Ronald J Stoddard

Ronald J Stoddard, 81 of St Anthony, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Jan 2, 2025.

Ronald was born on October 9, 1943, in Rexburg, Idaho, to Calvin and LaVinna Stoddard. Summers in his youth were spent between the family mill in Island Park and Rexburg. These years fostered lifelong bonds, particularly with his childhood friends Brent “Wink” Zollinger and Brenda Sutherland Jeppesen. He attended schools in Rexburg, graduating from Madison High School in 1961, where he proudly started on the basketball team for the Bobcats his first year of high school. He furthered his education at Idaho State University for two years and served his country in the National Guard.

Ron’s career was deeply intertwined with the family business. From a young age, he worked at Stoddard Lumber Company in Island Park and later in St. Anthony, eventually co-owning and operating it until his retirement in 2005. He overcame the challenge of rebuilding the mill from a devastating fire that burned the mill to the ground in 1989.

In 1965, Ron married Ranae Blunck, and they welcomed their son, Bryan, in 1968. Sadly, Ranae passed away in 1969. He later found love again with Elaine Mason, whom he married on October 16, 1970. They were sealed in the Rexburg LDS temple on June 22, 2017. With Elaine, he embraced the role of dad to Dusty, Shelli, and Alaina.

Ron’s passions were many. He enjoyed golf, archery, tinkering with old cars – especially his beloved 1956 Chevy Bel Air, and his Toyota Land Cruiser “Murff ”. He cherished attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and any occasion that allowed him to spend time with his loved ones.

Ron is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Elaine; his children: Dusty (Cindy) Mason, Shelli (Craig) Stoddard, Alaina (Travis) Sharp, and Bryan (Suzanne) Stoddard; 14 grandchildren; and 31 great-grandchildren, with another expected in June. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Ranae, brothers Gary and Clayne Stoddard, sisters Beverly Blunck and Julie Metcalf, grandson Kyler Sharp, and great-grandson Gabriel Mele.

Ron will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Special thanks to Dawn and Aspen Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Anthony LDS Stake Center, 247 E. 4th N. The family will receive friends on Monday the 6th from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and again on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. both times at the Stake Center. Burial will be in the Sugar City Cemetery with military rites. Services are under the direction of Bert Flamm Mortuary.