FARLINGTON - Betty J. Steele, 84, of rural Farlington, Kan., died at 1:55 p.m. Monday, Aug. 26, 2013, at Via Christi Village in Pittsburg, Kan.
Mrs. Steele was born March 31, 1929, at Loveland, Colo., the daughter of George and Mabel Loveland Roller. She grew up in Sparta, Mo., and later received a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Southwest Missouri State University in 1949 and a Master of Music degree from Pittsburg State University in 1969. Betty taught music in many Southeast Kansas Schools: Neodesha, Walnut, Hepler, Hiattville, Girard, and Pittsburg. She touched the lives of hundreds of students and communicated to them her love of music and her belief that all could sing and that all could make music an important part of their lives. Outside the classroom, she enjoyed traveling, cooking, entertaining friends, going to musical performances and reading "round robin" letters from music majors from college days. She was also supportive of the Cato and Farlington historical preservation groups. She married Richard "Dick" Steele on March 17, 1950, in Lockwood, Mo. Mr. Steele preceded her in death Oct. 2, 2010. Her professional memberships included the Kansas Music Educators Association, where she served as secretary for several terms. She was active in the Church of Christ of Pittsburg, holding singing classes for the children at the church and preparing them for various competitions. Survivors include three sons, Gary (Cheri) Steele of Greenbrier, Ark., Bob (Dee) Steele, of Conway, Ark., and Bill (Becky) Steele of Sherman, Texas; a daughter, Jan Steele, of Farlington, Kan.; a special friend, Joanna Freeman of Pittsburg; nine grandchildren; and 17 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and a brother, Bob Roller.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 30, 2013, at the Pittsburg Church of Christ in Pittsburg with Jerry Kendall and Tony Lalli officiating. Burial will be at the Farlington Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m. Thursday at the Bedene Funeral Home at Arma. The family suggests memorials be sent to the Pittsburg Church of Christ. Donations may be sent to or left at the Bedene Funeral Home, 517 E. Washington, Box 621, Arma, KS 66712.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Bedene Funeral Home.
Jan and family: Both Dave and I have such special memories of both your father and mother. One of our favorite ones is an invitation to a Community Sing, with many of your churches gathered. It was delightful to enjoy sitting there with them and singing the old hymns of the church. Now there are two more excellent voices in the Heavenly Choir! Our prayers and blessings, Nancy and David Owen
September 7, 2013
Betty was a great supporter of the Heartland Concert Band. She & Dorothy Quier were our constant cheerleaders! We have missed Dick & will now miss Betty.
Vicki Mays
September 4, 2013
Very special Music teacher! I will always remember that sweet little lady with that wonderful smile on her face! She was loved by many and will be missed. Heaven has a new Angel.
Julie Hooper
September 4, 2013
Jan - so sorry about the death of your Mother. I only got to know her in the last year or so and she was a very wonderful person. Marilyn Flagg
Marilyn Flagg
August 31, 2013
Jan, you are in my thoughts. You'll hear from me soon! So interesting to read about your mom and all she had touched.
Nancy Meads
August 29, 2013
Betty was a very special person. We will always remember her wonderful Christmas letters. Janet & Don Dye
Janet & Don Dye
August 28, 2013
You will be missed.
Ronald Smith
August 28, 2013
Mrs. Steele was a very wonderful person.
I will always remember her at the piano
playing and singing. She made music exciting and fun with her wonderful smile. Many Sympathies and thoughts
Loretta Huning Simpson
August 27, 2013
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more