Loya Stutznegger Moscon

On March 20, 2026, the first day of spring, Loya Stutznegger Moscon passed away peacefully while at home with family.

Loya was born April 22, 1937, in Tooele, Utah, to Dr. Rex Dale and Helen Gledhill Stutznegger. As a young girl she loved science, adventures, and the natural world; traits that would remain with her throughout her life. She enjoyed camping in Zion, watching the moon, and learning about the constellations from her Papa. A gifted student, she graduated high school after just 2 years, and entered the University of Utah as a Ford Scholar in Pre-Med. Asked whether she would prefer to register in the nursing program, she responded, “No- I don’t want a bunch of men telling me what to do.”

That same year she met and quickly married Frank Allen Moscon. Soon they had their first son, Allen Samuel “Rocky” Moscon, and moved to Japan with the US Air Force. Upon returning to the US, daughter Karin Linn Moscon was born and Loya gave up her education and career to pursue what she viewed as her highest vocation -- being a Mother. Daughter Keli Jean Moscon Stokes and sons Bret Jon “Duke” Moscon and David Matthew “Matt” Moscon followed.

Though a full-time Mother of five, Loya’s love of the outdoors and her pioneer ancestry only grew. She volunteered her time as a docent and tour guide at the Utah Museum of Natural History, the Museum of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, and at the Antelope Island Visitor Center where she shared her love of history, science, fossils, and beautiful vistas with others.

Loya was a voracious reader and loved to spend time at her family’s cabin in Ophir, Utah, sitting on the deck reading. She loved to travel and crossed the globe from Asia to Europe and North and Central America. In each location she was more interested in the natural scenery than big cities.

Her love for adventure extended into every aspect of her life. Once when she proposed a trip to Brazil with Frank, he responded, “What? You could buy a motorcycle with that kind of money!” And so, she did. Neighbors would see her riding her 1973 Yamaha around Bountiful with curlers in her hair, as she said she preferred that to sitting under a hair dryer.

Nothing scared Loya. Whether jeep rides with her Papa on what could barely be called roads, being the first in line to ride the tallest roller coaster with the most loops, or facing daunting health challenges in her later years, she saw everything as an opportunity and faced it all with great optimism.

A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she had, as one described it, “all the callings”. Primary Teacher and President, Sunday School Teacher and Coordinator, Young Women’s Teacher and President, Relief Society Teacher and President, Chorister, Librarian, and serving with her husband Frank as Mission President in Virginia from 1977 -80, Loya held every position available to her.

Loya owned the same house in Bountiful from 1959 until her death and lived in it nearly all of her adult life. There she loved to read, watch sunsets, the stars, and the moon from her balcony.

Loya is survived by her children Rocky (Reagan) of Georgia; Gidget of Washington; Keli (Richard) of Nevada; Duke (Melissa) of Kentucky, and Matt (Michelle) of Utah; Brothers Ivo and Jed Stutznegger of Utah; 23 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren. She died just one month short of her 89th birthday, a life well lived while being well loved.

In honor of Loya’s love of dark skies, pretty sunsets, open spaces, and her life of service, the Visitor’s Center at Antelope Island State Park will be placing a bench and plaque in her honor on a trail on the island. Friends and family pausing to rest there certainly will be able to hear her whisper about the view of snow on distant peaks, the full moon, or about her beloved family members. In lieu of flowers, any wishing to contribute to her memory are encouraged to donate in her name to www.antelopeislandfriends.org .