I met Colleen when we were both missionaries at the Family Search library in Salt Lake. We became fast friends and spent many hours at her house or mine making dinner for each other or going out to eat and going to movies and going to the temple. When she moved into the rehabilitation center where she stayed I was able to visit her there many times. She was a talented and remarkable woman who met every health challenge with determination and positivity. She made me a beautiful quilt has been on my guest bed as a bedspread ever since I got it. I have not seen her for many months because of my ongoing challenges healthwise, but we have kept in touch with phone calls and texts. The last time I tried to speak with her on the phone she texted that she was in the hospital with ongoing health issues. I am so grateful for her influence and friendship in my life. And I pray that all of her family will find peace. her greatest joy in life are her children and grandchild. God bless you all.
In Loving Memory
Colleen Bodell
1954•2026
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Obituary
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.
Tributes
Colleen and I were in the same ward in Holladay. I have thought about her over the years, always with fondness in how she endured her trials. She, not unlike the Savior was always kind and compassionate and enjoyed the small and simple things. She was funny and sassy and I learned a lot from her! Rest in peace my friend💖
As a teenager, I was fortunate to spend countless hours in Colleen’s home while being best friends with one of her boys. She always welcomed me with kindness and warmth — and I was a frequent beneficiary of her well-stocked pantry. I’ll always remember and appreciate the love and generosity she showed me. God bless.
I grew up around the corner from Colleen. I don’t remember a day going by without my mom, Grace, talking to Dorthy, (Colleen’s mom) on the phone for hours. Because of that Colleen became our childhood friend.
We spent endless summertime hours playing in the playhouse that my dad had built.
Colleen was always kind and thoughtful. I don’t remember ever fighting or getting mad at each other.
She had a lot of hard things in her life; but as has already been said she met her trials with faith.
I hope that she is finally healthy and at peace. Enjoy Heaven for me, Colleen. We will meet again ❤️
Colleen was my cubical buddy when I was on my mission, 2012-2014. She was so much fun! She kept me laughing. She was such a nice and thoughtful person. Rest in peace my friend.
I have thoroughly loved spending the last few years with Colleen and scout. She was a great friend and I loved spending time with her. I know that she is having a wonderful reunion with her daughters and parents and siblings.
Colleen was a good neighbor and friend, truly ambitious and friendly. She did a lot of good for lots of people especially in the church. Condolences to her fine family.
I was able to be in Coleen’s life from 1972 for the next 25 years until I left the family. It was a fantastic time and I learned many things and enjoyed what a wonderful person she was. She had more than her share of health issues yet never complained. I feel my life was blessed having known her.
My thoughts and prayers are with all the family as they mourn and move forward always remembering their mother and grandmother. How wonderful it will be when you are with her again. Blessings and peace and love to all of you. 💗
Colleen and I lived in the same Holladay ward and shared the same birthday and it was fun to call or text her on that day. Even as I was 14 years older than Colleen she was like a sister and good friend. She was a tough lady who conquered her life struggles with common sense and with laughter. She was truly a special friend. May she rest in peace and happiness.
Dear Bodell Family,
Our office noted with sadness the passing of your loved one, Colleen, and we wish to send our condolences and sincere sympathy to you and your family at this time of bereavement. As a member of Weber State University’s extended family, friends and associates will miss her.
While we realize a condolence letter cannot lessen your sense of loss, we want to let you know that her achievements and contributions were appreciated at Weber State University.
Sincerely,
Nancy B. Collinwood
Executive Director of Alumni Relations
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