Mrs. Yorba Linda Newby

Yorba Linda Newby, age 65, of Ravenden Springs, Arkansas, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on July 7, 2026, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. Yorba was born on June 9, 1961, in Pontiac, Michigan, to David and Charlotte (Keeler) Cook. She was raised in Waterford, Michigan, where her free spirit and love for life began to shine at an early age. Yorba never met a stranger. She loved talking with people and had a gift for making everyone she met feel like a friend. She found joy in flea markets, buying, selling, and trading treasures, always excited about the next great find. She enjoyed painting, working puzzles, and watching game shows, but music was where her heart truly came alive. She would turn on her favorite songs, let the music carry her away, and dance without hesitation. Whether she was in the living room, out in the yard with friends, or gathered with family, if the music started, Yorba was ready to dance. More than anything, Yorba cherished her family. Her greatest happiness came from spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. She and her beloved husband, John, built a simple life together, but one filled with love, laughter, and countless precious memories. On August 16, they would have celebrated 41 years of marriage—a beautiful journey that blessed them with three children, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, David and Charlotte Cook, and her brother, Danny Cook. Left to cherish her memory are her devoted husband of over 40 years, John Newby of Ravenden Springs, Arkansas; her children, Crystal Baldridge and husband, Freddie, of Ravenden Springs, Arkansas; Rebecca Byes and husband, Greg, of Maynard, Arkansas; and Joshua Newby and wife, Cheryl, of Maynard, Arkansas. She is also survived by her nine grandchildren: Naomi Hirsch and husband, Aiden, of Olive Branch, Mississippi; Elijah Patterson of Pocahontas, Arkansas; Dacoda Tanner of Pocahontas, Arkansas; James Schultz of Farmington, Illinois; Jesse Newby of Maynard, Arkansas; Hunter Newby of Pocahontas, Arkansas; Brianna Kirk of Maynard, Arkansas; Caden Kirk of Maynard, Arkansas; and McKinley Newby of Maynard, Arkansas; along with her treasured great-granddaughter, Hazel Hirsch. As a little girl, Yorba’s mother would often tell her that one day she hoped to come back as a butterfly. Yorba carried that sweet thought with her all her life, and she shared it with each of you. So when you see a butterfly, think of me. Smile, maybe say “hi,” and know that I’m right there with you in that moment. I’ll always be watching over you, loving you, and cheering you on. Remember how much I love you, and carry that love with you every day. There will be a private family gathering at a later date, so expressions of sympathy should be sent directly to the family.

Mrs. Yorba Linda Newby

June 9, 1961 - July 7, 2026