Salt Lake City, UT - Gwen Bonza, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away June 4th 2016 at the age of 81. Gwen is survived by her loving family: Gail Marshall (Robert), Steven Boede (Laurie), Diane Daniel (Greg) and David Boede (Deborah), along with twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Louis Bonza in 2005.
Gwen was born on November 25, 1934 in Richfield, Utah to Don W. Carlow and Myrtle Forman Carlow. She grew up in Price, Utah, with her two brothers Don-Ferrell and Kay. Her sister Jean was raised in Utah County by her mothers' family, when her mother died during childbirth. Gwen\s father moved to Price Utah, and later married Adele Bonza, who raised Gwen and her brothers, along with three children of their own, Earl, Joan and Earlene. After graduation from Price High School Gwen and her close girlfriend moved to Salt Lake City to attend the University of Utah. This is where she met Fred Boede, who she married in 1954. During the following years Gwen, Fred and family lived in Rose Park, Denver Colorado and finally settled in a new home in Salt Lake City, until 1983 when they were divorced. During that time Gwen held a number of jobs, including St Marks Hospital, Travelers Insurance and Jack and Jill Clothing Store. She loved keeping busy and when she wasn\t working she would spend time with her children, taking them on regular trips to Price, Utah to visit and work in her father's garden, or spending time with her grandchildren who she absolutely adored. She constantly hosted big family dinners with huge plates of lasagna or other wonderful Italian dishes. In 1989 Gwen married Louis Bonza. Gwen and Lou enjoyed time with family and friends and loved to travel together to places far and near, including England, France, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, until Lou passed away in 2005.
Gwen spent the later part of her life in her Sugar House home with her prize collection of rose bushes and family nearby, until it was necessary for her to relocate to the Sunrise Assisted Living Center, in Holladay, Utah and finally into the Touchmark at Meadow Lake Village,in Meridian, Idaho. Throughout her time at both Sunrise and Touchmark, Gwen was constantly surrounded by loving family and caretakerswhere she enjoyed arts and crafts activities as well as any activity involving music and singing. The family wishes to thank the caring staff at both Sunrise and Touchmark, as well as Signature Hospice Services that provided constant and compassionate care during her final months.
Gwen will be remembered by all that knew her as a perpetually joyful and caring person who loved all of those around her. Condolences may be made at www.LarkinMortuary.com
A family viewing will be held at Larkin Sunset Lawn 2350 East 1300 South on Monday June 13th from 1:00p ‚ 2:00p, followed by a brief graveside service.
