Bonnie Fern Despain

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Bonnie Fern Packer Despain passed away on April 1, 2026 following a stroke.

Bonnie was born in Denver, Colorado on July 24,1941 to James Packer and Anna Gwenlion Stinger Packer. She was raised in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. She graduated in 1959 from Wheat Ridge High School. She enjoyed many activities and clubs in high school. Bonnie attended Brigham Young University where she majored in Business Administration and Office Management. She graduated in 1962. These college years brought many dear friends into her life. Bonnie worked for Mountain Bell Telephone Company in several different departments. She held other secretarial jobs during her life, but her dream job was working at the Spinning Wheel Yarn Shop in Bountiful.

She married Leon Harward in June of 1962. They later divorced. She then married the love of her life, Philip C. Despain on June 3, 1977 in the Salt Lake City Temple. She was the proud mother of six children. Bonnie cherished her 21 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. She loved attending all of the events her family was involved in. She was our greatest cheerleader throughout life, and was the happiest when her family was around her. She was the glue that held our family together. She and Philip were able to travel to many places in the world together. Bonnie was always up for an adventure!

Bonnie loved all kinds of crafts. She could crochet or knit anything! She always had multiple projects going. She brought beauty into the world with her talents, her creations, and her flower gardens. Bonnie was a talented musician, and shared her talents as a piano teacher, accompanist, and member of the Davis Master Chorale.

Bonnie was a devoted follower and true disciple of Jesus Christ. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She faithfully served as a Relief Society President and counselor, Primary counselor, Young Women's secretary, teacher in Primary, Activity Day leader, accompanists for ward choirs, and life-long organist for her church congregations. Bonnie’s favorite calling was being an ordinance worker and organist in the Bountiful, Utah Temple for many years. Bonnie loved anyone who came into her life, and treated them like one of her own. She was a devoted friend and neighbor. Words can’t say how much she will be missed by her family and those who knew her. She has created such a beautiful legacy of love that will be honored forever. We love you Mom!

The family would like to thank the staff at Thatcher Brook Care Center for taking care of Bonnie. A special thank you to Michelle and Wendy from Sequoia Hospice. Your care and concern helped us all get through her passing.

Bonnie is survived by her six children; Aleta (Mike) Moffitt, Debbi (Tom) Murphy, Cyrrena (Terry) Welch, Greg (Sacha) Despain, Franki Galbraith, Jaimee (Blaine) Blood. She was preceded in death by her husband, Philip, her parents, her brother James Brent Packer and a great-niece Abigail Packer. We are grateful to know that she is with her loved ones again.

A viewing will be held Friday, April 10th, 2026 from 6-8 pm at Russon Brothers Mortuary at 1941 N. Main Street, Farmington, UT. Funeral services will be on Saturday, April 11, 20026 at the Farmington South Stake Center (695 S. 200 E. Farmington, UT) at 10:00 am with a viewing held before from 8:30-9:30 am. Internment will be in the Farmington City Cemetery located at 500 South 200 East, Farmington, Utah.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Davis Masters Chorale Music Scholarship by using the QR code provided: