Mary (Ulmer) Steele

Posted

(Dec. 25, 1945 - June 25, 2017)

Heaven gained another sassy angel on Sunday, June 25, her soul forever comforted by the family that surrounded her earthly vessel.

Mary (Ulmer) Steele died in Missoula, Montana, at the age of 71.

She was born to George and Ann Ulmer Dec. 25, 1945 in Winner, South Dakota. She was the middle child of 13 brothers and sisters. She grew up in a house of hardworking, loving people and she passed that on to her kids and grandkids.

She married the love of life, John Steele, on July 10, 1964. They were one of those rare couples who kept the happiness going for 53 years. Their love was true and their relationship unbreakable. A storybook romance that stood firm through their time together. From their committed love, they were blessed with three children - Tawna, Cory, and Cody. 

Mary’s life revolved around her family and her kids. She had instilled a strong work ethic coupled with compassion and unconditional love. One could always find Mary with a quick joke and a beautiful smile, greeted with the most amazing hug. People would go out of their way to get a hug and a kind word from such a beautiful soul.

Everyone young and old knew they could stop by 3336 Raymond Court for a meal, great conversation, and incredibly edible sweets — cakes, cookies, cinnamon rolls and pies.

Mary and John had five amazing grandkids: Cy, Lexi, Alec, Sydnie, and JC. Mary and John flourished in the role of grandparents. You could find Mary and John at every event of all the kids. Football, soccer, wrestling, track, volleyball, basketball, and 3-on-3 summer games. If her grandkids were in something, she was there.

You could always hear a “Let’s go Sentinel!” or a “FIRE UP!” out of the crowd. Rest assured it was Mary leading the support. 

She will forever be known as one of the kindest, most caring, loving persons we could ever meet in our lives. Mary had the ability to brighten and change the vibe of your day with a smile and hug so full of love. All the lives Mary touched will never be the same, and her passing leaves a huge void. The most amazing soul to walk this earth. She is undoubtedly the most lively and angelic soul walking in Heaven.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, George and Ann (Collins) Ulmer, and sister Patricia.

Mary is survived by her loving husband John C. Steele; children Tawna (Alan), Cory, and Cody (Kendra); grandchildren Cy, Lexi, Alec, Sydnie, and JC; and 11 brothers and sisters — Dolores, Donny, Connie, Peggy, Roger, John, Kaye, Carl, Jimmy, Joanie, and Billy. 

Services were held Friday, June 30 at Garden City Funeral Home, followed by a reception at the Steele residence. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make donations to John C. Steele, 3336 Raymond Court, Missoula, MT 59803 to assist with medical and funeral costs.

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