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Theodore (Ted) Vaughn Hougland was born on July 8, 1935 in Republic, Washington, and passed from this life on September 23, 2020 in Mesa, Arizona. He graduated from Washington State University with a Masters in Electrical Engineering.

Ted Hougland was a kind and gentle man. A man of few words, he could talk at great length to the right audience about his favorite things. He loved inventions and science and was very skilled at learning how things worked. Given the time, Ted could fix just about anything. He was a small town boy that kept that simple mindset throughout his life. He was an electrical engineer by trade but had a brilliant mind capable of all sorts of endeavors. In fact, he did work on The Lunar Orbiter used by NASA to map possible landing sites on the moon.

 Along with being a kind man, Ted was also a loving and devoted husband and father. He adored his wife of 45 years and always made time for his children. He would help with school work, science projects, hobbies and even playing and tickling. Ted always made the time even if he was very busy. Some of his favorite hobbies were tinkering on projects in his shop and in later years, exploring on Google Earth. He always said he had liked the idea of being able to fly above the landscape as a kid and felt that Google Earth was a way he could do that.

Ted also shared his resourcefulness with others. After he retired from his engineering work, he worked as a handyman and would help older clients with odd jobs and mechanical things. Many people remember him doing so with great patience and kindness. Our husband and father will be missed but we know that he is not the body that passed, but an angelic being that went back home.

He is survived by his wife Arlene, four children, Bob (Chris), John,( Kristi), Amy (Abel), Matthew (Lyndley), 10 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his mother, Verena, his father, Vaughn, and one grandchild, Charlotte Rose.

Diana French (nee Cherem), passed away peacefully on September 26, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona at the age of 87. She was born on January 16, 1933 in Royal Oak, Michigan, the 5^th of 12 children. Living in Detroit most of her life, she met her husband Fred in 1954 when he was in the Coast Guard. They were married for 49 years before Fred passed away in 2004.

From the time Diana was a child, she was always helping people. When she saw someone alone, she would automatically go to them and address their needs. Her desire to help led her to work with many charitable organizations over her lifetime. Her greatest achievement was the co-founding of Brother to Brother International, a charity that matched companies with donations of food, medicine, hospital equipment and supplies to over 1600 charities needing them. She personally traveled to 13 countries in fulfilling the organization’s mission. In Nigeria, she is honored by those she helped with the naming of a village hospital after her.

She retired from Brother to Brother as Executive Director after 45 years of helping others. In appreciation for her lifetime of service, Diana was presented with the Daily Points of Light award from the Points of Light organization founded by President George H. W. Bush.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Linda Marie French, Jeffrey Paul (Debra) French, Michele Kathleen (Joseph) Verderame; cherished granddaughter Natalie (Michael) Christiansen and grandson Andrew Verderame; brother Gabe (Barbara) Cherem and sisters Luda Huff and Pola Bowden.                                                     

A celebration of life will be held at Desert Cross Lutheran Church in Tempe, Arizona at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Desert Cross Lutheran Church, 8600 S. McClintock Drive, Tempe, Arizona, 85284.

Darell Eugene Hardison was born February 9, 1938 and passed peacefully on September 23, 2020. He is survived by his wife Sandra, sons Kenneth, Steven, Randall, and daughter Andrea. He also leaves 23 grandchildren and 43 great grandchildren.

As a lifelong Arizona native, Darrell served 33 years as a phoenix fire fighter and Arsons investigator. He was known as a good natured practical joker and drove fire trucks like there was no tomorrow.

He also served in positions in his church as a Boy Scout leader, Stake clerk, Ward mission leader and High Priest group leader. He also served a mission for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints alongside his wife as Family History missionaries at the Mesa Genealogy library.

Known for his kind, caring demeanor, infectious smile, baby blue eyes, he told the best stories ever and there was nothing he couldn’t fix. He is loved and is missed by all.

Christine Elizabeth Phelps, beloved wife of Duke and devoted mother of Matt, passed away Saturday morning after a courageous battle with cancer. She was the youngest daughter of Helen and Eugene Hogue. She served in the Air Force, then worked in Spokane, Washington where she met Duke, the man she cherished for 43 years. Two years ago, she retired after working over 20 years at Vanguard in the processing department. Christine was well-loved by all who knew her even though we could never out-hike her, out-smart her in scrabble, or out-love her.  Her faith in Jesus as her savior gave her the strength to live a beautiful life and a legacy for those she left behind. She is survived by her sisters Linda, Sue-Marie (Galen), Teresa (Al), and brothers Gene, Steve, and Mike (Terri).

For website only: Services will be held at the LDS Church at 9 a.m. The church is located at 777 E. Elliot Rd, Gilbert AZ, 85234. You can access the service via zoom at 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89116777183?pwd=WmlCZDErYldjNUNPd0R5VTBQRjdWQT09

Mildred Elaine “Midge” Miller (nee Butricks), passed away peacefully with her family by her side on September 23, 2020 in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 59 years old. She was born on February 14, 1961 in St. Charles, Missouri. Midge proudly worked in medical billing in Missouri for many years but spent her last few years savoring retirement in Arizona living her best life. She loved her family more than anything and enjoyed activities like bingo, arts and crafts, and reading novels.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Marvin Everett and Judith (Borders) Butricks, and her beloved son, James Everett “Jamie” Miller. She will be lovingly remembered by her partner of twenty years, Larry McLeroy; dear children, Starla Rae (Larry) Drake, Charles Robert (Brittany) Miller; cherished grandsons, Raylan and Jax Miller; siblings, Susan (Carl) Daugherty, William Butricks, Gayle (John, deceased) Thomas, Leroy (Sandy Barton) Butricks, and Melody Wunderle; father and step-mother of her children, James and Jody Miller; and numerous nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Missouri at a later date. Memorial donations may be made in Midge’s name to the Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association of America at www.debra.org/donate, a cause near and dear to her heart due to the death of her son Jamie from Epidermolysis Bullosa in 1985.

Matthew Scott Larocque (Rocksteady), 32, passed away unexpectedly on September 17, 2020, in San Tan Valley, AZ. Matthew had a huge heart and would give the shirt off his back. Whenever someone called on him, he did his best to help. The one thing that made him smile most in life was his daughter.  Matthew is survived by: His daughter Emily Marie Dodson; His father Mark J. Larocque SR; His mother Beth L. Larocque; His brother Mark J. Larocque Jr.; and His Sister Stephanie N. Larocque. As well as a significant number of family friends.

Fred Duane Disbro, born October 20,1960 was called home Monday September 21,2020  in Mesa, Arizona. He was born to John O Disbro and Stella VanCuren in Mt. Vernon, Ohio. Duane was caring, kind, compassionate,and of a giving nature, always willing to help a friend, neighbor, or someone in need. He loved to teach about mechanical work to new employees, or friends and family. Duane’s hobbies were golf, fishing or Nascar racing. He and his wife Barbara were married 30 years, Married April 20, 1990, they have 2 beautiful children Taylor Disbro, Kirsten Disbro, and two grandchildren Leighton Howell, and Kalaya Wade. He is survived by his Father John O Disbro, Step mom Wilda Disbro, Brothers -JD Disbro and Chester DIsbro, his sister Debra Disbro. He will be missed by all.

Visitation by invation will be held at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E University Dr., Mesa, Az Thursday September 24, 2020 at 2pm. The family will hold an open house at 4-8pm at  2564 E. Harmony Ave, Mesa,Az.

Steven Lloyd Black passed away peacefully on September 21, 2020 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born on August 8, 1947 in Salt Lake City, Utah to George and Kathryn Black. He grew up in Salt Lake City, attended Granite High School, and then went to Southern Utah College in Cedar City, Utah.

After a year of college, he received a phone call from his bishop that would change the direction of his life. Steve was offered a slot to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints versus go into the military and serve in the Vietnam War. Steve thought a mission sounded better than war, but he did not want to go anywhere near Asia. Three days later he received his mission call to the “Southern Far East Mission”. The headquarters were in Hong Kong. Steve served for 2½ years and spent the majority of his time in the Philippines. He later reflected that serving a mission was one of the best things he did.

After his mission, he attended BYU in Provo, Utah. It was there that he met the love of his life – Linda Walker. They were in the same family home evening group. After knowing each other for about a year, Steve helped Linda find an apartment to live in while she did her student teaching in Salt Lake City. It was conveniently located across the street from his family. He went to basic training and Linda got to know his family. When Steve got home, they went on their first date. After two dates, he knew he wanted to be with Linda forever and he asked her to marry him.

They were married in the Manti Temple on May 28, 1971. They have five children; Sarah (John) Skabelund, Jennifer (Don) Sharp, Kathryn Black, Steven (Jessica) Black, and Lindsay (Trevor) Florence. They have 19 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Family meant everything to both of them.

Steve had several jobs throughout his life. During high school he worked at the local drive-in theater. He recalls with fondness how many times he had seen certain movies and knew all of the lines. After his mission, he got into the trades and did cement work and eventually began to build homes with his dad and brother. They had several subdivisions in Utah.

In 1983, Steve’s work led their family to move to Tempe, Arizona where he continued to be a home builder. Steve worked as much as his body would allow him to.

Over the years, Steve was in several accidents. He also had health issues that prevented him from being able to do everything he wanted. After adding up all of the medical bills from one accident it was announced that Steve was literally the “million dollar man” with all of the new parts he had been given.

Steve loved movies, especially Westerns. He believed he could fix just about anything, from homes to cars. He taught all of his children how to change the oil, brake pads, and other parts on cars as well. He had a generous heart and was very giving to those that needed help.

Steve had a great sense of humor and loved to sing silly songs that his children and grandchildren thought he had made up. He loved spoiling his grandchildren with treats any chance he could. His grandma told him that if you were eating candy, you could not cry at the same time. He took that motto to heart and always had candy, or a treat nearby.

Steve was preceded in death by his wife, Linda, and his parents. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his siblings Lester Black, Rebecca Farnsworth, and Laurie Hardy.

On Friday, September 11, 2020, Kristin Michelle Goolsby loving daughter, sister, aunt passed away at the age of 35. Kristin was born on December 28, 1984, in Tucson, Arizona. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in secondary education from Arizona State University. Kristin had a passion and love for being in the kitchen. She enjoyed baking and creating new recipes for all to try. Two of her favorite holidays were Thanksgiving for the green bean casserole and Christmas because of the joy it brought to everyone. Kristin was known for being a goofy and fun aunt to her nieces and nephews, enjoying making up songs, dancing, and playing.

Kristin is survived by her mother Carol Mazza, sisters Nicole Mathison and Klarece Bix, Brother-in-law Nathan Mathison, sister-in-law Savannah Bix,  nieces, and nephews Taylor, Brayden, Ethan, Kailyn, Nolan, Tyson, Bexley.

An open house gathering will be held to celebrate Kristin’s life at a later date.

In lieu of sending flowers please send donations to Aurora Behavioral Health in memory of Kristin Goolsby.

Arrangements have been made by Bunker Funeral Home.

Tracey Ann Cox passed away at age 56 on August 16, 2020 after a long fight with cancer in Mesa, AZ. She is survived by her mother and stepfather Juanita and William York, sister and brother-in-law Kelley and Patrick Sadecki, and niece Hayley Sadecki, her aunt and uncle Carole and Joseph Spina, uncle and aunt David and Alice Cox, along with cousins Joey, Adam, Amy, Sheri and Jack, and her father Anthony W Cox. Tracey leaves behind many friends and coworkers who will remember her for being a wonderful and caring friend.

Tracey loved to decorate for the holidays especially Halloween.  She would decorate her office for all holidays and open her house for her neighbors to share in the fun. Everyone will miss those fun times.

We will all miss Tracey but she will be in our hearts forever.  Her life ended way too soon but she is no longer suffering and is at peace.

Private plans are being made to celebrate her life.  Donations may be made to The American Cancer Society or Hospice of the Valley, Mesa, AZ.

Carolyn Ann Jones passed away peacefully from a long stretch with Alzheimer’s on September 17, 2020 in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 85.  Carolyn led a very happy, active life filled with so many family and friends.  She was an amazing seamstress, loved baking, cooking and being the perfect hostess to anyone she met.  She and Wendell were the best traveling companions going to Canada, Guatemala, Europe, Scandinavia, Asia and all over the United States. In fact she wouldn’t go anywhere without him.  All those who knew her thought her to be a most unbelievably kind, caring and loving person.  She is survived by her husband, Wendell Jones; son Mike (Jettalee) McKinney, two grandchildren Brad and Tracy and three great grandchildren; daughter Linda (John) O’Donnal, eight grandchildren David & Eugene (deceased) Natalie, Juan (deceased), Sarah, Maggie, Emily, Zach, thirteen great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; daughter Susan (Paul) Chapman, four grandchildren Josh, Brittney, Ben, Preston and six great grandchildren; and Wendell’s children Darce’ (Lehi) Montierth, Krystal (David) Hall, Sherrine (Wes) Hayward, Travis (Julie) Jones, Cameo (Cooper) Johnson, Arianne (Dave) Jenson, and family of twenty-eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. After being an only child while growing up, and not wishing that on anyone, she finally became a sister and leaves a brother Curtis Jernigan.  A viewing which is open to the public will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints building located at 2549 N. 32^nd Street in Mesa, Arizona at 9:30am on Friday, September 25, 2020.  The viewing will be followed by a funeral open only to family members which will be held at the same location starting at 11:00am.  The funeral will be available for on-line viewing at:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81643497992?pwd=YzNQNGxlc2gwQWtFdGM3NWExZmMvdz09 

Or, to join from the Zoom app:

Meeting ID: 816 4349 7992

Passcode: LDSHG

Carolyn will be laid to rest at the cemetery in Virden, New Mexico on Saturday, September 26, 2020 at 1:00pm.  All are welcome to the burial.

Margaretann Alma (Reilng) St.Cyr, age 88, passed away on September 12, 2020 at home in Mesa, AZ from complications of a stroke. Peggy, as she was called, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 30, 1932. She was the oldest of two children born to Russell and Margaret Reiling.

Following  graduation from Roxborough High, Peggy enlisted in the Army. While stationed in San Francisco she met Raymond Paul St.Cyr. They married on May 14, 1952 in Reno, NV.

 Two of their daughters developed health issues while living in Philadelphia and doctors recommended a warmer, drier climate. Since the couple had joinned the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints early in their marriage, the family pulled up roots and moved to Mesa, AZ in September, 1968. The family was sealed in the Mesa temple on December 7, 1968.

 Peggy held several administrative assistant positions. She spent time at Arizona State University before working for an assistant superintendent for Mesa Public Schools. While working she completed her AA at Mesa Community College.

Peggy had many of talents. She had performed since childhood in stage plays and musicals. She was active in theater groups in Philadelphia and continued sharing that talent in Mesa. Besides performing, she successfully directed many plays for various valley theater groups.

Peggy held many church callings including teaching in Relief Society, Primary, and Sunday School. She was ward chorister and choir director for many years. She sang in several Easter Sunrise services on the temple grounds. Peggy and Ray served as ward missionaries and at the Mesa Family History Center. Her greatest joy was serving as a temple worker with Raymond in the Mesa temple for six years.

Peggy was an accomplished writer, having had two books published: “From Conversion to Commitment” and “One Fold, One Shepherd”.

Peggy also served as a Republican precinct committeeman for several years. She held district offices and won awards for her service.

 Peggy was preceded in death by her eternal companion, Raymond, and son Daniel Paul.

 She is survived by her children Mary Louise, Sharon Ann, Margot Elizabeth, Mark Dennis, and Navajo son, Stephen (Alena) Gray, 14 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Patricia (Joseph) Elliott,  sister-in-law Alice St.Cyr, and several nieces and nephews.

 In leiu of flowers, donations to the Phoenix Zoo (455 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix,AZ 85008) may be made in her name.

 Due to covid 19 restrictions, no funeral services will be held. Family will meet at the National Cemetery in Cave Creek for the dedication of the grave. Bunker’s Garden Chapel is handling he arrangements.

Carlton Lee Johns, 63, of Gila Crossing died on September 10, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona.

As a child, Carlton grew up in the downtown Phoenix area, Salt River Indian Community and Gila River Indian Community, staying with many extended families. Carlton attended Fort Apache School many years ago, and as a teenager, he attended Kicking Horse Job Corps in Ronan, Montana where he completed the Carpentry program. He was a General Laborer for many years.

Carlton enjoyed drawing, watching football, working outside, going to the casino and visiting family & friends. Carlton will always be remembered by his family as a great listener and a hardworking-independent person. His joking nature and laughter will be truly missed including his many surprise visits.

Carlton is survived by two children, Eric Blaine Lewis and Shannon Tara Lewis of Salt River. His sisters Lavern Enos (Cornelius) of Gila Crossing and Sharon Johns of Phoenix.  11 nieces and nephews, 27 great-nieces & nephews and 6 great-great nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Byron B. Johns & Wilma V. Johns (Pablo-Lopez), five brothers: Byron Blackwater Johns Jr., Franchot Sherman Johns, Gerald Vernon Johns, Arnell Patrick Johns & his children’s mother, Vera Miles Lewis.

Graveside services will be held at the Upper Santan Cemetery on Saturday, September 26^, 2020 at 6 a.m.

Mary Sharp McGrath, loving wife and mother of four, passed away in the arms of her children on September 10, 2020.  Mary was born on September 13, 1969 in Logan, Utah to Heber M. and Barbara S. Sharp.

Mary attended BYU where she met and married the love of her life, Clinton S. McGrath.  She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in History.  Together they raised four amazing children, Caitlin, Sam, Jake, and Maddie.  They first made their home in Mesa, Arizona and then later in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.  Mary spent most of her time doing what she loved most, being a wife and mother.  Her family was her passion.  She also excelled at photography and in recent years, quilting.  She loved living abroad, and took advantage of every opportunity to travel with her friends and family.  Mary lived a life of service, blessing the lives of those around her.  She had an extremely generous spirit, always giving of her time and talents.  She was a friend to everyone; her infectious laugh and witty humor will be missed by all.

Mary was preceded in death by her father, Heber.  She is survived by her husband, Clint, their four children, Caitlin (Dallin) Blank, Sam, Jake (Madison), and Maddie, as well as her mother, Barbara, two sisters, Jennifer and Barb, and three brothers, David, Jared, and Chris, along countless friends across the globe.

If you would like to view the funeral please click this link!  https://youtu.be/iZ-9gUp-Gk0

Camille Elizabeth Barton Hugill passed away on September 14, 2020 in Gilbert, Arizona.   Born in Murray, Utah on January 5, 1989, she was the baby of the family as the youngest of five siblings.   She was the adorable, cute, spoiled centerpiece of the family, endlessly entertaining her siblings, parents and grandparents with her funny smiles and quirky behavior, fascination with bugs and dogs, and her dance recitals.   She followed her parents to Encinitas, California where she graduated from Sunset High School and embarked on a multifaceted life of a variety of jobs and educational opportunities.

She studied psychology at Arizona State University, certified as a CNA, and most recently was thrilled to embark on a new path towards a career in mortuary science at Chandler-Gilbert Community College.   She served the patients at Banner Baywood Medical Center during a time of great stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, bravely facing the onslaught of disease and death with compassion, at no small risk to herself, herself becoming ill at one point.  She had a successful career in retail sales at Buffalo Exchange and My Sister’s Closet, where she was recognized for her skills and promoted to management. She recently started working at Traditional Ink, being very familiar with the tattoo business, having a radiant tapestry of tattoos over her well-curated body.

Every time she started a new enterprise she was quick to make friends and impress people with her open mind, vivaciousness, warmth, free spirit, and ability to manage and talk with all types of people.  She was not a material person and invested her passion in her work, family, and her meticulous, kaleidoscopic appearance, with her own unique sense of fashion.  Though her life and goals were cut short, she lived fully and was able to travel with family and experience the best of an intensely lived life as a sensitive and curious soul.

Among her many roles as a sister, friend, wife, and daughter, she assumed the role of mother in 2017 with the birth of her son Charles (Chuck) Conan Hugill, a role she cherished.   Her life was changed by motherhood, which brought out a new side of her.  She cared for and nurtured her son with many walks in the park, exploring backyard bugs and creatures, having water balloon fights, watching Spiderman movies, and swimming.  Hearing Chuck’s laughter and being called “Momma” brought her special joy.  She just recently joyfully reunited with her daughter Amber.

She is preceded in death by her father Richard G. Barton, Jr. (1952-2018) who loved and protected her fiercely through turbulent times and with whom she is now lovingly reunited.  She is survived by her son Chuck Hugill, daughter Amber Randall, Chuck’s father Thomas Hugill, mother Kathleen W. Barton (for whom she was the primary caregiver), siblings Brandon, Tyler (Rochelle), Megan, and Joshua (Dianna), many nieces and nephews, and countless friends and extended family who adored her.   She was quickly well-liked by nearly everyone she encountered and will be missed intensely by all.

A viewing for the public will be held at Bunker’s Garden Chapel Funeral Home in Mesa, Arizona on September 22^nd from 6-8pm.   According to public health guidelines, a small private service by invitation only will be held at Bunker Family Funeral Home on September 23^rd followed by burial next to her father in San Tan Memorial Gardens in Queen Creek, AZ.   For those that cannot attend, the service will be recorded and access will be provided on request from the family.

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Stephen Earl who completed his earthly mission on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at the age of 71. Having endured the trials of Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) for most of his life with strength and resilience, he was successfully recovering from a hip fracture through physical therapy over the summer.  All of us, including Stephen, were optimistic he would reach full recovery, but during a routine kidney dialysis treatment on Tuesday night he suffered an unforeseen complication. Fortunately, the Lord gave us enough time for his children and dear wife to gather by his bedside to say our final goodbyes. He then peacefully slipped away to be greeted by his parents, Rulon and Esther, and two of his siblings, Miriam (Allen) Tobler, and Allan (Denise), who preceded him in death.  He is survived by his wife, JaNae, his children and their spouses, Julie (Daniel) Earley, Cameron, McKay (Summer), Kimball (Genny), Taylor (Laura), his brother Robert (Karma), step-brother Bruce (Bonnie) Lemon, and his 19 grandchildren.

Stephen Condie Earl was born on October 8, 1948 in Las Vegas, NV.  As the youngest child, he often quipped how he survived much physical torment and teasing from his older brothers, who would later become loyal and cherished friends. One of the most difficult trials of his childhood was watching his mother struggle with and eventually die of PKD when he was only 14 years old.

He graduated from Las Vegas High School in 1967.  Because of his diligence in academics, during his senior year he was chosen to attend Boys State, and from there, Boys Nation in Washington D.C.  He loved to play baseball, participate in speech and debate, play the trumpet and was an Eagle Scout.

After high school graduation, he chose to serve two years as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in West Germany from 1967-1969.  Learning German was difficult for him, but consistent with his character he put in the extra effort to not only become fluent, but to pass as a native German.

He attended Brigham Young University on an academic scholarship, graduating 1973 with a BA in Political Science.  While at BYU he saw his future wife, JaNae Hansen, speak in church and was so impressed that he pulled a few strings so that both of them could chair a committee together. They married a few months later in 1972.  A baby girl, Julie Michelle, joined them the next year as they struggled through school.  She was soon followed by four sons: Cameron, McKay, Kimball and Taylor.

Steve had always planned on practicing law in his father’s and uncle’s firm, Earl & Earl, in Las Vegas.  With this in mind, after graduation from BYU he applied to several top tier law schools, but Rex Lee, Dean of the newly founded BYU law school approached him to ask if he would be willing to be a member of the charter class.  He often marveled at how Rex convinced so many students with Top 10 ambitions to join the new law school.  Known for his work ethic in particular, Steve graduated near the top of his class and was loyal to the law school for the rest of his life as exemplified in his tireless service to the J. Ruben Clark Law Society in leadership roles and raising money for scholarships and professorships.

After graduation in 1976, he made the difficult decision to not return and practice law with his father in Las Vegas but had a strong impression that he should raise his family in Arizona. He began practicing law at Jennings, Strouss & Salmon in Phoenix where he was mentored by excellent attorneys and learned to specialize in zoning law.  This began a long and fulfilling legal career in land use and development.

There came a point when Steve and his good friend Daryl Williams felt they could fulfill a dream of opening a law firm together.  With Earnie Baird, they began Earl, Baird and Williams.  As much as Steve enjoyed working with close friends, he wondered if it would be possible to open a law firm dedicated to zoning.  Mike Curley had followed Steve from JJ&S to EB&W so the two of them, along with Lynne Lagarde, then formed Earl, Curley & Lagarde and went on to practice many years together before Lynne’s retirement in 2013 and Mike’s sudden passing in 2015. In 2013 Stephen and Mike pulled Stephen’s son, Taylor, away from a budding career in litigation to join the firm. Stephen and Taylor enjoyed several years of practicing together as father and son, with Taylor eventually becoming his law partner. Stephen’s entire career was a deep source of pride and joy for him.

Most important to Steve was his testimony of and relationship with Jesus Christ.  A life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he volunteered his time serving in many church callings — teaching Sunday School, working with the youth, leadership positions in bishoprics and stake presidencies — and he loved the many friendships he made while ministering to others.  Most recently, serving in the temple on Saturday afternoons was the highlight of his week.

Steve struggled with health challenges from an early age and was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) while in college.  Consequently he experienced several close calls with death over the years, but he always recovered beyond his doctors’ expectations.  He ascribed this to the miracles of God working in his life.

We have all been inspired and blessed by Steve’s life.  We would like to collect favorite memories from his friends and associates of any kind.  These will be compiled into a collection to be shared not just with posterity, but also with friends.   All memories are welcome, whether professional, funny, sad, spiritual, something learned — anything.  Please leave them below.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 25, 2020 at 11:00AM.  Extended family, friends and associates are invited to attend virtually at this link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GoEjPuBDROuRGdiZA67qyA. Registration is required and can be completed anytime beforehand.  A slideshow of Steve’s life will play at the above link preceding the services beginning at 10:30AM.

In lieu of flowers, any desired donations can be directed to the following sites:

PKD Foundation

LDS Humanitarian Fund

BYU Law School Scholarship Fund