Irene Steele

Once upon a time, in a small place called Cedar Gap, Missouri, a little girl named Clara Irene Jackson entered the world on October 29, 1932. The world she was born into wasn't easy—it was shaped by empty bank accounts and dust-filled skies—but through that Irene learned to be a woman who understood the value of hard work, perseverance, and trusting God through every season.

From the early years, Irene discovered something that would guide her entire story: a deep and steady faith in God. It wasn't loud or showy but steady, sincere, and unwavering. It was the kind of faith that shows up every morning, kneels in quiet prayer, and keeps loving even when no one is watching. It was the foundation of her home, the compass for her decisions, and the quiet strength behind everything she did. That faith became the foundation of her life, and from that devotion flowed a deep and abiding love for her family.

Irene grew into a woman whose greatest joy was loving others, especially her family. She was a devoted wife and a mother who chose presence over applause. When her husband returned from Army service, they decided that raising her children would be her life's greatest work. And she did it beautifully. She was always there before school, after school, and every moment in between. Her house was filled with people who knew her home was a safe place to land.

She was gentle and kind, a little shy, and quietly stubborn when it came to doing what was right. She didn't seek attention, but she stood firm in her convictions. If you needed help, encouragement, or prayer, Irene was usually already on it most of the time without telling anyone else she was helping.

Irene loved simple wonders: traveling and experiencing the magic of God's creation, watching birds outside her window (especially cardinals), reading stories, and every Christmas, reciting the story of Jesus' birth from Luke chapter 2 entirely from memory like a treasured scene she never tired of revisiting.

As the story continued, Irene found new joy as a grandmother and great-grandmother. She became the family's biggest cheerleader, celebrating every accomplishment and milestone with pride and delight. It didn't matter if it was a school concert, grandparent's day, a fieldtrip, a game, or even a field day at her grandchildren's school, where she ran alongside her Grandson to keep him going and encouraged. It didn't matter if her family needed someone to pick them up and pour hydrogen peroxide on their skinned knees or someone to cheer us on. No matter, they knew their mom/grandma/great -grandma/aunt would be there.

Love, for Irene, looked like presence. No matter if that looks like a listening ear, a warm home -cooked meal made from scratch, encouraging words spoken, or a prayer. Even in the later chapters, when she had physical challenges weighing heavily on her, she never complained and often said she was still better off than many others. Till the very end, she continued to call her children daily—not to be checked on, but to check on them—making sure they were okay, praying for them, and asking if there was anything she could do. Even in the midst of her own pain, she constantly offered prayers whispered faithfully every single day. If she told you she was praying for you, she meant it—and she didn't forget.

On January 6, 2026, at the age of 93, Irene's earthly chapter gently came to a close. In a room surrounded by Family where the air was filled with prayers, scriptures, hymns, and memories shared.

Even tho this chapter came to a close, her story didn't end—it simply turned the page.

She leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith, steadfast love, and a life that truly practiced what it preached. A life that reminds us that the most meaningful adventures aren't loud or dramatic—but faithful, loving, and lived one day at a time.

Irene would have said, second only to her faith, the next greatest legacy she could leave is her family. She is survived by her husband, Jim Steele; her children, Bob (Norma) Womack, Becky (Chuck) Cooper, Jan White, and Garin Steele; her grandchildren, Jeremy (Cindy) Womack, Chris (Nikki) Womack, Tyler (Charley) Cooper, Tory (Annika) Cooper, Ryan (Hannah) Moore, Jessica Wood, Kaylee Hopkins, Danielle (Ryan) Marty, Blake (Blair) Steele, and Landon Steele; along with 30 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband of 57 years, Dean Womack, and her three brothers and four sisters.

And if this were a film, the final scene would show Irene at peace—surrounded by love, welcomed home by the God she knew and trusted all her life—with the quiet assurance of 'well done, my good and faithful servant.'

Visitation will be held from 10:00–11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Central Community Church, 6100 W. Maple St., Wichita, Kansas. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place privately at Greenwood Cemetery at a later time.