Barbara Gaddie Adams, 76, considered by many the "first lady of southern Utah theater," passed away Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008, at her Cedar City home.
She and her husband, Fred, co-founded the Utah Shakespearean Festival, where she also established the festival's music department and served as music coordinator for 20 years.
She received her bachelor's degree in theater from Utah State University, then moved to Cedar City where she taught drama for two years. At that time she returned to school and received a master's degree from the University of Washington in speech and audio pathology.
After returning to Cedar City, she established speech and audio pathology programs for the Iron County School District and offered the same programs in Lincoln County, Nev. She also served for two years as the dean of women at Southern Utah State College (now Southern Utah University).
She met her husband in Cedar City; they were married in the St. George LDS Temple in 1963. They launched the festival in 1962.
"Barbara was a tireless supporter of the festival, the arts, and all that is good in our community," says R. Scott Phillips, current festival director. "We are all better people because of our involvement with Barbara. For 47 years, Barbara's gentle hand guided us all in making the festival stronger."
Adds Bruce C. Lee, festival communications director: "She was a woman of grace, compassion and a quick wit. She will be greatly missed by everyone at the festival, by her family and by a myriad friends."
In addition to the Utah Shakespearean Festival, Mrs. Adams was involved in other community projects. She was one of the founders of the Southern Utah Ukelele Ladies, served with the Cedar City Music Arts Association, the Arts in the School Program, the Guild of the Festival and was a member of "A Poetry Duet." She was also active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
She is survived by her husband of Cedar City; their four children, Dorcas (Gene) Woodward, Glynis (Alan) Neves, Addison (Dana) Adams and Josh (Jamie) Adams; 12 grandchildren; her sister Dixie (Lee) Morrell; and many cousins and friends.
Funeral services will be Monday, Oct. 27, at 1 p.m. in the Cedar City 16th Ward chapel at 1925 W. 320 South.
The family has asked that, according to Barbara's wishes, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Utah Shakespearean Festival.