Steven Phillip Lupe

Surrounded by his loving family, Steven Phillip Lupe died in the very early morning hours of Sunday, May 20, 2012 at the Whiteriver Indian Hospital in Whiteriver, Navajo County, Arizona following a lengthy illness. He was 80 years old. Steven was born on April 15, 1932 in Cibecue, Navajo County, Arizona to his parents, the late John and Ruby (Velasquez) Lupe. Steven served in The U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict as a Staff Sargeant and his whole family was so proud of the sacrifices he made during that time of his life. Following his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, Steven worked on several ranches throughout the state of Arizona and was a reliable ranch hand. He later was a stock contractor for many years at hundreds of rodeos throughout the state. Steven also had a competive edge when it came to rodeoing and loved to compete in team roping as well as calf roping events. He was quite good at it, too. At the time of his death, Steven was still actively working as a livestock inspector. He was a true family man and was a loving husband and father and was very proud of each of his grandchildren; especially those that were involved in rodeo. Steven was a simple man who was a friend to everyone. Steven is survived by his: wife, Norma of Whiteriver, Arizona; 8 children: Barry, Fernando, Leo, Steven, Jr., Beverly, Joy, Candy, Gail; 20 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister, Ida Early. Steven was prececed in death by a daughter, Sharon; 3 brothers: Adam, Preston, Roger; 2 sisters: Rose and Bessie. A one night wake for Steven will begin 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at the Lupe Family residence in Whiteriver. The funeral service will begin 9:00 A.M., Thursday, May 24, 2012, J 7 Roping Arena. The concluding service and interment will immediately follow at the Open Range Cemetery in Cibecue. Services will be officated by Father Ed Fronske.