Obituary of Alma Stoddard
Alma Stoddard, 91, of Bloomington, passed to her heavenly home on January 1, 2019.
Alma was born September 18, 1927 to Wayne A. and Zella Stoddard, in Auburn, Nebraska. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Paul Stoddard, and cousin Robert Stoddard of Lincoln, Nebraska. She is survived by cousins Leora “Lee” Stoddard Ferguson of Falls City, Nebraska and Evelyn Stoddard Jensen of Liberty, Missouri.
Alma graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University and taught music in Pigeon Forge, TN. She then earned her masters degree from the University of Nebraska and began three decades of teaching physical education at Illinois State University. In retirement she taught English as a Second Language.
All who knew her remember Alma as a soft-spoken friend who was a most generous and caring person. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Normal.
Her many interests included music, Cornhusker football, travel, golf, and producing beautiful wooden furniture and bowls. Some of her happiest times included “jeeping,” fishing, and hiking at her Colorado cabin.
In honor of her brother, Alma established the Paul Stoddard Endowed Scholarship with the Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University. Memorials can be made to this fund.
Thanks and appreciation go to the staff at Luther Oaks for the loving care provided Alma. A memorial service will be held on April 6, 2019, 10 a.m., at Funks Grove Chapel, McLean, IL. Alma was cremated and will be interred in the family plot in Johnson Cemetery, Johnson, Nebraska. Arrangements by Calvert and Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, IL.