Bonnie Burlage

Bonnie Jean Burlage, age 80, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, friendship, service, and unwavering dedication to her community. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Bonnie was born to Leo and Irene Nikolas and was raised in Iowa alongside her three beloved sisters, Janice, Terry, and Mary. As the eldest child, she developed the values of hard work, care, and responsibility that would shape the course of her life. Growing up on a farm, Bonnie's memories included riding behind her dad on the tractor, being chased by their grumpy sheep, Bucko, and going to the big city with her grandpa Pattschull to get the clock works for a grandfather clock he made himself.

Bonnie was a feisty young lady when at a women's Catholic college and snuck out regularly to the chagrin of her roommates (and the nuns). She eventually married Cyril Burlage and they had four children, Jennifer, Todd, Jason, and Tanya. After graduation she built a career in nursing and nursing education, where she not only cared for patients but also mentored and inspired future generations of nurses. Her work was more than a profession; it was a calling.

Bonnie eventually made her way west, moving to Idaho with her children. The move marked a new chapter in her life; one filled with both excitement and deep fulfillment. She found her true home in the natural beauty of the West. Living in the one room cabin her parents had built with no running water, an outhouse, and four children was quite an adventure. It's no wonder the family quickly moved to Ashton, Idaho.

It was in Ashton that she met Fred Davis, who became her lifelong partner and companion. For 45 years, they shared a deep and enduring love. Together they built a life around their many shared passions, including travel, nature, family, playing in the snow, and building their own home. They put down roots, made lifelong friends, and watched all four kids grow up and move off to college and their own families.

In addition to her nursing career, Bonnie served as a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician. She also taught and mentored other EMTs throughout Eastern Idaho. Through her instruction, she helped shape countless individuals who went on to serve their communities. Bonnie was so widely known due to her volunteer work that just having the last name Burlage would have strangers telling her children heartfelt stories of their interactions with her all the way across the state.

Bonnie's passion and experience in the medical field inspired her to become an entrepreneur and co-creator of the Spider Strap; a piece of medical equipment still widely used today in ambulances. She also served as a Fremont County Coroner, a role that she found deeply satisfying.

Bonnie was dedicated to family and the ideals of family. Her generosity and caring extended to many others in her life who needed help and support. She welcomed others with an open heart and open arms. She was known to take in those in need, to embrace those who did not have family, and to get choked up every time a family member or dear friend left her home…even if they were coming back the next weekend.

Bonnie is survived by her husband, Fred Davis; her children, Jennifer, Todd (Brandy), Jason, and Tanya (Tony); her cherished grandchildren, Taylor, Connor, Nicholas, Kayona, and Brittney; and her great-grandchildren, Hayven and Barrett. She was deeply loved and will be remembered always by her family, friends, colleagues, and the many individuals whose lives she touched through her care and service.

Celebration of life events:

June 6th

4:00 pm-7:00 pm

Boise, Idaho

Tanya and Tony's house - 2036 N Harrison Blvd

June 27th

4:00 pm-7:00 pm

Ashton, Idaho

Bonnie and Fred's house - 1253 N 3600E