Bonnie Jean West Olsen, 92, passed away peacefully at home on the morning of Tuesday, December 6, 2022. Bonnie was born February 27, 1930, in Morgan, Utah to Rulon Rufus West and Flora Eddington. She lived her early childhood in Rock Springs, Wyoming and Morgan, Utah where her father operated several successful businesses. When she was 10, her family moved to Salt Lake City where she graduated from East High School and attended the University of Utah where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi.
She met her husband, Lynn when she was 16 years old while on a summer’s night drive to Liberty Park with her cousins. They dated for four years and were married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on May 12, 1950. They began their life together in a quaint home in Granger. In 1956; as their family began to expand, they moved to Holladay and eventually built their forever home in the middle of a pear orchard located in the beautiful community of Granite in 1970.
In 1972, Bonnie and Lynn purchased Dimple Dell Floral where many hours were spent planting, nurturing the growth of and selling beautiful plants and flower arrangements to wholesale and retail customers while simultaneously instilling the values of work and self-reliance in their children. Bonnie was a talented designer who provided beautiful arrangements and bouquets for weddings, funerals and high school dances. For many years, she provided flower arrangements for semiannual worldwide broadcasts of General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Bonnie freely offered her time and talents to her church family where she served in various capacities. She also enjoyed the many years she spent serving as a volunteer at Cottonwood Hospital and Intermountain Medical Center. Her greatest joy however, came from serving her family. She loved to host large family gatherings (especially during the holidays), traveling with extended family and anything that would bring her family together. But what she loved the most was welcoming and showering love on her grand and great-grandchildren who loved her right back. Being a grandmother was her true calling. She was a renowned baby whisperer, a gracious hostess who never let anyone leave her home hungry and her grandchildren’s greatest cheerleader. She was passionate about being involved in their education, so much so that she would volunteer in their classrooms teaching them and their classmates how to read. On many occasions, what originally started out as an evening visit to her home quickly turned into a “sleepover” or an overnight “camp” in her motorhome. Experiences like these created strong bonds between cousins who remain close to this day.
She is survived by her children: Ron (Thoma Lee) Olsen, Kevin (Karilee) Olsen, Scott (Patricia) Olsen, Brett (Jill) Olsen, Lori Olsen, Pam (Paul) Ledesma, twenty-five grandchildren, forty-one great-grandchildren, brother: Terry (Sherrel) West and beloved pet: Whiskers.
She was preceded in death by her husband: Victor Lynn Olsen (1992), grandson-in-law: Nathan Tyler Loock (2006) and great-grandchildren: James McLeod Maines (2009) and Grace Lynn Olsen (2016).
A special thanks to Bonnie’s physician: Brett M. Porter, MD, the owner of and caregivers at Annie’s Elder Care: Kanthi, Ana, Lama, Loa and Mary and the team at Enhabit Hospice: Christopher, Deaynne, Jen and Val for their loving care and support.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday December 14, 2022 from 6:00 to 8:00pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary located at 1950 East 10600 South Sandy, Utah. Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 15, 2022 beginning at 11:00am at the same location. The family will receive friends prior to services beginning at 10:00am. For those wanting to attend services virtually, please click the “Watch Services” link above. Burial will follow services at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery Sandy, Utah.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memoriam of Bonnie can be made to Share Parents of Utah (sputah.org), Fourth Street Clinic (fourthstreetclinic.org) or The Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement (thewomensalzheimersmovement.org).
I always enjoyed being with Bonnie on several occasions. Sending sympathy and love to her family.
So many happy memories at Aunt Bonnie’s house! Playing in the greenhouses with Pam and Lori. Running through the yard and listening to my mom, Aunt Joan and Aunt Bonnie chatting and giggling.
So grateful they are all together again!
Lots of love and comfort to all of you.
All my love to you and your family Brett. May you all feel peace after the loss of your beautiful mother.
I will always remember your cheerfulness and beautiful smile. You were a blessing in my life.
Sincerely,
Marilyn Sumner
Dear Olsen Family, We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Bonnie. She was an amazing woman and lived a long and full life. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May a spirit of peace and comfort fill your hearts. Love, Susan and Jenny
Dear Pam, Paul and family, warm condolences on Bonnie’s passing. We hope you are finding peace and solace. Sending love and best wishes.
Dear Olsen Family
I am very sorry for your loss. Bonnie was an elect lady. You’re right, never did I leave your home hungry.
Bonnie was a dear friend to my mother. She gave my mom comfort and peace. She was part of the walking group my mom enjoyed so much.
Your mother was a class act and kind to my family.
Respectfully and Sincerely,
Neil & Elizabeth Mock
One of my sisters just sent me this. Bonnie was the kindest lady and sweet friend to me in my teen years. My best to the family❤️
We loved Bonnie while living in Holladay and then when moving to Sandy. She was always so kind and thoughtful. We can still hear her fun laugh and see her happy smile. Such a sweet lady. Dave snd Joan Engh
We loved Bonnie and your family from the day we moved in. Enjoyed the floral and we’re sorry to see it close. More recently we feel honored to have been able to be her ministers. She was always so gracious and kind. We are wishing you comfort and peace to face the days ahead without her, knowing she is close to you and wishing you loving memories to hold in your heart forever.
Dear Olsen family,
We are so sorry for your loss. What a gal. Loved reading about her earlier years and talents as well as the beautiful pictures. She will be missed. Hope find some peace and have comfort in knowing she is having some joyous reunions.
Huge hugs and prayers sent your way.