, one for each student in her class, and it was used for discussion and learning. She would have speakers from businesses speak to the class to broaden their education. She started an "adopt a grandparent" program for the students before it became popular. She transported students with speech disabilities to Normal during the summer months at her own expense to see if they could be helped. Estella had definitely dedicated her life to service and education. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at RiversEdge United Methodist Church in Spring Bay with the Reverend Ray Harrison of Chillicothe, IL officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until service time on Tuesday at the church. Burial will be in Spring Bay Cemetery in Spring Bay, IL. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the RiversEdge United Methodist Church in Spring Bay. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.