Davona Bennett Cahoon

Davona was a beloved school teacher, community member, and stalwart ward librarian. Her warmth and direct sense of humor drew people to her, resulting in a lifetime of friendship, community connection, and a tight-knit family. She was the Matriarch of the family, always ready to feed you when visiting, with a persistent nudge to get yourself a cold Diet Coke from the fridge. You sat down in her house and instantly felt safe and deeply seen. It did not matter what experience or emotion you brought to her, she would hold it with such care (and the occasional constructive criticism), that you always walked away feeling unconditionally loved and challenged to be, and do, better. 

If you knew Davona, you were in her circle of care. She was sealed to her college sweetheart Lynn in the Salt Lake Temple on November 13, 1950 and together they welcomed four children, Mike (Evelyn), Scott (Kari), Keven (Kathy) and Karen (Kevin). Her family continued to grow to include 7 grandchildren and their 4 spouses, and 10 great grandkids. If you asked her, the great grands were her favorite. Her wit, intellect, and desire to always be learning, kept her young until the day she left this earth. 

Davona overcame adversity throughout her life. Her husband’s illness took her back to college where she graduated from the University of Utah and earned her teaching degree, starting a career teaching elementary school. She lost her oldest son just before his 30th birthday due to lifelong complications of cystic fibrosis. She lost her husband over 20 years ago after his prolonged battle with chronic illness but she never lost the support and love of her family. Through these trials she developed grit, perseverance, and empathy – traits she modeled and taught to her family. She hosted Sunday dinners where her children and grandchildren could unite each week, strengthening family bonds. 

Davona was an avid sports fan and a staunch supporter of the University of Utah. She kept her March Madness brackets up to date and threw an annual super bowl party. She never stopped reading and was always found in her pink chair with a new library book in her lap. 

Davona loved the Grand Tetons and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She started a family tradition of summer vacations at Jackson Lake that continues to include her great grandchildren. She loved the mountains, and spent many winters bribing her kids to get good grades rewarded with a day skipping school in favor of skiing. 

For someone who was born into a home that had no running water, she was remarkably adaptable to the latest technology, conversing easily on FaceTime or Zoom with her family, and always quick to reply to a text message. She stayed sharp until the end, recording her life stories and surrounded by loved ones.  

Celebrating Davona’s life Monday, May 3rd. Welcoming at 9:30, starting at 11:00. 

Friends may call upon the family on Monday, May 3, 2021 from 9:30-10:45 AM at the Fortuna Ward, 4407 South Fortuna Way Salt Lake City, where a funeral will begin at 11:00 AM.  Interment will follow at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.  For those unable to attend, friends may use the zoom link above to join virtually.