Martell Ray Almond

Our hero and devoted husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and faithful servant of our Heavenly Father, slipped ever so peacefully through the veil into our Savior’s open arms early Friday morning April 24, 2026, at the spry age of 90.

Born on December 5, 1935, in Pocatello, Idaho, to Oscar Merlin Almond and Nina Loila Johnson Almond, he was the fifth of twelve children in a lively and close-knit family.

Growing up among many siblings—eight brothers and three sisters—he was part of what could only be described as a group of joyful “nuts,” full of energy, mischief, and lifelong camaraderie. These early years shaped his deep love for his faith, family, storytelling, hard work, and the outdoors.

He served his country honorably in the United States Army, including time in Germany, where he worked in the Army Security Agency and held a top-secret clearance. While in Germany, he embraced life fully—traveling, learning, and even taking dancing lessons, a decision that would later prove to be one of the sweetest of his life.

After his military service, he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Northern States Mission, where his love for teaching and sharing the gospel took root and continued to grow throughout his life.

He later attended Brigham Young University, where he met his eternal sweetheart Judy Lynn Hackney. The moment he saw her, he confidently declared, “I am going to marry that girl!”—and he did. They were married on August 10, 1962, in the Logan Temple, beginning a lifelong love story filled with faith, laughter, and devotion. Together, they danced through life—quite literally—and found joy in each other’s companionship every step of the way.

He dedicated 35 years to teaching seminary and institute touching countless lives with his kindness, humor, and unwavering testimony. He often greeted former students with a twinkle in his eye, grateful to see them still “active” and thriving. Teaching was not just his profession—it was his passion.

Ray and Judy Lynn were blessed with 7 wonderful children (spouses), 28 grandchildren (spouses), 22 great-grandchildren, and a home filled with love and laughter. They often affectionately referred to themselves as the “Almond nuts,” while proudly calling their children their “Almond Joys”—a sweet reflection of the happiness and delight they found in their family.

A man of deep and abiding faith, Ray served in many church callings, including stake presidency, bishop, high councilor, teacher, and patriarch. He and Judy Lynn also served a CES/humanitarian mission in Vanuatu as well as a service mission in Pocatello, Idaho continuing their lifelong pattern of service together.

He found happiness in life’s simple pleasures—fishing trips, beekeeping, family gatherings, golf, and dancing with his beloved wife that brought smiles to those around him. He had a warm spirit, a quick wit, and a gift for making others feel loved.

Reflecting on his life, he once said, “All this and the gospel too.” It is a fitting summary of a life rich in purpose, faith, and love—a life that brought joy to all who knew him.

We find comfort in knowing he has returned home, reunited with loved ones, and embraced by the eternal promises he held so dear.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, May 1, 2026 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4775 Hawthorne Road, Chubbuck, ID. Viewings will be from 6:00 - 8:00 pm on Thursday, April 30 at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W Chubbuck Road, Chubbuck, ID and prior to the service on Friday at the church, beginning at 9:30 am. Burial will take place at the Preston Cemetery, 1451 N 800 E, Preston, ID.

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