Reba Mae New, 92, of Russell, Kansas, died on Monday, January 28, 2013, at the Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell,

Reba was born on June 26, 1920, in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, the daughter of Eli and Maggie C.(Saylors) Millikin.  She grew up and attended school in Sallisaw, Oklahoma and moved to Russell when she was starting the 8th grade.  She graduated from Russell High School in the class of 1939.  She met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Vernon Frank New on September 08, 1940, in Russell.  From this union they were blessed with two children Jennifer and Jimmy.  Vernon preceded her in death on June 06, 2002.  Reba chose to take on the toughest job there is by being a homemaker and raising her family.  She and Vernon were longtime members of Trinity United Methodist Church in Russell.  She was also a member of the Elks Lodge, V.F.W. Auxiliary and American Legion Auxiliary.  She enjoyed sewing, art projects, entertaining, decorating, traveling and playing bridge.  Some of her fondest memories were the times she and Vernon were traveling in the RV and sharing those experiences with their friends.  Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Surviving family include her son Jimmy F. New and his wife Judy of Russell; 6 Grandchildren Jarrod Krug in Broomfield, Colorado, Dustin New of South Bend, Indiana, Deacon New of Wichita, Janet O’Neal of Greenwood, Indiana, Julie Ryan of Bloomington, Minnesota and James Ryan of Walkerton, Indiana and 7 Great Grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her daughter Jennifer Lynn Adams; 6 brothers James, Lonnie, Harvey, Sherman, Floyd and Arthur Millikin; 3 sisters Edith Rausch, Neva Mai and Pearl Millikin and granddaughter Tisha Dowing.

A memorial service to celebrate Reba’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, May 11, 2013, at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Russell with Pastor John Thompson officiating.  Inurnment of the cremains will take place at the Russell City Cemetery immediately following the church service.  Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Friday, May 10, 2013, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell with family to greet guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Friday evening.  Memorials may be given to the RCACF (Russell County Area Community Foundation) and sent in care of the mortuary.  The New family would like to invite friends and extended family to join them for food and fellowship at the church immediately following the graveside services.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.