Evelyn M. Newton

Evelyn M. Newton, 74, of Freetown, Indiana, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by the comfort of her memories, on Saturday, August 8, 2026.

Born on August 29, 1951, in Tell City, Indiana, Evelyn was the cherished daughter of the late Charles Braxton Kellems and Sarah (Lawrence) Kellems.

To those who knew her best, Evelyn was simply the “best mom in the world.” She poured her whole heart into her family and her home. An exceptionally hard worker and an impeccable homemaker, she transformed daily tasks into acts of love. She also shared her energetic spirit by helping clean homes for others in her community.

Evelyn’s life was a beautiful reflection of the things she loved most: her family, her children, and her garden. Blessed with a remarkably green thumb, she spent countless hours tending to her yard, creating a vibrant sanctuary filled with the most beautiful flowers. When she wasn’t outdoors, Evelyn was expressing her creativity through crafts, especially her intricate wood-burning pieces.

Nothing brought the family together quite like Evelyn’s cooking. Her kitchen was always filled with warmth and the unforgettable aromas of her legendary recipes—including her famous homemade fried chicken, comforting dumplings, fresh bread, and sweet cinnamon rolls. More than anything, Evelyn was a loyal woman who loved hard. She was a constant anchor for her family, always there whenever anyone needed her.

Evelyn is now reunited with her beloved husband, Paul E. Newton, Sr.; her son, Paul E. “P.J.” Newton, Jr.; and her siblings, Alma Jean Jarvis, Richard Kellems, Mike Kellems, Glenward Kellems, Larry David Kellems, Thomas Kellems, and Hobert Kellems.

Her beautiful, fiercely loyal legacy lives on through her children, Gail Newton, Braxton Newton, Evan Newton, and James Carmer; her siblings, Patsy Swango, Anna May Wyman, Roy Ernest Kellems, Minnie Jane Newton, and Betty Lois Underhill; her grandchildren, Hannah Wallace, Micaela Wallace, Asa Wallace, Wyatt Newton, Braxton Newton, Tyler Morris, Haley Carmer, Lindsey Carmer, and Jayeln Carmer, Trevor Caldwell, Carla Caldwell, Joshua Clendening; and several great-grandchildren who brought her endless joy.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Evelyn’s life on Friday, August 14, 2026, at the Jewell-Rittman Funeral Home & Crematory (3855 25th Street, Columbus, Indiana). Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., with a funeral service beginning at 2:00 p.m. She will be laid to rest immediately following the service at Garland Brook Cemetery.  To share a favorite story, laugh, or memory of Evelyn, or to sign her online guest registry, please visit jewellrittman.com.