Steven E. Tree

Steven Edward Tree (July 14, 1944 - December 14, 2025) passed away peacefully at the age of 81.

Steven was preceded in death by his parents, Vera and Ira Tree; and his brother, Philip Tree. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Janette Tree; and their seven children, Stephanie Gutierrez (Fidel Gutierrez), Michael Tree (Molly Tree), Angela Meik (Kindon Meik), Andrew Tree (Taryn Tree), Richard Tree (Brook Tree), Emily Ashcraft (Clint Ashcraft), and Robert Tree (Megan Tree). He is also survived by 31 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and counting-each of whom brought him deep joy and pride.

Steven was born in Park City, Utah, where he attended elementary and high school and proudly graduated from Park City High School with a class of 28 seniors-a detail he often remembered with gratitude and humor. As a young man, Steven served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Southwest British Mission from 1963 to 1965, an experience that shaped his lifelong faith and devotion to serving others.

Steven later attended Brigham Young University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Industrial Arts. He also joined the United States Army Reserve, serving for six years. During his military service, he gained a profound appreciation for the values of being an American and developed a deep love for patriotism. He later earned a Master's Degree from Stout State University in Menomonie, Wisconsin, in Vocational Rehabilitation, with a special emphasis in Work Evaluation-education that aligned perfectly with his calling to help people build skills, confidence, and independence through meaningful work.

In 1971, Steven and his family moved to Porterville, California, where he began what would become his life's work: serving as Executive Director of the Porterville Sheltered Workshop until his retirement in 2011. Over 40 years of leadership, Steven oversaw significant growth-guiding the Workshop from a small organization into one serving more than 800 mentally and physically disabled clients and employing more than 200 staff members. Even as the organization expanded, Steven often emphasized that the heart of the mission remained unchanged: "We still do rehab work... We use work as a rehabilitation tool." Under his direction, programs grew to provide meaningful work opportunities for hundreds of individuals, including major operations such as recycling and Value Village, as well as additional work crews and services such as a Copy Center.

Steven's service to Porterville extended far beyond his profession. He was elected to the Porterville City Council and served from 1981 to 1985, including two years as Mayor (1982-1983). He and several other former mayors were instrumental in developing The Porterville Leadership Program, reflecting his belief that strong communities are built when people are prepared to lead with integrity and purpose. After leaving the City Council, he was appointed to the Porterville Redevelopment Advisory Committee, where he served for 23 years, continuing to give his time and experience to projects that strengthened the community.

Steven also served in numerous civic and professional organizations. He was named "Man of the Year" by the Porterville Chamber of Commerce in 1993. He was an active member of the Porterville Rotary Club for 15 years and remained committed to the Rotary ideals of service and community improvement. Within his professional field, he served as President of the California Association of Rehabilitation Facilities and President of the Central Valley Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, advocating for quality vocational and rehabilitation services for those who needed them most.

Steven had a lifelong dedication to youth and character development through the Boy Scouts of America, serving in many roles including Scoutmaster, Merit Badge Counselor, and Executive Board member in both the Sequoia Council and Mt. Whitney Council. He also gave years of devoted service within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, holding leadership callings over a span of 24 years. He was honored to be the first Stake President of the Porterville California Stake, where he presided over approximately 2,500 members of the Church-service he regarded as one of the great privileges of his life.

In recognition of his lifelong contributions, Steven was inducted into the City of Porterville Hall of Fame in 2016.

Steven will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for his steady leadership, his devotion to faith and family, his love of country, and his sincere care for people-especially those who are too often overlooked. His life was marked by quiet strength, consistent service, and a conviction that every person has worth and potential. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he influenced and the family he loved so dearly.

A Service will be held at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 837 E. Morton Ave., Porterville, CA 93257 on Monday, December 29, 2025 at 10:00 AM. Interment to follow at Vandalia Cemetery in Porterville, California. Flowers: Can be sent to Myers Funeral Service.

To share a memory, or express condolences to the family, please visit the obituaries section of our website at www.myersfuneral.com/obituaries <http://www.myersfuneral.com/obituaries>. Myers Funeral Service & Crematory in Porterville is in charge of arrangements.