Ouida Louise Steinkamp

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our loving wife and mother, Ouida Louise Steinkamp, on September 18, 2025. She will be profoundly missed by her family and many friends.
Ouida was born on February 16, 1943, to Joseph and Marjorie Stakes in Springfield, Missouri. She lived in West Plains, Jefferson City, and Glendale, Missouri. She graduated from Kirkwood High School, where she met the love of her life, Bill (William) Steinkamp. Ouida earned her Bachelor of Arts from Drury College and began her teaching career in Rolla, Missouri.
Ouida and Bill married on June 5th, 1965, and continued to reside in Rolla, Missouri until moving to Oak Ridge, Tennessee in 1967. In 1968, they welcomed their son, Joseph Bradley (Brad), and moved to Clinton, Tennessee shortly thereafter. Four years later, Christina Lee, the daughter, was born in 1971. While running the household and raising two children, Ouida earned her Master's Degree in Special Education at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Ouida, Bill, and the family lived in Clinton for the next five decades, becoming a part of the community and active members at Memorial United Methodist Church of Clinton.
In addition to her church community, Ouida was a 60-year active member of P.E.O, an educational philanthropic organization and was an active advisor for CASA of Anderson County for many years. Ouida continued her passion for education, working as a substitute teacher at Clinton Elementary School and with special-needs students in Oak Ridge and in Knoxville at Lonsdale Elementary.
In retirement, Ouida and Bill were avid travelers, visiting friends and family throughout the United States and over thirty different countries throughout the world. Ouida maintained a full social calendar with the Norris Dames, enjoying dining, plays and music performances with Bill in the local area. Ouida had a love for reading and was a talented seamstress, creating beautiful works of art that will be enjoyed for generations to come.
Ouida is preceded in death by her sister Diane Courtright Stakes. She is survived by her loving husband Bill, son Brad (wife Micaela), daughter Christina (husband Rusty) and grandchildren, Matthew, Kristen, Dylan, Caleb, and Daniel.
Services will be held at Memorial United Methodist Church at 323 North Main Street, Clinton, TN, on October 18, 2025, at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Memorial United Methodist Church of Clinton (GIVE – Memorial United Methodist Church), CASA of the Tennessee Heartland (CASA – Change a Child's Story) or P.E.O International Chapter R of Oak Ridge (Donate WAW Scholarship - PEO Chapter R). Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements. Holleygamble.com
Website to Donate : https://casatnh.org/
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