Eileen McKinnon Suggs

 Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.

Eileen McKinnon Suggs, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away October 13, surrounded by love. She was born January 19, 1943, in Provo, Utah, to William Muir and Ila Graham McKinnon. She graduated from Payson High School in 1961, where she was a cheerleader and member of the pep club, dance revue, and chorus. She played Ado Annie in Oklahoma! and was Miss Payson 1961.

Eileen was a true romantic who endeavored to live life fully and on her own terms. She loved NASCAR, the opera, old movies, and every sport except soccer. Though she had many talents and careers, her true vocation was that of a perpetual optimist. She survived cancer, loss, and pain with incredible courage, showing her children how to face any challenge with grit, a sense of adventure, and usually a song. She was strong to her last breath.

Eileen met Daniel Lee Suggs in the autumn of her life. He was her true love and her hero. They married on August 10, 1989, in Elko, Nevada. His gentle understanding and support sustained her for the three decades they shared and continued sustaining her even after his death in November 2017.

Eileen was also preceded in death by her son, William "Alex" Simpson; her parents; brothers, Forest and Ronald McKinnon; sister-in-law Faye Clark McKinnon; and grandson, Joseph Behunin. She is survived by her daughters, Shauna Bona (Robert Sobocinski) and Angela Simpson Drumright (Charles); brother Bryan McKinnon; five grandchildren, Jeremiah Drumright, Sophia Bona-Layton, Tyler Behunin, Benjamin Drumright (Trystin), and Daniel "Alex" Behunin; stepdaughters, Deborah Wingard (Jack) and Sondra Harrison (Tim); Shauna's father, Monte Bona; and too many adoptive daughters, honorary children, in-laws past and present, cousins, nieces, and nephews to name.

A celebration of Eileen's life will be held on Friday, October 18, at the McDougal Gathering Hall, 4306 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, with a visitation for family and friends at 12:30 p.m., followed by the service at 1 p.m. Interment will follow in the Benjamin Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Eileen's many friends at Olympus Ranch, and especially to her CNA Jo, for filling the last chapter of her life with laughter, friendship, and tender care.

Throughout her life, Eileen was passionate about helping women in need.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the YWCA to support women and children experiencing domestic violence.

M Go Blue!