Bonnie Ricks DeWeese

Bonnie Ricks DeWeese, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and faithful servant of the Lord, passed away on August 4, 2026, at the age of 83. She was born in Murray, Utah, on September 21, 1942, the second of twelve children. Bonnie spent her early years in Utah and Idaho, where she learned the values of faith, service, hard work, and devotion to family that would guide her throughout her life. From a young age, Bonnie demonstrated a willing heart and a sincere desire to serve others. While she was still in Primary herself, she was called to teach Primary at church. Her father, who was also a seminary teacher, enrolled her in a teacher development class to help prepare her for that responsibility. Even at only eleven years old, Bonnie was recognized for teaching a class of fifteen students with confidence, kindness, and dedication. That early experience reflected the person she would continue to be throughout her life: a woman who taught, served, cared, and gave freely of herself. Bonnie developed a love for poetry during her high school years. Her appreciation for poetry reflected her thoughtful nature and her ability to find meaning, beauty, and hope in life’s experiences. She had a sensitive heart and a gift for expressing faith, perseverance, and gratitude through words. In May 1964, Bonnie graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in nursing. Her chosen profession reflected many of the qualities that defined her character: compassion, patience, steadiness, and the ability to care for others in moments of need. These qualities extended far beyond her professional training and were evident in the way she cared for her family, served in the Church, and blessed the lives of those around her. Bonnie had a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and her faith was woven into the fabric of her daily life. It guided her choices, sustained her through trials, and shaped the way she loved and served others. She found great joy in serving in the Holy Temple as an ordinance worker for fifteen years and served faithfully in many other Church callings, including as a Primary teacher, counselor in Relief Society, Den Leader, and Cub Master. She loved reading the Book of Mormon and other scriptures, and her quiet devotion left a lasting impression on her family and all who knew her. Music was another source of joy in Bonnie’s life. She loved singing in ward and stake choirs, where her voice became an expression of her faith and her desire to lift others. Through music, service, and quiet acts of kindness, Bonnie shared her goodness in ways that were steady, sincere, and deeply felt. On April 15, 1965, Bonnie was married to Hugh Louis DeWeese in the Salt Lake temple where they were sealed. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and love. Bonnie became the mother of eight children, and motherhood was one of the great purposes and joys of her life. She loved her children deeply, prayed for them, taught them, encouraged them, corrected them when needed, and rejoiced in their lives. Family was always at the center of her heart. One of Bonnie’s greatest joys was seeing her children and grandchildren succeed. She delighted in their accomplishments, whether large or small, and freely expressed her love and pride. Her encouragement was heartfelt and sincere, and her family knew they were cherished. She also often said that she learned a great deal from her children, a reflection of the humility and openness that were among her many beautiful qualities. Bonnie’s life was marked by quiet strength, faithful endurance, and unselfish love. Through the difficult seasons and the joyful ones, she helped create a home filled with belonging, faith, and devotion. She will be remembered for her tenderness, resilience, humility, testimony, and the countless ways she gave of herself. Her example of walking uprightly before God will continue to bless her family and all who were privileged to know and love her. Bonnie is survived by 6 siblings, 5 children, 16 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

Bonnie Ricks DeWeese

September 21, 1942 - August 4, 2026