Eva L Stanton Owen

Eva Lee Winebarger was born on April 24th, 1926 in Meat Camp, NC. She was the 7th of 9 siblings born to Jacob Azor Winebarger and Elizabeth Norris Winebarger. After living several years in Michigan, she relocated to Phoenix, AZ in August 1958 with her husband, Leonard Stanton and 6 children.

In 1960 Leonard passed away suddenly, and Eva had to provide for her children in a time when few women worked outside the home. She began selling real estate that same year, and quickly grew successful in a growing city. In 1964, Eva opened Stanton Realty as owner and broker, and she continued operating the business until 1994. Her accomplishments as a businesswoman have served as a source of inspiration for generations of her descendants.

She served as the matriarch of her large family with joy and pride. She had 6 children, 17 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and 22 great-great-grandchildren. She is survived by daughter Karen Barnes (Tom), son Gary Brandt (Donna), and daughter Gail Van Deurzen (Rick). She is also mourned by her step-children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by daughter Denise Lawler, son Leonard Stanton, daughter Betty Sheppard, and grandsons Franklyn Potter and Billy Jo Brandt. She is also preceded by all of her siblings, and her husbands Leonard Stanton and Robert Owen.

Eva believed that everyone deserved a home, and she worked hard to facilitate home ownership for hundreds of families. She gave many hundreds more families homes to rent while they got on their feet. She believed in giving chances and lifting others up, and she donated to many worthy charitable causes over the course of her life.

Her love for Jesus was paramount in her life. Her dying wish was that all of her family believe in him so everyone will one day be reunited in Heaven.

Eva was a founding member of Munds Park Community Church and contributed to its building. She attended the church for decades, and brought her family to her Munds Park home as often as possible. Her family cherishes their times in Pinewood with her, watching her golf, garden, and cook with friends and family.

‘Grandma Eva’ was a force to be reckoned with. Never one to be intimidated, she faced down every challenge with her head held high. Her powerful confidence, humor, and graceful leadership shaped her family in ways that will continue to be felt for many more generations to come. She will be deeply missed, but her indomitable spirit remains with her family forever.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to:

Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St, Phoenix, AZ 85014

Compassus Hospice, 1030 N San Francisco St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

The family request for those attending the service to wear pink, mauve or purple.