Neil Jay Bales

Neil Jay Bales passed away on March 12, 2024, at age 76 in the town of Chandler, Arizona, after many years of fighting colon cancer. Born to Violet and Elwyn Bales on October 24, 1947, in Eugene, Oregon, he grew up on farms in the Oregon and Washington areas. After graduating from high school and attending college, Neil joined the Marine Corps in 1970 and received his honorable discharge with 6 years of service. He worked various jobs throughout his years until he finally retired in 2010 from United Healthcare, Inc.

While in the military, Neil married the love of his life, Wanda Leggett, in 1972. His family grew to include his daughter Eileen, grandson Tyler, and soul granddaughter, Hannah. He loved his family and home. He enjoyed many activities throughout his marriage: camping, square dancing, Girl Scouts, books, movies, traveling, and sewing. After retirement, he became a member of the Chandler Senior Center and enjoyed playing many card games, dominoes, & chess; he also served on the Advisory Council board. He was active with the “Tempe Needlewielders” at Pyle Adult Center in Tempe, AZ, for many years helping to sew hundreds of items for donation to local hospitals and charities. He served on the board of officers for both his local chapter and the Arizona Federation of NARFE. He relaxed by reading books from the Chandler, Mesa, and Phoenix libraries.

Neil will always be remembered for his love of family, home, and his community. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him. Neil is preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his wife, daughter, grandchildren, his brother Lawrence & wife Loretta with children Dolores, Terri and Tracy with their numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his sister, Marie & husband Walt Burrus with children Robert and Steve with their numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

Per Neil’s wishes, there are no services planned, certainly no pomp and circumstance. Cremation services were provided by Whitney & Murphy Bueler Mortuary. An informal gathering of family and friends to share memories will be on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at  11:00 am at the Veteran Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler, AZ 85249.