Our beloved “Aunt Bee”, Bonnie Mae Stephens, born on January 24, 1944 in Ogden, Utah to Frank Nephi Stephens and Lovinia Maye Francis Stephens, passed away in her home on November 16, 2022. She was preceded in death by both parents and her sisters Louise Call, Ferol Stoneking and Fontace Stephens. Bonnie prided herself on being strong and self-sufficient, but she was also very loving and protective. She set a wonderful example of a family “care-giver” in the truest sense of the word, caring tirelessly for her parents as they got older, and each of her sisters in turn, as well as two nephews before their passing.
She started her career as a young girl just out of high school with Mountain Bell as a telephone operator; she had a strong work ethic, stayed through many promotions; and retired years ago after an unrelated injury. She was a kind and loyal friend to many she met during her years with the company.
Anyone who knew Bonnie, knows of her boundless energy; so much so that she was accused of going out at “Mach 3 with her hair on fire!” It frustrated her in later years to not be able to get out, go and do like she used to do. She was fun-loving, bigger than life, and generous to a fault.
Although she never had children of her own, she “claimed” us all! She doted on all 10 of her nieces and nephews as well as a whole new generation of grand nieces and nephews and now their children! She always had a table spread and wanted everyone to be well fed at her house. Oh, what a great cook – these stories are truly legend for us! To the very end, she enjoyed looking at recipes and clipping out those she decided would be good. Many of us have been recipients of these recipe packages!
Another great love in her life has been her dogs. They have been her constant companions since her sister Louise moved in with her, bringing Annie and Autumn into her life. This was the start of a beautiful love of dogs for Bonnie and she has not been without dog companions since 1976. They brought her so much joy.
If ever there was anyone who exemplified love and caring, it is Aunt Bee. We love and miss her. How blessed we are to have had her in our life.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 21, 2022 at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah. There will be a visitation on Sunday, November 20th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the mortuary and one hour prior to the funeral service on Monday. Interment will be in the South Morgan City Cemetery.
The year was 1965 and I was 13 years old. Aunt Bonnie had this cute Chevy Corvair. I thought that car was sporty, and I asked her if she would teach me how to drive it. We drove up to the top of the avenues where there was a large Mormon church with a big parking lot. The car had a stick shift. Aunt Bonnie very patiently taught me how to drive that little Corvair with the stick shift. It took a little gear grinding and stalling at the start but soon we were cruising around the parking lot shifting through the gears and having just a great time.
I will always cherish this memory of Bonnie.
Dear
Aunt Bonnie, When I was a kid, I thought it was cool that there was a song with your name in it. "My Bonnie lies over the ocean, my Bonnie lies over the sea, my Bonnie lies over the ocean oh bring back my Bonnie to me." Now I realize now that, (My Bonnie) means, (My Love). Wishing you, Happy sailing on your next adventure, my lovely Aunt Be. Say hello to all your sisters, (my mom).. and Grandpa and Grandma for me.
Love you so much, Jeannine
Dear
Aunt Bonnie, When I was a kid, I thought it was cool that there was a song with your name in it. "My Bonnie lies over the ocean, my Bonnie lies over the sea, my Bonnie lies over the ocean oh bring back my Bonnie to me." Now I realize now that, (My Bonnie) means, (My Love). Wishing you, Happy sailing on your next adventure, my lovely Aunt Be. Say hello to all your sisters, (my mom).. and Grandpa and Grandma for me.
Love you so much, Jeannine
I will miss Bonnie telling me what a great beard I have, it made me smile everytime no matter what else was going on.