Gerald L. Stanford

Gerald "Jerry" Lee Stanford, 83, of Whitehouse, OH passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 3, 2023 while at home on Hospice care.

Jerry was born on December 1, 1939 to Clarence and Evelyn Stanford in Toledo Hospital.

As a child growing up, Jerry spent many hours working in his grandparent’s grocery store in Maumee, OH. As young as 5 years old, he would be lowered into a pit to remove eyes from the potatoes. His grandparents, Peter and Lola, were strong mentors and influences in Jerry’s life. They instilled in him a strong work ethic and a heart to help others without expecting anything in return.

After Jerry graduated from Maumee High School in 1957, he spent 2 years at The University of Toledo before joining the Army National Guard. After his service, Jerry spent 13 years working at Libbey Owens Ford before starting his own lawn care and plowing business, Stanford & Sons, in 1976. Running the business became Jerry’s passion. Nothing made him happier than being on his 61-inch Grasshopper, which he was able to do until 2 weeks before his passing. His legacy is the immaculately landscaped property he created at his home in Whitehouse, OH. Each tree, plant and bush was lovingly placed and tended to with the utmost care.

In 1989, Jerry met the love of his life, Betty (Cunningham) Stanford, in a Foodtown parking lot. His yellow pants nearly scared her away, but Betty took a chance on Jerry that she never regretted. They spent 34 wonderful years sharing their lives, love, hopes, and dreams.

In addition to mowing and his wife, Jerry’s other passion was his cottage at Coldwater Lake. Jerry grew up on Coldwater Lake with his parents and grandparents from the time he was 5 years old. Jerry purchased his own cottage in 1976 and spent nearly every weekend there from April to September. Jerry enjoyed countless sunsets over the lake from his deck.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Evelyn Stanford, and his sister Sandra Dennis. He is survived, and will be greatly missed, by his wife, Betty Stanford; his children, Amy Jo (Stanford) Shiffer (his daughter from his first marriage), John (Aimee) Cunningham, Paul (Lisa) Cunningham, Anne (Craig) Bishop, Beth (Steve) Guerrette, Connie (James) Cass, Jeff (Kathy) Moulton, Kendra Moulton, Jamie (Miriam) Moulton; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his beloved dog, Beau.

Jerry was a simple man who did not like being fussed over. To honor his wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial services. Instead, remember Jerry when you hear the deep croak of a bullfrog, smell fresh cut grass or see a beautiful sunset that takes your breath away.