Wilford Stratton

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away December 23, 2023, at the age of 90.

Dad was born in St. George, Utah to Reuben Lang Stratton and Beulah Schmutz on June 9, 1933. He was named after the doctor who delivered him. Grandma Stratton noted he was a fine boy with lots of dark curly hair, which he had his entire life.

Growing up on the farm was a wonderful place. He was taught to milk cows at the age of 5 and he could drive a car at the age of 8 and began to be the family chauffeur. He was also taught to work hard first so he could play later. "No one wants to stop playing to go to work." He instilled this work ethic in his children.

He regaled his family with stories of his glory days of playing football for Dixie High School and Dixie College, where he received his letterman's jacket, and still has it. In 1954 he was drafted into the Army and was stationed in Germany where he served as a transportation specialist. Wilford attended the dedication of the Bern Switzerland Temple, where he met President Kimball. He was honorably discharged in 1955.

Wilford returned home to St. George and started looking for work. He decided that he needed to pursue more education, so he moved to Salt Lake City and attended Salt Lake Technical College and graduated with a degree in Art.

In 1960, he started working, in the art department, at The O.C. Tanner Company, where he worked for 35 years. He retired as the art department director. He was a very talented artist, winning many lucrative accounts with several Fortune 500 companies He designed several Super Bowl rings, the Young Women medallion, seminary pins, service awards, and several items of jewelry. At the time of his death, he was working on ring designs for three of his granddaughters.

Dad married our mom, Judy Coe, on May 17, 1963, and was sealed to her on May 18, 1964, in the Salt Lake Temple. They are the parents of 5 children, Cory, Michelle, Troy, Tiffaney, and Trey.

He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served in many callings. He served as a member of the Elders Quorum Presidency, Executive Secretary, Membership Clerk, Young Men, and Sunday School. Wilford also served as a Temple Sealing committee member for the Taylorsville 11th ward. His favorite calling was as a service missionary with his dear wife Judy.

He played softball for the O.C. Tanner softball team. He also played in the senior softball league for over 25 years.

He loved his family very much and he will be greatly missed by them.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Judy. His 3 children, Cory (Karlene), Michelle (Mark) and Troy (Michelle), 10 grandchildren, Mitchell (Amanda), Samantha (Jordan), Kaitlyn (Thomas), Chase, Savannah, Emily, Kayla, Hannah, Matthew, and Holly, 6 great-grandchildren, Avery, Easton, Olivia, Jemma, Everly, and Malcolm. Dad is also survived by a sister, Clorinda Castantoa, several nephews, nieces, and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and three sisters, his parents-in-law, and his beloved daughter, Tiffaney, and son Trey.

Love ya - Jude

Funeral services will be held Friday, December 29, 2023, at 11:00 am at the Sandridge Ward building, 2679 South 1000 West, Syracuse, Utah. There will be a visitation prior to the service beginning at 9:30 at the same location. Interment will be at Valley View Memorial Park; 4345 West 4100 South, West Valley, Utah, following the services.