Bonnie Elser

Bonnie Louise Elser, 83, of Rigby, passed away December 1, 2024.

Bonnie was born March 25, 1941, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, the eldest daughter, to Jay Douglas Tyler and Dorothy Louise Cleverley Tyler. She grew up and attended schools in the Coltman area on the family farm. She was a country girl through and through. She attended school at Fairview and Ucon, and graduated from Bonneville High School.

In June 1960, she married Blair H. Wilkins. To this union were born four children; B Lydell Wilkins, LaDawn Farnes, Launa L. Jenkins, and Marty Wilkins. They were later divorced.

On May 19, 1989, she married W. Oral Elser in Grant, Idaho. With this union, Bonnie gained a stepson, Kyle Elser, and a stepdaughter, Wendy Flechsing. Bonnie worked as a lunch lady for District 93 schools and served as the PTA president. She spent time working for Wright Oil and Idahoan for many years.

Bonnie was a wonderful homemaker, outstanding cook, and the Queen of Clean. She was a classy lady that loved her family unconditionally. She enjoyed gardening and was a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers and the Red Hatters. She was a strong supporter of her family and grandchildren. She traveled with Oral to countless cowboy poetry gatherings. Hosting Grandma Bonnie family reunions every summer was a favorite activity. She enjoyed having chickens around her home and a cat or two to keep the mice away.

She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many callings including temple worker, Primary President, Young Women President, teacher, and Cub Scout den mother.

Bonnie is survived by her husband, W. Oral Elser of Rigby, ID; children, B Lydell (Judy) Wilkins of Rexburg, ID, daughter, LaDawn (Steve) Farnes of Kaysville, UT, daughter, Launa (Curt) Jenkins of Idaho Falls, ID, son, Marty Wilkins of Rigby, ID; stepson, Kyle A (Marie) Elser of Idaho Falls, ID; stepdaughter, Wendy (Jeff) Flechsing of Nampa, ID; sisters, Carol Beth (Evan) Miner of South Jordan, UT, and JoAnn (Thomas) Haynes, of Idaho Falls, ID; 16 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Douglas Tyler, grandson, Joshua J Jenkins, and granddaughter, Kelsey Hurst.

The family would like to acknowledge Trisha Martin and staff at Alliance Hospice for their compassion and loving hands, making Bonnie’s last weeks comfortable.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 6, 2024, at Grant 1st Ward, 3431 East 100 North, Rigby, Idaho. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Both visitations will be at the church. Burial will be in the Grant-Central Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.com.