Bonnie Leigh Butler Mortensen

Bonnie Leigh Butler Mortensen joined her heavenly father on Oct. 19, 2025, with her family by her side. She has now joined her family and friends who passed before her. She lived a full life of 101 years, never losing her sense of humor when life became difficult.
Born on Aug. 29, 1924 in Iowa, she grew up mostly in Ames, Iowa. She graduated from Ames High School and attend Iowa State College where she met her husband, Bernard Mortensen. They married in 1945 while he was serving in the military for WWII. They lived in Lincoln, Neb for a short while and then moved to the Schenectady, NY area, living most of the time in the suburbs, but also had short stents in other areas.
Bonnie met each adventure head on. For numerous years she became a pro at moving to new locations, acclimating to each new one. She implemented annual family camping trips, including a cross-country camping trip with the entire family packed into the station wagon, and she even paddled in a week-long canoe trip in the Adirondacks with part of the family. When Bern accepted a job Saudi Arabia, she agreed to live off the American compound to acclimate to the culture more. Afterwards they traveled through various countries without a travel agency's help. Bonnie enjoyed being outside, working in her gardens every summer and playing golf with Bern. Together they passed their love for golf on to their 3 grandchildren.
Being involved with the community where she lived was what she enjoyed. Wherever she lived, she was an active member in the local Methodist church and the garden clubs. When she moved into Coburg Village Apartments, she participated in the Residents' Association, serving as secretary for many years. Bonnie worked for a short period outside the home. She was a teacher aide at Voluntown Elementary School (CT) and Niskayuna Central School, and she worked for the NYS Dept. of Education for a couple of years.
A strong Christian faith was evidenced in her daily life. She was an active member at each church she attended, serving on numerous committees, and had her daily morning prayer time. She especially enjoyed meeting with her Christian Emmaus friends weekly.
Bonnie was predeceased by her parents, her husband, 4 siblings and son, Brad. She is survived by 3 of her children: Ben Mortensen, Barbara Trask (Dan), Becky Roman; her 3 grandchildren: Patrick Trask (Jill), Sean Trask (Nicole), Peter Trask (Hannah); and her 4 great grandchildren: Tyler, Alex, Connor and Liam. The family would like to thank Hospice for their support and care during the last few weeks of Bonnie's life and to the Kingsway Arms Nursing Center staff for the love and care they gave her over the last 2 years.
There will be no calling hours. Funeral services will be at the Saratoga National Cemetery on Nov. 3 at 12:30. Instead of flowers, donations can be made to Jonesville United Methodist Church at 963 Main St., Jonesville, NY 12065 or Habitat for Humanity Capital District at 207 Sheridan Ave., Albany, NY 12210.