Newton Hayes Foster III

Newton Hayes Foster III, age 94 of Harrison, Arkansas, passed peacefully at home on Sunday, February 28th, 2021. He was born May 6, 1926 in Santa Monica, California to the late Newton H. and Helen M. Foster. He was a member of Mary Mother of God Catholic Church in Harrison, Arkansas.

Survivors include: his six children: Karen Foster and Michael Holt of Eureka Springs, Laurie Dixon and husband Dewayne of Harrison, Ruthie Holman and husband Don of Fayetteville, Greg Foster of Harrison, Dr. Newton Foster IV, of Hot Springs, Tim Foster and wife Penny of Southlake, Texas; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; his brother-in-law Jack Gilmore and wife Margaret and many nieces and nephews. Other than his parents he was preceded in death by an infant brother, John, and his loving wife of over 69 years, Ruth Gilmore Foster.

Newt Foster was a member of the greatest generation, a World War II Veteran who served in the Navy from 1944-1946 in the South Pacific.

Newt Grew up in Santa Monica and spent his summers hiking and fishing the high Sierra’s above Bishop.  His love of the outdoors began early.  After the Navy, He returned to school and married the love of his life, his Dearest Ruth. They began a family.  He graduated in 1951 from the University of California Davis with a BS in Animal Husbandry.

While living in California he was a Santa Barbara County Extension Agent, then employed by The Hollister Ranch.  He operated a convenience store, truck stop and restaurant in Gaviota for 12 years, a historical location that was previously a stage coach stop on beautiful hi-way 101.  All the kids learned the values of hard work there in Gaviota.  Everyone worked.   

In 1969 he moved to Arkansas to follow his lifelong dream that he shared with Ruth, to have a ranch with chickens, cattle, sheep, goats and pigs and raise 6 kids on a farm.  He and Ruth were honored as Farm Family of the Year and Senior Farm Family of the year.  He was very active in numerous organizations including the Farm Bureau, Farmers Co-Op, Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association and a Charter Member of the Knights of Columbus.  A tradition of attending Opening Day at Oakland began and lasted over 20 years. 

Many life celebrations and good times are remembered on the ranch.   Newt will be laid to rest on his ranch with his beloved Ruthie. As it should be.  

Due to COVID restrictions, a private Family Mass will be held followed by burial at the Foster Family Cemetery.  The service will be live-streamed Saturday March 6th starting with the Rosary at 10:30 and Mass at 11am.  Log on to Mary Mother of God Catholic Church Facebook page to join us. 

The family would like to extend thanks to our caregiving angels, Sonya, Cheryl and Judy; Hospice of the Hills and Sullivan Pharmacy.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Newt’s memory to Hospice of the Hills Harrison, Arkansas or your favorite charity.