Steven Lyle Lance died January 3, 2026 at age 78 in Flagstaff, Arizona after eleven years managing a rare autoimmune disease. He was the first of four children, born to Helen and Lyle Lance in Michigan on February 6,1947 and is survived by his two sisters, Diane KirkConnell and Deborah Snow. He was raised in the Kalamazoo / Portage area of Michigan and credited the public school system for building a solid foundation and appreciation for learning.

Steven married Mary Ellen Gauthier November 26, 1966, after enchanting her with his big green eyes and bonding over their shared appreciation for The Beatles. The couple lived for a few years in Michigan and Indiana, where their first two children, Laura & Lisa, were born. Later moving to Arizona, where Aaron then Sara were born. He resided in Arizona for most of his life, first in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area and later in Flagstaff and Clarkdale, AZ. Steven and Mary remained by each other's side for nearly 59 years until parted by his sudden death.

Steven earned his bachelor's degree in Mathematics at Arizona State University in 1976 and he worked for Goodyear Aerospace (later bought by Loral in 1987 and by Lockheed Martin in 1993). For the next 31 years, he developed radar and other remote sensing technologies for defense contracts. In 1979, he and Mary had a house built in west Phoenix, which they continually improved while raising their children. The couple purchased land in Yarnell, outside of Wickenburg AZ, where the family would go together to work and play on the weekends. His family vacation destination of choice was San Diego where he liked to go to Mission Bay, Torrey Pines, and his favorite swapmeet.  He constantly expanded his knowledge and skills, creatively driven to design and work with his hands on electronics, mechanical, woodworking, and home renovation projects.  Steven and Mary founded Stoney Ridge Properties in 2007 to pursue additional investment opportunities, including renovation of several houses in central Phoenix for residential lease and later for their resale value.

In later years, Steven focused his attention on helping family members thrive in specific meaningful ways, including helping his adult children settle down in Flagstaff, AZ and elsewhere. He identified real estate opportunities and led the purchase and renovation process. As his strength and endurance began to wane, he partnered up with a trusted friend and skilled contractor, Ruben. Together with Ruben's team they worked to bring his visions to fruition. Steven valued and relied on the crew in many ways. The family will always be thankful to them.

Steven was a hardworking, intelligent and creative man who continued to work, learn and dream until his dying day. He is mourned by his wife (Mary), their four adult children (Laura, Lisa, Aaron and Sara) and four adult grandchildren (Kohl, Audra, Anthony and Elena). A gravesite memorial service will be held to commemorate Steven's life starting at 1pm on February 7, 2026 at Citizens Cemetery near Northern Arizona University.