Barbara Jane Ross-Bonnette, 84, of Tooele, Utah, passed away on March 16, 2026, surrounded by loved ones at Rocky Mountain Care – Willow Springs nursing home in Tooele, Utah. She was born on December 26, 1941, in Delta, Utah. 

Barbara grew up in Delta and carried the values of hard work, resilience, and service throughout her life. She spent many years working in janitorial services at the local high school and intermittently in the food industry, where she took pride in serving her community. Above all, she dedicated herself to raising her family, which she considered her greatest accomplishment. 

Throughout her life, Barbara lived in Kansas, California, Wisconsin, Ohio, Oregon, and Arizona, gathering experiences and friendships along the way. Despite her travels, she spent the majority of her life in Tooele, Utah, the place she ultimately called home. 

Barbara married Jimmie Walker in 1960, Gaylen Fischer in 1965, and James Bonnette in 1968. Each marriage ended in divorce, but each chapter brought growth and, most importantly, family. She was the mother of five children, and her family expanded over the years to include many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom were her pride and joy. 

Barbara was known for her striking red hair and her signature look — perfectly shaped eyebrows and bright red lipstick. She carried the soft scent of baby lotion everywhere she went and was rarely without her trusty blue reusable grocery bag. She loved going to “5 Mans” (Five Guys), car rides, thrift shopping for a good bargain, and sharing the latest gossip over tea. She was a proud member of New Reflections and The Fraternal Order of Eagles #164 where she formed lifelong friendships. 

Her stories, giggles, and warm smile will be deeply missed, as will her flirtatious personality, and her eccentric mystery bags filled with unexpected gifts. 

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Melvin Delcroy Ross and Ellen Lorraine Ivie Ross; her siblings Josephine Smith, Lamond Smith, Donna Echols, Ralph Ross, Norma Kruletz, and Raymond Ross; her nephew and niece, Dick and Shirley, who were more like siblings; and her beloved daughter Melinda. 

She is survived by her sister, Arlene Dennison; her children Terri (Randy) Dew, Stephanie Orr (Dustin), Steven Bonnette, and Rick Bonnette; as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who will carry her memory forward. 

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Latter Day Saints Rocky Ridge Ward, located at 1025 Utah Ave, Tooele, UT 84074. A graveside service will follow at 12:00 PM at the Tooele City Cemetery, 361 S 100 E, Tooele, UT 84074. A luncheon will be held afterward at the church.