Barbara Gene Steele entered into the presence of the Lord on May 8, 2026 in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, having lived her life as a devoted follower of Christ.

She was born in Portage, Wisconsin on June 26, 1929 to Alvin and Esther Smith. As the sixth child in a family of eight children, she grew up in a musical family. Her teenage years were colored by the experience of living through the Second World War with all four of her older brothers in the service, one of whom, Richard, she lost during this time. She graduated from Portage Senior High School in 1947, having met her eventual husband, Deane Steele, during this time as a friend of her brother Ken. After a year of college in Milwaukee, she married Deane on October 22, 1949 at the Portage Methodist Church. Barbara and Deane raised five children in Pardeeville, Wisconsin. As a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Pardeeville, Barbara sang in the church choir, volunteered with the ladies' group and served as a member of the Church Leadership. The bulk of her working career was spent as the office manager for the Michael McCullough Dental Clinic in Portage. She maintained her love of music, which she shared with her children. She also enjoyed traveling, especially in the motor home. She and Deane spent many winters in Pharr, Texas, which they greatly enjoyed. After Deane's death, she and her caretaker/friend Lisa spent several winters in St. Petersburg, Florida.

She is reunited in Heaven with her husband Deane, her parents; brothers John, Richard, Jesse and Ken; her sister, Eleanor; her son, Dale; her granddaughter, Moie and her daughter-in-law Marlene. She is survived by her sisters, Gale Stebbins (Clay), Mary Heller (Arnold); daughter Kay Bernander (Kevin), who cared for her after the passing of Deane; sons Richard (Sarah), Douglas, Kent (Kimberley) and daughter in law, Yuri, as well as her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and best friend and caretaker in her older years, Lisa Hess.

The family would like to thank Agrace Hospice for their wonderful care during these last few months.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 12:00 Noon at the United Presbyterian Church in Wisconsin Dells, WI with Pastor Paul Snyder officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at Noon.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Presbyterian Church are encouraged and appreciated.

Barbara is now at peace in the arms of her Savior.