Shirley Steele, 94, passed away on September 18th in Palm Harbor, FL. She was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and attended Butler University Pharmacy College, and later, studied psychology. She worked for the MSD of Lawrence Township, Indianapolis, for many years before moving to Indian Rocks Beach, Florida in 1980. She worked in public relations at Largo Medical Center where she established the first Largo Fall Food Festival, and spear-headed a variety of fundraisers for charity, including a Bachelor Auction for the Cancer Society.
While working, Shirley and her husband, Ed, always found time to volunteer their talents to help the needy. For many years they distributed vans full of toys to needy children at Christmas. One of their largest projects was the establishment of the Ridge Center in Rainbow Village, Largo. Along with several other dedicated partners, an abandoned building was transformed into a clothing and food bank, recreation center for area children, site for back to school physicals and Bible study, and a site for CNA Training for area residents. Shirley received many awards for her volunteerism including Volunteer of the Year for the State of Florida.
Shirley was proceeded in death by her husband of 62 years; Edwin L. Steele, an infant daughter; Lana Sue, two granddaughters; Laura Claybourne and Abigail Dobson. Shirley is survived by her brother, John Lowe, Indianapolis; daughters; Debra Estes, Palm Harbor; Jennifer Steele, Indianapolis; and Denise Seagren (Lance), Indianapolis; grandchildren; David Niceley (Deanna), Ben Seagren (Amy), and Allison Seagren Webb (Ian); great grandchildren; Abigail, Hope, Gabrielle, Joshua, and Jacob, and great-great grandchild; Lukas.
Shirley is a current member of The Church of Ascension, Clearwater, and former member of Calvary Episcopal, Indian Rocks Beach, and The Church of the Nativity, Indianapolis, IN. Services will be held at The Church of Ascension, Saturday, September 29th at 10:30am. Friends and family may gather for a reception immediately after the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a local homeless shelter.
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