David Richard "Rick" Monson

David Richard “Rick’ Monson was born on October 16, 1943, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Harold Richard Monson and Erma Jensen Monson. At the age of four, Rick’s family moved to San Diego, California, when his father’s military service brought them west. San Diego became home, where Rick grew up and attended.

At eighteen, Rick followed his father’s sense of duty and joined the Army Reserves, serving honorably for six years.

At the age of twenty-eight, Rick met Carol Smith, and the two were married on May 1, 1971. Together they built a loving family, welcoming three beautiful children: Christopher Richard Monson, Deborah Deanne Monson, and Lorraine Marie Monson. They raised their family in Northern California, making their home in the Manteca and Modesto areas.

In the later part of 1994, Rick and Carol relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah for new work opportunities.

Though life took them on separate paths, their devotion to their children and later their grandchildren remained a constant source of joy and unity.

Rick had a love for every sport that involved a ball, and for coaching career as a manager for his kids in youth sports. Rick also had a passion for driving big trucks, he spent part of his career as a manager for Consolidated Freightways, working alongside his best friend, Ron Crum. Rick’s energy, leadership, and enthusiasm made him both a respected colleague and a mentor to many.

Through his son-in-law, Brad Munson, Rick was introduced to Bonnie, a woman who would become his partner, best friend, and eventually his wife. Before they ever met, Rick and Bonnie spent months talking on the phone, sharing dreams and values.

Their first date was simple and yet meaningful-a bucket of balls at Swan Lakes Golf Course in Layton. Their connection was instant and genuine.

When Rick asked Bonnie if she ever had thought about marrying again, her answer led to a love story full of laughter, adventure, and faith. ON their third date, Rick mentioned his wish to find a home in Davis County-complete with a three-car garage for his boat. Against all odds, they found the perfect home in Layton. After both sold their previous homes, Rick and Bonnie decided they couldn’t imagine life apart. They closed on the house and were married the next morning-the perfect beginning to nineteen years of love and laughter.

Together, they made their house a home-renovating, decorating, and dreaming. Rick would often ask “How much is this going to cost? and Bonnie would smile and say, Don’t worry-You’ll love it.” and he did. Rick loved opening his home to everyone-friends, neighbors, or even strangers-because of him, there was always room for one more at the table.

Rick faced several health challenges throughout his life, including diabetes, prostate cancer, lung cancer, and Alzheimer’s. Yet we met each trial with courage, humor, and gratitude.

He and Bonnie cherished their time traveling the country together in their truck and trailer, visiting 47 of the 50 states, making memories in everyone.

In 2012, Rick was baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and in 2013, he and Bonnie were sealed in the temple for time and all eternity. Rick deeply loved his ward family and found great purpose in his faith, his service, and his testimony of the gospel.

In his final days, keeping his family close was especially important to Rick. The love, the laughter, and faith shared within his home became a lasting source of peace for all who loved him.

Rick passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025. At 1:34 a.m. He is now reunited with loved ones who preceded him in death-his parents Harold Richard and Erma Marie Monson, his brother Larry Charles Monson, his beloved in-Laws Vincent and Della Buttars, and his brother-in-law Cleve Buttars-all of whom welcomed him home with open arms.

Rick’s legacy lives on through his devoted wife Bonnie, his children Christopher and his spouse Ruthie, and their children Noah, Samuel and Gabriel. Deborah and her spouse Eric and daughter Kaytlin. Lorraine and her spouse Jason, and their children, Zachary, Alysa, her husband  Jason, and great grandson Lucas. 

He is also lovingly remembered by his stepchildren: Shaunna and her spouse Joseph Rechsteiner, and their children Andrea and Ryan; Colby and his spouse Christine Haas, and their children Braiden, Justin, and Alex; Lindsay and her spouse Ben Comsa; and Megan and her spouse Alan Moreno, and their children Kylan, Jordan, and Camden.

Dear friends Julie and Vern Wood held a special place in Rick’s heart, sharing countless memories of travel, laughter, and Pinochle games-Very affectionately calling him his “brother from another mother.”

Rick will be remembered for his stories, his kindness, his humor, and the love he poured into his family, friends, and faith. He will be deeply missed but forever celebrated.

“Well done, though good and faithful servant…enter thou into the joy of the Lord.”

Matthew 25:21

We would like to give gratitude to Chaplin Vada Southers, Marcos Uboldi-Social worker, and especially our nurse Taylor Goodwin for their loving care.

Funeral Services will be held Friday November 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.at the Layton 37th Ward, 505 So. 1000 W. Layton, Utah. Friends may visit family Thursday November 20, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Rd. and Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment at Lindquist’s Memorial Park at Layton.

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