Bonnie Ovard

Bonnie Jean Brooks Ovard died on November 8, 2023. She returned to the arms of her best friend, forever. Bonnie was born July 23, 1942, the second of five daughters to Elliot and Mary Brooks. She grew up in Hoytsville and was happiest outside, on a horse or helping her dad and grandpa with their farm work. She attended Hoytsville Elementary and graduated from North Summit High School.

Bonnie married Pat T Ovard on August 26, 1960 in Hoytsville, Utah. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. They enjoyed fifty-five years together before Pat’s passing on July 16, 2016. Pat and Bonnie raised seven children together and eventually the family tapestry was enhanced when their children married: Phil and Marjorie Ovard, Suesanne and Arvin Bond, Orlene and Don Snyder, Errik and Nancy Ovard, Dane and Hydee Ovard, Angie and Alan Ramage, and Sandi and John Kunkel.

Bonnie was known for her work ethic, compassion, her love of family, and her fierce independence. She was a wonderful cook. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren gave her the title of “Grandma Cookie”. She enjoyed watching her family participate in their many activities and performances. She was famous for organizing big family gatherings, cooking and serving army-sized breakfasts for the Brooks reunion and her legendary Easter Egg hunts.

Bonnie had many talents. She had a beautiful soprano voice and was a member of a Henefer singing group called the “Imports” that performed at funerals, church and community functions for over twenty-five years.

She often described herself as a “Jack of all trades and master of none” but this was far from the truth. Bonnie was completely committed to anything she tried. She spent many years as a certified nurse assistant and brought kind and compassionate care to many in the community. She loved the outdoors, and thoroughly enjoyed the time she and Pat spent as campsite hosts at the Carter Creek USAF camp. In her “retirement”, she decided to open a consignment store called Trailstop Gifts. She enjoyed visiting with people who dropped by to see the handmade goods offered by her vendors. She had a particular soft spot for the young people who made a point to come and see her at the shop.

Bonnie was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where she faithfully served in many callings. She had a way of finding the good in all people. One of her favorite church callings was her time spent as a teacher at a correctional facility where she grew to love the people she served.

Bonnie is preceded in death by her loving husband Pat, her parents, two sisters Louise Newton and Donna Jenkins, and grandson Seth Mondragon.

She is survived by seven children, sixteen grandchildren, and thirty-two great grandchildren. She will be guiding two more great grandchildren from heaven to Earth in the next few months. Her example of unconditional love will remain with her posterity for generations to come.

Graveside services for Bonnie will be held Friday, November 17, 2023. The community is invited to attend a Celebration of Life and Sweet Sendoff at the Henefer Church the same day from 3:00-5:00 pm.