Ruthe Ann Steele

Ruthe Steele left this world a little better place for having lived in it. She was loved by so many. Ruthe was born Nov. 2, 1944, in Chanute, KS, to Viola and Everett Olson. They lived on a farm about 6 miles west of Chanute in a Swedish community named Vilas, KS. She had two older sisters, Marie (Olson) Larson, Natchitoches, LA, and Jean (Olson) Anderson, Meriden, KS, and a younger sister, Gloria (Olson) Loucif, Alvor, Portugal. Ruthe attended Sorghum Valley Grade School, was a member of the Vilas Vikings 4-H Club, and graduated from Midway High School, Buffalo, KS. Ruthe earned a nursing degree from Trinity Lutheran School of Nursing in Kansas City. She married Gary Steele in 1965. Their daughter, Leslie, was born on July 13, 1978. Ruthe worked as a nurse in several different hospitals, nursing homes and grade schools. She attended Unity Church in Topeka, KS, and was a volunteer for her daughter’s 4-H Club in Grantville, KS. A huge animal lover, Ruthe was a vegetarian and had many cherished fur friends over the years. She was a passionate advocate for the humane treatment of animals everywhere. Later in her career, Ruthe went back to school to become a teacher of students with visual impairments. Her dedication to students and kids everywhere was legendary. Ruthe worked for Chautauqua County Unified School District #286 until she retired. Ruthe loved to visit her grown daughter wherever she lived and traveled to Australia, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Diego. Ruthe lived in Howard, KS, for over 20 years, where she had many friends. Some of her favorite things to do included walks with her dog, yoga classes and getting a double chocolate malt at Toots Drive-In. Ruthe died on Dec. 11, 2024, with her daughter, Leslie, by her side. A memorial service to honor Ruthe will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at Countryside Funeral Home in Howard, KS. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Chautauqua County Animal Shelter in Sedan, KS, and can be mailed to or left with the funeral home. Services entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, PO Box 1233, Howard, KS 67349

Ruthe Ann Steele

November 2, 1944 - December 11, 2024