Mary Beatrice Steele


Mary Beatrice “Squeek” Steele of Eaton Rapids passed peacefully with her family by her bedside at the age of 98 on June 16, 2022. She was born in Lansing, Michigan on May 23, 1924, one of 10 children born to Malcolm and Aletha (Medcoff) Bollman and is the last of her siblings. Squeek at one time worked for Horner Woolen Mills, the Heifetz Pickle Company, and owned and operated a convalescent home for several years out of her home on Plains Road.
Preceding her in death was her daughter, Versavene; husband, William J.; two sons, Allen (Linda) and Gordon; and son-in-law, Conner Strader.
Surviving are her three children: Vickie Strader, Cyril (Julie) Steele, Bill (Betty) Steele; 17 grandchildren, many great grandchildren and a great-great grandchild; numerous nieces and nephews; life-long friend and neighbor, Margret Bradford; brother-in-law, David Adams of Charlotte, Michigan and sister-in-law, Marion Slusser of Stanton, Michigan.
Always the mother figure, she wrapped her wings around anyone that entered her home, like Chuck (Penny) Cooper who became just one more son to take care of.
A funeral service was held on Tuesday, June 21 at the Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. Family have suggested that memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of Lansing, which enabled her to stay in the home of daughter, Vickie and the family is very grateful.