Marsha Louise Stanford

Marsha Louise Whittaker Stanford, age 73, returned to her Heavenly Father peacefully in her sleep on July 10, 2025. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, teacher, and friend, Marsha’s life was a radiant legacy of love, faith, and service.

She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Stephen Michael Stanford. They were sealed in the Ogden Utah Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on December 20, 1974, and together built a home centered on their faith in Jesus Christ, family, and a lifetime of service.

Marsha earned a double major in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education from Brigham Young University. She dedicated her professional life to teaching, blessing countless children with her patience, creativity, and compassion. She had a remarkable gift for making holidays—and ordinary days—feel magical through her crafts and thoughtful touches. Her love for flowers and gardening reflected her nurturing heart; she could make anything grow.

A faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Marsha served in many callings including Relief Society President, Primary President, and Young Women’s President. Through her leadership and Christlike love, she touched the lives of many.

Marsha is survived by five of her six children and their spouses, who will continue to honor her legacy through the lives they lead and the love they share:

Nicole Stanford Brady and Bryan Brady, Alan Michael Stanford and Liz Boyer Stanford, Amanda Stanford Renner and Brandon Renner, Jennifer Stanford, Rebecca Stanford Anderson and Shaun Anderson

She is also survived by her 21 beloved grandchildren: Kiera Brady, Gabrielle Brady, Taryn Brady, Alyssa Brady, Camrey Brady, and Anelise Brady; Wade Stanford, Rachel Stanford, Wes Stanford, and Allison Stanford; Hailey Renner, Addison Renner, Kayden Gomm, Layla Renner, Brandon Renner Jr. and Corben Gomm; Coen Stanford, Aurellia Stanford, and Maizie Stanford; Brynn Anderson and Grace Anderson.

She is also survived by her siblings, Russ Whittaker and Cynthia Larson, as well as many beloved brothers and sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her son, John James Stanford; her parents, Wanda Fern Riley and Larus Milton Whittaker; and her sister, Charlotte Kay Whittaker.

Marsha’s life was filled with love, laughter, and an unwavering testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Words cannot express how deeply she will be missed. We find comfort in the promise that, through Jesus Christ's Atonement, we will be reunited with her again for all eternity.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at 851 North 1200 East, Lehi, Utah 84043. Interment will follow at the American Fork Cemetery, American Fork, Utah.

A viewing will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025 from 6-8pm at 12173 S. 4000 W. Riverton, Utah, 84096

A viewing will be held on Saturday July 19, 2025 from 9-10:30am at 851 North 1200 East, Lehi, Utah 84043.