Nora Steakley

Born on July 28, 1947 in Odessa, Texas, she was the youngest child of Robert (Bob) Everett Steakley and Bertha Josephine Barrow Steakley. She attended San Jacinto Elementary, Bowie Junior High, and Odessa High School (class of 1966), a secretarial school, and Odessa College. She was raised in a Christian home and maintained a strong faith all of her life.

Nora’s early work life began on the family ranch in Ector Co., and later, in Osage County Oklahoma. She was theater manager of several movie theaters in Rule, TX, Haskell, TX, and Llano, TX. For several semesters in the mid-1970’s she worked in the president’s office of Odessa College, and in the 1980’s, volunteered in the office of First Presbyterian Church of Odessa, where she also served as deacon.

Nora was proud of her country, her ranching heritage, loved ranch work, and was physically strong and resourceful. She was an animal lover with a special affinity for terrapins, cats, and wild birds. For a number of years she belonged to and supported several patriotic women’s organizations, with Daughters of the Republic of Texas being closest to her heart. She was Texan to the bone. She was a faithful patron of local community outreach programs, churches, historical sites, public television, and animal welfare organizations.

She had a zest for life, was joyful, a great cook, crafty and creative, loved reading newspapers, and could light up a room with her smile and sense of humor. She was indispensable in a crisis, and put others before herself.

She is survived by her only child, Audrey Steakley and her fiancé’, Lee Busse, of Odessa; sister Dora Steakley White of Rocksprings; brother Bob Steakley and wife, Carol, of Odessa; niece Emilie White, and son; nephew Troy Steakley and husband Bob Driskell; nephew Robert Steakley and wife Regina, and their three sons; nephew Travis Steakley and wife, Casey, and their three daughters; nephew James Orcutt and wife, Rebecca, and their two daughters; and brother-in-law Jim Orcutt and wife, Natalie.

She is preceded in death by her parents Robert (Bob) Steakley and Bertha Barrow Steakley, and eldest sister Bobbye Jo Steakley Orcutt.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial donations in Nora Steakley’s honor to the following: Basin PBS, Best Friends Animal Society, Friends of the Chorale, Parker House Ranching Heritage Museum, Humane Society of Odessa, or a charity of your choice in your community.

A memorial service will be held Saturday January 20th at 1pm at First Presbyterian Church in Odessa, with reception to follow.

The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to all of our loved ones who have steadfastly supported us in various ways throughout this difficult journey. We are also grateful to everyone at Bee Hive Home Health for their devoted and loving care of Nora, particularly direct care staff Yaineris, Martha, Laritza, Delores, Leighann, and Amy. Thank you also to Home Hospice of Odessa, particularly nurses Melanie, Debbie, and Ashley.