IRENE ELLEN (CARLSON) STEELE , passed away on April 21, 2015 after a long and valiant battle with cancer. Irene Ellen Carlson Steele was born on August 11, 1938 in Woodstock, IL to Stanley and Alice Carlson (nee Anderson). She graduated from Woodstock High School in 1956. She married Jerry Steele, March 1, 1962, in Wheaton, IL. Together, they relocated to Lyons and operated Crawford-Miller Furniture and Mortuary. In 1987 they sold the business and moved to Sterling, KS, before retiring in Cheney, KS in 2012. Jerry preceded her in death on February 25th, of this year. Survivors include 5 daughters, Victoria (Larry) Cadena, Louisburg, KS, Tammy (Kenny) Unruh, Latham, KS, Kim (Bill) White, Champion, NE, Kathy (Robert) Swartz, Turpin, OK, and Jody (Steven) Little, Pratt, KS. One sister, Carol (Bert) Rank of Woodstock, IL. 16 grandchildren and 20 great- grandchildren also survive. Preceding her in death were her husband, parents, one brother, and one grandson. Throughout her life, she exemplified what it means to be a loving wife, mother, friend, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Service s will be held in Lyons on Saturday, May 2, 2015, with an 11:00 a.m. public graveside burial service for both Irene and Jerry in the Lyons Cemetery, Kansas. A reception will follow at the Lyons Town and Country Club. Memorials may be made to "Friends of Animals Rice County, Inc." in care of the Sterling Veterinary Clinic or to the Lyons Bell and Star Fund. Baker Funeral Home Valley Center. Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com