Mary Beth Steele

A gracious, humble, and generous woman, Mary Beth Steele was the matriarch of the family she loved more than anything else on this side of heaven. She was straightforward and outspoken when it came to matters she felt passionate about, yet her heart was as big as they come. When Mary Beth loved, she did so without condition and was always willing to accept others for who they are. As mothers go, her children would say they got the very best, and although she loved being a mother Mary Beth just may have said that it was her role as a grandmother that was life’s sweetest reward. With an unwavering faith as her constant companion, she lived each day looking for ways she could help those around her with the love of her life by her side. Mary Beth will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

During the early 1940s the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as countless young servicemen and women were deeply entrenched in the perils of WWII. Rationing became a familiar term to those who remained stateside while loved ones gathered around radios for news from the front lines. It was in 1944 that Wendell and Margaret (Bloom) Grummet were blessed with the birth of a healthy baby girl on April 29 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Mary Beth was the youngest of seven children in her family, which meant she was not only spoiled at times but also well cared for with so many older siblings who loved her. She remained close with her siblings throughout her life.

In many ways Mary Beth experienced a childhood that was reflective of the times. She looked forward to spending time at her aunt’s cottage on Torch Lake, often for weeks at a time, and she also enjoyed things like dancing, ice skating, and rollerskating. Mary Beth was a student at Coit Elementary and later at Central High School where she sang in the choir and had a role in the school musical.

New and exiting changes were in store for Mary Beth when she met the man who stole her heart. His name was James Steele, and they were introduced through mutual friends. Deeply in love, they were married on December 1, 1962. Although she was raised in the Lutheran Church, Mary Beth joined the Catholic church when she met Jim and was a member of St. Alphonsus Church for several years.

As a young newlywed Mary Beth worked downtown as a manicurist, but once children arrived she left the workforce. Together she and Jim were blessed with four children, Michelle, Karen, Julie, and Lisa Marie, who sadly passed away at six months. Mary Beth’s home was always exceptionally neat and clean, and her home was welcoming not only to her own family but to her children’s friends as well. As parents she and Jim expected their rules to be followed and could be strict when needed, but the fact that they always presented a united front to their children was perhaps their strongest asset as parents. Mary Beth and Jim complimented each other and were a living example of what marriage is truly intended to be. The Steeles enjoyed renting cottages on area lakes, and Mary Beth was also a good sport who went along to the amusement parks because her kids loved going.

With the idea of reentering the workforce once her children were older in mind, Mary Beth taught herself how to type. Once her children were in school she did find a job in the emergency room at Butterworth Hospital. Mary Beth later found a job in medical billing for Advanced Radiology where she remained for 29 years before retiring just this last December.

Of course Mary Beth was delighted to become a grandmother, and she loved spoiling her grandchildren and spending time with them whenever she could. She was a regular at all their events and had a way of making them each feel uniquely loved. Mary Beth looked forward to times when the whole family could get together and was the heartbeat of family gatherings and shared milestones. She cherished celebrating her 45th anniversary with her beloved husband and looked so forward to celebrating their golden anniversary in just a few short weeks.

Mary Beth lived an active life full of so many of the things she loved. She loved the sun, sand and water and was a frequent visitor to "up North". Mary Beth and Jim were a very outgoing and socially active couple with numerous friends with whom they frequently gathered for several years whether it was for a night on the town or a get together in someone’s home. She loved shopping and looked forward to Black Friday sales with her girls and husband. Mary Beth also enjoyed traveling including trips to Scotland, Florida, Pennsylvania to see sister, and to Las Vegas. She treasured time at home, too, where she loved reading.

We will remember Mary Beth Steele’s goofy side when she was with her sisters, the way her house was decorated just so for Christmas and other holidays, and her fun-loving sense of humor, yet it was her heart that beat to give to those around her that will be her lasting legacy. She was a devoted wife and the rock in her family whose heart was saddened at the thought of leaving her loved ones as her last days drew near. Mary Beth was a great listener who never judged others and accepted them at face value. She will never be forgotten while her memory remains a lasting treasure in the hearts of numerous friends and loved ones.

STEELE - Mrs. Mary Beth Steele, age 68 of Grand Rapids was surrounded by her family as she went home to be with her Lord and Savior on October 29, 2012 after a brief battle with cancer. Mary Beth was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Lisa Marie; by her parents, Wendell and Margaret Grummet; and by her sisters and brother, Joyce Santee, Shirley Parkin, Bunk Grummet, and Arlene Swain. Mary Beth will be dearly missed by her husband of 50 years, Jim; their daughters Michelle Mumford, Karen (Darrell) Hyde, Julie (Steve) Miller; grandchildren Halle Mumford, Calvin and Emily Hyde, Crystal, Bree and Chase Miller; sisters Dorene Lepzinski, Gerry (Mike Gaunt) Stockwell; sisters-in-law Lorraine May, Pat Jansheski and Joyce Grummet, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, November 2 at 11 AM at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 224 Carrier NE with Rev. Patrick Grile C.Ss.R. officiating. Her family welcomes visitors at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM where a Rosary service will be held at 6:30 PM, and friends are invited to visit at the church on Friday from 10 AM until the service begins. For those who wish, memorial contributions to either St. Alphonsus Church for the Capital Campaign or to Angels of Action are appreciated. To read more about Mary Beth's life, to share a memory or photo or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.lifestorynet.com