Dennis Leland Stanford

Dennis Leland Stanford, age 72, passed away after his long battle with cancer on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at St. Luke's Hospital in Meridian. He was born on August 20, 1953, on a little livestock trail on the way to Murphy, Idaho, known to most as Jackson Creek. He was the oldest son of Leland and Virginia (Kershner) Stanford, with Mike, Dee, and Pat.

When Dennis was around 6 years of age, the family moved to the Jerry Shea place on Jordan Creek. This is the same ranch where he raised his family, followed his dreams, and resided until his death. As a young boy, Dennis and his brothers would go to the mountain with their Uncle Gene Stanford, where they learned how to start colts, take care of cattle, build fence, rope, and ride.

As Dennis got older, he went to work at other ranches. He worked for Jim and Allen Baltzor, Glenn Fretwell, Wendell Collins, Tubo Lodge, and then back to Jackson Creek to work for his Uncle Jeff Stanford. Upon Dennis's dad's death, Dennis and Pat became partners, buying out their mom on the Jordan Creek Ranch, known as 06 Livestock, raising prime Herefords and now Black Angus cattle. Pat's wife Ada, son Wyatt, his wife Nicole, baby Mac, and grandson Jace are happy to continue carrying on the legacy of running 06 Livestock.

Dennis, or Heavy D as we called him, had his hands full as the years went on. He raised 5 little girls. God was giving him a run for his money with Cheri (niece), Kelli, Jaci, Frances (niece), and Anita. Jaci remembers and swears that he would leave the gates open and mix those cattle up so they would have to spend another day sorting them out. It didn't matter if the wind and snow were blowing sideways or there was ice on the ground—the girls were out there holding those cattle in place and trying not to get yelled at.

Known for speaking up, Dennis spent many years in various Ag leadership positions. At the age of 20, he became a member of the Jordan Valley Rodeo Board. Dennis was also a member of the CWMA and worked on the Owyhee Initiative. Dennis was also a member of the Owyhee Cattlemen's Association, as well as many other foundations. He was just awarded the 2025 Cattlemen's Award. He was directed multiple times in his meetings to please "don't point your finger at anyone specific in the meetings." But it's actually how he counted his cattle, too.

Dennis is preceded in death by his father, Leland Stanford; his mother, Virginia Stanford; his brother, Patrick (Ada) Stanford; and his nephew, Lee Stanford.

Dennis will be forever loved and lovingly remembered by his girlfriend, Tara. She brought endless joy and light into his life and will always remain his special angel.

Dennis is survived by daughters Kelli Williams (Lucas), Jaci Garijo (Jeff), Anita Stanford, and Melissa Weston (Shane); grandchildren Jace Grenke, Kyndra Williams, Alex Williams, Alexis Garijo, Emma Garijo, Lily Schawbauer, Connor (Emily) Laursen, Bryce Mitzimberg, Kaylee Weston, and Lucie Weston; Brother Mike Stanford (Jeannie), Shane Stanford (Laci), Brandi (Jess), sister Dee Miller, Jake (Cheyenne), Michaele (Andrew), Cade (Maddie), sister-in-law Ada Stanford, nephew Wyatt Stanford (Nicole) and Mac.