Colleen Bodell

Colleen Bohn Bodell passed away on June 13, 2026, at the age of 72, surrounded by her loved ones. Following a recent diagnosis with ALS (often called Lou Gehrig's disease), Colleen was brave through her last moments. After many challenges with her health, her loved ones are at peace knowing she can rest and be free from her physical limitations and reunited with loved ones who had gone before.

Colleen was born on January 28, 1954, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Alma Bohn and Dorothy D. Knecht Bohn. She grew up in Sugar House, and from a young age, she brought humor, warmth, and comfort into the lives of everyone around her. At just 14 years old, she underwent open-heart surgery performed by Dr. Russell M. Nelson who later became the Prophet.

Colleen graduated from Highland High School in 1972 and went on to pursue a lifelong passion for pediatric nursing. She attended Utah Technical College, Salt Lake Community College, and Weber State University, ultimately earning a degree in nursing. Over a long and dedicated career, Colleen worked at Cottonwood Hospital and Primary Children’s Hospital, where she blessed a generation of children and their families with her deep compassion and expert care.

In 1974 she married Joseph Bodell and moved to Sandy, Utah, raising four children while balancing being a mother, homemaker, student, and nurse. Throughout her life, Colleen experienced both tremendous joy and profound heartbreak as she lost one daughter in childbirth and another in an accident. She was extremely proud of her three boys who reflected their mother’s humor, thoughtfulness, and intelligence. Throughout every chapter, she remained devoted to her family and drew strength from the people she loved most. Her resilience, compassion, and unwavering love were evident to all who knew her.

In 2003, while living in Holladay, Utah, Colleen became a grandmother, one of her most precious and proud titles. She loved to spoil her five grandchildren with her attention, time, and gifts. Her walls, frames, and photo albums were full of pictures of them and their accomplishments. She loved to attend as many performances, games, and matches as possible.

In 2005, Colleen started a new chapter of her life moving to Centerville, Utah. Her home was always full of crafts and projects. She taught herself how to knit, sew, crochet, weave, and quilt. Over the years, she made many beautiful, hand-crafted items that she shared freely with those around her. Colleen was also a champion for family traditions and always made delicious food to accompany family gatherings. Thanksgiving was one of her favorite holidays as it brought family together over beloved recipes handed down from her mother. Every year she made holiday hardtack candy and shared it with her friends and neighbors. As a proud, lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Colleen dedicated herself to service and filled numerous callings with faith, making many lifelong friends in the process.

Later in life, she found a home at Legacy House of Bountiful, where she loved playing Bingo and relaxing in the sun with her faithful dog and companion, Scout. Throughout her life, Colleen filled her bookshelves with well-read books and enjoyed listening to audiobooks voraciously. She loved sharing the books she read with friends and family, especially her favorite genre, mysteries.

Although she is no longer with us, her love carries on in her children, grandchildren, family, and friends. The memories she created and the lives she touched will remain a lasting part of her legacy.

Colleen was preceded in death by her parents, Alma and Dorothy Bohn; her siblings, Carolynn Bohn Howes and Craig Bohn; and her daughters, Meghan and Kelcie. Colleen is survived by her sons, Jarom (Rachael), Bryan (Meghan), and Clayton (Amanda); her grandchildren, Lauren, Sam, Eli, Mirah, and Andelin; and her brother, Carl Bohn.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on June 19th at the Porter 2nd Ward (436 W 400 S, Centerville). A viewing will be held Thursday, June 18th, from 6:00-8:00 PM at Larkin Sunset Lawn (2350 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City), and Friday morning 9:30-10:30 AM at the church prior to the funeral service. You may watch the service online through Zoom by clicking on the "Watch Service" button above.