Ralph Hyer Stoddard, 58, of Logan, Utah, passed from this life on the morning of August 22, 2013, after having courgageously battled kidney cancer for several years. His final days and weeks were spent at home with loved ones near. Although we will miss him dearly, we are comforted in knowing that families are forever and that he has been relieved from his suffering.
Ralph was born on February 5, 1955 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was the first child adopted by Dan and Lu Stoddard. He grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and attended General William Mitchell High School. He later attended Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, and also served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Indianapolis, Indiana. He married Lorraine Jones of Ventura, California on November 29, 1980 in the Los Angeles LDS Temple. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.
Ralph spent his professional career working with and counseling children, adolescents, and families by teaching them how to be more successful in their relationships and in life. He worked at the Utah Boys Ranch, Utah Youth Village, and Uinta Academy. During the latter years of his career, he concentrated on working with adopted young people, which he thoroughly enjoyed. During the last few years of his life and even while battling his illness, Ralph was working towards earning a graduate degree to become a Licensed Professional Counselor.
Ralph was preceded in death by his father, Dan W. Stoddard. He is survived by his wife, Lorraine; mother Lu Stoddard, sisters Linda Worthington and Becky Hunsaker, children Caroline (Benjamin) Salisbury, Bryan (Cali) Stoddard, Alaina (Justin) Messenger, Suzanna, Natalie, and Benjamin, and grandchildren Adalyn, Claire, Gabriel, Graham, Grace, and Frederick.
Special thanks to Dr. Bennion and his staff for their care and compassion.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, August 27, 2013, at the LDS meetinghouse located at 875 N. 1500 E. in Logan, Utah. A viewing will be held at the church from 9:30-10:45 am. Burial will be in the Logan Cemetery.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at
www.allenmortuaries.net