Ronald Lee Stoddard December 5, 1942 – May 24, 2025

Ronald Lee Stoddard, 82, passed away peacefully at his home in Hershey, Nebraska, on Saturday, May 24.  Born on December 5, 1942, in North Platte, Nebraska, to Alma and Hazel Stoddard, Ron was the eighth of twelve children.

From the time he was three years old, he was climbing fences and throwing a halter over a horse to ride — a passion for horses that stayed with him all his life.

Ron grew up learning through experience more than books. He attended a one-room schoolhouse but much preferred exploring the outdoors and throwing rocks to sitting at a desk. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a crew chief during the Vietnam War, stationed in England. A highly skilled mechanic, Ron worked on F-100 jet planes and developed a lifelong talent for fixing just about anything — with enough time, tools, and maybe a few trips to Harbor Freight.

Following his military service, Ron returned to North Platte and began a long career with Union Pacific Railroad, where he worked for nearly 40 years. In 1966, he met Kathy Taylor at the local car hop. The two were married on December 21, 1968, in North Platte and were later sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Ron and Kathy raised seven children, and Ron found deep joy in fatherhood. He was always up for an adventure — whether boating at the lake, riding horses in the pasture, or piling the kids into the family van for a road trip. His enthusiasm for life carried over into grandparenting, and he loved nothing more than loading up the truck with grandkids to head out and explore.

Even after retirement, Ron never slowed down. He firmly believed in staying busy and was always in the middle of a project. He became a regular on Big Iron, buying equipment to tinker with and fix. In the weeks leading up to his passing, he was still working with his horses and chickens, driving across the country to visit family, and repairing everything from tractors to cars.

Ron never met a stranger. His easy smile, big heart, and can-do attitude made him a friend to all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alma and Hazel Stoddard; brothers Earl and Fred; sisters Esther and Jannie; children Ron Jr. and Mitsy Jo; grandson James Stoddard; and great-granddaughter Este Hammer.

Ron is survived by his loving wife, Kathy Taylor Stoddard, and their children:

Kirk Stoddard (Kymberly) and their children Avery, Wyatt (Halle), Mitchell, and Captain

Ginger Leal (Scott) and their children Austin (Chelsea), Jayden (Carsten) Brady, Jordan (Kyle) Mull

Nathan Stoddard (Shauna) and their children Parker and Emma

Eric Stoddard (Michelle) and their children Kylee (Luke) Hammer (son Samuel, daughters Mabel, Phoebe), Alexis (daughter Atlas Westover), Tristan (daughter Alice), Davian, Olivia, and Hazel

Keith Stoddard (Crystal) and their son Luke, and one on the way.

Greg Stoddard (Ariel) and their sons Alex and Logan

Adam Stoddard (Rosie) and their children Taylor, Ahri, Diana, and Abigail.

He is also survived by many beloved siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Ron lived a full, adventurous, and loving life. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, laughter, curiosity, and love — and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Monday, June 2, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Burial will be at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, Nebraska with full military honors.  Family reception will be from 5-7, Sunday, June 1, with family present at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Adams & Swanson Funeral Home.  Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is assisting the family.