Richard Ford Stayner

Dick (Dad and Grandpa) Stayner was an amazing man who will be missed. He loved his family and dedicated his life to serving others. He was a remarkably kind and selfless person.

Dick became a father soon after marrying his sweetheart, Marla Rawlings, in 1972.  They worked together to raise 4 children: Scott, Marci, Michelle and Tim.  Dad and Mom devoted countless hours to provide for the spiritual and temporal needs of their family.  Although finances were often tight in the early years, Dad often said that the hard times were the happiest.  He said that during the “lean times” he learned to rely on the Lord and that Heavenly Father provides for those who strive to follow his commandments.

Dick was an exemplary priesthood leader who loved to serve the Lord. He served an LDS mission to Brazil when he was 19 years old.  As a young father and husband he continued to serve in various callings in the church including Ward Mission Leader, Stake Sunday School President and in the Woods Cross Stake High Council. From 1998 – 2003, he served as the Bishop of the Woods Cross 6th Ward. For the past 13 years, Dick and Marla have served the people of the Woods Cross 8th Branch.  Initially, they were called as Church Service Missionaries.  However, Dick was called as the Branch President in 2016.

Dad was the first to volunteer for any group service activity, but also sought opportunities to help individuals.  He took people to doctor appointments, work, and court, visited the sick, helped people move, brought sandwiches and cookies to those in need, and anything else that he could possibly do to help. He was always happy to be a friend and a listening ear.

Dick loved the Temple. He served in the Salt Lake City temple for 26 years and then the Bountiful temple for 6 years. Spending the day in the temple was always one of the highlights of his week. He and Marla were also church service missionaries at the Conference Center for 13 years.

Dick loved music. When he was seven years old, he learned to play the accordion. He opened Stayner Studios in 1974 and has taught hundreds of students to play the accordion.  He also loved singing. He and Marla were part of the Sterling Singers for 13 years.  The night before he passed away, he was singing with the Sterling Singers for one of their many annual Christmas Concerts.

Dick loved his wife, children, and grandchildren more than anything. He would do anything for his family. Although he taught his family to be self-reliant, he was the first person to offer assistance when times were rough.  He loved his wife Marla.  His purpose in life was to be worthy to spend the eternities with his Queen. We will all miss our dear friend, father, husband and grandfather and look forward to the time when we will meet again.