STEPP, Mark Joseph

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 05/27/2016 Mark Joseph Stepp, 55, went to be with the Lord May 20, 2016, in Show Low where he had been living for the past eight months. He was born June 19, 1960, in Chardon, Ohio, the son of Pastor John L. Stepp and Carrie Mae (Kessinger) Stepp. Mark spent the early years of his life living in Orwell, Ohio, until the family moved to Tucson in the late ‘70s, where he grew to love Arizona, and that’s where he became best friends with Peter Romero and his family. He is survived by his three daughters, Mandylin Rose (Chris) Neylon of Tennessee, Abigail Mae Stepp of Madison and Emily Jean Stepp of Madison; stepdaughter Kellie Ann of Madison; sisters Judith Ann Stepp of Canton, Barbara Jean (Raymond) Masters of Garrettsville, Diane Gail Stevens of Orwell, Deborah Elaine (Robert) Pfleger of Andover and Teresa Jo (Terry) Stanek of Orwell; and best friend Peter (Angel) Romero and his family. He is also survived by his beloved dog, Bella, who never left his side. Mark also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Mark and his family are all lovers of music and it has been a big part of his life. Singing and playing his guitar is who he was. Mark was preceded in death by his father and mother; brothers John L. Stepp Jr., Roy Michael Stepp and William Ernest Stepp; and brothers-in-law Stanley J. Bugansky Jr. and Arthur S. Stevens. A memorial service for Mark will be held at 12 p.m. Sunday, May 29, at Scotts Reservoir. Contributions will be accepted for cremation. To donate, call Peter Romero at 928-205-3317. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 19, in Orwell, Ohio, at the American Legion Hall, where friends and family will gather to celebrate Mark’s life. In lieu of flowers, Mark’s daughters would like for his friends to send donations to the Animal Protective League in Ashtabula, Ohio.