Barbara Newlin

Barbara Newlin, 81, of Robinson, IL, died March 6, 2021, at Cotillion Ridge in Robinson. She was born January 25, 1940, in Robinson, the daughter of Willard D. Watts & Dorothy (Love) Watts, both of whom preceded her in death. She married Newell L. "Newely" Newlin on April 23, 1965, and he preceded her in death on May 17, 2010. She is survived by her brother & sister-in-law, Verlon L. & Carol Watts (Danville, IL); by several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of four-legged friends, including her beloved cats, Cali and Gray. Barb grew up in Robinson, where she attended Robinson High School. Here, she found great enjoyment in playing softball, a pastime that she would continue to pursue for many years as a member of the Oblong Cottage, Robinson Orphans, and Norm's Aces softball teams. Upon graduating in 1957, she furthered her education at Evansville Business School, where she learned skills that would allow her to become the thriving businesswoman her community would come to know. In 1966, she was hired at First Robinson Savings & Loan, beginning a banking career that would last for 30 years before retiring as a loan officer in 1996. During that time, she also served on the bank's Board of Directors. She soon moved on to a second career as an agent with Crawford County Real Estate. Real estate was, by all accounts, a passion of Barb's, and she was able to find homes for countless area residents before finally retiring for good in August of 2019. Though she knew how to work, she knew how to kick back as well! As previously stated, she enjoyed playing softball and was also quite the bowler, having played in numerous local and national tournaments throughout the years. She also broadened her horizons through travel. Through their friendship with Jerry & Mary Carey, Barb and Newell saw much of God's creation and took in many other cultures through ACIS tours. These trips found them in Hawaii, Italy, Switzerland, London, Germany, among many others. They also had the opportunities to cruise the Caribbean, where they made memories that lasted for the rest of their lives. Back home, she was always involved in her community. She was a member of the Fire and Police Commission from September 1983 until April of 1988 and was a secretary of the Robinson Food Pantry for many years as well. Her church also benefited from her business skills, as she served on the financial committee for Highland Avenue Baptist Church, where she was faithful to serve in any capacity she could. We who are left behind to mourn her passing do so, but with the hope and assurance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who Barb put her faith in years ago. Because of her faith, we know that her 81 years are but the beginning in light of everlasting life. A time of visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 12th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Under Phase 4 Mitigations, public attendance is allowed, but only up to 50 attendees at a time. Thusly, social distancing measures will be in place, and it will be required that all visitors wear face coverings while in the building. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home with Pastor Dwight McDaniel officiating. Burial will be in the Hutsonville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the "Robinson Food Pantry", with envelopes available at the funeral home.