Retired Covenant pastor Monty Newton died October 26, 2025. He was 77.
Monty Ray Newton was born to parents Owen and Irma Lee Newton on May 29, 1948, in Winterset, Iowa. He spent his childhood in Winterset and Ogden, graduating from Ogden High School where he excelled in football, wrestling, and track. In the summer of 1965, Monty had a full immersion baptism at Bethel Church, part of the Christian Missionary Alliance. After high school he attended St. Paul Bible College, earning a bachelor of arts degree in Bible and theology in 1971. He was initially ordained by the Christian Missionary Alliance, and then transferred his ordination to the Evangelical Covenant Church in 1994.
During his time at St. Paul, he met Bonnie Louise Payne, who became the love of his life. They married on July 18, 1970. Together they had three children, Patrick Stephan, Lorraine Lee, and Courtney Lee (“Corky”).
Monty and Bonnie served faithfully in ministry together for more 55 years in locales across the American Midwest, including a brief stop in California. Together they served in Alliance churches in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, and Lincoln, Nebraska. The served Lund Covenant Church in Oberlin, Kansas; Scranton Covenant Church in Scranton, Kansas; Red Oak Covenant Church in Red Oak, Iowa; Fellowship Covenant Church in Westminster, Colorado; and St. Paul’s Evangelical Covenant Church in Franklin Park, Illinois. Additionally, Monty served the Covenant through a variety of boards, including the Midwest Committee on Ministerial Standing, the Board of Ordered Ministry, Covenant Village Colorado Management Advisory Committee, and the Midwest Conference Executive Board.
People often referred to Monty as the friendliest and funniest person they’d ever known. He had a way of making people laugh until they cried. His humor could not be equaled; neither could his contagious laugh. He was a beloved pastor, spiritual leader, and tremendous friend to his family and the communities he served. He enjoyed writing, reading, crossword puzzles, and his “patio time.” He loved his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and never failed to mention that he was the luckiest guy alive to have Bonnie as his wife.
Monty was preceded in death by his son Patrick Newton, his parents, and brothers Randy and Alan (Gloria) Newton. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Bonnie; his children, Lorri Zander (Alby) and Corky Newton (Amy); his grandchildren, Zach Zander (Kass), Matti Zander McGovern (JDrew), Leeya Zander, Samson Zander, Benji Zander, Adam Newton, Ethan Newton, and Avery Newton; his great-grandchildren, Ezra Zander McGovern and Quinn Zander; and his brother John Newton (Sherri). Memorial services will be held privately. Memorial gifts may be directed to Hope House Colorado.
Peace be to his memory.
