Irene Newell, age 82, of Gateway, Arkansas, passed away on Monday, September 27, 2021, at Northwest Medical Center in Bentonville, Arkansas. Mrs. Newell, daughter of James and Marjorie (Skelton) Perkins, was born on July 7, 1939, in Fresno, California. Subsequent to graduating from Cassville High School in 1957, she was united in marriage to Joe Fisher on March 9, 1957, and to this union four children were born.  On February 26, 2000, she was united in marriage to James D. Newell in Purdy; he preceded her in death on May 10, 2011.

Irene loved her family dearly, enjoyed watching her grandbabies run and play, and spending time with her special cats, Pepper Anne and Momma Kitty.  She was an avid gardener who enjoyed her vegetable and flower gardens.  Some of Irene's favorite pastimes were birdwatching, collecting chicken knick-knacks, and spending her summer vacations camping and fishing at the lake soaking up the sun.  She was a friend to so many, has left a lasting impression on many lives, and will be greatly missed.

Survivors include one son, David Fisher, of Cassville; two daughters, Linda Childers and her husband Craig, of Grove, Oklahoma, and Donna Jones and her husband Jimmy, of Gateway, Arkansas; one step-son, John Newell, of Goodman; seven grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; two sisters, Ollie Williamson, of Richmond, and Dortha Amos, of Butterfield; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Irene was preceded in death by one son, Michael Fisher; four grandchildren, Dustin Fisher, baby girl Jones, Daniel Neely, and Allen Fisher; five great-grandchildren; and two brothers-in-law.

A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 3, 2021, at the New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church in Garfield, Arkansas, with Pastor Ron Shultz officiating.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the church.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of the White Funeral Home and Crematory, Cassville, Missouri.