Dorothy Steele of Mission, Kansas, passed away July 31, 2018. She was 98 years old.

A passionate educator, Dorothy dedicated her life and career to improving education - from the classroom all the way to the Kansas Supreme Court.

Born to Lloyd and Clara Easley, Dorothy spent her childhood on a farm in Buffalo, Kan., alongside her brother Max and Evelyn. She graduated from the Kansas State Teachers College in Pittsburg, Kan., in 1941 and married the love of her life, Roy, a few years later. The couple moved to Kansas City, where she received her master's degree in reading from the University of Missouri - Kansas City, and they had their daughter, Roylee.

Although Dorothy spent most of her teaching career as a reading specialist, she was also active with the National Education Association, where she fought tirelessly to improve teachers' rights. She served in a number of capacities for the NEA - including as president (on a local and state level), as the chief negotiator, as well as a member to the Board of Directors for both the Kansas and National NEA. She was inducted into the Kansas Teachers' Hall of Fame in recognition of her contributions to education.

Dorothy was a woman of great faith. She was active in her church (Countryside Christian Church) and served on the council and in many other capacities, including perhaps her most well-known role as a Greeter.

Although Dorothy's kindness and compassion will be greatly missed, the greatest legacy she leaves behind is a passion for education and teaching children to read.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her daughter, Roylee Turley; husband, Roy Steele; siblings, Evelyn and Max. She is survived by her son-in-law, Steve Turley; grandsons, Andrew Turley (Heidi) and Matthew Turley (Alexandra); and grandchildren, Olive and Arthur.

Visitation and Funeral Service

Visitation will be at 1:00 pm on Friday, August 24, at Amos Family Funeral Home.  Funeral service will immediately follow at 2:00 pm. Graveside service will be at 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 25, at the Buffalo, Kansas Cemetery in Buffalo, Kansas.

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Prison Fellowship Ministries