Dick Moody

Richard Rulon Moody (Dick), 90, was born May 1, 1921 in Thatcher, Arizona to Joseph Rulon Moody and Emily Spafford Moody. He passed away peacefully with his family by his side on February 12, 2012. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. Dick met his sweetheart, Wanda Howard (Blondie), in grade school and it was love at first sight. They were married on August 2, 1938. After graduating from Thatcher High School, the couple moved to California where Dick attended Business College. This was the first of several moves that eventually led back to their hometown of Thatcher. He joined the Air Force in World War II, where he served as a navigator until the end of the war in 1945. He owned and operated a restaurant in Roswell, New Mexico for several years until their return to Thatcher. Dick was a business man in the Gila Valley for 50 years, until his retirement in 1989. Dick loved the outdoors, especially camping and fishing with his family. He also enjoyed bowling, golfing and hunting. He has a special love for Mt. Graham and spent as much time as he could there. He was a lifetime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and he and Wanda were sealed in the Mesa Arizona Temple. They were happily married for 62 years when Wanda passed away in 2001 on her birthday, February 14. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, sister, Earline Bingham and brother, Joseph Moody, and great granddaughter, Tosha Overstreet. He is survived by his three children, Sandra J. Lee (Robert) of Thatcher, Richard Michael Moody of Tucson, and Nanette Alder (Michael) of Gilbert; nine grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and two great, great grandchildren (and one on the way); five step grandchildren, 25 step great grandchildren and six step great, great grandchildren. Services will be held in his honor Saturday, February 18, at 11:00 a.m. at the Thatcher Stake Center. Viewings will be held Friday, February 17 at Caldwell Funeral Chapel from 6:00 - 7:00 pm and Saturday, February 18 at 10:00 am at the Thatcher Stake Center.