Ethel R. Steele, 89, of Columbia, died, Thursday, May 18, 2017. Born in Canton, OH, she was a daughter of the late Leonard and Clara Kelly. Ethel has a passion for her pets and was a gentle, soft spoken, kind, caring and compassionate lady. She taught Sunday school at Spring Hill Wesleyan Church and was influential in the lives of her six children, four grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Ethel was also an avid Atlanta Braves fan.

Survivors include her son, John Steele; daughter, Ruth Ann Steele; grandchildren, Daniel Steele (Janet), Tracey Rabon, John David Steele (Sara), Richard Rabon; great-grandchildren, Kiara Steele, Tommy Steele, Damien Steele, Nataly Leon, Nathaniel Leon, Austin Steele, Jaden Steele, Alex Steele, and John David Steele, Jr.; sister, Gwendolyn Short; and a brother, Clyde Kelly. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, SGT US Army Melvin Steele (Ret.); daughters, Belma Rabon and Toddy Falls; sons, Robert Steele and Mark Steele.

A funeral service will be held 3 o'clock, Saturday, May 27th at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC. Interment will follow in Crescent Hill Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 2 o'clock. Memorials may be made to Pawmetto Lifeline 1275 Bower Pkwy, Columbia, SC 29212.