Bonnie Woolstenhulme

Bonnie Jo Godfrey Woolstenhulme was born to Reese and Dona Godfrey in Rexburg, Idaho on 15 June 1956. She suffered a cardiac incident at her home on April 17, 2024 and died at the hospital on April 21, 2024 in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Bonnie grew up on a potato farm in Newdale, Idaho where the “smiley-face barn” used to stand. As the youngest, she escaped many of the indoor  household chores, preferring to be outside working in the fields or on her horse. Bonnie learned guitar and the saxophone, was an avid skier, and a proud graduate of Sugar-Salem High School. 

Bonnie attended Ricks College where she sang in their choir with a beautiful contra-alto voice. In 1975, she rented an apartment in Jackson hole where she worked that summer and, despite her Father’s most dire warnings, she met Vern Woolstenhulme, “one of those Basin boys,” at a young adults activity at Trail Creek campground near the bottom of Teton Pass. Vern was smitten by this petite blonde beauty who could  outwork anyone and passionately loved horses. After he won her heart, she agreed to marry, so long as he never planted potatoes on their farm. The two were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple in December 1975 and were truly devoted to each other. They had their first child, Nancy, in 1976, followed by Blake in 1978, Jeff in 1980, twins Jared and Joseph in 1981, and Blair in 1984.

After Vern completed his Degree, they purchased a home and some non-potato farm ground adjacent to Vern’s parents ranch in Victor, Idaho where they raised horses, cows, grain, hay, their daughter, and five sons.

Bonnie was a do-er and a giver. She sacrificed everything she could for her family, friends, or others in need. She opened her heart, her pantry, and very often, her home to people who stayed for weeks or months at a time, loving, nourishing, and guiding many. In 1997, she welcomed her teenage niece, Lacey Johnson (Allen) into her home for the next four years and as a daughter thereafter. Following the real-estate crash in 2008 - 2010, Vern went to North Dakota to work in the oil fields for a few years and Bonnie shouldered the load managing all farm operations, often delivering loads of Hay to Jackson, Wy herself. As a tribute to her outstanding work, she was recognized as the Teton County Farm Woman of the Year. In the most recent years, she also coordinated all logistics for physically relocating and preserving many historic houses from Jackson to neighboring communities.

 She had active roles in her church serving as a primary teacher or presidency member, and Relief Society President. She was the ward Cub Scout leader for over 10 years helping over 100 boys build and race pinewood derby cars without cutting their fingers off while weaving in the fundamentals of good character and citizenship.  Bonnie was a remarkable influence on many but most of all, as a loving wife and mother to her husband and children who meant everything to her. She sacrificed countless nights desperately trying to ensure her kids had everything they needed physically and spiritually. She rose early to prepare them for each day, then pulled her yoke equally in the farm and construction businesses harnessed side-by-side with her husband. Bonnie was blessed to sneak away occasionally and travel with her mom and sisters to Alaska, Florida, and the Caribbean. She toured parts of Europe and visited South Africa with her husband and often visited her children and grandchildren scattered around the country in the Mountain West, Southwest, and along the East Coast. 

Most will fondly remember Bonnie for her beautiful smile, quick laugh, and just-do-whatever-it-takes outlook. 

Bonnie is survived by her loving husband of 48 years,Vern, her daughter and son in-law, five sons and five daughters-in-law, 24 grandchildren, two great grandchildren, one brother, Glen (Louise) Godfrey, three sisters Geanene (Jim) Poulsen, Sandy Johnson, Kerry (Val) Judkins and numerous nieces and nephews. She is being welcomed on the other side by her parents, Reese and Dona Godfrey and her sister, Jana (Alan) Lighthall. She will be terribly missed until we are all reunited again.

Grand Teton Funeral Home will handle arrangements. A public viewing will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Victor, Idaho on Friday, 26 April 2024 from 6:00-7:30 pm, and again on Saturday, 27 April 2024 from 11:30-12:30. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm and she will be laid to rest in the Victor cemetery.