Laura Fredonna Newland

January 1, 1938 - May 13, 2022

RICHMOND, Ind. – Laura Fredonna Newland, age 84, of Richmond, Indiana, died Friday, May 13, 2022, at her home. Born January 1, 1938, in Richmond, Indiana, to Henry and Martha Goodlin Wesler, Fredonna lived in Richmond most of her life, but had also lived in Venice, Florida, and Mission, Texas. She graduated from Richmond High School in 1955 and then married her high school sweetheart, Johnnie Hubert Newland, shortly thereafter. Fredonna worked at Alcoa, Johnson’s Casket Factory, Belden, Loehr’s, and Sunbug. In the 1970s, she was the first woman to run for a position on the City Council. Fredonna was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, where she was active in the Clothing Room and Friends of Jesus. Fredonna also volunteered with Sunrise in Richmond and the Cuddle Club in McAllen, Texas. She enjoyed being active in bowling and volleyball leagues, where she was known for her competitive spirit, and was an avid reader. Survivors include her daughter, Debbie Newland (Patty Beam) of Carmel, Indiana; son, John Newland (Doug McIntosh) of Saugatuck, Michigan; nieces; nephews; and many friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Johnnie Hubert Newland, who died on June 29, 2021; parents; sister, Freida Wesler Burton; and brother, Henry E. Wesler. Visitation for Fredonna Newland will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 20, 2022, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home with Pastor Chuck Miller officiating. Interment will be held at a later date in Lutherania Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, c/o Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 121 South 18th Street, Richmond, IN 47374. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.