Leslie Whiting Johnson

Leslie Whiting Johnson, of San Tan Valley, Arizona passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by family, on June 12, 2025. Leslie was born in Holbrook, Arizona to Lester and Louise Whiting on April 5, 1943.

Leslie spent her early childhood years in northern Arizona and southern Utah ultimately settling in Mesa, Arizona.  She attended school at Mesa Junior High where she first met Richard Wayne Johnson.  Together, they continued on to Mesa High School graduating with the class of 1961.  Leslie Continued her higher education at Arizona State University.  Leslie ultimately married R. Wayne, her childhood sweetheart on March 16, 1962.  Shortly after their marriage in the Mesa, Arizona Temple, they began their family.  Although Leslie accomplished many great and wonderful things in her lifetime, the accomplishment she was most proud of was that of being a mother and grandmother.

Leslie was active in public service throughout her life and served as an Arizona State Legislator for 12 years, serving 6 terms.  As a State Representative, Leslie was widely recognized for her integrity and commitment to her constituents while remaining true to her core values of faith and family.  She served as the first woman in the position of Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee in Arizona and was key in passing many pieces of consequential legislation.  After her time in the Arizona legislature, Leslie continued her public service as a key advisor to Arizona Governor’s.  As a tribute to her dedicated service to the state, Governor Fyfe Symington declared April 5, 1993, as Leslie Whiting Johnson day in the State of Arizona.

After retirement from her political career, Leslie continued to serve her community through numerous church callings for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Together with R. Wayne, Leslie was a Temple Ordinance Worker and served as the Assistant Matron in the Snowflake Temple Presidency.  Together they also served as a missionaries in several missions for the church including in the Greece Athens Mission Presidency on the island of Cyprus, Palmyra, New York Temple and the Adriatic North Mission as Humanitarian Missionaries. Together, they accomplished much good and influenced countless people, many of whom are considered extended family to this day.

Having survived a battle with cancer 30 or more years earlier, Leslie always considered the days ahead as a blessing and opportunity to spread joy and love with all she met.  As all that knew her can attest, she fulfilled that personal goal to the fullest.

Leslie temporarily leaves behind her devoted and loving husband, Richard Wayne Johnson, her children, Scott Wayne (Emilie), Lester Todd (Polly), Kristen (Kevin) Purvis and Danny (Camille) Horn.  Grandchildren include Tyfani (Chris), Victoria, Richard, Gregory (Jaclyn), Douglas, Jessica (Issac), Jenifer (Micah), Steven (Sarah), Jillianne, Cody (Ashley), Tyler, Tyler (Elise), Kyle (Krista) and Jacob.  Great Grandchildren include Lilia, Austin, Camden, Mason, Harper, Kash, Adelyn, Eddie, Zo, Asher, Liam, Levi, Raegan, Luke, Rhyan, Layla, Renly, Jaxon, Hunter and Haley.

We wish to invite all to come and celebrate the beautiful life of Leslie Whiting Johnson with us.   As a special tribute to Leslie, in honor of her commitment to high fashion, we would invite all of the ladies attending to wear a fashionable hat.

A public visitation will be held on Friday 6/27/25 from 7pm-9pm at the Bunker’s Garden Chapel 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa AZ 85201.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday 6/28/25 at the LDS Stake Center 31844 N. Gantzel Rd., San Tan Valley AZ 85142. The funeral service will be at 10am.  There will be a family viewing in the Relief Society room from 9am-10am.

The funeral service will be followed by an escorted procession to the Mesa City Cemetery at 1212 N. Center Street Mesa AZ 85210 for the graveside service and internment.

If you are unable to attend the service, please click on the following link to livestream the service:

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3774963201?pwd=q3ETppMzWzd30A6sGNOHVAirVEHtyj.1

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.