Kay Johnston Newman

Kay Johnston Newman, formerly of Bozeman, MT, passed in Grand Junction, CO on June 6, 2024 at the age of 89. Kay was born September 18, 1934, in Centerville, MS to Rodger Lanier and Adele Johnston. She is survived by her two sons, Steven (Debra) and Craig (Debi), and grandsons Russell and Thomas. Kay grew up in Lindsey, LA showing cattle, raising brahma bulls, and riding horses. She was active in 4-H and a graduate of Zachary High School. Kay attended Louisiana State University, receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in home economics in 1955. She later earned her Master of Science at Louisiana State University. She was preceded in death by her parents and former husband, Walter. 

In 1964, Kay and Walter moved to Bozeman, MT with their sons Steven and Craig. She worked as a virologist for a short time at Montana State University with the veterinary science laboratory. She later joined the Montana Livestock Sanitary Board as a virologist. Kay was an expert in the detection of rabies and other livestock viruses for the State of Montana. She retired in 1993.

After retiring, Kay refused to quit working. She kept busy by working many jobs such as cashiering at the MSU Bookstore and proctoring exams for the Math Department. She enjoyed meeting students shopping for their textbooks and was very watchful of those taking their math exams. 

Kay was an avid skier and volunteered with the Bridger Bowl and Big Sky Volunteer Ski Patrols as an auxiliary. She was a runner and race walker. As a race walker, she competed locally, at the Montana Senior Olympics, and nationally at the National Senior Games. In 2002, she was honored to carry the Olympic torch on a leg through Bozeman on its way to the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. She was a member of the Big Sky Wind Drinkers and participated in the planning and execution of the Ed Anaker Bridger Ridge Run and the John Colter Run. She participated several times in the Frank Newman Spring Relay/Marathon. Kay traveled to and regularly ran the Bloomsday Race in Spokane, WA and the Bolder Boulder in Colorado. Kay served as the executive director of the Montana Senior Olympics for many years. She was a certified track and field judge. Kay enjoyed MSU Bobcat Women’s Basketball. 

Kay was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Bozeman MT. She will be greatly missed by all. A memorial service will be held in Bozeman at the First Presbyterian Church on Saturday July 6, 2024 at 11 am. Kay’s remains will be interred at the Redwood Cemetery in Slaughter, LA with her parents.