(September 15, 1928 – June 12, 2014)
Bonnie Dessma Jensen Gifford, age 85, passed away June 12, 2014. She was born September 15, 1928 in Torrey, Utah to Athol Boone and Mary Alzada Curtis Jensen. Much of her young life was spent there. She married Fay D. Gifford on August 26, 1951. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple. They lived and raised four children mostly in Toquerville, Utah.
Dessma was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had many callings in Primary, Young Women’s MIA and Relief Society. She and her husband served three missions in Northern Idaho, the Philippines and Korea. They also worked for 18 months in the St. George Temple. She worked as the Post Mistress in Toquerville, Utah for several years. She was an avid crocheter and embroiderer and made many cherished gifts for family and friends.
She is survived by her daughters: Pamela (Gary) Sherrill, Kathy (Steve) Flowers and Candice (Steve) Riding; daughter-in-law, Diane Gifford; 16 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; siblings: Connie (Ed) Chappell and Coy (Judy) Jensen; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Fay D. Gifford; son, Kim F. Gifford; brother and sister-in-law, Talmage and Joan Jensen.
Funeral Services
- Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at 2 p.m., with a viewing at 1 p.m., at the Washington LDS 1st Ward Chapel, 82 North Main Street, Washington, Utah.
- Interment will be held in the Washington City Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221. Please visit our website at www.metcalfmortuary.com for condolences, complete obituary and funeral listings.