Leota Neuwirth

Leota Arlene Podwys Neuwirth, 74, passed away in her home in Pleasant Grove, Utah, on October 7, 2026. Lea was born on March 15, 1952, in Alameda, California, to Henry Anthony and Jane Irene (Price) Podwys. Lea lived in Alameda until she was in the 5th grade. At that time the family moved to Niles, Fremont, California. She graduated Class of 1970 from Mission San Jose High School in Freemont. Her brother still remembers when they were in elementary school, she fractured her left arm (she was left handed) and had to write with her right hand and earned better grades in penmanship. She loved to trace and draw. She used that throughout her life as she designed posters, flyers, coloring pages, etc.

After graduation, she moved with her family back to Alameda. While there, she volunteered at the USO. Paul Neuwirth had started teaching tennis and she attended the class. Their first date was when he had two tickets to “Hair” and asked her to go with him. Two months later they married at Fort Mason, San Francisco, on August 28, 1971.

With Paul in the Army, they began their adventure all over the world. Her children, Jason and Jessica, joined Paul & Lea in the first 2 years of their marriage. Their family was sealed in the Washington DC Temple on March 15, 1975. They lived in many places Alameda, CA; Bisbee, AZ; El Paso, TX; Fort Belvoir, VA; Provo/Orem, UT; Preston, ID; Presidio, CA; Heidelberg, Germany; Pemberton, NJ; Owensboro, KY; Tucson, AZ; and Pleasant Grove, UT.

She was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She used her creativity in so many ways as she served in cub scouting & Primary; as Choir director (which she couldn’t read music), Young Women camp leader, Compassionate Service, PTA President at John Swett Elementary; and at the Navy’s Wives Club. She loved to knit and donated many hats and scarves.

She planned many fun, extravagant activities and food for holiday celebrations. She was the Villa’s soup and fudge connoisseur.

Lea dreamed big. She loved making big plans and writing them out. She told her daughter-in-law on Monday that she had made a list of family picture poses we needed to take. She always tried to contribute financially to their home. Over the years, she sold Avon, Tupperware, Stampin’ Up, Pampered Chef; did tech support for WordPerfect; worked as a postal worker; drove Semi’s as a team driver with Paul; ran a community center/Meals on Wheels in Tucson; and for 17 years was a crossing guard in Orem. She was a published author when she wrote and designed a craft book.

She loved to watch old movies/tv shows-especially reality TV. She always had something to work on while watching shows—like jigsaw or word & number puzzles, solitaire, knitting, organizing.

When her daughter had health struggles, she took on the responsibility of raising her grandson, Chase. They later adopted and he was sealed to her and Paul.

We are hopeful that she is finding peace in the arms of Jesus and her family members that have gone before. She will be missed by those she leaves behind. She is survived by her husband Paul; son Jason (Angie) of Lindon; grandchildren Chase of American Fork, Tavas (Brielle) of Saratoga Springs, Ashley Byrd (Mitchell) of Salem, Keegan (Abigail) of Saratoga Springs, Damian of Lindon, Isabella of Lindon; and 6 great grandchildren Peggy, Florence, Solomon, and Matthew Byrd; Luna Neuwirth; and Jason James (J.J.) Neuwirth. She is also survived by her siblings Rhonda Suetter, Duane (Anna) Podwys, adopted sister Arleta (Jon) Garner and in-laws Ed (Alice) Neuwirth, Barbara Podwys, and Paula Podwys and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her baby Jeremy, her daughter Jessica, her parents, Paul’s parents, brothers Rollin and Larry Podwys.

We appreciate the many kind Relief Society Sisters and nurses who visited and assisted her as she struggled with many health issues. A private memorial service will be held at a future date.