Bonnie Nelson Bigelow

KAYSVILLE, UTAH — Bonnie Alice Nelson Bigelow, our beloved mother and the heart of our family, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2026, in Kaysville, Utah at the age of 94. In the week before her passing, she enjoyed wonderful visits from her children and many of her 45 grandchildren and their families, something she absolutely loved.

Born on December 27, 1931, in Salt Lake City to Otto Harold Nelson and Alice Victoria Englund, Bonnie was the second of five children. She loved her family and grew up in a home filled with hard work, good food, teasing, and laughter.

On January 22, 1954, she was sealed to her eternal companion, Kile Bigelow, in the Salt Lake City Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Dad first saw Mom at church in the Liberty Ward in Salt Lake City. He later said, “I saw a girl sitting a few benches in front of me who, when she took off her hat, shook her hair down, I felt shivers all through my body.” He immediately asked who she was and found a way to ask her out. When Grandpa Harold saw Dad enter the church building, he said, “There is Bonnie’s husband.” Mom and Dad worked together to build a home filled with beauty, children, and fun. Theirs was a true love story.

Mom loved her home on Woodcrest Drive, which she and Dad remodeled, designed, and decorated together, including an at-home office for him. She loved her neighbors in Cottonwood and developed lasting relationships with many, especially Hoyt and Kathy Blackhurst (family) and her dear friend, Diane Buckwalter. After dad died, Craig Larsen offered mom a job working at his Podiatry Practice. He trained her, taught her skills, and offered his friendship at this difficult time. She loved working for him and loved the friends she made in the office. When she later had to leave her beloved home, she moved to Layton to be closer to family. Her son, Peter, moved into her basement apartment and took wonderful care of her, the house, and the yard for many years. The move to Layton proved to be a blessing as she was quickly surrounded again by a new host of loving friends and neighbors. She loved them dearly.

Kile passed away in 1981. Though Mom was widowed 45 years ago, her love for Dad never wavered. She spent nearly half her life carrying forward the legacy they began together, raising the seven children still at home and doing the best she could without him by her side. She weathered both storms and sunshine with faith and love. She was the ultimate homemaker, not just in duty, but in spirit. Bonnie loved being at home, where she was constantly in motion: baking, cooking, cleaning, and later working full time. Dad had taught her to enjoy life and have fun. Without him, that sense of fun was diminished. But as her children married and gave her grandchildren, the joy returned, and we cherished our time together. Mom loved the people her children married and adored her grandchildren. She gave them countless happy memories and plenty of good food. To Bonnie, her family was her greatest work and her greatest joy.

She was a woman of deep faith who never hesitated to share her testimony, advice, encouragement, and even loving warnings. She never expressed anger toward God in her trials, relying instead on prayer and guidance from the Holy Ghost.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband, Kile; her son, Don; her parents; her brother, Alan; her sister, Mary Jane; and other beloved family members. She is survived by eight children: Bonnie Lauri (Raymond Keith) Johnson, Alison (Richard Bryan) Sorensen, Amy Jill (Bradley Kirk) Maxfield, Marci Joy (Rolf Eric) Goodwin, Peter Nelson, Erika (Timothy Shawn) Jeppsen, Eve Lynn (Royce Anders) Larsen, and Billie Jean (David Victor, Jr.) Hansen; 45 grandchildren, 66 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren; and two sisters, Betsey Vuyk and Karin (John) Liddle. Her family will carry forward the memories and traditions she created. Thank you, Mom, for everything. We love you.

As a family, we express our deep appreciation for Whisper Cove in Kaysville, Utah. Mom loved living there, she loved her room and the beautiful view from her window. She cherished her ward and often told us how wonderful they were. She formed meaningful friendships with both residents and staff. We are also deeply grateful for Caregiver Support Network Hospice Care during the final days of her life.

Viewing and Funeral will be Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Russon Mortuary 1941 N Main St. Farmington, UT 84025

9:30 – 11:00 am - Viewing and Celebration of Life

12:00 pm - Funeral

2:00 pm - Graveside: Elysian Burial Gardens 1075 East 4580 South Millcreek, UT 84117