Kathleen Bridget Newman, 66, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2024, at her home in Springville, Utah, after battling Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD).

Born on July 1, 1957, in Sacramento, California, she was the daughter of Jay Howard Merrell and Mary Catherine Collins. She graduated from BYU, then earned her master’s degree from SUU, and went on to work at Dixie High School.

Bridget was known for organizing the International Folk-Fest Festival in St. George, Utah. She loved traveling the world with various folk-dance groups and inspiring the kids at Dixie High School. She loved giving service to her friends and family, going to concerts with her husband, and making friends everywhere she went. She touched many lives with her generosity, sense of humor, kindness, and she maintained friendships around the world.

She is survived by her husband, Mike; her three children: Jay, Bryce, and Landrea; her grandkids; and a wide circle of friends and relatives.

A graveside service for family and friends to attend will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at Payson City Cemetery, 805 East 400 North, Payson, Utah 84651. Following the graveside service, everyone is invited to a luncheon, to celebrate Bridget’s life, held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse, 259 East Alpine Drive, Elk Ridge, Utah 84653