Our beloved momma, grandma, and friend, Glenda "Bonnie" LaVon Lewis Brown-Clayson, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2018, at the age of 93 due to natural causes in Riverton, Utah. Bonnie's brother, Vernal Lewis, lovingly nicknamed her "Bonnie." Everyone followed suit, except her mother and oldest sister who always called her "LaVon."
Bonnie was born February 26, 1925, in Spanish Fork, Utah, to Jane Argyle Thomas Lewis and Leslie Franklin Lewis. Bonnie was raised on a ranch in Spanish Fork Canyon with two sisters and three brothers, where she gained a strong work ethic and a love of horses. She spoke fondly of her childhood days spent in a two room schoolhouse. Later she commuted 22 miles to Spanish Fork for her secondary education, where she graduated from Spanish Fork High School and LDS Seminary. After which she attended Darrell College of Beauty. She was a talented beautician and enjoyed attending competitions with her sister, Blanche Tadd, and friend, Bernice Latimer. Bonnie's grand-kids have fond memories of Saturday mornings with "the ladies," a group of Bonnie's good friends who'd gather at her home for conversation and hair styling by Bonnie and her daughter Earla. Those morning were filled with warmth and laughter.
Bonnie married Earl James Brown in Spanish Fork. Together they had four children, Gregory James; Donna Ann; Glenda Kay; and Earla Jane. Earl passed away January 25, 1996. Later she married a childhood friend, Frank Clayson on September 26, 1999. Frank later stood proxy when Earl and Bonnie's marriage was solemnized in the Jordan River Temple on May 29, 2004. Bonnie and Earl were life-long friends of Frank and his wife, Cherril, and both families were grateful for the companionship that Bonnie and Frank shared. They loved and cared for each other until Frank passed away on May 16, 2009. Their love created a big loving family out of the two. Her step-children always treated her with love, respect, and generosity. Bonnie and Frank's children will forever be siblings.
Bonnie served as home room mother while her children were growing up. She particularly enjoyed the classroom Halloween parties that she always dressed up for, usually as a hobo or an Indian maiden. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as den mother, primary teacher, and librarian. She particularly enjoyed visiting teaching, never missing a visit. With her loving nature, she knew the importance of reaching out and caring for others.
Bonnie was known for her happy disposition and contagious smile. She had a quick wit and always made us laugh and lift our spirits. Momma loved and enjoyed her family and had many hobbies that included family time, especially laughing. She enjoyed playing cards, particularly with the grandkids. She loved to travel, taking many memorable trips. She loved the outdoors—camping, hunting, fishing, and golf. She enjoyed bowling with Earl and her family. She was a talented cake maker and decorator. She made wedding cakes for all three of her daughters.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents and five siblings; husbands, Earl Brown and Frank Clayson; her son, Gregory; and grandson, Justin James Brown. She is survived by her three daughters and a daughter-in-law, Kathleen Mathis Brown (Gregory Brown); Donna Ann Melander (Lorin); Glenda Kay Hiatt (Randy); and Earla Jane Westlake; 15 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandson. Grandson, Jason Brown, is currently deployed to the Persian Gulf, and we are thinking of him at this time. She is also survived by her five step-children, Linda Valentine (Jim), Shawna Kaye (Rick), Shelly Shepherd, Kathy Wheeless (Paul), and Tom Clayson (Jan).
A viewing will be held on the evening of Thursday, August 30, 2018, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, August 31, 2018. Friends and family may call one hour prior to service. Both, viewing and funeral service, will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Road (10600 S.), Sandy, Utah 84092. President Jay Rindlesbacher of the Copperview 10th Branch will be conducting.
As a family, we would like to thank the staff at The Lodge at Riverton as well as the members and leaders of the Copperview 10th branch and the Riverton 8th Ward for the loving care and service they have shown to our momma.