Submit a PhotoSteven Leeper (79) of Gilbert, Arizona passed away at home on December 30, 2024 surrounded by his family. Steve is survived by his beloved wife, Martha Hall, and four children: Marshall (Heather), Laura, Cami (Robert), and Sharice; his six grandchildren: Preston, Chandler, Makena, Hailey, Maggie, and Clara; and his brother Ron (Sepa). He is preceded in death by his parents.
Steve was born on June 19, 1945 in Honolulu, Hawaii to Willard Hollister Leeper and Vera Cotterell. He spent most of his formative years in Glendale, California. Steve had fond memories of traveling to Salt Lake City with his brother each summer to stay with his aunts, uncles, and cousins. He attended and graduated from Hoover High School in Glendale in 1963. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the West German mission and upon returning graduated Cum Laude from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology. He then moved to Washington, DC and graduated from The George Washington University School of Medicine.
In April 1973, he married his beloved wife, Marti, in the Salt Lake City temple. Their union, spanning 51 years, was a testament to their enduring love and commitment. They established their roots in Tempe, Arizona, while Steve completed his medical training.
Doctor Leeper opened his solo medical practice in Mesa, specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology. His dedicated practice spanned decades, during which he delivered over 2,000 babies and provided compassionate care to countless families. He and Marti were residents of Tempe and Scottsdale for 31 years and upon retirement in 2004 relocated to Carlsbad, California to be closer to Steve’s aging mother. They returned full-time to Gilbert in 2018.
Steve was a life-long faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where he served in various stake and ward callings. Steve and Marti cherished the time they spent as temple workers in the San Diego temple and the year they served as full-time missionaries in the California Carlsbad mission. Steve reluctantly gave up his calling as a temple ordinance worker when he was called to be bishop of their ward in Carlsbad. True to his reliable nature, he was faithful in fulfilling his ministering responsibilities. He had a strong belief in prayer and our Savior, Jesus Christ. He taught his children to love God and to work hard.
Steve was blessed with a keen mind and throughout his life he was constantly learning and expanding his knowledge. He was an avid reader and especially enjoyed history, biographies, politics, and church history. Steve loved traveling, taking long car rides, and watching sports–especially basketball and BYU football.
Though he held many titles – Doctor, Elder, Bishop, Brother, Dad – his heart belonged to his cherished role as Grandpa.
Services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (5656 S Higley Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85298) on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM with a visitation from 9:45-10:45 prior to the funeral services. The funeral will also be available online at this link: Steve Leeper memorial service
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We met Steve and Marti shortly after we had moved to Gilbert and then they moved here from Carlsbad. We so enjoyed our time we spent with Marti and Steve. Steve engaged us in many thought provoking conversations. What an amazing person, friend, husband, father and grandfather! He will be missed.
President Nelson has said: “The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life.” When I learned about Steve’s passing, sadness filled my heart because losing a friend of more than 60 years is painful. The goodness of Steve’s life has always been very evident and contributed to my conversion to the Savior and His church in 1967. I will always be grateful for his powerful example, gentle spirit, kind nature, and unwavering faith.
Steve was a lifelong friend and my roommate for one year at BYU. He was smart but humble. He was a gentle giant in the true sense of that term. He loved and befriended everyone. He was a true friend that left me with many happy memories of our association. Our love to Marti and the family. Tad and Kathy
I am so sad to hear about the passing of Steve. I have nothing but fond memories of him. May God be with your family in the days ahead.
Dearest Marti and Family: I am so sad to learn of Steve’s passing. I was conveted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Scottsdale, Arizona (Desert Mountain Ward) in 1999. I was in the same Ward as your family,, and I became a Visiting Teacher to Marti Leeper. I have such wonderful memories of driving up to the gorgeous Leeper home (with amazing view) to meet with Marti, and Dr. Leeper often arrived at home when I was there visiting. I am now 80 years old, just a little older than Bro. Leeper. I am so sorry for your family’s loss but SO GRATEFUL to know of Eternal Families! God bless your family, and please receive my sincere condolences. So happy you will meet again! With affection, Ricki Burleigh