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Bonnie Mae West

Dec. 20, 1949 - Apr. 13, 2026

Date of Service: Apr. 24, 2026

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our dear aunt, Bonnie Mae West. She passed away peacefully on April 13, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Bonnie was born on December 20, 1949, to Mansfield Jay West and Florence Fay Gentry. Bonnie was the youngest of her siblings and remained deeply devoted to her parents and family throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Louise Ferrin, Paul West, and Faye Rasmussen.

A dedicated educator, Bonnie spent 34 years teaching eighth-grade English at William Thomas Middle School in American Falls. She was deeply loved by her students and highly respected by her colleagues. Former students always commented on what a fun teacher Bonnie was and how she always treated them with kindness and compassion. Upon her retirement in 2005, she returned to her roots in Heyburn to be closer to those she loved most.

Family was everything to Bonnie and she loved spending time with her immediate family as well as her first cousins, Patsy, Claudia and Marlene. Together the “girls “ had many adventures and made lifelong memories together!

While Bonnie was a passionate lover of animals, music, and books, she was perhaps best known as a devoted aunt to her eight nieces and nephews: Kelly ( Barbara) Ferrin, Trent (Bonnie) Ferrin, Gay (Jeff) Miller, Cary (Amy) Ferrin, Suzette (Johnny) Miller, Laura (Mark) Muzatko, Angela (Aaron) Butcher, and Ty (Cameo) West. She also loved being a “great aunt” to their children. She was a constant presence in all their lives, always cheering them on at sporting events and celebrating family holidays. We will fondly remember her as a fierce card player and for her adventurous spirit, often leading the way for a late-night swim in the canal to cool off during the summer.

Bonnie’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the love she gave so freely. We were blessed to have her in our lives and she will be forever missed, but never forgotten.

Our family would like to express our sincere gratitude to the many family, friends, and community members who have reached out with kindness and support during this difficult time.

A sincere thank you to Hospice Visions for the dignity and compassionate care they provided to Bonnie in her final days. A special thank you to Addison Ellenberger for her dedication and support to Bonnie in her final hours.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Bonnie’s memory to the Rupert Animal Shelter or Four Paws Bed and Bath.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 24, at Rasmussen-Wilson, located at 1350 E. 16th Street, in Burley, where family and friends will be received from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Burial will follow at Rupert Cemetery.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/4bIzy_eReUA.

Condolences for Bonnie Mae West

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Bryan Sprague :

She worked hard to help all of us young students.

From Jaiymie:

Ms. West was my 8th grade English teacher. One of the best teachers I had! She will def be missed! Prayers and positive thoughts sent to her family and friends at this time!

From Stephanie Queen:

Ms West was a good teacher, she always treated me well and fair . I believe I had her more than one time as my teacher . I remember she loved reading . She made a difference

From terry tracy:

Sorry for your loss I grew up with Bonnie and Faye out by there farm and rode the same bus

From Julie :

Missing Ms. Bonnie — the kindest cousin and friend ever.

From Gary Gentry:

I remember so many fun times with Bonnie growing up. Our parents would get together all the time. I can still remember Bonnie's reaction to one of Man's off color jokes. Bonnie was such a good friend to so many. She will be missed!

From Shane Dallolio:

I remember Bonnie at many family events. She was always a very pleasant person.

From JoAnne Schenk :

So sorry for the loss of your amazing Aunt

From Nancy Miller:

So sorry to hear of Bonnie's passing. She was such a sweet lady.

From Claudia:

My memory with Bonnie goes back to many hours of swimming in the canal, riding her horse and playing baseball. She was a wonderful Cousin and will be missed by a lot of friends. Rest in peace Bonnie

From Sandra Clayville:

Deepest sympathies for your family. You all are so blessed to have had such a special Aunt.

From Brenda Fairchild:

Bonnie will be missed. I have many memories when we lived houses apart from each other in American Falls. Both Tony and Nichole were lucky enough to have her as their English teacher. Rest In Peace. I hope you and all of our family that has passed before you are having a fun reunion.

From Kelly Ferrin:

Aunt Bonnie was always a joy to visit with, loved the trips she joined our family when we were young kids. Disneyland, camping in Yellowstone, it was always a fun time with her joining us. We will miss you but are so grateful that you are not suffering anymore!

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