Lee Maxwell Udall

Lee Maxwell Udall passed away on October 2, 2026, following a long illness, with his beloved family by his side.

He was born in Phoenix, Arizona, on October 1, 1945, the third son of Sybil Elizabeth Webb Udall and John Nicholas “Nick” Udall, in a family that would ultimately grow to include seven children.

Lee came from pioneer Arizona stock and a long line of church and political leaders. He was a quiet, simple man who believed in hard work and took pride in seeing every job or project through to successful completion, always with care and attention to detail. He was also a complex man, with a depth and character all his own. He loved his faith, his family, and his country, and was a devoted family man who supported those he loved in every way he could. His interests included baseball, sports of all kinds, and the outdoors, along with a more refined appreciation for music and books.

Lee graduated from Phoenix North High School and Phoenix College, and attended Rick’s College and Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. From 1965 to 1967, he served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Scotland. He later enlisted in the United States Army, serving for three years during the Vietnam conflict.

Upon returning to Arizona, Lee entered a period of readjustment to civilian life, during which he met Janet, his wife and the love of his life. They shared 52 wonderful years together until his passing. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple by President Spencer W. Kimball. Their marriage was blessed with two precious children, Elizabeth and Nicholas, who brought them immeasurable wonder, laughter, joy, and deep love.

Lee’s greatest treasures were his family, including his nine grandchildren: Morghan, Maxwell, Madison (Adam), Mckinley, Mason, Peyton, Mitchell, and Porter. Each brought him great joy and held a special place in his heart.

He is also survived by his six siblings: John (Roz), Kimball (Sharyn), Tisa (Jim) Kniskern, Robert, Laurie (Terry) Allen, and Larry; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is further remembered by his aunts, Ann Udall and Helen Udall.

Lee will be remembered for his quiet strength, his dedication to his family and faith, his commitment to hard work, and the love he shared with those fortunate enough to know him. His life leaves a lasting legacy in the family he cherished and the many lives he touched.

Funeral Services

Services will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the Central Ward Building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 47 E. Ashland, Phoenix, Arizona.

• Visitation: 8:30 a.m.

• Funeral service: 10:00 a.m.

• Burial: 12:00 noon at Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery, 2300 West Van Buren St., Phoenix, Arizona.

The family extends special thanks and heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of the Valley for their compassionate care and support.