Stephen Bert Raff, age 70 of Payson, Utah, “graduated” from mortality April 10, 2020, top of his class. He will no doubt continue his teaching and learning with his parents, Dayton and Evelyn Higginson Raff, and two of his brothers Dayle and LaVern, and many other loved ones who have also courageously endured their mortal journey.

Stephen was born in Nampa, Idaho, August 11, 1949. He participated in ward choirs with his mother from a very young age. He loved music, performing, and sharing his talent of singing with his beautiful tenor voice. He attended Ricks College and performed in Hansel and Gretel, The King and I, and other productions. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Stockholm Sweden from 1968-1970.

He met and fell in love with Marla Hellewell and they were married on July 8, 1971 in the Logan, Utah temple.  His role as husband and father proved to be the most amazing lead role he’d ever have. The two welcomed three girls and three boys, Kevin (Steffani) Raff, Jason (Elizabeth) Raff, Jayne (Jeremy) Elswood, Mark (Janie) Raff, Shari (Troy) Humphries, and Stephanie (Jered) Taylor, who were raised to love each other, honor their parents, and trust in our Heavenly Father’s Plan through actively serving and living the Gospel taught in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  His legacy also includes 25 grandchildren ages 24-4 who have learned above all: determination, selflessness, and forgiveness among many other qualities throughout Stephen’s life.

He supported his kids in their numerous swim meets, sporting events, choir performances, scouting trips, and home projects dreamed up by Mom.

He graduated from BYU with Bachelor and Master’s degrees in education and taught fourth and fifth grade students at Wilson Elementary in Payson where he and Marla lived most of their married life. His teacher qualities also helped him successfully do technical writing for software companies, the most recent from which he retired, was MultiLing Corporation. He participated in many musical/ theatrical performances while living in Payson, including performances of 1776, The Title of Liberty, Moroni, and solo performances with the Payson Civic Chorale. One of the most rewarding singing roles though was his ten years spent as a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. This provided many unique memories for his family of which they are so grateful.

Stephen loved his family and people. His smile was contagious, and he kept an incredibly positive, calm, caring attitude till his journey’s end.  As his dementia set in we were continuously reminded of what was clearly most important, and his message to all who knew him; our spouse, our temple covenants made, and that he loved us unconditionally will be what remains as his legacy.

A viewing will be held for immediate and extended family members on April 14 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at the Walker Mortuary in Payson. A public viewing will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 PM.

A private family graveside service will be held Wednesday April 15th at the Payson City Cemetery.