Berneice L. Steele

Berneice Lucy Steele, a beautiful and gentle soul, completed 93 years of love and caring for others, with her passing on Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at Golden Heights in Garnett. Berneice was born on June 6, 1922, near Scipio, Kansas, the daughter of John C. and Elizabeth (Brummel) Pickert. She attended school through 8th grade at Highpoint School, close to their farm home. She then began working in Garnett as a nanny for several families, and she worked at Marie's Café. During this time she met John Melvin Steele, whom she married on October 27, 1941, at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Garnett, Kansas. Their marriage was blessed with six sons and six daughters. After 55 years of marriage, Melvin preceded her in death on May 30, 1997. Berneice was a faithful member of Holy Angels Church and the Altar Society. Her Catholic faith was an integral part of her daily life. She and Melvin raised a large family and they had the garden to match. Her children were well cared for through her many talents of cooking and sewing. She will be particularly missed for her chicken and noodles and homemade bread. Her greatest joy was being with her family, but the grandchildren brought a special light to her face. She was also preceded in death by her parents; five brothers, Earl Pickert (infant), Elmer Pickert, Herman Pickert, Harold Pickert, Ivo Pickert; two sisters, Irene Feuerborn and Bertha Sobba; son-in-law, Randy Johns; three great grandsons, Vincent LaPlant, Nicholas Chase, and Mason Steele. Berneice is survived by her children, John and Linda Steele of Topeka, Kansas, Ray and Shirley Steele of Olathe, Kansas, Martha and Lonnie Chase of Spring Hill, Kansas, Euleta and Ross Porter of Garnett, Glen and Cathy Steele of Springdale, Arkansas, Gary and Cindy Steele of Garnett, Marilyn Steele and Ed Hoffman of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, Eileen Johns of Lone Elm, Kansas and Tom Tucker, Rita and Jim Mechnig of Westphalia, Kansas, Elmer and Jill Steele of Temecula, California, Robert and Jodi Steele of Garnett, and Jane and Chet Lee of Richmond, Kansas; 38 grandchildren; 62 great grandchildren; 7 great great grandchildren; nephews and nieces, including, Earl Madison (who was raised as a brother by her parents); close friend Gladys Zwiener; and many other relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, June 20, 2015, at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Garnett, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Holy Angels Cemetery, Garnett. A rosary will be held at 6:30 PM, Friday evening at the church, with visitation following. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Rose School and left in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .