Deborah R. Newell; Longtime Port Hueneme Resident

Deborah R. Newell, a longtime resident of Port Hueneme, died Wednesday after a long illness. She was 49.

Newell was born Feb. 10, 1947, in Okliar, Wis. She lived for several years in the Washington, D.C., area, where she worked for the Washington Post. She met her husband, Val R. Newell, in Florida, where she worked as a respiratory therapist.

“She had medical problems--and was being treated for respiratory problems. But she got interested, so she went out and took training,� said her younger sister, Rebecca Williams of Maryland. “She was the kindest person I ever met.�

Newell and her husband moved to Ventura County 13 years ago. Newell, who earned a degree in English from Oxnard College, also worked for Advantage, an advertising company in Ventura.

In addition to her sister and husband, Newell is survived by her father, John Williams of Maryland, and brother, Jack Williams of Virginia.

Services will be held at Ventura Missionary Church Monday at 7 p.m., with Pastor Leonard Dewitt officiating.