Robert Hugh Stoddard, 72

Robert Hugh Stoddard, 72, of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, passed away Nov. 12, 2022. Robert was born on April 27, 1950, in Pocatello, Idaho, to Jack and Marie Stoddard.

In his own words, he lived a charmed childhood growing up as a real cowboy on a ranch in Lava Hot Springs. In his younger years, Robert was his father’s shadow; it was his No. 1 priority to grow and learn at his father's side. He graduated from Marsh Valley High School and later attended Snow College where he played football.

In the late 1970s, he was a herdsman at the University of Idaho, where he received his degree in education. He married Jodi Michelle Flesher, March 30, 1989, in Prosser, Wash. He began teaching at Paterson Elementary School, where he taught for 29 years. During that time, he received his master’s degree in education administration from Heritage University. He wore many hats, teacher, principal, superintendent, janitor and bus driver. He touched the lives of many students, parents and coworkers. It was one of his biggest joys in life.

Immediately following retirement and the graduation of their youngest son in 2015, Robert and Jodi started their new journey in North Idaho, where they settled in Bonners Ferry. He quickly found himself missing teaching and began working in the schools of Boundary County. Again, finding great joy and touching the lives of many. He served faithfully for years within his church congregations at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as a true disciple of Christ.

He is survived by his wife, Jodi; his sons, David Stoddard (wife Sandy), Shawn Stoddard, Aaron Moses (wife Dacia), Tyson Thomson (wife Stacey), Crandall Thomson, Ethan Stoddard (wife Carmen), Eli Stoddard (wife Cintia) and Robert Stoddard (wife Emma); his grandchildren, Mitsuko Stoddard (husband Nick Hughes), Avery, Carys, Jocelyn, Eben, Brinton, Spencer, Taylor, Aezlee, Emelyne, Hallie, Micah, Pyper, Hattie, Jace, Ian, Sadie, Clancy, Abram and Eliza; his siblings, Peggy Stewart and Jackie Peterson (husband Kevin); former wife Nancy Nadolski; and many other special family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Marie Stoddard; his siblings, Gary Stoddard; and brother-in-law Rex Stewart.

Multiple services will be held to honor Robert’s life. The Bonners Ferry service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, at the LDS Church, 6568 Alderson Lane, Bonners Ferry. The Prosser service will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022, at the LDS Church, 1835 Highland Drive, Prosser, Wash.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either BoCo Backpacks or Mustangs for Mustangs.

Bonners Ferry Funeral Home is caring for the family. To leave a message or memory for the family, please go to www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com.