Bonnie Rae Dansie’s great-grandparents settled Fort Herriman, south of Salt Lake City. She grew up on a farm in that wild country, enjoying the benefits of a family who knew about hard work, and hard fun. Nowadays, everyone who goes out that way passes and recognizes The Barn in Herriman where you can square dance the night away with the Dansie Family Band.

She was born on August 4, 1940, in the Salt Lake Valley; one of five children. An interesting lesson from her mother was the value of trust. While growing up, Bonnie understood it was much more important to be trusted, than to be loved. With this kind of relationship, it was very hard to truly disappoint one another as they depended upon each family member from farm work to living the commandments.

A family tradition for the Dansies was to share their Christmas with others. Even in hard times they would gather together extra food items and clothing and deliver them to unsuspecting neighbors. She, and her husband and children have kept this tradition up over all these years.

Bonnie grew up well entrenched in the workings of Relief Society. She remembers playing under quilting frames as a little girl. The women in her family served and showed Bonnie how to serve, and look out for others.

After graduating from Utah State University, in elementary education and early childhood development, Bonnie began teaching third grade in Bountiful. Through a friend, she met her husband, James La Mar Parkin, who was a medical student at the University of Utah.

James finished his residency in Seattle, where they spent six years. They both served in leadership positions, and created lasting friendships, in that area. Returning to Salt Lake City, James began his medical career and Bonnie raised the children, working with the PTA and other community councils.

The children, over the years, have collected Bonnie-isms, that have stirred them on to be good soldiers. Many family jokes start with a Bonni-ism, such as “The Holy Ghost goes to bed at midnight,” or “Are You Building?” She wasn’t exactly a strict parent, but she was known to take a child out of school in order to make the bed properly.

Service has been a hallmark in Bonnie’s life. Her callings in the Church range from teacher to Stake Young Women president. In September of 1990, Bonnie was called to the Relief Society general board under Elaine L. Jack. Her assignment was to help young women transition into the Relief Society. This remained her main concern as she continued to lead first as a counselor to Janette C. Hales, in the General Young Women Presidency, and again as General Relief Society President.

After serving in the General Young Women’s organization, she and her husband were called to serve over the London South Mission. Almost immediately upon arriving, she became seriously ill with an inner ear blood clot. As a result, she lost the hearing in her ear. She was so upset at starting her mission this way, she vowed to not waste another day…ever.

Being away from children and grandchildren was difficult. They left behind six grandchildren and returned to twelve. It was pure joy to reconnect with all of their loved ones at their return, but she will treasure the time she was able to serve with her husband.

In February 2002, as the Winter Olympics were just ending in Salt Lake City, Bonnie received a phone call from President Hinckley’s secretary. From February until April 6th, when it was finally announced over the pulpit, Bonnie sat on the knowledge of her new calling. She called Kathleen H. Hughes and Anne C. Pingree as her counselors.

Her clear message to the sisters was that the Lord loves every single sister and that they belong. To emphasize this point, she said,

“I love Relief Society! It has helped define me as a woman. I am who I am because of good women I have associated with in Relief Society—women who have encouraged me, who have loved me, who have believed in me. Come to Relief Society! It will fill your homes with love and charity; it will nurture and strengthen you and your families” (“Oh, How We Need Each Other!” March 2004).

During her presidency, the Relief Society Building was renovated on the 164th anniversary of the organization of the Relief Society. Also, this presidency suggested that they train sister missionaries, serving on Temple Square, how to be covenant women and prepare them for leadership skills that they can carry back to their countries.

Sis. Parkin has spoken at many world conferences about defending the family and has traveled all over the world to hold the arms of children receiving life-saving inoculations.

Even now that she is released, she continues to serve wherever she can.

Information from Faith, Hope, and Charity Peterson and Gaunt