KSL.com/Salt Lake City Bonnie D. Parkin passed away on Monday at the age of 84. From 2002 to 2007, she was the national president of the Relief Society for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Her death was announced by the church on Tuesday.
President Parkin spoke about women’s roles in maintaining and fostering families. Once a month, she and the general president of Young Women started joint opening exercises for the groups.
She served as the Relief Society’s fourteenth president. Mary Smoot and Elaine Jack, the two women who came before her in the job, passed away earlier this year.
President Parkin stated in a 2004 speech to a general conference that her affiliation with the Relief Society reinforced her dedication as a wife, mother, and divine daughter.
My grasp of the gospel and my love for the Savior and all he has done for me have expanded my heart. She stated, “He is my Savior, my redeemer, and I am eternally thankful for his love that redeems and his obedience to our Heavenly Father.”
She was born in Murray and taught third grade in Bountiful after earning her degree from Utah State University.
She had four sons and eighteen grandchildren with her late husband, James Parkin, who passed away in 2023. From 1997 to 2000, the Parkins led the London South Mission as its mission leaders.
She was the second counselor in the Young Women General Presidency and a member of the Relief Society’s general board prior to being called to the position of president.
The Parleys Stake Center, located at 1870 Parleys Canyon Boulevard in Salt Lake City, will host a viewing on Friday, August 8, from 6 to 8 p.m., according to the family. A funeral ceremony will take place on Saturday, August 9, at 11 a.m. Additionally, on August 9, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., a viewing will take place prior to the funeral service.
