Barbara Jean Steele

Barbara Jean Steele, age 69, passed away December 23rd, 2025 in Mesa, Arizona. Barbara Steele was born April 19th, 1956 to Elizabeth Patterson in Shelby, Michigan.

Barbara was a dedicated mom, daughter, sister, grandma, aunt, and friend. She touched and changed countless lives through her selflessness, bright smile, and big heart. Her family meant the world to her and, if she could have, she would have spent every minute of everyday with them.

She taught her daughters when they were small how important it was to give back. She priortized service & taught her family to love. One fond example is how she made homemade pies for Thanksgiving. She always made enough to take pies to the homeless shelter where she & her daughters offered love to those in need.

She was also fearless. Barbara always stood up for those who couldn’t stand up for themselves. One day driving, she saw a young boy surrounded by a group of kids bullying him. Without hesitation she parked her car and ran over to the group of kids, not thinking of what could happen to herself, she got into the circle next to the boy and demanded the kids leave him alone and go home. There was absolutely nothing that scared her. Her courage was a beautiful support to her family.

Barbara worked in healthcare for over 20 years treating each of her patients as if they were family. She served them with compassion & by example taught us to honor those in our care.

Barbara was a member of Saguaro Hills Baptist Church & loved her friends there. She was grateful for the community she found & friendship offered to her & loves her church.

In 2018 she reconnected with her love, Larry Steele, whom she married in 2020. She loved Larry & her happiness & joy grew with each day she spent with him.

Larry survives Barbara, along with her mother Betty; 2 children, Lisa Briggs and Jennifer Chafe; 5 step children: Larry H. Steele, Ronnie Steele, Tim Steele, Rebekah Davis, and Danielle Parks. Siblings: Deborah Ingstad, Roger Bennett, Michael Bennett, David Patterson, and Daniel Patterson & two pets, Doggie and Smoky; and 28 grandchildren. Barbara was also blessed by a loving extended family including Aunts, Uncles & cousins. She was so proud of her beautiful & growing family.

Barbara Jean Steele was an amazing woman and will be deeply missed.