Judy (Newton) Strause

Judy Strause, 81, of Muscatine passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026 at her home.  Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026 at Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Muscatine.  Funeral Service will follow at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026 at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Island Cemetery.  A Celebration of Life for Judy will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2026 at Chapel of Praise Church in Muscatine.  A memorial has been established for the family in Judy’s memory.  Sympathy notes may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.

Judith Kay Newton was born on October 16, 1944 in Muscatine, the daughter of Elmer and Vivian (Leatherman) Newton.  Judy was married to David Lee Vargus, Sr., the couple later divorced.  On November 25, 1988, Judy was united in marriage to David Strause in Muscatine.  Over the years, Judy had worked at cleaning many different places.  She was an active member of Chapel of Praise Church of Muscatine where she served as both greeter and nursery worker.  In her free time, Judy enjoyed quilting, fishing, watching her hummingbirds and spending time with her family.  Her most prized passion was taking care of her babies-the many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Judy will be remembered for her love for others.  She began every day with a list of prayers for others on her phone and those to check in on how they were doing and was always sure to wish each a good morning and good night. 

Judy will be deeply missed by her husband, David of Muscatine; children, Angela Vargus of Muscatine, David (Barb Orr) Vargus, Jr. of Muscatine and Tina Bright of Fredonia; step-children, Lisa Strause and Angie Frye; ten grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; siblings, Caroline Miller of Muscatine, Ernest (Mary) Newton of Spokane, Washington, David (Michelle) Newton of Idaho; Timothy Newton of Muscatine; Lisa Hargrave of Muscatine and Melodie (Denny) Grandinetti of Spokane, Washington and several nieces and nephews. 

Judy was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Ron Newton, Wendy Cozad, Patsy Woodworth, Jolie Thorndyke; infant brother, Harold; grandson, Deven; son-in-law, Jay Bright and brother-in-law, Denny Hargrave.    

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