Onie Ruth Newell

Ms. Onie Ruth Pickens Newell passed away Saturday morning, May 9, 2026 at Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care in Joliet, Illinois.

She was born on November 12, 1925, in Newton, Mississippi to the late Charlie Pickens, Sr., and Nettie Pruitt Pickens.

She attended N.H. Pilate Vocational School in Newton, MS. She pursued her passion and continued her education in Nursing, attending Mississippi Normal College of Hattiesburg, MS. She later moved to Joliet, IL, and for decades, worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Silver Cross Hospital, Stateville Penitentiary, Salem Village Nursing Home, and St. Joseph Hospital. She will forever be remembered for her joyful laughter, steadfast love, remarkable strength, and guidance—beautiful qualities that touched the lives of all who knew her.

Onie was married to the late Mr. Bonnie Newell of Joliet, IL, for 48 years. She also held a deep and unwavering love for God and became a devoted member of Second Baptist Church. Through her faith and compassion, she faithfully taught Bible Study to fellow members and visitors, touching many lives with her wisdom and kindness. She loved reading the Bible, sewing, crocheting, cooking for her family, and turning her house into a home. On her birthday, November 12, 2025, she reached an incredible milestone that many people do not experience; she turned 100 years old!

Mother Ruth Newell was a dedicated member of the Second Baptist Church for about 60 years.  She was a Christian woman who took her walk with God serious.  She was a bible scholar who read her bible daily. She taught a Sunday School class for Adult women with knowledge and a passion rarely seen.  For years she attended women's retreats and was a missionary in our community and in the Joliet area.  She was loved by her church family and she also loved them.  She had a wonderful loving spirit, was a smart lady and it showed.  There is no doubt as to where she will spend her eternity.  She will be truly missed by all her church family. 

She was preceded in eternal rest by five siblings: R.K. Pickens, Charlie Pickens, Jr., Millie McGee, Bessie Moncrief, and Mary Catherine Pickens.

She leaves to cherish her memories: one daughter, Elizabeth "Pie" McDonald of Newton, MS; four sons; Harvey Crain of Newton, MS; Gerald Pickens of Reynoldsburg, OH; Theodore "Teddy" Pickens of Joliet, IL, and Patrick Newell of Joliet, IL. She also leaves a sister, Nettie Mae Pickens of Jackson, MS and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends who will sadly miss her.

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