Bonnie Lou Smith passed away peacefully surrounded by her children and loved ones on Friday, April 15, 2022 at the age of 77 in Lehi, UT.
She was born on July 2,1944 in Salt Lake City, UT to Louis Ivan Sneddon and Leone Mary Wetzel. She graduated from East High School and LDS Business College (now Ensign College). She married the love of her life and Eternal companion Milton Byron Smith on August 18, 1965 in the Salt Lake City Temple. Milton and Bonnie lived in Salt Lake City, then Littleton, CO finally calling home in El Paso, TX in 1977. As she raised her children, she sewed many clothes and blankets, canned the sweetest raspberry jam, cooked large meals to feed an army, and baked the best goodies.
She was a lifelong, faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She supported our father in his church callings but favored the calling he had as Ward Mission Leader and the time they spent together helping the young missionaries in the ward. She had
many callings, most notably, she shared her love of the gospel through music. She played the piano and organ for countless church services, ward meetings, baptisms and funerals. She was humbled to play the piano at the Ciudad Juarez Temple dedication ceremony. She was an
example of unwavering faith as she endured the loss of her husband Milton in 1998. She became a pillar of strength and resilience for all of her children through the toughest of times.
She retired from working in education with 24 years as an administrative assistant at The University of Texas at El Paso. All her life, she enjoyed traveling to be with her children, Josh Groban concerts, card games with her grandchildren, and dinners out with her family and friends. In 2020, she left her Springwood home of 36 years to move to Lehi, UT into the home of Suzanne and Jason Mueller. She made many friends in Lehi in the short time she lived there.
She and Milt brought 10 beautiful children into the world and she is survived by eight living children; David Smith (Rebecca), Julie Vasquez, Diana Jensen (Steve), Paul Smith (Heather), Nathan Smith (Emily), Chelle Tran (John), Lisa Milligan (Charlie), and Suzanne Mueller (Jason);
twenty-four grandchildren and two great grandchildren expected this year. She is also survived by her brother Roy Sneddon (Kathleen), sister-in-law Wilma Sneddon and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Leone, a brother Jack Sneddon and two sons, Brian and Marc Smith, husband Milton and granddaughter Clara Smith. Mom believed “My children are my dearest friends and have always blessed my life! To me, they testify of God's love for me!”
A viewing will be held on Friday, April 22, 2022 from 6 to 7:30 PM at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy, UT 84092. Funeral service will be on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at 11:00 AM also at Larkin Sunset Gardens. Interment will follow where she will be laid to rest
next to her beloved husband Milt and sweet boys, Brian and Marc
To view the Completed Services via Zoom please click the "Watch Services" button or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/QABJXjKAxfy9oAgFZsQge_p0M8ISEwSmBpzIIhjhG5wyNvOr_TTlsSSTJY_rJcCg.Ykh-UeYNzXOuhe66?startTime=1650732038000
She was my visiting teacher and best friend out here in el paso. Until we meet again my dear suster
It was with great sadness that we learned of Bonnie's passing. Please accept my deepest condolences. Our prayers are with all of you.
My most sincere condolences in the loss of such a wonderful woman. I met Bonnie during her time at The University of Texas at El Paso and she was a pleasure to be around, we will always remember her warm smile and willingness to help others.
I was so so sorry to hear about Aunt Bonnie! Her laugh and smile will be missed! She was always smiling. Love you guys!
Our deepest condolences to her family. She absolutely made a great impact in our family, one of the most caring and lovable woman I have known. We will miss her deeply. Love, Maricarmen
Tom and I send our deepest condolences to your entire family. The years we spent as neighbors and dear friends with both your mom and dad are treasured experiences. Will always remember the times we were able to escape from all the kids and tiptoe to the park for an ice cream cone and lots of laughs! Cabbage Patch dolls, sleep overs, bikes...so many cherished memories; we know you will all carry her in your hearts forever. Please stay in touch.
I am so sorry for your loss.Sister Bonnie was a dear friend of mine.she will be greatly missed.love you,till we meet again.💖
Loved Sister Smith she was always sweet and kind to me. Loved her smile and the twinkle in her eye! My condolences and love.
Dean and Lori Cardon
A mother's love is always
with her children. Losing a
mother is one of the deepest
sorrows a heart can know.
But her goodness, her caring,
and her wisdom live on-like
a legacy of love that will
always be with you. May
that love surround you now
and bring. Great sadness filled our hearts as we learned of the passing of our dear friend Bonnie. She was true sunshine. Our deepest condolences to each of you.
Love Sandoval Family
Bonnie was one of the most faithful and loving people that I have had the pleasure of knowing. She was always visiting my parents home (with cookies or some other goody) and was one of the first people I met when I moved back to El Paso. Bonnie attended our senior Family Home Evening group via Zoom, even after she moved to Utah, and we will miss her contributions to our discussions. We love you Bonnie! My condolences to her family and loved ones. 'Till we meet again.
So sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. I haven't seen hear for many years but while we were sister-in-laws I enjoyed the association with her and your family. I send my love and wish you all the best carrying on the many traditions that you have made in your family. Love aunt Jeri Young
My love and prayers are with each of you at this time. Hoping you can have comfort in the many memories of Bonnie and her beautiful life. She was my visiting sister for years and I will miss her deeply! She has many, many friends who care. 🥰
Sara Carroll
Deepest sympathy for the passing of your dear mother and sister. We loved Bonnie so much! She was a burst of sunshine whenever she visited us , phoned, or sent an email. Truly a great example of fortitude and strength through her challenges, Bonnie has been a blessing in our lives. We will miss her, but know that she's having a wonderful time with loved ones on the other side of the veil.
Dale, Jeanne, & Wilma Sneddon
Sending our deepest condolences to all. What a beautiful, loyal woman who’s influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Hello-
I’m so, so sorry for your loss. My mom Marina Bowman found the link for the service on FB (even though I’m not on it anymore). I really loved your mom and she is a big part of what I remember about living in El Paso and our ward. She was absolutely amazing! Nathan, it was so good seeing you. You look exactly the same as I remember! You were in so many of my classes at school and church. Paul, I remember you also. You all have such a lovely family and beautiful memories of your mother that you will have for eternity.
Much Love,
Jenni Bowman
Dearest Smith Family,
Today we pause to remember the life of Bonnie Lou Smith, a child of the most high; and a daughter of Heavenly Father.
We are greatful and honored to be able to gather with you and your loved one's to remember Bonnie, a loving mother, sister, and daughter of Heavenly Father.
What a remarkable mortal journey she has now completed, with distinction. We are ever greatful that she and her husband bore & raised such a wonderful and marvelous family who will carry her loving memory for generations.
We are especial blessed to know and love her son Nate, his sweet wife Emily, and there kind and loving children: EL, True, and Clay. They have brought so much joy & love into our lives.
How can we ever thank her. For that is the greatest gift Bonnie leaves with us as we are now joined with each of you.
It is with our deepest sympathies in this time of such a great loss that we acknowledge the passing of mortality for Bonnie; and together celebrate the beginning of her her imortality with all her loved ones who welcome her with open arms on the other side of the veil along with Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father.
With love and adoration,
Yaping & Steve
To All The Family Of Bonnie, I met Bonnie at the El Paso 4th Ward. She played the Organ in our Ward and did a wonderful job. She was a good speaker also. I send my Sympathy's and Condolence's to you all at this sad time. May you all be comforted.