| Graduation Year | Class of 1975 |
| Date of Passing | May 15, 2021 |
| About | NOTE: She didn't graduate from IKE but is fondly remembered. In loving memory of Mary Elizabeth Newquist Mary Elizabeth Newquist (aka. Panelli, Clark, Ababneh) died suddenly at her residence in Victorville, California on May 15, 2021. She passed into the loving arms of Jesus joining her predeceased parents, Rev. David Clemens Newquist and Betty Ruth Johnson Newquist. Mary was born on March 25, 1958 on a snowy day in Spring in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, fifth in line of an eventual total of six children born to the Newquists. Several months after her birth, the family moved to West Seattle, Washington. After an eight-year sojourn, the family moved to Yakima, Washington and then ventured some years later on to Bakersfield, California. In each place Mary was active in the church youth groups. She learned to play the guitar, write songs, and practiced Karate. In Bakersfield, Mary studied to become a dental hygienist and subsequently married Gene Panelli. They had a daughter, Jennifer Dawn Panelli. Mary enjoyed fishing with Gene but began to experience debilitating health issues that lingered in some manner or another throughout her life. Even as a broken vessel, she persevered finding the strength to carry on, a true survivor. The couple subsequently divorced. Mary remarried to Virgil Clark and they had a son, Robert Thomas Clark. That marriage also ended and Mary remarried to Loi Ababneh. They settled in Anchorage, Alaska. After that marriage also ended, Mary and Robert moved back to Bakersfield to be near family. She helped her father with leading worship music in his church services and, like her father, seemed to have a calling to share Jesus wherever she was to whomever was nearby. She boldly approached and prayed with strangers often hearing a word from the Lord in her heart about others. Mary worked in various locations as a hygienist in Southern California and also Washington. In her later years, she moved to Victorville where she had previously provided dental services. She was faithful to her Christian beliefs and dedication to the Lord even though her life continued to be fraught with many hard challenges and health issues. She had a very generous spirit, giving to the work of the Lord and helping out others in need as she was able. She especially liked to support her brother’s ministry, Word for Word Ministries. Mary is survived by her children, Jennifer Dawn Panelli (Orlando Galvan) and Robert Clark; her four sisters, Carolyn Ruth Hardebeck in Washington, Sharon Rae Soames (Steve) of Bainbridge Island, WA, Patti Sue Anderson (Craig) in Yakima, WA, and Beverly Dawn Loughnane (Greg) in Canyon Country, CA; her brother, John David Newquist (Trish) in Bakersfield, CA; and a plethora of nieces, nephews, and their offspring. A private family memorial service will be held followed by burial of cremains at the Port Blakely Cemetery on Bainbridge Island, WA. Memories or communications may be addressed to Mary’s sister, Sharon Soames, sharonrs@aol.com, or 10359 NE Seaborn Rd, Bainbridge Island, WA. Fond memories of Mary and expressions of sympathy may also be shared at www.desertviewcares.com |
![Mary (newquist) [panelli], {clark}, Ababneh](https://www.alumniclass.com/school_images/announcement_photos/264/49849561631068792.jpg)
