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Bonna passed away peacefully after a short decline in her health at the age of 76. Bonna was the first child of Alonzo John and Arita Lawrence Blanchard. She grew up in Tooele, UT where she graduated from Tooele High School in 1967. She loved playing her flute in the band. One of her fondest memories was getting to march in the Rose Bowl Parade in 1967. After graduation, Bonna attended BYU. She studied clothing and textiles graduating in August 1972. Bonna served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Milan Italy mission from 1973-1974.
Bonna worked as a secretary for Kirton and McConkie for over 30 years. She lived in the Avenues of Salt Lake City and then moved to Rose Park where she lived for 30 years. Bonna loved to serve and help others. She was known for being a good listener. Among her many callings, some of her most recent, were serving as Relief Society President, Gospel Doctrine teacher, and in the Nursery. She was a faithful visiting teacher.
Bonna was devoted to her family. She treasured her younger sister Karen. Her and Karen were inseparable. Bonna was always there for her nieces and nephews. They thought of her as a second Mom, not just an aunt. Bonna also valued spending time with her dear friends. She enjoyed attending BYU Women's Conference each year that she was able. She liked arranging flowers, making quilts, reading, doing family history, watching musicals, and singing with the women's choir We Also Sing.
Throughout the challenges of life, Bonna always tried to be kind, keep her sense of humor, and have a positive outlook on life. One of her favorite quotes was "The scriptures say, 'And it came to pass not and it came to stay.'"
Bonna is survived by her sister Karen Cole, her nieces Jennifer Cole and Cynthia Wright, and her nephews John Cole (Jocelyn) and Ken Cole, as well as their families. She was preceded in death by her parents Alonzo and Arita Blanchard. Her family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Covington Senior Living and Bonna's close friends for their loving care over the past few years.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 17, 2025, in the LDS Chapel located at 868 N. Star Crest Dr., SLC. There will be a viewing for family and friends, at the same church, from 9:30-10:45 a.m. prior to the funeral service. Interment will be at Newton, UT Cemetery at 3:00 p.m., where she will be laid to rest next to her parents.
Services will be streamed live on Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and this obituary page. The live stream will begin 10-15 minutes prior to services and will be posted below.
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