Bonita Elnora McMahon

1929 ~ 2018

Bonita (Bonnie) Elnora McMahon, 89, peacefully returned to the loving arms of her Heavenly Father on Saturday, October 13, 2018, after a hard fall. She was surrounded by her loving family and friends when she passed. She was born on February 3, 1929 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Robert B. and Hazel Fern Losey Sprague. She was the youngest of four children.

Growing up with her brothers, Robert, Harry and Merlin during the 1930's and the war years of the 1940's, was quite an experience for Bonnie being the youngest child and the only girl.

While growing up in Milwaukee, she made many lifelong friends that she remained in contact with for the rest of her life. Bonnie graduated from Juneau High School a semester early, shortly after she and her mom moved from Wisconsin to Pasadena, California.

Bonnie met Charles Alford Cox and they were married September 11, 1948. In 1949, they became the parents of Sharon Ann. In October of 1953 they welcomed Linda Fern to the family. Two years later, Charles passed away in June of 1955.

Through her neighbors, Bonnie met Dale LeRoy Shores, (a Navy Veteran) and he treated Linda and Sharon like they were his own. Bonnie and Dale were married November 25, 1955. They had their first child Dale Robert in 1956. In June of 1960, their second son Timothy was born. Dale LeRoy passed away December 15, 1967.

Bonnie, now a single mom in her early 40's, decided that she was going to make the best of life so she went back to school and obtained her Library Sciences certification. She found employment with the Glendora School District and continued to raise her family. She enjoyed sewing and spent many hours making clothing for herself and her children. She was an accomplished seamstress and created many formal dresses and wedding gowns for friends and family. Bonnie also liked to knit. In her later years, even with failing eyesight she continued to knit little hats, which were donated, to children in local hospitals.

In 1976, Bonnie met Lester McMahon at a single parents function. On October 8, 1977, she and Les were married in Los Angeles, California. They made their home in Pomona, California. They bought a motorhome, did a lot of traveling along the California coast, and took trips throughout Canada. One of their most exciting visits was to see Niagara Falls. These were some of the happiest times of Bonnie's life. Bonnie and Les loved music, singing in the church choir and they both enjoyed going square dancing.

In 1979, Bonnie and Les both sold their homes in Southern California and moved to Woodlake, California where they became involved in the local community, and joined the Presbyterian Church. Bonnie worked at the local school district as a secretary. She also joined a garden club and spent many hours organizing and participating in luncheons and fashion shows. In 1990, Bonnie and Les moved to West Jordan, Utah to be closer to her daughter Linda's family and to spend time with the grandkids.

Bonnie is survived by her daughters: Sharon McFarland, (Mac, deceased) Red Springs, North Carolina and Linda F. Dalley (Robert J.) West Jordan, Utah. Son, Timothy (Joyce) Shores, Clearfield, Utah, stepsons, David McMahon and family, Newman, Ca and Bruce (Brenda) McMahon and family, Woodlake, Ca.; brother, Harry Sprague, Glendora, Ca. Grandchildren, Kimberly (John Jr.) Ammons, Red Springs, NC; Robbie (Tiffany) Dalley, West Jordan, UT; Brian (Kim) Vesely, Gig Harbor, WA; Melissa (Scott) Burkee, Davenport, FL; Thomas Shores, Hollister, Ca.; Steven Shores, Reno, NV.; Brandon (Marybeth) Shores, Hollister, Ca.; Sarah Shores, Hollister, Ca. and 18 Great Grandchildren.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents: brothers, Robert (Margaret also deceased) Sprague; brother, Merlin Sprague; Sister-in-law Shirley Sprague; son, Dale Robert Shores and many cousins and friends.

Bonnie spent her final three years in assisted living at Cottonwood Creek where she made many new friends, enjoyed playing bingo and many other activities.

Bonnie's funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 20th at 2pm at Cottonwood Presbyterian Church, 1580 Vine St, Murray, Utah. Immediately following, a short graveside service will take place at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery located in Sandy, Utah where Bonnie will be buried next to Lester.

Words cannot express the gratitude that we feel towards to the employees of Cottonwood Creek and the staff at St. Marks Hospital for her care at the end. Her many friends at Cottonwood Presbyterian Church helped carry her through the difficult last days. Her smile and energetic spirit will be deeply missed.