Norma F. Steele

Norma Faye (Fisher) Steele, age 94, of Arapahoe, Nebraska passed away on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at the Elwood Care Center, Elwood, Nebraska. She was born on February 24, 1929, to Loren and Anna (Buhler) Fisher of Edison, Nebraska. She grew up on the farm and attended rural school District #7, then graduated from Edison High School in 1946 as Valedictorian. In twelve years, she was never tardy or absent from class. She received her teaching degree from McCook College and taught in three rural schools around the area. She married Lyle W. Steele on May 29, 1948. Four children were born to this union, Vicki, Judy, Randy, and Rick.

Because of Lyle’s work with the Kansas Nebraska Gas Company, the family moved to Henderson and Harvard where Norma was a stay-at-home Mom. With a move to Hastings, she was employed at the Hesteds Department Store as a salesclerk. The family then returned to Arapahoe where she worked at Williams Brothers Department Store. Later Norma purchased and managed the store until she retired in 2012 at the age of 83.

Norma loved being involved in the community. For many years she planned style shows for various organizations. Her grandchildren remember these, and the floats they were all part of! She was a Nebraska Football and volleyball fan, loved attending UMW and Wesleyan Circle and was always up for a dance. She and Lyle were familiar faces at their kids, grandkids, and great grandkids activities. Family was Norma’s world.

Preceding Norma in death were her parents, brothers; Benjamin, Charles, (Bus) Max and Loren Fisher Jr., sister; Ruby Hasty, Ruth Farr, and Leona Luke; daughter Vicki Mues, granddaughter Lindsay Collins and grandson Ryan Groene.

She is survived by daughter Judy (Doug) Collins of Arapahoe; sons Randy Steele of Edison, and Rick (Brenda) Steele of Wamego, Kansas; son-in-law Noel Mues and sisters-in-law Geri Fisher and Donna Wineland, Grandchildren: Brandon & Cherl Mues, Ashley Groene & husband Jimmy Mann, Shannon Collins & fiancé’ Josh Shuler, Joe & Erin Steele, Jenny & Adam Hallett, Cassie Steele, Alyssa & Sean Bottger, great grandkids; Taylor and Talon Mues, Lauren & Ethan Enochs, Lunden & Beck Groene & Baylor Anderson, Shambrea, Trevin & Kason Steele, Trent, Lyla, Ryan & Victoria Hallett, Dominic, Zelie & Gianna Bottger, great great-grandson, Jace Enochs, numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

There will be no viewing or visitation. Service will be livestreamed on “Arapahoe Methodist Church” Facebook page. Garey Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences and personal reflections may be left at gareyfuneralhome.com.