Bonnie Gail Halfacre St John's Obituary
Bonnie was born in Los Angeles California on August 19th 1939 to Edward Halfacre and Elsie Margaret (Zimmerman) Halfacre.
Bonnie spent her early years in Los Angeles California. She attended Franklin High School and later graduated from BYU with a degree in elementary education. This was just the beginning of her lifelong love of learning. After graduating from college she moved back to LA where she began her career as an elementary school teacher. During that time she met her future husband James Sylvanus St.John at a church activity. They were later married on July 11, 1964 for time and all eternity in the Los Angeles Temple. As a young couple they moved to Utah and started their family while Jim pursued his graduate degree.
Bonnie loved the outdoors and as a teenager spent most weekends lounging on the beach soaking up the sun. While attending BYU she discovered a passion for spending time in the mountains and learned to ski which was one of many sports she enjoyed into her 70’s. Bonnie loved to be up on the slopes and she passed that love on to her kids by teaching them all how to ski.
She had an adventurous spirit and always found new places to explore. She would often head up camping trips, hiking, ice fishing and even panning for gold. She once braved Disneyland with her two youngest boys, Jamie (10) and Ricky (7) along with her elderly aunt Bertha and her mother Margaret. It brought a whole new meaning to the term “Adventureland.”
Her love for learning included the people around her. She loved meeting new people and was never afraid to ask them about their lives and what made them who they are (even if it was awkward or embarrassing.)
She kept her family close by preparing delicious Sunday dinners. Every Sunday there was an open invitation for the whole family to come and enjoy a home cooked meal. She would slave over the food and make sure everything was perfect before she could relax. After her retirement Bonnie and Jim built their dream home and moved to 5 acres in West Mountain. She always had dreams of being a farmer's wife and came close with this move.
Bonnie was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She was known for sharing her faith with complete strangers and was not ashamed to do so. After her retirement she enjoyed working in the temple. Through the years she served in the church and taught her children the importance of the gospel of Jesus Christ. She was always willing to serve those in need and help those around her.
She is survived by 6 children, Kari L. St. John (Kendyall), Randy St. John (Camie), Wendy Smith (John), Becky Rosenberg, Jamie Scott St. John (Chalis) and Richard James St. John (Natalie), 25 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren,. Bonnie is preceded in death by her Husband James, brother Ed as well as her father and mother.
A viewing will be held Tuesday March 21, 9:30 am, funeral will begin at 10:30am at the Payson West 6th ward building 5237 W 10400 S Payson UT, 84651. Interment at the Payson City Cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of Bonnie Gail?
What’s a lesson you learned from Bonnie Gail?
Share a story where Bonnie Gail's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Bonnie Gail you’ll never forget.
How did Bonnie Gail make you smile?