Grandma Bonnie

 Grandma Bonnie passed away February 18 and we are all heartbroken. This picture was taken last August, but I fell like it encapsulates what Bonnie loved, being surrounded by her family. 

After Grandma Bonnie fell earlier this year she was in the hospital and then went to a long term care facility. Tyler was able to go see her and play the piano for her when she felt good, but she later got an infection and her health declined. We were on our cruise and we were hoping so badly she could hold on until we got home to say goodbye. We were able to see her one last time, and she passed away that night. 

There are a few core memories I have of Grandma Bonnie. One time when I had young kids, I was in the thick of all the mom things and I was just really doubting myself. We were at a family party and when we went to say goodbye she looked me right in the eyes and said, "you're a really good mom, you know that?" I told her thank you as I tried to hold back tears because it was just the words I needed to keep going. It really meant a lot to me. The other memory I have of Grandma Bonnie is that she was at our endowment session when we went through the temple and it meant a lot to me too because it was such a big milestone in our family, and my own mom wasn't there. 

The viewing and funeral was really nice. Jo and Bill both gave really great talks that really highlighted her faith, strength, love of family, and support of all things softball. 

The kids loved being together, even though it was a sad event. 

This picture broke my heart. All of Bonnie's kids together to say their last goodbyes. And then Bill saying goodbye before they closed the casket. 

Here's a few pictures from the dedication of the grave. 

I have included Bonnie's rough draft of her obituary here. It's not the one that was final, but I think this one really captures Bonnie's life and legacy: 

Bonnie Jean Nielsen Evans, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, passed away on February 18, 2026, in West Valley City, Utah, at the age of 93.

Bonnie was born June 18, 1932, in Hunter, Utah, to Alfred Christian Nielsen and Hazel Charlotte Day. Bonnie was a farmer at heart, shaped by hard work and determination, qualities she passed on to each of her children and grandchildren. She married William “Bill” Reid Evans on November 2, 1950, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they built a life over 75 years centered on faith, family, adventure, and unwavering devotion. They raised four children: Karen, William Craig (Terry) Evans, Vicki Lin (Terry) Meeks, and Joleen.

Bonnie was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay Saints and a proud member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. She served faithfully in many callings, including many years working in the Jordan River Temple. Her favorite calling was camp director, even when “the girls always wanted to get her hair wet.”

In her 93 years, Bonnie witnessed remarkable moments in history. At nine years old, she was living in Hawaii and watched the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Years later, Bonnie, Bill, and their four young children moved to Germany for a two-year work assignment. When it ended, Bonnie returned home alone with the children aboard a freighter, embarking on a grueling 21-day journey - a trip that perfectly reflected her courage, resilience and determination.

Travel was one of Bonnie’s greatest joys. While trips to Egypt and Israel were especially meaningful, her favorite journeys were always those to visit family and to watch softball, her favorite sport. On those road trips, there was one nonnegotiable rule: they had to stop every two hours and report that they were okay. In her later years, Bonnie was always ready to “go for a ride,” never losing her love for the open road.

Bonnie was the ultimate team mom and legendary for her homemade cookies and brownies. She became the team mom for multiple softball and basketball teams, tucking treats for her favorite players under the bench. She always showed up and was always cheering and feeding someone. Her constant cooking earned her the nickname Taco Bon.

Family was always Bonnie’s highest priority. She showed her love by being there—again and again—for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Whether it was softball, baseball, basketball, dance, football, or any other activity, Bonnie showed up. She cheered from the sidelines, celebrated every milestone, and made each person feel seen and supported. Family was her greatest joy, and to those who loved her, she was simply the best. Her presence was constant, her support unwavering, and her love unmistakable.

Bonnie was preceded in death by many loved ones over her long life. She is survived by her devoted husband, Bill; her four children; four grandchildren—Joshua (Scott) Meeks, Barbara (David) Grogan, Tracy (Jeremy) Jones, and Tyler (Kristen) Evans; and twelve greatgrandchildren: Johnathon

Grogan, Will Meeks, Nathan Grogan, Cooper Meeks, Carson Jones, Colton Jones, Jason Grogan, BJ Norman, Makayla Evans, Caden Evans, Camden Jones, and Brynnli Evans.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who loved and cared for Bonnie over the years. Special thanks go to Jonathan Olsen who helped her survive the COVID years, the surgeon who repaired her broken hip, the Legacy Village staff who supported her recovery, Alpine Meadows for her final days, and Active Hospice whose compassion and care were the blessing the family did not know they needed. In lieu of flowers, please go to a ball game.

Taco Bon’s gourmet dugout is officially closed.