Coral Beth Stoddard Skidmore

Coral Beth Stoddard Skidmore of Richmond, died on Monday, April 14, 2014 after a courageous 8 week battle with an acute systemic infection. She was born April 22, l934, in Logan, Utah, the fifth child of Inez Evelyn Thompson and Irwin Stoddard.

Beth was raised in Richmond, attended Park Elementary, Lewiston Jr. High, and graduated from North Cache High School. In 1956, she graduated with honors from Utah State Agricultural College (Utah State University) with a degree in Social Work. She graduated from the LDS Institute of Religion being honored as the student speaker with President David O. McKay. She was inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Kappa Phi honors fraternities, and was active in student leadership activities at the University.

She married Claine Bullen Skidmore in Richmond in l956. The marriage was solemnized in the Logan LDS Temple in 1975. They met when they were asked to be the ward dance directors, and they kept right on dancing. Together and working side by side, they owned and operated the family farm, while holding down a full time job and raising their children. She is survived by five children, Jill (Mel) Erickson of Soldotna Alaska, Julie (Bruce) Godderidge of Smithfield, Utah, Lori Webb (Matt) Allred, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Brook (Shaunna) Skidmore, and Tara (Judd) Hillyard of Richmond, a sister, Afton (Guy) Buttars, as well as 14 grandchildren, 8 step-grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, a son, Bret Irwin, son-in-law Lynn H. Webb, brothers, Irwin "Rip"(Della) Stoddard, William Mack (Darlene) Stoddard, Dan Warren (Ira Lu) Stoddard, a brother-in-law, Guy L. Buttars, and her parents.

Beth worked several secretarial jobs while pursuing her education, including with Veterans Administration in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Metro Goldwyn Meyer Studios in Culver City, California, and Utah State University. She held licensure as a Certified Social Worker and retired after 35 years of service with the State of Utah - Division of Services to the Handicapped and the Division of Child and Family Services. At the time of her retirement, she was the supervisor over Child Protection Services for Cache-Rich Counties. She cared deeply for her co-workers and the respect was reciprocated. Beth was a tireless advocate for children, the disabled, and those needing a helping hand. While a state employee she received many awards, including Utah State Legislature Distinguished service award, finalist for the Earl Condor Award , Outstanding Public Employee of the Year for the State of Utah, community service award from the Logan City Police Department, and District I Supervisor of the Year in. She served on the governing boards for the Utah Public Employees Association, Salvation Army, Center for Persons with Disabilities at Utah State University, and Head Start.

Beth was appointed Justice Court Judge for the Richmond City Court and served in that capacity for 21 years. After mandatory retirement at age 75, she was approved as a Senior Judge.

Beth was a member and had many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, teaching Primary, Young Women, Sunday School, and Relief Society, and leading music in Primary, Relief Society, and choir. She had a strong testimony and love of the Savior. She was a very private and independent person, who tried to always solve the problems and provide the care for those she loved by herself. She enjoyed good music, classical opera and musical theater, reading good books, crossword puzzles, a leisurely horseback ride, association and lunch dates with dear old friends, and cooking for her family. Her most precious gifts and greatest joys were her children, grandchildren and great-grand children. She delighted in and supported their accomplishments, shared their heartaches and adversities, and had a personal and very special loving relationship with each one.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 19, at 12:00 noon in the Richmond LDS Stake Center, 135 West Main. A viewing will be held on Friday from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Richmond Stake Center, and Saturday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. also at the stake center. Interment will be in the Richmond Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Webb Mortuary of Preston, Idaho. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.webbmortuary.com.