Bonnie M. Ivans

Bonnie Lou Murray Ivans was a remarkable woman. She came into the world on December 31, 1930 in Aberdeen, South Dakota and left it on December 8, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. The life lived between those dates was that of a dignified, intelligent, loving, curious, feisty, determined, classy woman.

The only child of William and Lena Evenson Murray, she often told stories of hunting for pheasant with her parents and their Irish Setters, King and Queenie. She made and kept many dear, life-long friends in those years. Later, she attended the local teacher’s college before transferring to the University of Colorado in Boulder to complete her degree in education. In 1953, she met her future husband, George Ivans at an event put on by his fraternity. They were married in July of 1954 and went on to have seven children (remarkable given that George was also an only child!) Gregory and Deborah were born in Boulder and Pamela, Mark and Jennifer were born while living in east Denver. In 1963, they purchased what would become their “forever” home in Lakewood where Karen and Rebecca were born. During those years, they also sponsored a family from Cuba, and provided a home to a series of foster teenagers (also convenient babysitters!)

Bonnie was the ultimate cook, baker, homemaker and hostess and was well known for her orange rolls, Christmas cookies and casseroles. Her daughters still marvel at her ability to strip sheets from eight beds in the morning, wash them, hang them on the line outside to dry, then remake all the beds before bedtime. Incredibly, the house was always clean and organized; skills she attempted to pass on to all her children. Additionally, she supported her children’s school and after-school activities leading, supervising and/or chauffeuring to scouting, piano and ballet lessons, swimming, paper routes and more! Summers in particular were busy with camping, road trips and various projects around the house.

After a short stint teaching 5th grade in Boulder before Greg was born, Bonnie returned to teaching at Our Lady of Fatima School in 1971. She founded the “Reading Center”, working with students that needed extra attention. She went on to serve as Assistant Principal before retiring in 1996 after 25 years of service. Some of you might remember being sent to Mrs. Ivans’ office for some firm, but loving “discipline”!

She, with George, was a devoted and active member of the Catholic Church, holding home Masses for many years through their involvement with CFM and CANA. It was not uncommon to have local and visiting priests stop by for one of her famous dinners and hospitality. For many years, she was a Eucharistic Minister as well as faithfully attending bible study classes with George.

A love of reading led to her involvement in at least two reading clubs over the years. She was also a member of the AAUW and enjoyed lunches on a regular basis with friends of these and other organizations. Bonnie and George traveled extensively before and during their retirement years, spending time at their condos in Breckenridge and Palm Desert. They also enjoyed going to Mexico, Australia and a river cruise in Europe.

Towards the end of her life, she suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, moving to the Sunrise at Pinehurst Assisted Living facility with George in 2018. After his passing in 2019, her illness progressed but she remained cheerful, dignified, and always well-dressed with visits from her family and friends a treasured highlight of her time there. She was incredibly well-loved and died the way she lived her life, with dignity and elegance. She will be dearly missed.

Bonnie was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, George, her son Mark Ivans, and her sons-in-law James Whittenberg and Patrick Grummer. She is survived by her children Gregory (Dawn) Ivans, Deborah Grummer, Pamela (Clayton) Trapp, Jennifer Ivans, Karen Helfrich and Rebecca (Victor) Amato. She also leaves a legacy of multiple grandchildren (22) and great-grandchildren (25).