Bonnie Jean Murdock-Kandt

Bonnie Jean Murdock-Kandt, 84, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2025, at Ovation Sienna Hills in St. George, Utah, after a valiant battle with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Richard and Clara Lindsley, Bonnie was raised in the lively Rose Park neighborhood and graduated from West High School.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Richard and Clara Lindsley, her brothers Ron and Alan Lindsley, her daughter Melody Murdock, her niece Theresa, and her Granddaughter Ashlee.

Bonnie’s life was a beautiful blend of hard work, dedication, and giving. At 12 years old, she captured the heart of Gilbert Kandt at their shared school bus stop, beginning a lifelong crazy love story. Gilbert said, “I saw her at the bus stop, and I liked what I saw, and I’ve been chasing her ever since”. Together, they created many cherished memories, including 25 years of living in their dream cabin above Rockport, Wanship Reservoir.

There, Bonnie enjoyed the stunning views and the many forms of wildlife that frequented their haven. She fed deer by hand as they walked up on her porch and spent most of her retirement funds on salt licks and bird houses, of which there were a few. Her passion for growing and cultivating plants was important to her, with her son Robert once counting 47 different plants in their West Jordan living room. Bonnie would gently wash the plants leaf by leaf, transition each to larger pots as needed, and be sure to demand her children “talk nicely to them, because they have feelings”.

Bonnie’s love for all animals was profound, especially for her dogs, with her cherished Muggsy stealing her heart over the last 15 years.

A tireless work ethic, Bonnie built a remarkable career at Target and National Semiconductor, where she once spent months in Israel, marveling at Mediterranean views from her apartment while helping establish a local computer wafer manufacturing facility.

Later during retirement, along with her brother Alan, she took great pride in owning Rafter B’s convenience store in Wanship, Utah, where she served her community with warmth and care.

Bonnie became a mother when she adopted her two children over a 5-year period, Robert and Melody Murdock. By doing this, she rescued two 5-year-olds who had been through tremendous abuse and provided them with stability, safety, security, and a chance in life. She was grandmother to seven—Ricky, Dakota, Ashlee, Dylan, Bonnie, Savannah, and Jessica—and a great-grandmother to 11, with one more on the way. She was also a caring aunt to six nieces and nephews and is survived by her best friend, her sister-in-law, Becky Lindsley. Her toughness, strength, and determination left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

In her final three years, Bonnie received compassionate care at Ovation Sienna Hills in St. George, Utah, where her husband, Gibb, and her dog, Muggsy’s visits brought joy to her days. Her family extends deep gratitude to the nurses, doctors, and staff who provided comfort and care. They made those final difficult years as comfortable and welcoming as they could.

A small graveside service where Bonnie will be laid to rest next to her parents will be held at Memorial Redwood Cemetery, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah, at 11:00 AM Saturday, August 9th. A family gathering and prayer will be held at 10:00 AM inside at the same location.