Bonnie Lee Dalton

Bonnie Bate Dalton lived a life marked by love, faith, service, and devotion to her family. For 90 years, she brought warmth, strength, and joy to all who knew her, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, friends, and community. She passed away peacefully on September 5, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on January 10, 1936, in Pine Grove, California, she was the second daughter and middle child of Lee H. Bate and Grace Lee Bate. Lee and Grace moved the family back to their hometown, Springville, before the end of the war, where they raised their three children. They lived in the same home until their own passing.  Bonnie first noticed her future husband when she was a young 12-year-old. With a couple of her girlfriends, she spied on the 18-year-old and handsome “Chuck” Dalton as he worked in the neighbor’s backyard. After graduating as a Springville Red Devil, Bonnie attended BYU and performed with the Cougarette Marching Club. She started dating Chuck, a recently returned missionary, and they married a few months later on February 5, 1954, in the Salt Lake Temple.

They spent the next several years in Cleveland, where Chuck attended dental school. They then lived in both North Dakota and South Dakota, where they were employed by the Indian Health Service, as it was known in the 1950s. Chuck eventually began his dental practice in American Fork, where they settled and raised their seven children. Although Chuck left us too soon on April 1, 2002, the love they shared continues to inspire those who knew them. Bonnie’s work ethic was a true reflection of her character—strong, dependable and devoted. She started her days early, often swimming or walking with a friend. She baked loaves of bread to last the week and always had a quilt on a frame ready to work on whenever she had a spare moment. There were always bottled peaches and pears in the pantry.

Her grandchildren remember many happy parties at Bonnie’s house, complete with slip and slides, crafts, and sleeping out under the stars--with Bonnie right there alongside them. On Christmas day she invited her extended family over for shrimp and clam chowder. Later, when her own children were grown, she began hosting “quarterly” potluck dinners at her home for the extended family.

Bonnie was highly organized and kept small notebooks filled with records of her church callings, medical issues, dinner parties, and more. She was equally devoted to her daily journal. Without fail, for more than six decades, she recorded the comings and goings of herself, Chuck, her children, and her grandchildren.

She found great joy in cheering on her children and grandchildren in their various pursuits. When asked what brought her the most happiness, her unwavering answer was being a loving mother and grandmother. She had a heart of gold and found great joy in helping and serving those around her. Bonnie was deeply committed to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the best ways possible, always offering loving acceptance to her large and growing family. Throughout her life she served faithfully and humbly in numerous callings with members of all ages. One of her greatest talents was listening, and those she served never forgot the love she showed them.

She leaves behind her children: Jeff (Donna) Dalton, Jody (Douglas) Mower, Jon (Lori) Dalton, Julie (Tim) Pauley, James (Echo) Dalton, Jason (Melanie) Dalton, and Jeremy Dalton, along with 33 grandchildren and 42 great grandchildren who will carry her love forward.

She is also survived by her sister-in-law Mary Bate. Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Oral "Chuck” Dalton; a granddaughter; and her siblings, Roberta Smith and Lee “Bud” Bate, who are rejoicing with her now.

The family would like to thank the many friends who reached out, as well as the family members who have lovingly cared for Bonnie over the last several months. They are also grateful for the loving care givers at Highland Glen and the Symbii Hospice team. A celebration of life will be held to honor Bonnie on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 11:00am at the American Fork 38th Ward, located at 280 North 900 East. A viewing will take place at the church from 9 to 10:45a.m., prior to the service, allowing friends and family to gather and celebrate her life.

Bonnie will be laid to rest at the American Fork Cemetery. Please join us as we come together to reflect on Bonnie's remarkable ninety years, share stories, and remember the joy she brought to our lives.