Annette Newman Borg Ridges

Annette Newman Borg Ridges, 94, was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on April 30, 1918 to Elizabeth Johnson and William Gold Newman. She passed away peacefully on July 1, 2012 at the home of her daughter, Shannon.

Annette's father passed away when she was just 3 years old. Her mother married Frank Decimer Warren when Annette was 12 years old. He was a wonderful father to Annette and her siblings: Willena Wenger (Ray), Barbara Pryor (Don), Bill Newman (Rita), and Nancy Erickson (Kenneth). Nancy is her only surviving sibling.

Annette was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved the gospel and served diligently in many callings throughout her life. She always thought of others before herself. Raising and loving her family was her highest priority and her greatest achievement. It brought her great joy knowing that all of her children share her love of the gospel.

Annette was an accomplished artist who shared her many talents with others. Her talent as an artist was recognized at a young age in grade school when she was asked to paint a portrait of the school principal. She studied art at the University of Utah and now her paintings adorn many homes in the Salt Lake Valley and across the country.

Annette was a beautiful seamstress, an excellent cook, and she had a love for gardening. She was known for her beautiful rose garden and the floral arrangements which she gave to many. Annette had a passion for miniatures as a child, which eventually led to her creating a Santa house that she was able to share with others. Annette opened her home to families throughout the Christmas season. Many children came on school buses with their classes to have a peek. She was delighted to see the faces of the children as they entered the world of make believe.

Annette was married to Kenneth Price Borg on October 8, 1937 and of this union they were blessed with six children, Kenneth Price Borg Jr. (JoAnn), Susan Archuletta (Jim), Kathy Huish (Jerry), Wendy Lewis (Robert), Bonnie Johnson (Steve), and Shannon Wikstrom (Michael), all who survive her. They were later divorced. She married Melvin Hyde Ridges, her eternal companion, on May 4, 1972. They spent 25 wonderful years together. A highlight of their life was to serve a mission at the Mormon Battalion Visitor's Center in San Diego California's Old Town for 18 months. Mel passed away in 1997. Mel's children, Marian Romney (Miles) and Douglas Ridges (Mary), also survive her. She has 29 grandchildren and 40 great grandchildren.

Mother was tenderly cared for by her youngest daughter Shannon, her husband Mike, and their family for the past nine years. Each of Shannon's seven children participated in many ways in the loving care of their grandmother. We appreciate the excellent care given to Mother by Mike and Shannon and their family.

The family suggests, instead of sending flowers, consider planting a rose bush in Annette's memory.

Funeral services will be held Friday, July 6, 2012 at Noon at the Crescent 14th Ward, 10375 South Leilani Drive (650 E.). Friends may visit Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East, and Friday morning at the church from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. prior to services. Interment will be at the Salt Lake City Cemetery. Messages and tributes for the family can be posted at: www.holbrookmortuary.com