Frances Lillian Steele

Frances Lillian Steele passed away with her family at her bedside on Monday, June 12, 2017, at the age of 97.

Frances was born January 9, 1920, to Francis and Silva Tripp in Superior, NE. She grew up in Nelson, NE, and graduated from Grand Island High School in 1938. The Tripp family later moved to Grand Island from Wilbur, NE.

On December 2, 1939, Frances was united in marriage to John E. Steele in Grand Island. They made their home in Omaha and Grand Island as John was transferred in his work with the Union Pacific Railroad. They later moved to Sidney, NE, remaining there until 1943 when they moved to North Platte. When John was drafted into the army in '44, Frances moved back to Grand Island to live with her parents until he returned from the service in March of 1946.

John and Frances spent the rest of their lives in North Platte, living at Lake Maloney for many years. They later moved into an apartment, built especially for them, in the old North Platte Fire House building at 620 North Vine. After John passed away in 2002, Frances remained in the apartment until a few months ago when she moved into Linden Court. She enjoyed the many residents there as well as the staff. She frequently escorted her visitors to the front door as they attempted to keep up with the fast pace of her walker.

Frances had been a member of the Union Pacific Employee Club since 1946, the First United Methodist Church since '48 and Order of Eastern Star since '52. She was also active with the North Platte Shrine Auxiliary and Social Order of Beauceant. Frances enjoyed playing cards with her many friends until her eye sight failed.

She is survived by her children, Lawrence Eldon "Larry" (Sue) Steele and Barbara Ann (Dennis) Kohler, of North Platte; daughter-in-law, Janice Steele, of Ellsworth, KS; six grandchildren, Shaun (Kurt) Williams, of Ellsworth, KS, Sherry (Bob) Tuetken, of Omaha, and John Ray Steele, Scott (Melissa) Steele, John Jacob Kohler and Amy Kohler, all of North Platte; 10 great-grandchildren, Tyler (Jessica), Chelsey (Mark), Amber, Whitney, Tawni, Randi, Syndi, Michael (Allison), Kort and Baylee; 10 great great-grandchildren, Caden, Tatum, Paxon, Jacob, Kyle, Ryan, Owyn, Deandray, Kahne and Preston; nieces, Janice Todd and Diane Todd; nephew, Steven (Susan) Todd; and other family.

Along with her husband, John, Frances was preceded in death by their son, Donald; her parents, Francis and Silva Tripp; and sister and brother-in-law, Patty Ann and Leo Todd.

Memorial Service will be 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 15, 2017, at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating. Private family burial will be in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to the First United Methodist Church or the North Platte Shrine Transportation Fund.