She was born April 22, 1914, in Rexburg, Idaho, the daughter of Daniel Stuart and Jane Norwood Heaton Stoddard. She grew up there and graduated from Madison High School in 1931.

She married Thorne Howard Lovejoy June 22, 1934, in Big Timber, Montana. They lived in St. Anthony, Rigby, Lava Hot Springs; Adrian and Nyssa, Oregon; and Idaho Falls.

She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She enjoyed sewing, painting, and gardening. Throughout her life, she loved to work in the out-of-doors. She was a foxy, feisty lady who had unconditional love for her family.

Survivors include 3 sons; Dan H. Lovejoy (Barbara), Salt Lake City, UT, Kent Lovejoy (Linda), Denver, CO, and Michael D. Lovejoy (Charlie), Idaho Falls, ID; her daughter, Patricia Bendz Lovejoy, Idaho Falls, ID; one brother, Dan H. Stoddard, Idaho Falls, ID; one sister, Phyllis Call, Idaho Falls, ID; 22 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great- grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard, 1974; parents: Jane Stoddard, 1987, and Dan Stoddard, 1984; son, Billy Lovejoy, 1996; and sister, Norma Whipple, 2007.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, Mar. 14, 2008, at the 19th Ward Chapel, LDS Church, 3370 N. 5th West. The family will meet with friends Thursday evening from 6-8:00 p.m. at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls, and also an hour prior to the services at the church on Friday. Burial will be at Fielding Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Hands of Hope Hospice, 1379 E. 17th Street, Idaho Falls, ID 83404.Condolences may be sent to the family, and a map to the church may be found at www.coltrinmortuary.com .

Map to the church on 5th West

Map to the Cemetery

Visit the Verla Lovejoy Memorial Website