Afton Lisette Newton

Afton Lisette Newton, 26, of South Haven died Sunday, January 11th, 2009 at home.

Afton, precious daughter, granddaughter, niece, and cousin went to live with her Savior Jesus after battling autoimmune diseases for many years. Born August 7th, 1982 to Thomas and Carol Newton, Afton lived her short life to the fullest with her loving parents continually by her side. She accomplished many exceptional feats during her time on earth. From showing ponies to writing books and finishing her college degree, Afton persevered and fought her illnesses with faith, dignity, and courage. She graduated from Washington State University in 2004, Summa Cum Laude, with a B.A. in history and social sciences. While showing her Ponies of America throughout the United States for fourteen years, Afton won numerous national, world, international, regional, and state championships and awards. As a member and leader of the Jay Dees 4-H Club for fifteen years, she shared her talents with many other members. During her travels throughout the United States, Afton visited many historical sites which developed and enlarged her love of history. She used her expanded knowledge to write and publish three novels (see www.actnewbooks.com) and had many other books in various stages of completion. In addition, she tutored numerous students in history and English; she also gave riding lessons and trained ponies. Afton enjoyed adventures at Disney World and collecting Disney characters, Barbie dolls, Breyer horses, Department 56 Village pieces, and American Girl dolls. She loved reading Christian and children’s books, playing computer games, compiling her family tree, and corresponding with friends and relatives. Afton also sponsored a child named Alejandrina from Nicaragua through Compassion International. She lived her life for Jesus and treasured God’s Word.




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She was preceded in death by her grandfather – Elmer “Bill” Stieve.

She is survived by her parents – Thomas H., IV and Carol L. (Stieve) Newton of South Haven, Michigan. Grandparents – Marlene Stieve, Shirley M. King, Thomas (Roberta) Newton, Jr. all of South Haven, Michigan. Aunts and uncles – Linda Stieve (Dan Coyne), Donna (Kurt) Holzhueter, Bernie (Shelly) Newton, Tim Newton, Scott (Mony) Newton, Jill Newton, Sally Newton, Phil (Lainee) Boss. Cousins – Nate and Tyler Newton, Kallie and Katie Holzhueter, Jacob and Kendra Newton, and Marissa and Mariah Boss. Ponies – Taboo and Teana. Many other special family members and friends also survive.

Please join the family for visitation from 2 – 3 P.M. on Saturday, January 24th at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home in South Haven, followed by a Memorial service at 3:00 P.M. at the funeral home with Rev. Michael Hackbardt officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Compassion International (see www.compassioninternational.com) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, or a memorial of your choice. Kindly share your thoughts and memories with the family in the online guest book at www.FilbrandtFFH.com.

The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven 637-0333.