STRONG, Eugene Richard (Dr.)

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ August 14, 2008 Dr. Eugene Richard Strong died unexpectedly at his Show Low home Thursday, July 30, 2008, at the age of 83. Dr. Strong was born Oct. 19, 1924, in Provo, Utah, to the late Dr. W. Melvin and Ruth (Thorson) Strong. He was a skilled pilot and U.S. Navy veteran during World War II and would refer to the planes he flew as "goony birds." Dr. Strong moved to Arizona from his native Utah nearly 50 years ago and built a thriving podiatry practice at the Mesa Lutheran Medical Building and Mesa General Hospital. He retired in 1984 and was able to devote more time to the sport he thoroughly enjoyed - golf! He and his wife, Mary Lou, had a cabin in Pinetop for many years and thoroughly enjoyed their summertime visits there. They moved to Show Low permanently four years ago. He is survived by his wife, Mary Louise Strong of Show Low; five children, Marc Strong (Donna) of Los Angeles, Calif., Christopher Strong (Mischa) of Brighton, Colo., Nanci Slater (Walter) of Seattle, Wash., Perry Hayden Strong of San Diego, Calif., Jill Strong (Fitz Hurd) of Carbondale, Colo.; four stepchildren, Katherine Reeve of Tucson, Steven Grutzmacher of Scottsdale, David Grutzmacher of Mesa and John Grutzmacher (Connie) of Mesa; brother Ralph Strong (Donna) of Salt Lake City, Utah; two sisters, Ruth Jones of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Norma Larson (Gary) of Portland, Ore.; and 18 grandchildren and one great-grandson. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Joyce, and son Cory. Private family services will be held in October, at which time he will be laid to rest over the Mogollon Rim. Owens Mortuary of Show Low handled the arrangements. For those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book, visit www.owensmortuary.com.