Ray Stoddard

RAY W. STODDARD IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Ray W. Stoddard, 82, of Idaho Falls, passed away June 20, 2006, at his home of cancer. He was under the care of Aspen Home Health & Hospice. He was born July 27, 1923, in Idaho Falls, to Wilford David Stoddard and Mary Emily Rainsdon Stoddard. The family lived briefly in Twin Falls, then settled in Shelley, where he grew up and attended schools. He was an honorary graduate of Shelley High School. He served in the U. S. Navy during World War II as a Boatsman Mate. On November 5, 1943, he married Edith H. Tracy in Long Beach, California, while serving in the Navy. Their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple March 29, 1961. Following their marriage they lived in Idaho Falls and he worked as a painter for the City of Idaho Falls. He later farmed in Ucon and then in Osgood for over 40 years. They left the farm and moved into Idaho Falls three years ago because of his ill health. An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served in the Osgood Ward Bishopric and as a temple worker for 10 years. He and Edith were full-time LDS missionaries in Adelaide, Australia, and he served as interim Mission President there for three months. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America and received the Silver Beaver Award. He was also active in the Sons of the Utah Pioneers and was President in 1990. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, woodworking, and doing just about anything and everything with his grandchildren. He especially loved "farm day" with his grandchildren. Survivors include: Wife: Edith Stoddard, Idaho Falls, ID Son: Merlin Ray "Skip" (Natalia) Stoddard, Juneau, AK Son: A. David (Pam) Stoddard, Big Fork, MT Daughter: Sharon (Duane) Elder, Idaho Falls, ID Daughter: Betty (Lynn) Dansie, Rigby, ID Daughter: Teresa (Randall) Wheeler, Idaho Falls, ID Brother: Richard "Dick" Stoddard, Kuna, ID Sister: Maxine England, Provo, UT 30 Grandchildren & 47 Great Grandchildren He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Francis A. Stoddard, a sister, Pearl Bland, a grandson, Lenny Leigh, an infant great granddaughter, and great granddaughter, Rachel Sudweeks. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 23, 2006, at the Idaho Falls LDS West Stake Center, 2040 Brentwood Drive, with Bishop Kerry Holmgren of the Mountain View officiating. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home (273 N. Ridge) and Friday for one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in the Taylor Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. Military Rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Team. The family suggests memorials to the Boy Scouts of America, 574 – 4th Street, Idaho Falls, ID 83401.