Mary Lou Steele, 86, of Salina, Kansas, and Houston, Texas, passed from this Earth on Monday, June 22, 2020. She was born in 1934 in Marshall, Missouri, the daughter of Delia and John Woodsmall. Mary Lou graduated as valedictorian of her senior class at Mercy Academy in Marshall. She married Robert W. “Bob” Steele, Jr. and moved with him to Salina in 1958, where they managed the Western Auto store in downtown Salina and raised their family. Mary Lou worked in a number of different roles over the years, ultimately as real estate broker for her own company, Horizon Realty of Salina. There she took great satisfaction in helping new homebuyers realize their dream of owning their own homes. She was always a hard worker and known for her energy, her can-do spirit, and especially for her love and support of her family.

Mary Lou was married to Bob, the love of her life, for 60 years before his passing in 2010. She was also preceded in death by her parents, sister, and three brothers. She is survived by her children, daughter Cyndy Norwood of Lago Vista, Texas, daughter and son-in-law Lea and Jeff Levin, of Woodway Texas, and son Mike Steele, of Belton, Missouri. Survivors also include her beloved sister-in-law Katy Woodsmall, four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and her larger family of cherished nieces and nephews in the Woodsmall clan. Mary Lou ended her days as she lived her life, with a generous heart that lifted up and inspired all she met. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 1, both in person at Ryan Mortuary, Salina, and also virtually, live streamed on the internet at http://www.livewebcastevents.com/mary-lou-steele

Burial will follow at Gypsum Hill Cemetery. Public health distancing and mask precautions will be observed at the in-person service and burial. Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, care of Ryan Mortuary. For more information or to leave condolences go to www.ryanmortuary.com