Dona Mae Bawden

Dona Mae Bawden (Thompson) was born February 15, 1943 in Long Beach, CA to parents Donald Allen & Maureen Pritchett. She had three siblings: Cecelia Wilkinson (deceased), Terry Pritchett (deceased), and stepbrother Shane Allen. Dona was married to Gary Thompson for 22 years (1960-1982) and Jerry Bawden for 29 years (1983-2012); she also cherished companionship with her dogs Brandy, Barney, Zach, and Splash. She passed away surrounded by love on November 22, 2025 in Murray, UT at the age of 82 years old. Dona’s legacy lives on in her children: Troy (& Jerilee) Thompson of Bountiful, UT; Tammy (& Mark) James of Charlotte, NC; Heather Martinez of West Jordan, UT; and stepdaughter Joni Nebeker of Salt Lake City, UT.

Dona graduated from Payson High School (UT) in 1960 and proceeded to earn an Associate’s Degree in Accounting from Utah Technical College. She proudly worked at Okland Construction for 43 years, alongside family & lifelong friends. Her favorite places to be were at home with treasured company, under the sun at the beach, and camping & fishing outdoors. Those that knew Dona remember her for her undeniable charm, deep-rooted compassion, and sharp mind. She always knew just how to make people laugh in ways special to them, weaving in quickwittedness. Her inner competitiveness was revealed as soon as any game, trivia, or other challenge arose - even championing NCAA March Madness brackets with lucky guesses.

Dona exemplified awe-inspiring determination & perseverance through tremendous challenges in her life. She was a cancer survivor who never forgot what it’s like to need extra support, patience, and care - returning that whenever she keenly noticed any opportunity. This included strangers out in public, coworkers who were more like sisters, family members of all ages, and members from her River Fifth Ward with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Most of all, Dona delighted in the gift of being a tenderhearted grandmother to 12 and great-grandmother to 29.

She lived a wonderful and long life composed of quality time with family, quilting & sewing, cooking from scratch, decorating for every season, and staying up to date with the news. Many were lucky to receive her notoriously delicious sugar cookies and beautifully crafted quilts. From fresh bakes for neighbors, to song-filled babysitting, and handmade quilts donated for charity, Dona was a woman who lifted others up no matter her circumstance. She taught others to be kind because she recognized most are fighting difficult battles, often unseen or unknown. Even Dona was stronger than she ever knew, surviving hardship with grace and touching lives every day. She adored being surrounded by flowers (especially daisies), sharing warm food with her favorite people, and hearing meaningful stories from others.

If anyone has received a quilt from Dona, please bring it to the funeral service to honor her memory.

A funeral service will be held on November 29 at 1:00pm at Memorial Mountain View (3115 E Bengal Blvd, Cottonwood Heights) with a viewing prior to services from 11:30am to 12:45pm.

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