Allison Bushnell

With deep love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, the family of Allison Smith Bushnell announces her passing on March 9, 2026. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, Allison lived a life centered on family, faith, service, and creativity.

Allison was born on December 7, 1932, in Cedar City, Utah, to William Wallace Smith and Mary Alice Smith. She was the firstborn daughter in her family and was affectionately referred to by her father as "Muggins," a nickname that remained throughout her life.

Allison grew up with a love for learning, beauty, and expression. She attended the Southern Utah State College where she earned degrees in English and Art. She was an extremely talented artist and took great pride in her work. Throughout her life she generously shared her artwork with her children and grandchildren, leaving behind treasured pieces that will forever remind them of her talent and love.

While attending college, Allison met the love of her life, Van Ladd Bushnell. Their courtship blossomed and they were sealed in the St. George Utah Temple on June 6, 1953. Together they shared more than seven decades of marriage, building a home filled with faith, love, and devotion to family.

Allison and Van were blessed with five children: Jeff (Sherry) Bushnell, Kerry (Lela, deceased) Bushnell, Susan Werner Swapp (Tom), Tom Bushnell (deceased at age 5), and Mary Pearson (Alan). Her family was her greatest joy. She loved her children dearly and treasured her role as mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Allison expressed her love most powerfully through the home she created. She was diligent in always providing warm food on the table, a clean and welcoming home, and an immaculate, colorful garden that reflected her love of beauty. The grandkids loved the wonderful snacks-goodies that were always plentiful at Grandmas. Her home was a place where family gathered, where laughter was abundant, and where children and grandchildren knew they were deeply loved.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Allison lived the gospel wholeheartedly. Alongside her husband, she faithfully served wherever she was called, including two full-time missions in the Washington D.C. North Mission and the Salt Lake City Temple Square Mission. She also spent many happy hours working alongside her husband in the St. George LDS Temple.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Van Ladd Bushnell; her son, Thomas Lee Bushnell; her daughter in law, Lela Thompson Bushnell; her brother, Wallace Kay Smith; and two great-grandchildren, Knox Werner and Natalia Bushnell. She is survived by her 4 children, 17 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and her sister, Donlee Smith (Kenneth) Simkins.

Allison's life was one of deep faith, creativity, and enduring love. Though she will be greatly missed, her influence will live on in the hearts and lives of her family and friends. After sharing 72 years of marriage, Allison was reunited with her beloved husband Van just nine months after his passing-a testament to the deep and enduring bond they shared throughout their lives.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday March 14, 2026 at 1:00 pm at the Cedarview Ward Chapel (1925 W. 320 S., Cedar City, UT). A viewing will be held from 11:00 am – 12:30pm. Interment will be in the Cedar City Cemetery, under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. To view the livestream of the service and share online condolences, please visit www.mortuary.org.