Rodney Lee Proper

Rodney Lee Proper DVM, a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2024, at his home in Rimrock, Arizona.

Born July 24, 1949, in Kingman, Arizona, Rod was a third-generation Arizona native. After growing up in Prescott, where he developed a love for the outdoors and rode broncs in rodeos, he graduated from Northern Arizona University and later Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. In 1975, he returned to Arizona and opened his veterinary practice in Camp Verde, serving the Verde Valley and Black Canyon City communities for over 40 years.

Dr. Proper was known for his tireless dedication to the community and to their four-legged family and livestock, regularly responding to emergency calls in the middle of the night. He served as the veterinarian for the
Sedona Humane Society and greatly enjoyed his work for the local “old time” ranchers. His humility, kindness, work ethic, and passion for animals earned him deep respect from his clients and colleagues alike. In his later years, Dr. Proper took great joy in sharing stories of his experiences as a country vet, bringing laughter and insight to those around him. Rod married Teresa Barker in 2001 and together built a life filled with supporting their children’s sporting events and rodeos, camping trips, and travels to Mexico. He cherished watching his children and grandchildren grow and was pleased to have one of his granddaughters follow in his footsteps to pursue a veterinary career. In addition to his veterinary work, Dr. Proper volunteered extensively, coaching his children’s teams, looking after 4-H animals, and teaching animal husbandry through the FFA. He was proud to have served for many years on the Camp Verde Planning & Zoning Commission where he strived to ensure Camp Verde remained a rural and ranching community.

Predeceased by his parents, Leona and Richard Proper, and his son, Kip Proper (Katelyn). Rod is survived by his wife, Teresa; his children, Leonie Markgraf (Steve) and Reuben Proper (Charlie); his stepchildren, Stacey
Barker (Leticia), Ryan Barker (Melanie), and Tanner Barker (Kelly); 15 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and his brothers, Jeffrey Proper and Andrew Proper.

The Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, October 1st at 10AM at Desert Willow Church, with a graveside service at Middle Verde Cemetery following. Family and friends are invited to gather and in remembrance and celebration of Rod’s life.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to Rusty’s Morningstar Ranch, where Rod volunteered his time and services and believed in the importance of their work. https://www.rmr.org/                               

A special thank you for the kindness and exceptional care given to Dr.Proper by YRMC, Maggie’s Hospice Care, Debra Zellner, and to Bueler Funeral Home of Camp Verde.

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