W. Steven Leeper

Steven 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