Dorothy Marie Steele

Dorothy Marie (Ellison) Steele

February 24, 1930 - July 31, 2024

Dorothy was born February 24, 1930 in a sod house in rural North Dakota. She grew up with her younger brother LaVern and parents John and Lilly on their farm near Thunderhawk, where she loved the countryside and caring for animals, especially her beloved horse Beauty. Dorothy and Beauty enjoyed childhood adventures, notably attempting to perform rodeo tricks in the pasture, unbeknownst to her parents. She attended rural grade school and graduated from Lemmon High School. Dorothy continued her education at Dickinson State Teachers College and later taught in a one-room schoolhouse near her home. She met Lyle Steele at a community dance where Lyle’s family band was performing. Dorothy and Lyle were married on September 15, 1951. As an Air Force family, they lived in England and throughout the U.S. eventually settling in New Baden, IL. 

Dorothy’s life mission was to nurture and guide her eight children – Michael (Peggy), Denise (Vincent), Lola (Tommy), Patricia, Karen, Deborah (Stephen), Sandra (Vincent), and John (Yini). She created a home that was a welcoming place for her children and their friends. After her husband’s passing from this earth in 1980, Dorothy’s strength, sacrifice and love were demonstrated as she continued to raise the youngest four children as a single mom. She was blessed with an abundance of grandchildren and was the proud Grandma to 17 grandchildren: Rob (Danica), Scot (Alysia), Rebecca, Eric (Charlene), Brett (Jenn), Danielle (Marcus), Brad, Devin (Teresa), Stephanie (Mat), Troy (Bailey), Marie, Lena, Vincent, Lily, Theo (Hannah), Mabel, Joey; 31 great-grandchildren: Andrew, Brittney (Zack), Syndee (Cole), Shelby, Peyton, Christian (Stephanie), Sarah (Robert), Jebb, Brooklyn, Anthony (Ellie), Kaydence, Isaac, Emma, Sienna, Bentlee, Crosby, Noah, Eva, Simon, Ian, Jameson, Corben, Kelton, Edison, Walker, Callum, Evie, Bea, Jaden, Laila, Hailey; and 3 great-great-grandchildren: Desmond, Annie, Lydia. 

To be close to several of her children and grandchildren, Dorothy moved to Bryan, TX, in 2002. She spent the last years of her life living in her country home with her daughters, Karen and Lola and kitty Midnight. Dorothy loved Jesus, loved her Bible, and counted it an honor and privilege to pray for her children and grandchildren each day.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents John and Lilly Ellison, her brother LaVern Ellison, and her husband Lyle Steele.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024 from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Nordike Funeral Home in New Baden.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at Nordike Funeral Home in New Baden. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in New Baden.

Memorials made in honor of Dorothy may be made to the wishes of the family and will be received at the funeral home.