My Grammie, Madge Curran Wangsgard Stoddard, passed away on March 13, 2020. When I called to tell her goodbye, I didn't really know what to say. She's been the closest person to me that has passed away. I couldn't really tell what she was saying most of the time. But I told her I loved her, and I could hear her say "love you, too!" and Sydnie got on the phone and told her "I love you, Grammie!" and she laughed and said the same thing back. I told her that I was thankful for the legacy she left. She really left a legacy of love, learning, and being full of life.
When I found out she was going to pass away, I was pretty sad. I cried and was in a little shock because after being in the hospital, they said she was doing better and had turned a corner. Then we get another message saying she had a blessing of release. Lucy came and gave me a hug and told me that it was okay that she would be in a better place. And she told me to hold on to the happy feelings and let go of the sad ones. The other kids and Dave were all sad too but mostly were sweet to try to comfort me. They gave me hugs and reassured me we would see her again. Indeed we will! Cov has been praying for her to have a good time in heaven and was saying that she's probably helping us now and watching over us. Our angel! Lucy said she's probably busy helping God. That too! My mom said as they were going through a photo box, there was a thank you card from me in there that I gave her right before I got married. Guess it was the only one Grammie kept. That made me happy. We made her lemon meringue pie from her cook book and that helped a bit. And writing down these memories and what I've learned from her has helped a lot too. She always told me to keep a journal, she said she stopped and wished she'd kept with it. She got back into it later in life but said she wished she kept going. But she got back into it later on. It's been a strange year with COVID-19 and we are unable to go to the funeral. Grammie was laid to rest on 03/21/2020. The kids woke up and Lucy got she and Sydnie dressed in all black and Cov asked if he could have a black umbrella since everyone always has a black umbrella for a funeral. Clearly, most of their education for funerals comes from books and movies. Ha! Emma and Cal, not thinking. were also wearing black. I wore a bright shirt with a blue necklace, as blue was her favorite. We sate on the couch and watched it over the internet. Grateful for technology that helps keep us close when we are apart. The service was beautiful. Not many were able to be there, but it was so good! From the opening prayer to the musical numbers and all the kids and two life long neighbors who spoke, it was so wonderful sketch of her life and the Spirit was so strong. The kids kept looking to see if I was crying. I am kind of glad we watched it from home so not everyone saw me blubbering so much... She was one of a kind! We also sent some See's suckers, some of her favorite candy, over to the family to pass out. It was a hit! Later that night, Lucy was saying "Mom! If that friend of Grammie's never invited her to Church, I might not have the Gospel and my life would be totally different!" I thought that was sweet she even thought of that. It was a sweet day celebrating her.
I will always remember how special Grammie made me feel. She always called me "Toots" (as in toots-ie roll, not the other kind of toots, ha!). She always asked us questions about ourselves, helped guide us in the right way, went to every event she could we participated in, and made everyone feel like the only one to her. Many of my favorite childhood memories include her. We would look forward all week to going to her and Grandpa Darell's house almost every Saturday and we'd stay almost all day. Grammie would play catch or wrestle with us in the back yard, we'd play GI Joes, go on walks around the block, play games, go hunt for treasure with metal detectors, paint or do playdough indoors, we'd make cookies together, put together puzzles or play board games, sled at the school, whittle with wood, light the fireplace and make s'mores with chocolate chips, pick and eat raspberries and then help make jam, go to the pond and walk around or feed the ducks, and more. She'd have us over for sleepovers where we'd set up sleeping bags or the tent in the back yard and watch for shooting stars and she'd teach us about the constellations. We'd watch action and adventure movies together, like 007 or Star Trek, because that was her favorite genre. She did not like animals, and in particular "pooches" and joked she'd be the head zoo keeper in heaven because of her feelings towards critters like that. On our birthdays or around Christmas, she would take us shopping together, which was a special event. She gave us a budget and I usually picked out some sort of toy and a new outfit. Sometimes we'd got to lunch. I loved that one-on-one time with her. Grammie was a great cook and made great meals. I remember her roast beef from the pressure cooker with Grammie Dot's chili sauce, burgers from the grill, and chicken noodle soup after sledding. She made the best pies, cakes and I especially loved her chocolate chip cookies; I can still smell the aroma of the dough (which we always would sneak together) and the cookies baking. When she moved out of her house a few years ago, I got her cook book no one else wanted with many hand written recipes. She worked at the Hostess factory and there were always Hostess cupcakes or Twinkies around, you can bet. She also loved cinnamon flavored candies or popcorn or bears or suckers, you name it. I developed an affinity for chocolate covered cinnamon bears and black licorice because of her. She was a tease and always told us things like "you're full of peach juice!" or "let's check your oil...you're a quart low!", "nice to meet you, hungry, I'm Grammie!", which are things my dad said to us and I say to my kids still sometimes. Most Saturdays during the summer, we would go boating all together at Pineview Dam or Willow Bay. And once a year usually, we'd head up to Bear Lake. When I was learning how to water ski, I was pretty scared, but looked up to her, because if she could do it, so could I! She was no mercy when driving the boat when we all piled on the water weenie. She helped us learn how to swim better. We loved to "beach it" and play in the sand, try to find little critters, soak up some sun, and eat all the junk food, like chocolate licorice and Cheetos. It was always a blast to be with her. We went camping other places together and she always made it more exciting! Even long car rides were fun as she made up interesting questions to ask and told us stories from her life. She was a tough and hip grandma, that's why she wanted us to call her Grammie because Grandma sounded too old. She drove a bright red Pontiac for most of my growing up years. I remember bragging to my friends growing up about how my grandma was cooler than their grandmas. When my brother was being bullied wile we were young thinking, "If only Grammie could come to school, she'd take care of them!" When I went to college just a few blocks away from her house, she opened up her home and heart to me and we became "room mates". She'd make me dinner every week night, even though I told her not to worry about it as many times my breaks between day classes and night classes were short and weird times. She stole my laundry, washed and folded it up and put it away before I could get to it. We would have family scripture study at night and she always taught me a lot but also asked me questions too to get my insight. We would go out to lunch or shopping sometimes together and we'd play price is right and guess how much "do dads" costed together or she'd grab shoes with huge heels and pretend like they were a gun and we'd play around with the "weapon shoes". She was a blast. She always told me to invite my friends over and they grew to love Grammie just as much as I did. They still ask me how she's doing when we get together. She was able to see first hand when Dave and I were dating and engaged. I was so glad I had her to talk to during those days and she always gave the best advice. Girl talk with Grammie was the best. She quoted the scripture "by their fruits ye shall know them" and told me Dave brought forth good fruits and was a great choice and she knew I'd be happy with him. ne of my favorite memories at our wedding was Grammie going back and forth from the line and bringing us water. It was a hot day and we were in the line for a couple of hours talking to everyone. No one asked her to do that. Grammie saw a need and she filled it. And I'm so glad that got caught on our wedding video. She left on a mission right after Dave and I were married. When she got back, Emma was almost a year old. She has always been so fun with our kids, her great grand kids. Though distance has separated us, she always sent cards to them for their birthdays and just random times, and when we came to visit, they always looked forward to seeing, playing with and talking to Grammie. She is just fun to be around. Coverton, our fourth, was born on her birthday and I have always said he has big shoes to fill because of who his birthday buddy is. I am so grateful all of our kids got to meet her!
Grammie was one who said hello to everyone and struck up conversations with random strangers, as no one was a stranger to her. She saw the best in others and always was complementing people. Sometimes she'd approach people I judged as shifty, but she saw all as God saw them. She looked everyone in the eyes, carried on genuine conversations and really cared how others were doing. I loved her bright blue eyes and her jet black hair. She always was telling us how proud she was of us and what made us special. She had a great grit and was a hard worker. She was a Mrs. Fix It. She didn't need anyone to repair anything around her house or car, she'd do it. Sometimes she'd hire so she could help others out and pay them if she knew of a need. She had an adventurous spirit and loved traveling. She got on motorcycles and snowmobiles and even went sky diving in her old age. She was a teacher and a coach, both as an occupation and a hobby. She could play any sport with the best of them. She was tough but had a tender heart. She had a great sense of humor, even the last time we saw her a few months ago was still pretty witty! She was a scriptorian, and would spend hours studying them and manuals and commentary to learn all she could. She had a love for Church history and the restoration. She loved reading and learning all she could. She especially enjoyed history and always had many books on her nightstand she was working on. She loved the Lord and his Gospel. Often, she would say "We should be the happiest people on earth because of what we have!" And she always said "Stay happy!" She showed me that happiness is a choice that is not dependent on circumstances. She went through many struggles and hard times in her lifetime. But I almost always saw her with a smile on her face. She had many reasons to complain, but I never heard her complain. Instead, she said "can't complain. I'm a happy camper!" She was always serving and doing things to put smiles on others faces. She was a great example of sacrifice and commitment and discipleship. She gave everything and took nothing.
My favorite Midge-isms included: "My get up and go got up and left", "And we're off like a dirty shirt!", "Plan B", "From the book of Stoddard", "Whatever blows your hair back". If asked if she needed anything her response was "Time, patience and money." In her last ten years or so, a frequent Midge-ism included "getting old isn't for wimps". Her spirit wanted to keep going, going, going but her body couldn't. Now she's spreading that same love on the other side of the veil. Until we meet again, Grammie! Love ya, proud of ya! Hope I can make you proud by the way I love others, learn and live life as fully you did!
Dave: I remember her always being chipper and determined to assist others before herself. or own needs. If she needed assistance around the house she was always so grateful and gracious to give a quick and hearty thanks for any service rendered. I will always raise a glass of home made rootbeer in her honor.
Emma: Grammie was always so kind to everyone. When I grow up, I want to be kind to everyone. Grammie was a perfect example of being like Jesus. I remember Grammies birthday party that I was lucky to attend to. I was spending a few weeks by myself in Utah. I went with Grandma and grandpa, and we met up with lots of different people. There Me and Amber met gelato and are still addicted to it today. :} Then a bird pooped on this one lady who I don't know the name of.
Callahan: "I remember playing on Grammie's air hockey table when I was little. Grammie always likes to tease people and it's fun. When we would go in to her apartment I remember feeling the Spirit and her kindness."
Lucy: "I remember the last time we visited Grammie. I remember seeing all the cool stuff she had. She got it on missions and when she went all around the world. I think it's cool she got to visit a lot of places I want to go."
Coverton: Grammie was a really nice lady. She is birthday buddies with me. She's a great jokester. I miss her.
Sydnie says: "Hug Grammie. I love you, Grammie!"
Madge W.C. Stoddard
August 12, 1934 ~ March 13, 2020
Some of the last words Mom uttered before she passed away on Friday, March 13, 2020 were, “I’m a happy camper”, and, “Let’s get this show on the road”. These “momisms” sum up her 85 years of life.
Mom was born on August 12, 1934 in Ogden, Utah to George Allen Wangsgard and Dora “Dottie” Sager. She was always very determined to accomplish her many goals. As a child, mom was fascinated with airplanes and flying. She made very intricate large-scale models of balsa wood biplanes and airplanes; saved her money, rode her bike to Blue Ribbon stables (across from Rainbow Gardens) and took horseback riding lessons; roller skated; and learned to twirl the baton, performing in parades and at school events.
Madge married Darrell Amos Stoddard on March 18, 1955, Darrell passed away in 1994. They were blessed with 4 children. Together they created a family based on love of the gospel. Family vacations and camping trips punctuated a life filled with family home evenings, church attendance, sports teams, boating, Bear Lake, and …. chores.
Her lifetime of learning was highlighted by graduating from Ogden High School, Weber State College, and Utah State University. While attending college, mom was active in many sports. Madge garnered trophies in archery, badminton, softball, ping pong, and others. She received a BS in Physical Education, going on to teach high school and was an advisor to the cheerleaders at Box Elder High. Later on, she also taught PE at Central Junior High. She loved working as a lifeguard and swim instructor at Deseret Gym in Ogden. After raising her children, she graduated from Ogden LDS Institute of Religion. Mom was always reading up until the last year of life. Daily scripture reading grounded her testimony in Jesus Christ.
Aside from scripture study, she was passionate about studying church history. Some of her favorite travels were to church history sites, including Nauvoo, Independence, Palmyra, Kirtland, and the pioneer trail. This passion went hand in hand with her love of genealogy. Mom’s passion for traveling included several BYU study tours to Israel, Egypt, Greece, and Central America. Serving a full time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in South Carolina was the culmination of a lifelong goal.
Mom lived for her family. Each one of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren felt a special connection with, and an unconditional love from mom. Having sleepovers, going on hikes, baking cookies, wrestling on the floor, boating, and picking raspberries were some of our favorite memories. She loved to tease the littles of the family with “You’re full of peach juice!” Where she got her momisms remains a mystery. “Hugs not slugs!”, “Off like a dirty shirt!” are just a few oft-used lines.
Most of all we learned by Mom’s example about giving service, unconditional love, kindness, integrity, hard work, lifelong learning, grit, and living according to your convictions. She lived the epitome of a Christ-like life…always giving, always serving, always loving.
Nothing was more important to mom than her family. Madge is survived by her children, Scott (Dianne) Stoddard, Christie (Rex) Lammers, David (Suzanne) Stoddard, and Lew (Joanne) Stoddard; 13 grandchildren, Adam, Melanie, Amy, Mark, Tyler, Jessica, Alex, Kyle, Morgan, Daren, Shannon, Cari, and Natalie; 12 great-grandchildren, Stephen, Ruby, Gordon, Emma, Cal, Lucy, Covey, Sydnie, Boji, Amber, Indie, and Nora. Her surviving siblings are Tana Thurgood, Max (Rita) Curran, and Kim (Craig) Faulkner. She is beloved by her nieces and nephews, grand-daughter and son-in laws, step grandchildren and great-grandchildren, many friends, and all who knew her. She loved everyone that she met.
The family would like to give a shout out to the residents and staff of Treeo Senior Living for providing warm friendship and care for mom.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2020 at 2 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with family from 1to 1:45 p.m. at the mortuary. Interment, Roy City Cemetery.
Due to the Coronavirus, there will not be hugging or hand holding...elbow bumps and smiles!
Please leave any stories and anecdotes of mom on the Lindquist’s website.
In lieu of flowers, mom would love to have donations made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints missionary fund.
