Barbara Ann Steele (Ann), age 84 of Gratiot, WI, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, September 26, 2026. Ann was born in Galena, IL on August 18, 1942, to the late Raymond and Lillian (McKillip) Staver. Ann grew up in Darlington, Wisconsin with her three sisters (Kathleen, Betty, and Rose) and brother (James). In 1960, Ann graduated from Darlington High School and shortly thereafter met and fell in love with Jerry (Gerald M. Steele). The couple were married on May 2, 1964, in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Gratiot. They enjoyed fifty event-filled, gratifying years together until Jerry’s unexpected passing on Christmas Day in 2014. From that point of her life on, Ann missed him dearly every passing moment until they were finally reunited in heaven upon Ann’s passing.

Upon marriage to Jerry, Ann moved to Gratiot where shortly thereafter she gave birth to three wonderful children, Barbara Lynn, Timothy Milton and Kristina Marie. While raising the three kids, Ann also worked for ten years at Micro-Switch and Eaton Corporation in Warren, IL. Upon the children reaching elementary age, Ann very much enjoyed working as a Teacher’s Aide at the school her children also attended. This time was especially enjoyable as the school was directly across the street from the Steele home where the commute was a mere 30-40 steps from door to door. After the kids were grown and out of the house, Ann found her calling as a Nurse’s Aide at Darlington Manor, where she worked for many years.

Ann’s loves included spending time with Jerry (even going fishing with him when nobody else would), raising her kids, taking care of anyone in need, going to flea markets and garage sales with anyone that would tag along, and playing slot machines (as long as Jerry didn’t find out). Oh yes, and spoiling the grandchildren and great grandchildren. Most of all, she just loved spending time with her family. And she really adored being called Grandma.

Following Jerry’s death in 2014 until Ann’s passing, her youngest daughter Tina became the steadfast and unwavering crutch Ann counted on. As the years passed, Ann would endure medical challenges that would make remaining in the family home, vice a nursing home, almost impossible. But because of Tina’s tireless sacrifice and devotion to her mom, Ann was able to remain in the home Jerry built where she was continuously visited by the grandchildren and great grandchildren every day. When the time finally came, Ann passed away peacefully in her favorite recliner where she had slept every night since Jerry’s passing. Ann was ever so thankful for Tina’s efforts that made that possible. We all love you and will miss you dearly!

Ann is survived by her children: Barbara (Barb) Reynolds (Steve), Timothy (Tim) Steele (Denna), and Kristina (Tina) Brown; her sisters: Elizabeth (Betty) Ramirez and Rose Villarreal; her grandchildren: Leah Stocks, Payton Collins, Elizabeth Manion, Christina Ortiz, Andrew Steele, Brittany Collins, Jordan Steele, Sydney Steele, Sadie Brown, and Trinity Brown; her great grandchildren: Audrey Stocks, Taylor Ortiz, Tristen Ortiz, Gabriel Ortiz, Otto Gierhart, Katelyn Scott, Parker Fenn, Ellie Jordan, and Chase Olin; and her great great grandchild, Weston Hutchcroft.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Raymond Staver (1982) and Lillian (McKillup) Staver (1996); her husband, Gerald M. Steele (2014); and her siblings: Mary Kathleen (Kate) Fitzgerald (2004) and James Staver (2020).

A graveside service will be held at the Methodist Cemetery in Gratiot on October 17th at 4:00pm. A celebration of life will follow at Boozers (previously Murph’s Bar) from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer’s Association at Alzheimer's Association .