Betty Louise (Martin) Steele

Betty Louise (Martin) Steele was born to Lindle Eugene Martin and Etta Duma (Pruitt) Martin on June 3, 1937, in Grants, New Mexico and passed away at her home in Siloam Springs, Arkansas on April 13, 2023. Betty graduated with honors from Estancia New Mexico high school in 1955 where she was homecoming queen, cheerleader and voted best-all-around. On October 2, 1955, Betty married William (Bill) Steele and lived in New Mexico until they moved to Siloam Springs, Arkansas in 1972. Betty and Bill adopted three babies into their home, Randy in 1959, Rick in 1962, and Renetta in 1966. In 1973, Betty and Bill bought their dream farm, then called “Spring Valley Farm” on the outskirts of Siloam Springs from John and Alice Gratton. Betty retired from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, AR after 25 years of service as the administrative director for the Agriculture and Economics department and was best known for proofing the professor’s papers as she had a stellar command of grammar and spelling. Oh, how Betty loved to play golf, and was an exceptionally talented player. She had such a great swing that she had to “tee off” from the men’s tee box to be a fair player for the women. In true Betty fashion, she requested to be buried with her putter. Betty is preceded in death by both parents; brothers, Sonny Martin, and Benny Martin; sisters, Faye Champagne, and Linda Miller; daughter-in-law Amy Steele; and her beloved son Rick Steele. Betty is survived by her husband of 67 years, Bill Steele, of the home; son, Randy Steele and wife, Valerie of Siloam Springs, AR; daughter, Renetta Steele Reyes and husband Ruben Reyes of Yukon, OK; and Teri Browers Carnes and husband Joe of Kansas, OK; 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; sisters Joyce Burns of Springdale, AR, Darene Bingham and husband Bob Lloyd of Springdale, AR, and Mimi Mathis of Fayetteville, AR. Betty is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins which she adored. In lieu of flowers or food, Betty requested donations to The Rick Steele Memorial Scholarship fund, for her beloved son’s legacy to live on. Donations can be made to: Scholarship Fund, Siloam Springs High School, 700 N Progress Ave, Siloam Springs, AR 72761-4349, Rick Steele Memorial Scholarship in the memo. Services are under the direction of Wasson Funeral home with visitation on Thursday, April 20, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with family present. Graveside service will be on Friday, April 21, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Yell Cemetery with reception immediately following at the Mosaic Community Church on Hwy 412, Siloam Springs, AR.

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Betty Louise (Martin) Steele

June 3, 1937 - April 13, 2023