Norma Hardy

Norma Adell Hardy, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2025, in Rexburg, Idaho, at the age of 86. A longtime resident of St. Anthony, Idaho, Norma was cherished for her vibrant spirit, her deep love of family, and her steadfast faith in Jesus Christ.

Born on November 18, 1938, to Lawrence and Dora Hardy, Norma was raised in southeastern Idaho, where she cultivated a lifelong love for its natural beauty, particularly Yellowstone National Park. She enjoyed horseback rides, scenic car trips, and felt a deep connection with the mountains, trees and wildlife.

Norma’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was an avid student of the gospel, always seeking deeper truths and understanding. She held many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved sharing and teaching the gospel. Her devotion to the Lord was evident in her service as a senior Spanish-speaking missionary in San José, Costa Rica, where she began as a medical missionary and later sharing the gospel alongside younger missionaries.

Norma also had a profound love for books. An avid reader, she surrounded herself with books, which became a source of joy and comfort—a “security blanket” that enriched her life and fueled her curiosity. Her vast collection reflected her thirst for knowledge and her love of stories, both sacred and secular. In addition to her love of reading, Norma enjoyed painting, a talent that brought her immense joy and earned her several prizes at the county fair.

Before marrying, Norma worked as a switchboard operator, later dedicating herself to raising her family. She also co-owned and operated a health food store in St. Anthony with her mother. After her divorce from Evan Dean Stoddard, she pursued a variety of careers with diligence and passion. She worked as a certified nurse’s aide, processed income taxes, and served as a secretary for Maricopa Community Colleges in Arizona. She retired as a secretary for the Building/Construction Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Even in retirement, she found joy working as a waitress in Yellowstone and Island Park, where she delighted in meeting people from all walks of life.

Norma is survived by her younger brother, Philip Hardy (Clara); her four children, Mike Stoddard (Julie), Jeff Stoddard (Jill), Debbie Hobbs, and Anita Tellez; as well as 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren and their spouses and step-children. She was preceded in death by her parents, her older brother Kenneth Hardy, two grandsons, Shawn and Todd Stoddard, and her son-in-law, David Hobbs.

Norma’s legacy is one of love, faith, and resilience. She leaves behind a family who will forever treasure her wisdom, humor, and devotion.

Funeral services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building, 507 West 2nd North on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 11 am. The family will receive friends prior to the funeral from 10:00 am to 10:45 am at the same location. Interment will be in the Wilford Cemetery under the direction of Bert Flamm Mortuary. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.flammfh.com.

Norma’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the medical staff at Madison Memorial Hospital for their kindness, compassion, and competent care during her final days. They take comfort in knowing she has reunited with loved ones who passed before her and that her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.