Naomi Ruth Steele

1925 - 2017

Naomi Ruth Steele

Naomi passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on January 12, 2017. Born March 31, 1925 in Bruning, NE, she was the first of three daughters to William and Ruby Leenerts. The Leenerts family moved from Bruning to Boulder, CO then to Olympia, WA finally settling in Seattle during WWII.

In July 1946 Naomi met Robert J. Steele, a WWII Naval Veteran, who was working for Boeing, but would later go on to serve 27 years with the Seattle Fire Dept. Naomi and Bob were married on October 13, 1947 at University Lutheran Church in Seattle. Naomi worked as a secretary for the Shoreline school district. The couple originally resided in Ballard, but eventually built two homes in Lake City where they lived. In 1962 they built a third home near Bitter Lake where they raised their son William and lived for more than 48 years. When Bob passed away in 2010 Naomi moved just a few blocks to Ida Culver House Broadview.

Naomi enjoyed a variety of activities such as gardening, bowling, berry picking, fishing with her husband and canning fruits and vegetables. She was also a very gifted artist and created many wonderful oil-paintings. She also dabbled in charcoal sketches and water-colors. Naomi and Bob enjoyed travelling and owned several RV's. They were some of the original members of the Seattle Retired Fire Fighters Travel Club and would often head South for the winter. Naomi was also a member of Luther Memorial Church in Broadview and worked there as the secretary for a few years.

Naomi is survived by her son William, daughter-in-law Julie, three grandchildren, Jacob, Lauren and Kyle all of Seattle and one sister Arlyn Schmad of Encinitas, CA.

Per her request there are no services. There will be a life celebration for friends and family. Remembrances may be made to Medic One Foundation, 325 Ninth Ave., Seattle, WA 98104.