Aaron Ray Stoddard

1922 - 2014

May 8, 1922 ~ Aug. 21, 2014
Our beloved father and grandfather, Aaron Ray Stoddard, passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, August 21, 2014, at the age of 92.
He was born of goodly parents, Lillie May King and Milton Chester Stoddard on May 8, 1922 in Iona, Idaho, the third of six children. Aaron was raised on a farm where his parents taught him a strong work ethic, which he instilled in his children and grandchildren. He graduated from Rupert High School and went on to receive an accounting degree from Brigham Young University. Aaron moved to Utah to work at the new Geneva Steel. In the midst of World War II, he met Lorayn Walker. While they were courting, he was drafted. During a furlough, Aaron and Lorayn were married on June 11, 1943, in the Salt Lake Temple. He served in the Army Air Corps as a teletype operator, decoding messages, while stationed in England, France, Germany and Belgium. They were blessed with seven loving children. Spending time with family was always a priority, and their children have many memories of their summer vacations and holidays. Aaron and Lorayn enjoyed almost 70 years together here on this earth, and after a 17 month separation are now reunited once again for all eternity. We are grateful for all that our parents taught us about the gospel of Jesus Christ and the knowledge that our family can be together forever. Our dad led an exemplary, Christ-like life as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many positions in his ward and stake. He and his wife served in the Canada Winnipeg Mission from 1990-1992. They served at the MTC as service missionaries for many years and faithfully attended the temple. He was an honest and dependable man, full of integrity. All who knew him understood that they could always depend on him. His children feel blessed to have had a dedicated, hardworking man as their father, who always put their welfare and God first. Thank you, dearest Father. We love you and "you are".
Aaron is survived by his seven children; Saundra (John) Weight, Roosevelt; Ronald (Barbara) Frankfurt Germany Mission; Kathleen (Kenny) Hiatt, North Carolina; Randall (Merialice) Orem; Kenneth (Polly), Springville; Gerald (Patti), Georgia; Sheryl Beachem, Riverton; 26 grandchildren, 65 great grandchildren, with two on the way; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his dear wife Lorayn, his parents, three sisters-Belva Mix, Helen Banner, Delsa Wrigley; and two brothers-Verdean and Elwin Stoddard.
A viewing will be held Monday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Walker Sanderson Funeral Home, 646 East 800 North, Orem. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, August 26th at 1:00 p.m. in the Suncrest 6th Ward, 891 West 130 North, Orem, with a viewing from 11:30 - 12:45 prior to the service. Burial will be in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery. The family wishes that any contributions be made in Dad's name to the General Missionary Fund of the LDS Church. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.walkersanderson.com.