Penelope Ophelia Hunt Bone

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Penelope Ophelia Hunt Bone “Penny”, 83, of Manti, Utah, passed away on February 28, 2024, at home of natural causes.

Penny was born to Merlin Jefferson “Jay” Hunt and Ophelia “Felix” Naomi Hansen Hunt on July 21, 1940 in American Falls, Idaho. She attended schools all over the United States and Japan as her family traveled to be with her father as he served in the US Air Force. She lived in Oregon, California, Utah, Texas, Virginia, Mississippi and Japan, but the family ranch at Lake Channel in Power County, Idaho was always home. She graduated from Patti Welder High School in Victoria, Texas.

She met Bruce Bone at church when her father was stationed in Tachikawa, Japan. He was a young homesick airman and he, along with many others, often joined the Hunts for Sunday dinners. Penny was only 14 at the time, and she felt like he was one of a dozen big brothers that made sure she was safe and protected. Over the years, however, they kept in touch and fell in love. On 1 April 1960 they were married in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity.

Penny was a loving and devoted mother to their nine children: Kathryn May (Michael) Whitworth of Rigby, ID; Mathew Hunt (Paula) Bone of West Valley City, Utah; Janette Susan (Dan) McClanahan of Enoch, Utah; Roger Lynn (Nadine) Bone of Taylorsville, Utah; Brent Richard Bone of Taylorsville, Utah; Pamela Marie Sanders of Cedar City, Utah; Nora Elizabeth (Mitch) Peterson of Manti, Utah; Jefferson Eldon (Cherie) Bone of St. George, Utah; and, David Bruce (Desiree) Bone of Manti, Utah. She was a grandmother to 18 grandchildren and a great grandmother to 22 great grandchildren. Each knew they were loved and cherished and she would do anything within her power for them.

She was a loving big sister and assistant mother to her siblings: Helen Luaine Furgason of West Valley City; Norman Wayne (Joeleen) Hunt of Rupert, Idaho; Utahna Jene (Michael) Waddoups of Canon City, Colorado; Tamara Black of Bountiful, Utah; and, sister-in-law to Barbara Hunt of Layton, Utah.

She is preceded in death by her sweetheart, Bruce; her parents Merlin “Jay” and Ophelia “Felix” Hunt; siblings Merlin Jay Hunt, Gerry Lee Hunt, and Sandra Marie Hunt; brother-in-law Homer Furgason; grandparents Merlin and Ella Nora Allen Hunt and Wm. Hans and Mabel Naomi Hansen; and a great grandson, Jonathan Michael Whitworth.

Penny’s life was a testament to her unwavering faith. She served the Lord in whatever capacity she was asked, including Ward Librarian, Relief Society President, YWMIA advisor, “Sister Friendly” in Primary, Visiting Teacher, and with her husband in many Cub Scouting positions. She served as a missionary at both the Family History Center and the Clothing Distribution Center in Manti.

When VCRs were just becoming a thing, Penny and Bruce opened a video rental store “Sounds Easy” in West Valley City, Utah, which gave each of their children an opportunity to learn how to work and earn money. They sold the store when Bruce’s employment was transferred to the St. George area. They lived in LaVerkin, UT and had a small hobby farm which they enjoyed. However, it became apparent that it was more than they could continue to take care of as they grew older. After Bruce retired, they moved to Manti, Utah, where they stayed and enjoyed their golden years together.

Penny was involved in the PTA; the Lion’s Club of Taylorsville, Utah; volunteered at Manti Elementary; and, she helped Bruce in the establishment and operation of “The Happy Factory” Manti Branch, manufacturing thousands of small wooden toys to be given to any child, near or far, in need of a toy. She also enjoyed reading, doing puzzles, embroidering, quilting, eating Dove ice cream bars, hearing a good Dad joke, and riding in the car. The greatest joy for Penny, however, came from being with her family.

Funeral Services for Penny will be at 11:00 am on Friday, March 8, 2024 at the Manti Tabernacle at 90 S. Main St, Manti, Utah. The family will welcome friends and loved ones for visitation on Thursday evening from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm and prior to the service from 9:30 am to 10:30 am in the Manti Tabernacle Relief Society Room. Interment will be in the Manti Cemetery.

For a link to the live stream of the funeral services, please go to Penny’s obituary at www.maglebymortuary.com