Bonnie Jean Barker Dunkley

Bonnie Jean Barker Dunkley

Bonnie Jean Barker Dunkley, 80 years old. Born May 12, 1945, Murray, Utah. Died, December 7, 2025, American Fork, Utah.

Bonnie was raised for a short time in Murray, Utah and then Albuquerque, New Mexico - until she was early elementary age - before moving to American Fork, Utah. She lived there the remainder of her life.

She graduated from American Fork High School in 1963. She was a member of the Cavettes as well as the color guard for the American Fork Marching Band. She always loved the American flag and was very patriotic. She played the drums - including the tympani - in concert band and was active in student councils and committees. She was on the Seminary Council. She loved the Cavemen all her life. Over the years she enjoyed hearing games and the band play while sitting on her front porch.

After her graduation, she worked at the South Rim of Grand Canyon. Upon her return, she worked at a Chevrolet dealership in American Fork. About this time she met her future husband. They became engaged at Christmastime 1963.

Bonnie married Paul Wood Dunkley of American Fork, on April 24, 1964, in the Salt Lake Temple. They have six children, 18 grandchildren, and three great grandchildren - with two more on the way in spring 2026.

She was a devout and committed member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints her entire life. She is a true disciple of Jesus Christ and loves the gospel with all her heart. She was always faithful and her actions testified of her love for the Savior.

Bonnie loved to serve others including in many church callings. She was often called to work with the young women organizations and also served many years in various Relief Society presidencies at the ward and stake levels. She loved providing support to the elderly. Visiting teaching and later, ministering, were a priority for her. She often looked after “the one” person most in need. She was dedicated to the care of both her parents until their passing. She participated in countless service projects and humanitarian efforts over the years. She served as a Service Missionary at the MTC in Provo. She also served on the Utah Regional Ballet Board, The Pageant of the Arts Council and American Fork High School Booster Club.

Her children and all their activities were at the center of her world. She was an amazing homemaker and balanced it masterfully while supporting her children's adventures. She loved being a grandmother and ensured they each received a Christmas ornament every year that she personally picked for them. This was one of many ways she shared her love through special traditions.

She was known to family and friends of the family as Beautiful Bonnie. She loved people and had a smile that radiated love and joy to all. She enjoyed quilting, ceramics and other crafts. She loved to bake - especially cookies with the grandchildren. Bonnie crocheted many wonderful blankets for her grandchildren and others. She loved to read, including her beloved scriptures. She was always organized and had a plan of action for everything. She always worked hard and was dedicated to all things good. She would often say, “Get your work done”.

Bonnie is survived by her daughters; Lori McClure, Gina Larsen (Stephen), Mindi Neilsen (Ian); sons, Sean (Jules), Jake (Jozette), Tim (Lindsey); 18 grandchildren, and three great grandchildren; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Neil and Helen Christensen; sisters-in-law, Sandra Dunkley (Melvin), Joyce Dunkley (James); and brother-in-law, Paul Mathis (Luann).

Preceded in death by her husband, Paul Wood Dunkley; parents, Eugene W. Barker and Vivian Lee; sister, Luann Mathis; parents-in-law, Melvin Edson Dunkley and Mary Dorthella Wood; brother in-law and sister in-law, Lynn and Betty John; brothers in-law, Melvin Dunkley and James Dunkley.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 11 a.m. at the American Fork East Stake Center, 825 East 500 North. Friends may visit family Friday, December 12, 2025 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Anderson & Sons Mortuary, Lone Peak Chapel, 6141 West 11000 North, Highland, and Saturday from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. at the American Fork East Stake Center, 825 East 500 North.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice or provide service for a humanitarian project or someone in need.

To join in services for Bonnie, please click the link below:

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