Rosita Ann Steele

She was born at Scott Field AFB (IL) in 1946 to Victor Waldron Halford, US Army, MSG (1916-1967) and Margaret Mary (Polony) Halford, US Army, WAC (1920-1972), who raised her to become a strong-willed, independent, and trail-blazing woman.

As a single Mother and having only an Associates Degree in Business, Rosita achieved immense career success as an Insurance Executive at many corporations. This began during a time in our society when many women did not work outside of the home or were barely granted credit to buy a new home for their family. Rosita would not be deterred. Unfortunately, her “working days” came to an end on March 14, 2002 when she suffered a brain aneurysm. Again, Rosita would not be deterred. She survived for 22 more years enjoying her family, her friends, and her simple lifestyle.

Rosita was a phenomenal chef - nobody cooked like her - her Chili Verde and Chili Colorado were fan favorites. Rosita had a soft spot for her furry friends, treating each and every one like the valuable family member they were, especially “Kitty” and “Coquette.” She loved to travel. As an “Army Brat,” she moved quite a bit in her youth and even went to three different schools during the 7th grade. As an adult, she ventured to Chicago, New York City, Detroit, Boston, Hollywood, San Francisco, Hawaii, Yosemite, Disneyland, Disney World, Germany, Spain, England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, and China…just to name a few.

Rosita believed we are each connected to every person and everything on this Earth. In the end, she said she was given the gift of life and now she was ready to give it back. She believed she was a lucky woman, and rather than being sad about having to die, she had decided to be joyful about having had a full life. No matter how hard or unfair life was to Rosita - Rosita loved life back. She embraced it without reservation, regret, or remorse. And, that is…rare!

We could not have asked for a better person to grace our lives, and we will miss “Raz” every day. Her memory will live on in our hearts of all those who loved her.

Rosita is survived by her sister, Denise Halford Holder; her children, Robert Victor Steele and Brena Rene’ Steele; her grandchildren, Dakota Jade Steele and Hannah Steele Erotas; her nephew, Ethan Halford Holder; her dear friend, Diana Dean-Sprugeon; and many loving cousins.

A Memorial Service will be held in Terre Haute, Indiana during the spring of 2024. Further details will be available at a later date.