Marilyn Kay Steele

Marilyn Kay Steele,70, of Saint Joseph passed away April 15th, 2021, at Spectrum Health Lakeland Hospital. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, April 23, at 11 AM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family an hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Out of respect for the family and guests in attendance, masks and social distancing will be required. Memorial contributions may be made to North Berrien Senior Center, 6648 Ryno Rd., PO Box 730, Coloma, MI 49038. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Marilyn was born October 23rd, 1950, in Michigan City, IN. She was the first born to John and Clara Mae (Luther) Busick. She attended Three Oaks Grade School and graduated from River Valley High School in 1968. After graduation Marilyn went to work for the Bank of Three Oaks. In 1969 she met Ricky Steele at the bank, and they were wed in September of 1970. Having two children, Karla and Ryan, right away, she became a stay-at-home mom, which would turn into her dream job. She was very active in her kids’ lives in school and sporting events. Once they became older, Marilyn cared for younger children of her family and friends because of her love for them. She also enjoyed cooking, shopping, the occasional vacation, and gambling trips. Her life became complicated in her later years due to her diabetes but that never dulled her wonderful smile and caring spirit. Marilyn is survived by her husband of 50 years, Ricky Steele of St. Joseph; daughter, Karla (Joe) Romano; son, Ryan (Melissa) Steele; grandchildren, Daniel and Christopher Romano; step grandchildren, Ronald Reeves and Kristopher Belew; sister, Janet Busick-Kirksey; and brothers, Dennis (Mary) Busick and Kevin (Teresa) Busick. She was preceded in death by her parents, John & Clara; brother, Wayne Busick; and favorite aunt, Myrtle Benke.