Kathryn "Dianne" Newell

Kathryn "Dianne" Newell of Columbus died Friday, October 3, 2025, at Columbus Community Hospital.

Funeral services are 11:00 am Friday, October 10, 2025, at Highland Park Church. Visitation is 5-7 pm Thursday at McKown Funeral Home. Visitation will continue Friday at the church from 10-11 am. Interment is in Roselawn Cemetery. To watch the funeral live, click here.

Kathryn Dianne Newell was born April 28, 1944, in Madera, CA to James David and Kate (Barker) McDowell.  Dianne was raised in Madera and graduated from Madera High School. Dianne married JL Newell on December 5, 1964 in California.

They moved to Madison, NE in 2000 and to Columbus in 2009.

Dianne worked at Madera Community Hospital for 9 years, at University of California Hospital in San Francisco for 2 years and at a Christian School in Madera.

Dianne was a member of Highland Park Church in Columbus.  One of Dianne's favorite things was camping with family.

Dianne is survived by:
Husband JL Newell of Columbus

Daughter Lori (Mark) Olmstead of Brentwood, CA
-Grandson Connor Whisenhunt and Step-Granddaughters Mallory and Kayla Olmstead

Daughter Stephanie (Mike) Larsen of Columbus
-Grandsons Ben (Krysti) Larsen and Cody (Shayla) Larsen
-Great Grandchildren Rudy Larsen, Westley Larsen, Jack Larsen, Noelle Larsen, Juniper Larsen, and Sawyer Larsen

Daughter April (Vince) Reed of Columbus
-Grandson Colton Reed and Granddaughter Emily Reed
Sister-in -laws: Martha McDowell of Maine and Margaret McDowell of California
Many nieces and nephews

She is preceded in death by:
Parents
Brothers Virgil, Donald, and Bobby McDowell
Sisters Wanda Doshier and Hattie Noblett
Son in law Mick Whisenhunt
Nephews Mike Doshier and Jerry Noblett
Niece Shelly McDowell

In lieu of plants and flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Columbus Christian School or to Royal Family Kids.