Yvonne Middleton

Yvonne Middleton

Yvonne “Bonnie” Nelson Middleton completed her mortal mission on Saturday, August 15, 2015, passing away peacefully in her sleep. Her 87 years of life were filled with education, sacrifice, kindness, and an abiding love for children, her family, the Savior Jesus Christ, and her Heavenly Father.

Bonnie was born in Delta, Utah, on November 11, 1927, to Verda Law and Farr Stewart Nelson. She grew up working in the general store owned by her grandfather, R.J. Law and was blessed by the example of her grandmother, Bessie Bickley Law, and the lifelong friendship of her younger sister, Jan.

She graduated from Delta High School and was a cheerleader for the Rabbits.  She also graduated from BAC, where she met a cute redhead from Cedar City.  Her relationship with Ward Middleton continued at school and through the summers, when he took a job as a tour bus driver which allowed him to frequently visit the resort in Grand Canyon where she was working as a waitress.

Bonnie and Ward were married on May 5, 1951, a commitment that was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple.  Their enduring love for each other and their ability to complement each other’s strengths as they moved through life side by side was briefly interrupted after 57 years of marriage when Ward passed away after a valiant battle with cancer.  We are deeply comforted that they are now reunited.

Bonnie served faithfully in many church callings. She loved children and served them as a Young Women leader, Sunday School teacher, and Junior Sunday School Coordinator.  She spent 10 years as a Church General Board member on the Child Correlation Committee, developing curriculum for the children of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Perhaps her favorite calling was serving with Ward in the Bountiful Temple; she loved the temple and returned frequently as a patron after three years of service as a temple worker.

Throughout her life, education was very important to Bonnie.  She worked for 28 years in the Davis School District, teaching in the classroom and serving for nearly two decades as a language arts supervisor for kindergarten through sixth grade.  She impacted the careers of hundreds of elementary school teachers and the formative years of thousands of Utah children.

Practicing what she preached, she also continued her own education by earning a master’s degree from Brigham Young University in 1979.  She was an ardent fan, friend, and donor to BYU and cheered for the Cougars at every opportunity. Bonnie served in many position of leadership, including as President of the Utah Council of the International Reading Association and as an elected Member of Horizon Credit Union’s Board of Directors for 21 years.

Bonnie was unfailingly cheerful, thoughtful, and grateful.  Even in her own difficulties and trials, she was always able to see the hand of the Lord in her life. She is a wonderful wife and mother, whose loving impact and constant care continue to echo and expand in the life of her son, Mike, who she prayed for and supported in his education, his mission, and his callings.  Her love for “my Michael,” grew exponentially to include her daughter-in-law, Laura, and her three grandchildren: Katie, Lindsey, and Carter.

The family is deeply grateful to the Centerville 8th Ward, whose care and kindness allowed Bonnie to remain in her home until her passing.  Thank you for your countless acts of friendship, service, and love!

Bonnie is survived by her son, Michael (Laura), her sisters, Jerene Curtis and Maretta Wrigley, and her grandchildren, Kathryn, Lindsey, and Carter, all of whom have been changed and blessed by their loving associations with her.

Unquestionably Bonnie has fought a good fight; she has finished her course, and she has endured to the end.  In her absence the memories of her selflessness and example will continue to bless the lives of all who knew her, and we may rest assured that she watches over and loves us until we are reunited with her again.

Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation on Saturday, August 22, 2015 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at Lindquist’s Bountiful Mortuary, 727 North 400 East.  Due to construction, enter the mortuary from the north.

Condolences may be shared at www.lindquistmortuary.com .

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