Bonnie Colleen Smith

Bonnie Colleen (Barnes) Smith was born in Syracuse, New York, on October 16, 1953. To parents Robert and Shirley Barnes Throughout her life, she called many places home, living in New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Virginia, South Carolina, Colorado, Idaho, and Utah.

Love for Nature and the Outdoors

Bonnie had an adventurous spirit and a deep appreciation for the great outdoors. She loved skiing, camping, and exploring nature. Some of her most cherished memories were camping trips with her brothers, John and Skip. Whether by a roaring campfire or under a starlit sky, these moments spent in nature with them were filled with laughter, storytelling, and a shared love for the wilderness.

Over the years, she developed a passion for rock collecting, gathering specimens from her many outdoor adventures. She was fascinated by the way simple rocks formed and evolved over time and often spoke of how she would have loved to become a geologist.

Caring and Generosity

Bonnie had a kind and giving heart. She cared deeply for the people in her life, always sharing thoughtful gifts and acts of kindness, given with love and generosity. She was always thinking of others, finding ways to bring joy and comfort through small, meaningful gestures.

Gift-giving was one of her greatest joys. Whether big or small, every present Bonnie gave had meaning behind it. She put thought into every detail, making the recipient feel special and seen. Likewise, if you were lucky enough to give her a gift, you knew it meant something. She treasured every thoughtful gesture, appreciating not just the item but the love behind it.

A Gift for Organization and Detail

Bonnie had an unmatched eye for detail and a natural talent for organization. She was a master organizer and a true perfectionist at her craft. Her passion for creating order extended beyond her own life—she loved helping others find clarity in chaos. She had a gift for turning disorder into tranquility, bringing a sense of peace wherever she went.

Culinary Talent

Bonnie was an amazing cook and baker, often preparing meals for large gatherings. She took pride in sharing her culinary skills, creating delicious dishes that brought people together. Her meals were made with love, always infused with warmth and tradition. Whether baking homemade bread or preparing a feast for friends and family, she found joy in nourishing others. Her talent for cooking extended beyond her home, as she and her daughter worked together on catering events throughout the state. Bonnie’s skills were widely recognized, and she was often requested for special occasions, where her food became a centerpiece of celebration. Her ability to craft meals that brought people together was not just a skill but a reflection of her love and hospitality.

Faith and Education

As a young teenager, Bonnie took part in the Hill Cumorah Pageant in Manchester, New York. She was thrilled and proud to play the role of Mary. Sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this experience was a meaningful chapter in her life—one that would shape her faith and future. Bonnie attended cosmetology school, following a family tradition shared with her mother Shirley, aunt Sharron, and her niece, Rachael Colleen, who is her namesake & godchild. This common bond in cosmetology fostered a unique connection among them, enriching their relationships through shared experiences and passions. Later, she moved west with her sister, Debbie, to Rexburg, Idaho, where they both attended Ricks College (now BYU-Idaho).

Family Life

Bonnie was married to her loving husband, Richard Smith, on June 28, 1986, in Endwell, New York. In June 2025, they would have celebrated 38 years of marriage. Their life together was filled with love, laughter, and an partnership that carried them through the joys and challenges of life.

Bonnie was the proud mother of three beautiful red-haired children:

• Michael (Lorraine), children Noah and Olivia                                                                                                              • Erin (David), children Sean and Hailey                                                                                                                       • Heather (Clif), children Isabella, Elizabeth, and Scott

She was also a stepmother to:

• Steve (Jayme), children Ashton and Isaak                                                                                                                  • Aaron (married to Mindy), children Kayden, Kamdyn, and Ari

Bonnie also had a deep bond with her brother John (Elena) daughter Jennifer, as well as her sister younger Amy (Sean) Children Joel and Rachael.

Bonnie shared a special bond with her sister, Amy. They loved going out dancing together, and when distance kept them apart, they would spend hours on the phone, making each other laugh as if they were in the same room. Amy was not just her sister but her best friend, confidante.

Skip 's Children Cindy and Robert

Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart. She cherished every moment spent with them, creating lasting memories filled with love, laughter, and warmth. Her legacy of kindness and joy lives on through them.

Strength and Legacy

For the last two years, Bonnie bravely battled cancer with unwavering strength and resilience. She faced each challenge head-on, pushing forward through difficult days and medical procedures. Though cancer ultimately won the battle, Bonnie now moves forward to the next stage of life, joining many beloved family members and friends.

She is preceded in death by her father, Robert, her brother Skip, her son-in-law Scott, and her nephew Joel. They will be waiting for her with open arms, ready to carry her through to the gates of heaven.

Timeless Style and Grace

Known for her modest yet unmistakable sense of style, Bonnie carried herself with a timeless charm that spoke volumes without needing words. Whether in her thoughtfully chosen attire or in the way she interacted with others, she always exuded a quiet class that left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Though she is no longer with us, Bonnie’s legacy will forever remind us of the beauty found in simplicity and the power of quiet strength.

A Final Chapter

A lover of the written word, Bonnie turned the final page of her story on February 14, 2025. She was a collector of books in every sense, treasuring not just their stories but their very existence: the scent of aged pages, the weight of a well-bound spine, the thrill of a first edition.

Her library was not just shelves of books but a reflection of her soul—diverse, rich, and full of wonder. She found beauty in every genre, from timeless classics to hidden gems, from well-worn poetry to intricate mysteries. Each book she owned was not just read but held, valued, and remembered—saved for the joy of returning to its pages once more.

Her love for books was a testament to her love for life itself. She believed in cherishing the tangible, in preserving the things that matter, in surrounding herself with stories worth telling. To know her was to know warmth, curiosity, and an insatiable appreciation for the written word.

Though she is gone, her collection remains—a testament to a life spent holding on to the things that matter. Those who loved her will find her in the pages she turned... and like a truly great story she won't soon be forgotten.

Friends and family are welcome to gather to celebrate Bonnie's life on Friday, February 21, 2024 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm in our small intimate visiting room at Memorial Lakeview Mortuary & Cemetery, 1640 East Lakeview Drive, Bountiful. She will be laid to rest in a graveside service at 3:00 pm. 

Please share your memories with her family.