Bonnie Rae (Pace) Smith

Bountiful, Utah – It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Bonnie Rae Pace Smith, who left us on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the age of 84. She was a ray of sunshine, with her warm smile, bright eyes, and a kind heart. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Bonnie was born to Curtis Millner Pace and LaVar Allred on July 10, 1941, in American Fork, Utah. Bonnie grew up in a loving home, surrounded by her younger siblings: Gary, Diane, and Blaine. The Pace children grew up on their parents’ farm in Hanna, Utah, where they gathered eggs, worked in the fields, and rode a horse to school. When Bonnie was 14 years old, her father suddenly passed away. They sold the farm, and the family then moved into a modest home on the west side of Salt Lake, where LaVar worked hard to provide for her four children. Lavar, also known as “Mama Dukes,” was Bonnie’s best friend, and they spoke every day on the phone until LaVar's passing in 2005.

Bonnie graduated from West High School in 1959 and married Don Allen Smith in the Salt Lake Temple on August 16, 1963. A year later, their first son, Michel Scott. was born. They added to their beautiful family with the arrival of more boys: Jeff and Greg. After years of longing for a baby girl, they welcomed their daughters Emilee and Marci. Doug, the caboose, was the “baby” of the family. Through the early years, Bonnie and Don traveled to many exotic locations together, but as the children grew, she preferred to be at home. Home was where her heart was.

Despite the busy household, Bonnie fulfilled her role as a mother perfectly. She was a den mother, a room mother, and most importantly, a loving mother. She instilled in her children the importance of hard work, teaching them how to complete household chores. Bonnie had a close relationship with her Heavenly Father, and her children went to church each week, learned to say their prayers, and learned how to serve others through her Christlike example.

For many years, Bonnie was known as the neighborhood Avon lady. She found happiness in talking to others and helping. She was also a dedicated employee working in the cafeterias at Wood Cross and Bountiful High Schools. Additionally, she took great delight in her time working as a special education aide with students with special needs at Bountiful High School.

Her favorite pastime was shopping and spoiling her children and grandchildren. She had an endless supply of soda, candy, and ice cream for them when they came to visit. She told everyone they were her “favorite,” and she meant it. Each of her family members and friends was beloved, cherished, and a part of her heart. She loved others without judgment, generously giving of her time and resources.

Bonnie enjoyed hosting family dinners and birthday celebrations. Each month, she decorated the “birthday door” with numbers proudly displaying the age of every family member with an upcoming birthday. She insisted the birthday boy or girl pose by the door for traditional birthday photographs.

Bonnie brought her camera along everywhere, capturing memories and documenting her life wherever she went. She cherished the photographs she took and turned them into precious photo collections.

Bonnie's greatest passion was her love for God and Jesus Christ. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, her religion meant everything to her. She not only loved to see the temple but also loved to visit it. She attended often and frequently invited family and friends to accompany her. She served in many callings, but her favorite calling was working as the ward librarian.

Her ward members became her second family, especially after Don's sudden passing in 2020. They embraced her with love and care, providing her with service and companionship. Bonnie drew strength from her family as well. She found love and support in her children, who rallied around her, ensuring she never felt alone. Bonnie treasured every moment with her loved ones, and her home was a hub of warmth and welcome, full of laughter and love.

Bonnie will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her special bond with her youngest son, Doug, was a testament to her boundless love and devotion. They spent every day together for over 45 years, and she doted on him with unending affection.

Bonnie is survived by her children, Scott and Kathy Smith, Jeff and Jackie Smith, Greg and Kathy Smith, Emilee and Doug Barnett, Marci and Brandon Wayman, and Doug Smith; grandchildren, Ashlee (Brandon), Preston (Morgan), Brayden (Tori), Kait, Mike, Austin, Ashton (Rhiannon), Spencer, Riley (Brittany), Conner, Olivia (Dallin), Macey (Alex), Bailey, Sara, Ellie, Kenna, Rian, Jonah, Avery, and Hayden; great grandchildren, Wyatt, Addie, Kallie, Raelee, Tyce, Teagen, Braxton, Jax, Jhett, Baer, Hadley, Miles, Emmy, Quin, and Blossom; her siblings Gary Pace, Diane Mower and Blaine Pace; and many beloved aunts and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Don; brother-in-law, David Mower; and two grandsons, Jake Smith and Will Barnett.

A viewing will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Lindquist’s Bountiful Mortuary, 727 N. 400 E, Bountiful, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, with a viewing from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Mueller Park 4th Ward Chapel, 1320 E. 1975 S., Bountiful. The funeral will begin at 11 a.m. and will be streamed from the Lindquist Mortuary website. Interment will be at the Bountiful City Cemetery, 2224 S. 200 W., Bountiful, Utah.

Bonnie loved bright colors and patterns. Please wear something colorful in her honor.

Your laughter will echo in our memories. Rest peacefully, knowing you were cherished beyond measure. We love you, sweet mama.