Bonnie Bowen Durbano Burtenshaw

Beautiful Bonnie Bowen Durbano Burtenshaw (89) of Layton, Utah, left this world peacefully at home on March 26, 2023, after a long and brave fight with pancreatic cancer. Bonnie was a positive force; she was gracious, full of wisdom and great advice. She did not shy away from offering her opinions. We all loved that about her. She always fought for the underdog and less fortunate, be it human or animal. Her endless kindness, spunk and generosity touched not only her family, but all those who knew her. Bonnie made a difference. Bonnie kept it real. 

She was born August 25, 1933, in Ogden to Vern and Gertrude Bowen, she was the oldest of three children. She learned the value of hard work and a can-do attitude from her parents. She graduated from Ogden High School in 1951. She was a cheerleader at Weber State, where she met the handsome football player, Ernie Durbano. Love at first sight, they married in 1952. They lived in Germany, Roy and later built their family home in East Layton. Dad worked hard while Mom raised five rambunctious, busy kids. She deserves a medal because we all turned out to be somewhat responsible adults. No easy task. Thank you, Mom.

Mom had many interests. She was a volunteer hostess and tour guide at Brigham Young's Beehive House in Salt Lake City, Chairman for the North Davis County Education Cancer Society, and served with the Davis County Mental Health Board.  She spent many years with Ernie raising cattle and feeding the cowboys at their ranches in Morgan UT, Malad ID, and Wickenburg AZ. After Ernie died, she put away her cowboy boots, and spent winters in Ivins UT surrounded by the red rocks of Snow Canyon. She married Claude Burtenshaw and gained what she called her Bonus Family, whom she loved dearly.

 She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had a testimony of the gospel and set an example of integrity, gratitude, and service.

Mom loved planting flowers, feeding the birds and other critters, decorating, and looking for treasures at the DI Boutique or any furniture consignment store. She loved pretty shoes, dancing, great art and reading. She loved good dialogue and was an excellent listener and problem solver. But her greatest LOVES were her grand and great-grandchildren. She had a special way of making each of them feel like they were her favorite. All the kids adored their fun Grammy and loved coming to her house to play and laugh.

Some of Mom's favorite quotes, and she had many: “Give your troubles to God, he'll be up all night anyway,” “Favorite grandchild? The one who needs me the most,” “I'm a good judge of character, but I try not to judge.” “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent,” “The best is yet to come.” That it is!

Mom always called herself the Designated Worrier. Such a responsibility for this grand matriarch. Let go now of that worry, Mama. You did good, really good. We are so grateful for your many sacrifices, love, and commitment to Family. Godspeed until we meet again.

Bonnie is preceded in death by her husbands Ernie and Claude, her parents Vern and Gertrude Bowen, her sister Faye Layton (Jerry), and her oldest son Dennis Durbano and great granddaughter Arimani Ella Asay. She is survived by her brother Gary Bowen (Mignon), her children Douglas Durbano (Shawna), Dana Pearson (Jace), Bruce Durbano (Stacie), Gina Graham, and daughter in law, Linda Durbano. She has 21 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren, with three more on the way. A Beautiful Legacy!

Special thanks to dear friends Diane and Jenna Lucas. Also a big hug to her caregivers Natalia Buttars, Monique Hauck and Jana Rae for your loving help. And thank you to Jenn Mendes, Dr. Lewis, and team with Enhabit Hospice Care.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 7, 2023 at 11 AM at Lindquist's Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Rd, Layton, Utah. Friends may visit with family on Thursday from 6 to 8 PM and Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at the mortuary. Interment at the Lindquist’s Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, 1718 Combe Rd, Ogden Utah.

Services will be live-streamed and may be viewed at www.lindquistmortuary.com by scrolling down to the bottom of Bonnie's obituary page.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bonnie's name to the American Cancer Society @donate.cancer.org or Best Friends Animal Society and Sanctuary in Kanab, UT

ORDER VIDEOS