Mona Ruth Caldwell returned home to heaven on Monday, March 15th, reuniting with family and friends who had preceded her in death, including her parents Clair and Ruth Johnson, brothers Russell Johnson, Lou Johnson and William Nord, and sisters Aleen Nord and Patsy Johnson.

She leaves behind her husband Bugsy, sisters Jeani (Danny) Bell, Pamela Johnson, brothers Gordon (Bobbie) Johnson and Alan Johnson, her daughters Crissy (Shane) Hunt and Heidi (Ryan) Brinton, and sons Russ (Kimberly) Eldredge, Nathan (Marie) Eldredge, Troy Bowden, Jason Bowden, Seth Bowden and Brian (Nicole) Caldwell, along with many loving nieces and nephews, and 28 grandchildren that are her pride and joy. She relished the title "Grammy" above all.

From a young age, Mona was creative and had an appreciation for art. In her younger years, she played the flute, and she could often be found playing the piano as she raised her children. She loved to toll paint, decorate cakes and make crafts well into her later years. She encouraged artistic and musical talents in her own children and grandchildren, often watching plays, concerts and other events that they participated in. She had a soft spot in her heart for animals, often taking in dogs (and cats) that needed a good home.

Mona first came to Island Park as a young girl, when her family built a cabin on Moose Creek, where they would spend their summers. She has long had an appreciation for the forests, rivers, lakes and mountains, and would often bring her own children back to the cabin, sharing her love of this nearly perfect corner of the world with them.

As with most people, Mona's life had its share of difficulties, but she always did the best she could with what she had to work with. The difficulties and trials she went through herself made her far more sensitive to those around her, and more patient, kind and giving to others. She was quick to help and quick to make friends. She avoided judging people, and instead focused on the good in them. She had a quiet peace and confidence about her, but also a quick wit and subtle sense of humor.  She enjoyed teaching her Primary and Sunday School classes, and loved talking and visiting with people, wherever and whenever the opportunity presented itself.  She genuinely loved and cared about the people in her community.

There will be a viewing Thursday night, from 5:30 to 7:00pm at the Island Park Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Funeral Services will be held at the same location Friday, March 19th at 11:00am. There will be a viewing immediately preceding the funeral from 10:00am to 10:45am.

Mona's family would like to thank the kind nurses and doctors who have helped Mona through her brief battle with cancer, as well as the many wonderful friends who have helped out in so many ways. There are simply not adequate words to thank you all for the good you have done.

There are so many souls that have been touched by her life: Many travelers she served at Elk Creek and Stage Stop over the years, and many local residents who she considered to be family. May we honor her memory and keep a part of her alive in us by living our best lives, and making the world around us a better place with our smiles, kind words and caring acts.

Services will be streamed at:
http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/Events/ashtonidahostake