Bonnie Jean Paisley

Bonnie Jean was born on May 23, 1938 in Indiana and was adopted by the Reverend Carl and Mrs. Lelah Tanis of Wheaton, Illinois. She attended schools there and graduated from Wheaton College. Bonnie then moved to Pennsylvania to teach what used to be called Home Economics and was an Extension Home Economist with the University of Delaware. She taught in multiple systems in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Tennessee and ultimately retired from Fred S. Engle Middle School in West Grove, Pennsylvania. Bonnie was one of the rare and special people who truly loved middle schoolers.

She met her husband to be and love of her life, Ralph, at her first teaching position at Kennett High School in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Their romance began via some shenanigans with a dropped handkerchief at a musical performance while trying to see his college class ring. And, as they say, “the rest is history.” Bonnie and Ralph retired to Salt Lake City almost 20 years ago and quickly found Mount Olympus Presbyterian Church (MOPC) as their church home.

Many of you know her because of and through her music. Bonnie’s passion for music started early when she could match the teakettle pitch on the piano. She was always afraid of losing her sight, so she often practiced in the dark, memorizing countless hymns. Her talent led her to playing piano in church services and touring with the Chicago Symphony orchestra as a teenager. She also learned to play the organ and played for weddings, funerals, Sandy Cove summer bible conferences, and church services at the Rescue Mission until 2024. She always considered her playing as support to the pastor and her contribution to facilitating the congregation’s worship. In her last public musical event (a Christmas Carol singalong in December 2025 at MOPC), Bonnie was completely blind in one eye and mostly blind in the other – but had no need for sheet music as it was all stored in her memory and her heart.

Bonnie’s faith in her Lord Jesus Christ remained steadfast until the very end. As a child, her mother had her memorize scriptures and she could still quote verses from the King James Version 80 years later. While she had many favorite passages, Psalm 84 was particular: Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere.

Bonnie left this earth on January 23, 2026. She remains loved by her son and daughter, four grandkids, her sister, her in-laws, her nieces and nephews, her extended and chosen family and friends, and the community that is MOPC. They will serve as a support for her lovingly devoted husband, Ralph, of nearly 63 years (as of May 2026).

Interment will be a private moment at Memorial Mountain View Cemetery in Cottonwood Heights, Utah. A Celebration of Bonnie’s Life and Memory will be held at MOPC on February 28, 2026 (located at 3280 East 3900 South in Salt Lake City, Utah). Gathering will begin at 10:30 a.m. with the Celebration at 11:00 a.m. and a reception to follow at the church. 

In lieu of flowers, please send a card to the family at 3460 East 3020 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84109.