Bonnie Benson Stephenson

Bonnie Benson Stephenson, 87, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2025, in Stockton, Utah. She was born on February 1, 1938, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Gladys Rose Pickett and Ezra William Benson. Bonnie grew up with a quiet strength and a gentle kindness that stayed with her all her life.

On January 2, 1965, Bonnie married the love of her life, Jerry John Stephenson. Together, they built a home centered on faith, service, and family. Side by side, Bonnie and Jerry served their church and neighbors, Bonnie as ward librarian often alongside Jerry, Relief Society secretary, Compassionate Service leader, and Achievement Day leader. She gave freely of her time and talent, always looking for ways to lift others.

Creative at heart, Bonnie loved to draw. She also loved to travel with Jerry; the two of them delighted in seeing new places and simply being together. Music filled their home and became the soundtrack to countless family moments. As a Utah Jazz fan, Bonnie supplied lively play-by-play from the couch and was never shy about letting the referees know when they’d missed a call—good-natured shouts, of course. She especially cherished watching the games alongside her great-grandson, Bryson, sharing excitement and laughter together.

Above all, Bonnie’s greatest joy was her family. She never wanted to leave them behind and made it a point to be present—showing up to ballgames, dance recitals, school programs, or graduations, and every milestone in between. She cheered the loudest, hugged the tightest, and made each child feel like the most important person in the room. Her family was her world, and they always knew it.

As her loved ones say goodbye for now, they take comfort knowing Bonnie is back in her sweetheart Jerry’s arms—a reunion that feels, in the words of the Patsy Cline classic, like being “Back in Baby’s Arms.”

Bonnie is survived by her daughter Christine Mendel (Ralph); grandchildren Josh Mendel, Nichole Murray (Shane), and Spenser Mendel (Amanda); and nine great-grandchildren: Bryson, Brenlee, Bryler, Chloe, Aida, Stetsen, Tracen, Lakelynn, and Paitynn.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jerry, her parents, her sister Barbara, and her brother Bob.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Memorial Redwood Mortuary, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah. Funeral services will be on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5180 West 4700 South, West Valley City, Utah, with a viewing prior from 10:00 to 10:45 AM. Interment following services at Memorial Redwood Cemetery, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah.

Bonnie’s gentle heart, creative spirit, and steadfast devotion to those she loved leaving a legacy of faith and kindness. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered by all who had the blessing of being loved by her.

The family would like to express their gratitude and the thoughtful care from the CNS team throughout Bonnie’s care and during her final days. A special thanks to her nurse, McKenzie, and her CNA, Sammie.

The family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to her granddaughter, Nichole Murray, whose loving care and devotion over the past four years brought comfort and dignity to Bonnie as one of her primary caregivers.