Surrounded by loved ones, Christa Maria Newton passed away on September 15, 2019. She was born in Regensburg, Germany, but chose Fort Smith, Arkansas as her “hometown.” She was a Catholic and attended Christ the King Catholic Church. Chris enjoyed social occasions and never missed an opportunity to be around people. She volunteered at the Salvation Army Store “boutique” and was a member of the Fort Smith German Club. She had a deep love for classical music, particularly opera and the Three Tenors, and tried never to miss a performance of the Fort Smith Symphony. Animals also had a special place in Chris’ heart. She always had a furry companion, and she and her late husband, Bill, helped sponsor rescue tigers in an Arkansas wildlife sanctuary. Chris was a devoted and thoughtful friend to those closest to her; and she had a smile, a kind word, and a good story for everyone she met.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Bill Newton. She is survived by her brothers, Bernhard Gundelbacher and companion Johanna Brunner of Munich; Klaus Gundelbacher and wife Angelika of Munich; nephews Michael Behnke and wife Katinka, David Gundelbacher and wife Elian Kamerling, and niece Marion Gundelbacher and husband Rainer Wacke; as well as four great-nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her dear friend Inga Wood of Sugarloaf and her Fort Smith family: Carolyn Reeder Clark; Susan Reeder and daughter Allee; her best friend, Sharen Reeder and Sharen’s son, Jacob Horton, her beloved grandson and the joy of her life.
Memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 5, 2019 at Fentress Mortuary in Fort Smith with burial at Oak Cemetery in Fort Smith. Arrangements are under the direction of Fentress Mortuary.
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