Holly Gail Newell

Newell, Holly Gail

July 14, 1955 – May 28, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Holly Gail Newell, who left us on May 28, 2025. Holly was born in St. Louis to Edwin and Audrey Mills, and lived in the area for nearly all of her life. Her childhood was one of large and happy family gatherings, including regular trips to “The Farm” with her parents, brothers, aunts, uncles, and cousins. From a young age, Holly knew she wanted to be a mother, and her four children are a testament to her devotion in that role. She was endlessly supportive of their endeavors, attending nearly every tee-ball, baseball, softball, or football game, as well as countless choir concerts, band concerts, and school plays. This support continued into their adulthood and came to include her grandchildren, whom she loved and cherished beyond measure. Holly always stressed the importance of kindness. She truly cared about people and always tried to do the right thing, and her commitment to love and acceptance extended outside the bounds of immediate family, as it was well-known among her children’s friends that her home was a safe and welcoming place.

Late in life, Holly became an avid thrifter and reseller, searching through bargain bins full of overlooked treasures to find hidden gems, which she would lovingly clean and restore before offering them in her antique mall booth or online. It was a hobby that provided her with great joy, and she had a true talent for pinpointing exactly the items that others would find as interesting and beautiful as she did.

Holly was an avowed Deadhead and a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. She loved concerts and ballgames, camping and birdwatching, gardening and traveling and visiting museums. She was generous and funny, smart and stubborn, sensitive and supportive. She loved her family dearly and filled our lives with laughter and light. Her passing has broken our hearts and we will miss her forever.

Holly is survived by her loving husband of 33 years, Mike; her children, Edwin Reese (Meredith), Ellie Burge, Gus Page, and Ben Newell; her grandchildren, Nathan, Ellie, Eddie, and Quinn; brothers Jeff Mills (Chris) and Jon Mills (Shelley); and countless beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, and loved ones. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Audrey Mills, and brothers Alan and Harvey Mills.

A celebration of Holly’s life will be held Sunday, June 29 at Glenmark Farms in St. Charles, MO, from 2 – 6 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Holly’s name to the ALS Association, the National Audubon Society, the National Park Service, or a local bird, wildlife, or nature conservancy of your choosing.