Bonnie Spengler Kenison (1962-2026)

Our dearest Bonnie passed from this life into eternity on August 18, 2026 with her husband cradling her head and her two beloved children holding her hands.

Bonnie Lynn Spengler was born on April 29, 1962 at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington D.C., the first child of William and Jane Spengler. She was later joined by two siblings, Russ and Kristin.

Bonnie's family lived in several towns in Virginia, and for a year in Houston, before they settled in Springfield in Northern Virginia, where she completed junior high and high school. Bonnie was a classic "big sister," caring for her younger siblings as well as teasing them every chance she could. She did well in school and enjoyed playing soccer.

Bonnie studied computer science at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, one of the few women in the program at the time, earning her degree with honors in 1984. During her college years, she did two student internships with IBM in Manassas, Virginia. It was there that she caught the eye of a young man who had recently moved from Utah to start his first full-time job. They both always felt there was a divine hand that brought them together. Bonnie graduated and accepted full-time employment at that same IBM location; and not long after she started, she and Dave were dating. "The rest is history."

Bonnie and David were married on July 18, 1987 in the Washington D.C. LDS temple. They made their first home in Manassas, where they soon welcomed a baby girl whom they named Sarah Elizabeth. In 1989 the little family transferred with IBM to Colorado, where they adopted their son Matthew Walter when he was 2 weeks old. In 1991 they moved to Orem, Utah. Over the years, they also welcomed several "loaner daughters" into their home — Martha, Amy, and Alessandra — loving them as members of the family.

Bonnie greatly enjoyed her career as a software engineer, but felt thankful to put it on hold because she also loved being a mother. She created a warm, happy home where her children's friends were always welcome and loved to spend time. She was an expert seamstress and a great cook, and had a knack for decorating, mechanical repairs, and crafts.

When the children were older, Bonnie enrolled in classes at UVSC to update her computer skills (she used to joke, "They invented the Internet while I was gone raising children!"). She taught computer science classes there as an adjunct professor for several years. Rumors say she was known as "Killer Kenison" for her no-nonsense grading, and expectation that students do their best. She later accepted a part-time job developing software with an Orem company. She loved both the work and the friendships she found at Tybera. She retired in 2019 so she could travel and serve with her husband.

Bonnie always found great joy in serving others. Her church assignments included Primary president, counselor, and teacher (she loved working with children), Young Women leader and camp director, Relief Society president, and many others. In 2019, she and her husband served a mission in Argentina, coordinating humanitarian donations throughout the country and nearby Paraguay. And she volunteered for many years with the American Red Cross; her service was untiring in disaster relief efforts both locally and across the country.

Bonnie also loved to travel. She and Dave visited more than 40 counties in the years they shared, and many states in the U.S. In recent years they purchased a travel trailer and enjoyed some marvelous "nature time," both alone and occasionally with grandchildren. She enjoyed hiking with Dave, and playing at beaches or lakes with her children and grandchildren.

Bonnie was first diagnosed with cancer in 2020. The cancer was successfully removed, but recurred in June 2024. She fought it courageously for more than two years, continuing to serve and travel as much as she could between the treatments, until the cancer won. She faced her illness with determination, grace, trust in God, and an unwavering concern for others.

Bonnie is survived by her loving husband David, her children Sarah (Brian) Wright and Matthew (Jenna) Kenison, and seven grandchildren she adored and who all dearly loved their Nana; by her father Bill Spengler, brother Russ (Tracy) Spengler, and sister Kristin (Shawn) McAndrews; and by four sisters-in-law (Dave's sisters) who considered Bonnie a bonus sister. She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Jane Spengler.

Bonnie's family is deeply grateful for dedicated oncology doctors and nurses, and for the hospice staff, who supported us in the struggle. We were also blessed and sustained greatly by the prayers, kindness, and encouragement of countless friends near and far, who loved Bonnie and were touched by her love in so many ways. Your amazing faith and support on our behalf have made this burden much easier to carry.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 29, at 11 a.m. at the LDS Chapel located at 1405 North Main, Orem, Utah. Streaming will be available at the link shown on this site. Visitation with the family will be on Friday evening from 7-9 p.m. at that same location, or on Saturday from 9-10:30 a.m. before the service. Interment will be in the Payson City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers Bonnie encouraged donations to the American Red Cross or the American Cancer Society.