Obituary index

Vivian 'Babe' Steele

[March 15, 2010]  RIVERTON -- Vivian L. "Babe" Steele, 86, a lifelong resident of Riverton, died Sunday, March 14, 2010, at 12:40 a.m. at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, surrounded by the love of her family.

Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at Riverton Christian Church. Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church, with additional visitation one hour prior to the service.

Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery, Riverton.

Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral Home in Lincoln is handling arrangements.

Mrs. Steele was head cook at Riverton Elementary School for 16 years. She retired in 1983.  

She was born Aug. 18, 1923, in Sangamon County. Her parents were Vivian and Caroline Barni Mann. She married Myron L. "Mike" Steele on April 22, 1950. He preceded her in death on Aug. 23, 1986.

She is survived by her brother, Charles (and wife Rose) Mann of Springfield; three nephews, Charles (and Charlotte) Bennett of Lincoln, Steve (and Laurie) Mann of Springfield and Tom (and Beth) Mann of Kinston, N.C.; one niece, Angie (and Chris) Wollesen of Springfield; and several great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was also preceded in death by her sister, Mary Bennett.

She was a longtime member of Riverton Christian Church. Although she never had children of her own, she was named Mother of the Year at the church and was a second mother to many of her nieces and nephews. Her family was the light of her life, especially the little children.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Riverton Christian Church Scholarship Fund.

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