Bette Cleaun Newman

With great love and loss, we announce the passing of Bette (BET-ee) "Cleaun" Newman, a loving wife, mother, grandmother "Meme", sister and friend, known for her kindness, strength, dedication and unshakeable love for her family. Cleaun was born on July 27, 1945, in Clovis, NM and grew up in Melrose, NM where she built a lifetime of cherished memories. She entered rest peacefully on March 3, 2025, just shy of 80, surrounded by loved ones.

Cleaun was a proud co-owner of Newman Electric, a venture she built alongside her late husband and their business partner, where she was the bookkeeper over 40 years. Her passions outside of work included, just to name a few, curating a festive Christmas at her home for family, acrylic painting, crafting, taking pride in her yard and making sure her patio was full of color and life every year!

Cleaun leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion, cherished by her daughters, Rebecca (Albert) Saiz and Courtnee (Heath) Newman, and Kimberly Newman. She was one proud Meme to her grandchildren Quintin, Leighton, and Aimee Hilburn, as well as great grandchildren Olivia, Emma, Savanna, Lennix, Alyce, and Griffin. Cleaun is also survived by her dear siblings: brothers Alfred, Jimmy Dale, and Butch Smith, and sisters Kay Provencio and Sharon Zuhlke.

Cleaun's warmth and compassion touched many lives, and her loving spirit will be deeply missed by family and friends.

In honoring her memory, the family will hold a public viewing at Steed Todd Funeral Home Chapel on March 14, 2025, starting at 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM. A funeral service will take place Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM, also at Steed Todd Funeral Home Chapel. Cleaun will be peacefully laid to rest at Melrose Cemetery following the ceremony.

We invite all who knew/loved Cleaun to join us in celebrating her extraordinary life and the lasting impact she made on all of us. In honor of her love for color and life, the family requests that attendees wear bright, bold colors and patterns rather traditional black!

Cleaun was preceded in death by: Her husband Willis "Gene" Newman, parents Jake D and Katherine Smith and her brother Jerry.