Herbert Lee Wootan

On January 25, 1949, Herbert Lee “Bert” Wootan came into the world in Florence, Arizona. His parents, Duane and Clara Goodman Wootan, knew he was destined for greatness when the desert welcomed his arrival with a rare and historic snowfall.

Bert spent his early childhood on a farm in Greene Reservoir, south of Eloy, alongside his sisters, Trudy and Lynette. His early years were timeless—filled with baseball, bicycle rides, running with his dog Pal, swimming in the farm pond, and adventures with a large network of cousins and friends.

When Bert was just five years old, his father took him into town for a haircut, only to bring him home fully enrolled in the first grade. Despite being the youngest in his class, Bert excelled academically and formed friendships that would last a lifetime. By junior high, he had convinced his father that he needed a motorcycle to deliver The Arizona Republic every morning before school. Even at a young age, Bert possessed an incredible work ethic and a natural sense for business.

Throughout his school years, Bert was naturally drawn to people and was often the life of every gathering. At Eloy High School, he immersed himself in student council, FFA, school plays, sports, and countless clubs. He was eventually elected Student Body President and received the prestigious Boy of the Year award.

Just days before his graduation in May 1966, Bert’s father passed away suddenly. At such a young age, Bert demonstrated remarkable maturity and grace, carrying out his responsibilities at the graduation ceremony while honoring the memory of the father he admired so deeply.

At 17, Bert attended the University of Arizona on an agriculture scholarship, with a minor in business. At 19, he put his studies on hold to serve a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Uruguay/Paraguay Mission. During his mission, Bert strengthened his natural leadership abilities and became fluent in Spanish.

On December 20, 1971, Bert married the love of his life, Marla Vanderpool, in Casa Grande, Arizona. It was the beginning of a beautiful journey that would span more than five decades—five children, numerous moves, and a lifetime of shared adventures.

Shortly after beginning their life together, Bert was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War era. Following his military service, he completed his education and graduated from Brigham Young University in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in Business.

A natural-born businessman, Bert launched his own business in 1976, bringing his young family back to Arizona. Those early years were a whirlwind as Bert built his career and the family made homes across Arizona, Washington, Utah, and California in less than a decade. Through every move and every new chapter, Bert and Marla created a home filled with love and laughter.

In February 1982, Bert helped build the family home in Mesa, Arizona, where they would spend the next 24 years. That house became the center of their universe—the backdrop for birthdays, graduations, weddings, grandchildren, endless laughter, and countless family milestones. Together, Bert and Marla raised their five children: Leah, Kristen, BJ, Melayne, and Tanner.

Professionally, Bert was a respected leader who eventually built a successful career with World Oil Corp. But no executive title could ever compare to the roles he cherished most: Husband, Father, and Papa.

If Bert wasn’t coaching, he was cheering from the sidelines, sharing his unmistakable “Dad Handy” wisdom, and always—without exception—loving his family unconditionally.

After their children grew and established families of their own, Bert and Marla embraced a new chapter in Huntington Beach, California—their beloved “home away from home.” Bert continued his career with World Oil until retiring in May 2014. In 2016, Bert and Marla made their final move back home to Arizona, where they spent their golden years surrounded by their children and grandchildren.

On September 8, 2026, Bert passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by Marla and all five of his children. His final hours were a beautiful reflection of the life he had lived—filled with his favorite music, shared jokes, singing, laughter, and the retelling of cherished family stories.

Bert’s legacy cannot be measured simply by the career he built or the miles he traveled. It lives in the family he created, the people whose lives he touched, and the steadfast way he showed up for those he loved. Perhaps one of the greatest reflections of the man Bert was could be found in the people around him: they didn’t just love him—they genuinely liked him, enjoyed him, and wanted to be near him.

Bert is survived by his beloved wife, Marla; his children, Leah Frandsen, Kristen (Keli) Boehme, BJ, Melayne (Andrew) Johnson, and Tanner (Shasta); 13 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Through each of them, the love, humor, strength, and values he shared will continue for generations to come.

We had to say goodbye, but your mom was there to say, “That’s my boy!”

Hug your mom. Play catch with your dad.

You made them both very proud!