Stephen (Steve) Ralph Westphal, 76, passed away peacefully in his home in Littlefield, Arizona, while surrounded by loved ones on Dec. 4, 2023. He was born on April 6, 1947, in Provo, Utah, to Norma Hoover and Lewis LeRoy Westphal. He married the love of his life Susy Manning Foster on Nov. 9, 2001, in Lindon, Utah. They were later sealed in the Mount Timpanogos, Utah Temple on Sept. 17, 2011. They spent 22 years building a beautiful life together as a team, with the last four years spent faithfully at each other’s side nearly every minute. Steve has 12 wonderful children — five from his previous marriage with Carol Mangum and seven with Susy.
Steve had an idyllic childhood growing up in Provo (other than when his mom made him wear a tutu while attending ballet class). He later graduated from Provo High School and then continued his education at BYU and UVSC. Steve worked at Geneva Steel for 35 years. He started at the bottom, diligently working his way up as one of the three Plant Managers, becoming one of the last people to leave the property upon its final shutdown. He then pursued a second career in Non-Destructive Testing, specializing in Ground Penetrating Radar for MetChem Testing and Consolidated Engineering Labs.
His favorite pastimes included spending time with Susy, as well as his kids and grandkids. He loved the outdoors and could often be found hunting, fishing, boating, four-wheeling and camping. He was an incredible handyman and could fix just about anything. He enjoyed passing these skills along to his family and the many Boy Scouts he worked with over a 30-year span. He was always ready to explore and go somewhere new with his family. He loved to tell stories about popping wheelies in his modified Corvette while listening to the Beach Boys. He was extremely passionate about cars and collected an impressive plethora throughout his life.
Steve was loved by all. He always put others before himself, never hesitating for a second when he saw an opportunity to help others. He was always cheerful while also being the hardest-working man you could ever meet. Steve was an exemplary and dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who lived his values.
Steve is survived by his loving wife Susy, along with his children Katie (Jason), Jeremy, Zak (Amber), Keegan (Patricia), Aaron, Megan (Nick), Lindsay (Justin), Tamara (Russ), Nikki, Tasha (John), Zac (Tish), along with 28 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Brent and Mark, daughter Stephanie, son Quincy and two grandsons Jack and Jonathan.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 11, at the Far West Latter-day Saint Chapel, 320 North 3400 West Hurricane, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Following the funeral service, Interment will be at the Hurricane City Cemetery, 255 East 600 North, under the direction of McMillan Mortuary, 435-688-8880.
In Steve’s memory and in lieu of flowers, consider donating to the American Diabetes Association at https://diabetes.org/.
Condolences may be shared and live stream may be watched on the McMillan Mortuary website.