ACKERMAN, Leona A.

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 04/11/2014 Leona A. Ackerman, 52, died Friday, April 4, 2014, at her residence in St. Johns. She was born May 19, 1961, in Springerville, the daughter of Virgil Ross Stephens and Grace Chavez Stephens. Leona enjoyed collecting rocks and owls. She loved music and loved having fun. She was very loving and giving to everybody she knew. She will be greatly missed. Leona is survived by her fiancé, Steve Gallegos; son Tarrence Stephens and his wife Brandye Thorpe and their children: Gage Stephens, Jordan Stephens, Anastasia Stephens, Elijah Stephens, Alejandro Thorpe, David Thorpe and Cheyenne Thorpe of Nampa, Idaho; daughter Rochelle Huish, her husband Jason Huish and their children: Josiah Huish, Dallin Huish and Adelle Huish; stepdaughter Lisa M. Ackerman and her children: Brooke Lynn Romaire and Robert Paul Wise; her mother Grace Mary Stephens; brothers: Billy Ray Stephens, Acy Stephens, Jonathan “Troubles” Ray Chavez; and sisters Julie Ann Stephens and Tracie Ann Norton. She was preceded in death by brothers, Vince W. Stephens and Virgil W. Stephens. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at The New Covenant Church, 1290 W. First Place in St. Johns. Burnham Mortuary of St. Johns handled arrangements. If you would like to leave an online condolence for Leona’s family, visit www.burnhammortuary.com.