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Sandy, UT – Yolanda Bertha Bonsall, aged 89, passed away on May 20, 2025, due to natural causes while in hospice care.
She was born in Tarma, Peru, on June 27, 1935, the seventh of eleven children of Artemio Cesar Zavala and Eva Dionisia Sarrio.
Because her father was a Methodist clergyman, who was tasked with starting new congregations in remote communities, she grew up in several cities in the Andes Mountains. She graduated from a high school in Lima, Peru, staffed by missionaries from the USA. She was trained as a bi-lingual secretary, working first for an import firm in Lima and later for Cerro de Pasco mining company in La Oroya, Peru.
In 1962 she came to the United States seeking more experience to help advance her career upon her planned return to Peru. However, that plan changed when she was persuaded to marry a sailor in the US Navy. She married Charles Bonsall in San Francisco on May 2, 1964. She continued working as a bi-lingual secretary for Cargill Co. until her first child was born in 1969.
She was always alert to the needs of others and quick to help them but avoided recognition for her efforts. She was always firm in her beliefs and values, and reliable in her actions. Most of her activities involved her family and Hilltop United Methodist Church including several years part time and full time as the church secretary. The example of her life of caring and serving has been an influence to several generations of family and friends.
She is survived by her husband of 61 years Charles, daughter Cynthia, son James (Cortney), eight grandchildren, two great grandchildren, three siblings and 33 nieces and nephews and several generations of their children.
A memorial service will be held at Hilltop United Methodist Church at 985 East 10600 South in Sandy on June 4, 2025, at 2:00 PM, followed by a reception at the church.
Guestbook/Condolences
Dear Bonsall family,
I am sorry for the loss your beloved wife, mother, and family matriarch. Although I never met Mrs. Bonsall personally, I feel I've come to know her through her daughter Cynthia, who has also spoken about her mother with such high admiration, love, and care. I wish you all peace and unity as a family at this time.
I can hear her calling me Anne Marie ... like her children, Yolanda is part of the fabric of my amazing childhood. We had the best neighborhood family and although we've scattered I love keeping in touch and have such amazing memories. Many of course included Yolanda scolding me for dancing on the fireplace hearth, doing a dance party in sparkly shirts and rainbow suspenders, and maybe a dirty joke or two. She will surely be missed and left an impression for sure. Love you Bonsall family!!
My condolences to the Bonsall family. I was fortunate to be able to see her not to long ago when I went to Utah to work and enjoyed my visit with her and Charlie.
Bonsall family
So sorry for your loss...
She was a strong incredible woman. So blessed to have gotten to know her and spend a lot of time.
May her memory be eternal....
Tiff and Joe