Linda L. Steele

Linda Lou Steele, born May 11, 1945, to Leonard and Rita (Bonebright) Johnson, was born and raised in Lucerne, Missouri. She graduated from Unionville High School, and during her senior year often visited her father at the Unionville Country Club. It was there she met the love of her life, Carl M. Steele. After a brief engagement, the two were married on August 18, 1963, shortly after her graduation — beginning a devoted marriage that would span decades.

Linda and Carl first made their home in Ottumwa, Iowa, before Carl’s career with Ford Motor Credit led them to Westfield, Indiana, where they planted deep roots and built a beautiful life together.

In Westfield, Linda began what would become a 19-year career at Christ United Methodist Preschool, where she lovingly taught and influenced countless young lives. After retiring from teaching, she joined her husband at Edwards/Steele Tax Services. When she retired from the business, she embraced her favorite and most treasured role — full-time grandmother to ten grandchildren.

Linda and Carl were blessed with three children: Mike (Vicky) Steele; Becky (Scott) Drlik; and Joel (Angie) Steele. Her greatest joy was her family. She was “Mom” and proudly “Mamaw” to her ten grandchildren: Christopher (Jessica) Russo; Grant (Amber) Drlik; Jessica Steele; Michael Steele; Morgan (Michael) Wagner; Connor Steele; Zachary Steele; Brady Drlik; Sophia Steele; and Lillie Steele. She was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren: Remington Drlik; Millie Drlik; Bodhi Dean; Solomon Wagner; Magdalena Wagner; Max Russo; and Luca Russo.

Linda loved being surrounded by her children and grandchildren — hosting sleepovers, planning pool parties and creating a home that was always full of laughter and welcome. She was a faithful member of Westfield Friends Church, where she served on committees and taught Vacation Bible School. Her faith was lived out through service, generosity, and joy.

Linda was also a passionate quilter, belonging to Flying Needles, Peacemakers Quilt Club, Indianapolis Quilt Club and creating countless handmade quilts for family and friends. Each stitch was a reflection of her love. But perhaps what many will remember most was her vibrant personality. Linda truly believed she was “born for the stage.” She delighted in entertaining others, especially through the Cinnamon Cove Variety Show, where her quick wit and ability to turn everyday life into comedy brought smiles to many. She was, without question, the life of the party.

Linda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Carl M. Steele; her parents, Leonard and Rita Johnson; her sister, Louise McBain; her brother-in-law, Jack Steele; and sisters-in-law, Evelyn Dies and Ana Louise Carter.

A celebration of Linda’s life will be held at 12:30pm on Friday, March 13, 2026 at Westfield Friends Church (324 S. Union St. Westfield, IN 46074). A visitation for gathering of family and friends will be held prior, from 10am -12pm. A burial will follow funeral services on March 13, 2026 at Hamilton Memorial Park Cemetery (4180 Westfield Rd. Westfield, IN 46060).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Westfield Friends Church or to The Carl and Linda Steele "Casting Bright Futures" Scholarship through the Westfield Education Scholarship Foundation.

Linda’s legacy lives on in the laughter she inspired, the quilts she stitched, the faith she lived, and the generations who proudly call her Mom and Mamaw.