Bonnie Grace Valek

Bonnie Grace Valek (born McKinlay), a beloved mother, devoted disciple, and bold adventurer, returned to her Heavenly Father on September 27, 2025, at the age of 69, following a short but courageous battle with cancer.

Bonnie was born on June 8, 1956, in Mud Lake, Idaho, to Blaine Ford McKinlay and Thelma Grace Zweifel. She later moved to Merced, California, where she spent most of her childhood.

Bonnie lived a life defined by devotion both to her Savior and family. As a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bonnie was a steadfast believer in her Savior, Jesus Christ. In her youth, she put her education on hold to share the Gospel on a full-time mission in Pennsylvania. She faced every life hardship with immense courage, always remaining resolute in her faith.

Bonnie graduated from Brigham Young University with a master’s degree in accounting, but she later set her career aside, taking a leap of faith and moving to Croatia to start her family with Ivan Valek. More than any professional pursuit, Bonnie found her greatest joy as the glue and driving force that united her family. Bonnie’s greatest priority was bringing her children together. She had a passion for creating lasting memories through amazing family reunions on sunny beaches, in national parks, or even in cold weather.

She is survived by her loving children, Rebekah Grace (Trevor) Keller, David Ivan (Lacey Cumming) Valek, Sarah Marie Valek, Benajmin Blaine (Briana Costanzo) Valek, and Rachel (Jeremiah) Valek Jensen. She is also survived by her three grandchildren, Gianna Grace Escort, Carter Jackson Valek, and Lainey Grace Valek, as well as by her siblings, Rodney (Lori Genta) McKinlay, Mark (Laurie Haynie) McKinlay, and Colleen (Vonn) Logan. She is preceded in death by her parents, Blaine Ford McKinlay and Thelma Grace McKinlay, and her siblings, Douglas Blaine McKinlay, and Gail McKinlay.

Funeral Services & Interment

Per Bonnie’s wishes, a graveside service and interment will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 3rd, 2025, at Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery, 4600 South Yellowstone Highway, Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Following the services and internment, friends and family are invited to join the family for light refreshments to celebrate Bonnie’s life at 3085 East 65th South, Ammon, Idaho.

The family would be especially grateful to hear your cherished memories of Bonnie, which will be laid to rest alongside her. Please send all memories to ibvalek@gmail.com.

For those who wish to send flowers, please have them delivered to 3085 East 65th South, Ammon, Idaho 83406. Because this location is a short-term rental, please have them delivered no sooner than Thursday, and the family will bring them to the Friday service.

Condolences for the family may be expressed on this page.