Nancy Stratford, a wise, kind and gentle spirit left this world on the 13 of July 2023. She died at her cabin in Island Park, Idaho surrounded by family.

Nancy (1934 – 2023) was born in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania as Nancy Lorraine Long. She was a hardworking, compassionate person who loved to learn, read, and experience life. She was very active in her faith, traveled the world, and enjoyed her large family. She has friendships that span around the world, and her influence for good will continue for generations to come.

Nancy was the oldest of three girls born to Paul and Nellie Long. Her family members were devout Lutheran's and her grandmother, Theresa Biggs, was the owner of the Biggs' American Restaurant. As a child, Nancy grew up waitressing at the family restaurant in the Pocono Mountains. Upon graduation, Nancy went to Gettysburg College where she graduated in Biology with minors in Physics and Math. Nancy married Richard Arieda and had three children. She divorced and married her eternal companion Ray Stratford who had three children of his own. Together they would become the "Brady Bunch family" and were married for 43 years, currently with 68 descendants.

Nancy and Ray met and lived in upstate New York for many years. One of Nancy's favorite places became their cabin on Lake George, where she and Ray would host family and friends throughout the year. Professionally, Nancy worked in Cystic Fibrosis primary research at Albany Medical Center. After remarrying, she became a professional volunteer, writing newsletters, serving as PTA president, and was active in her church including teaching eight years of Early Morning Seminary (6:00 am) to high school students. She also started and ran a natural food co-op for over a decade.

In 1990, Nancy and Ray relocated to Island Park, Idaho, retiring to Ray's childhood homeland. They built a new cabin and became involved in both the church and community. Nancy is known for bringing the Island Park community together through communication and inclusiveness. Nancy converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints in her 20's. In the mid-nineties, Nancy and Ray were proud to serve a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Johannesburg, South Africa, which was during the end of Apartheid. Nancy had a love of serving others, travel, and learning about people and cultures.

Irresistibly engaging, Nancy continuously touched the people of Island Park by contributing through hard work and leadership to organizations like the Island Park Friends of the Library, the Island Park Historical Society, the Idaho State Gem Committee, an Island Park book group, Scouting, after school programs, Targhee Women, the State Bi-Way Committee, as well as raising funds for the EMT, Fire Department, and community organizations. She had a special relationship with leadership of the Nez Perce tribe and facilitated the monumental peace reconciliation in Island Park.

Becoming involved in the preservation and documentation of the history of the area, Nancy began writing weekly articles for the Island Park News on historical topics. One article series written on the Nez Perce won first place and a National Award for western writers. Years later, these articles prompted her to write a full book on the History of Island Park called, Gold, Bears and Fly Fishing: The History of Island Park so she could share her passion for and knowledge of the area.

Nancy loved to travel the US and the world. She loved camping and hiking, learning about wildlife, reading, and bringing her family together. Nancy is survived by her children, Bruce Stratford, CT, Jim Stratford, FL, Suzanne Stratford, SD, Deborah McFadden, CT, David Arieda, NY, Heather Stratford, WA. She has 26 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at the Island Park Church of Jesus Christ Chapel at 4120 S Big Springs Loop on July 22, 2023: Viewing – 10:00 am, Funeral Service – 11:00 am, Pocatello Graveside service, Mountainview Cemetery – 3:00 pm.

Memorial Contributions in memory of Nancy Stratford can be made to Targhee Women. Nancy is an exceptional example of a life well lived and will be missed by many.

Services will be streamed at: https://my.gather.app/remember/nancy-stratford

Nancy Stratford Funeral Program