Mary A. Steele

Mary Alice Steele, 95, of Somerville, OH and formerly of Preble County, OH died, Tuesday, December 29, 2015 in Oxford, OH. She was a homemaker, wife, mother and grandmother. She loved music, poetry, traveling and playing games with her children and grandchildren.

Mary was born on December 19, 1920 in Israel Twp., Preble Co., OH, to Marion N. & Eva (Williams) Paxton. She attended Israel Township schools at Morning Sun and Fairhaven, Ohio and graduated from Dixon High School in 1938. She then attended the Ross Beauty School in Hamilton, Ohio. Mary was a member of the Morning Sun Presbyterian Church.

In the spring of 1939, Mary and her sister traveled across the country to Elko, Nevada with her aunt who was working as a nurse for the Indian service. There she married Jack Rutherford and had three children. They divorced in 1950 and Mary brought the children back to Morning Sun, Ohio.

In 1952, Mary married Walter "Possum" Steele of Camden, Ohio. They enjoyed 19 happy years living on the farm before he passed away.

Preceded in death by her husband: Walter Steele in 1971; Daughter: Janice M. Baker; Son: Jim Rutherford; Step Son: Billy Joe Steele; Brothers: Lyle, Lloyd and Loren Paxton and Granddaughters: Judith Ann Esswein and Susan Paxson.

Survived by her daughter, Jerry (Ralph) Wilmot, Willis, TX; Step Son: Robert Steele, Lawton, OK; Sister: Hilda Keller, Lewisburg, OH; Grandchildren: Scott and Spencer Rutherford, Randall Wilmot, Jackie Wilmot and Candie Baker. 11 Great Grandchildren and Several Great Great Grandchildren. Special Friend and Caregiver: Juanita Moore.

Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 P.M., Tuesday, January 5, 2016 in Fairmount Cemetery, Camden OH with Rev. Wayne D. Morrison officiating. Family will receive friends on Tuesday from 11:30 – 12:45 P.M. at Nein-Barnes Funeral Home, 249 North Main Street, Camden, OH.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the charity of donor's choice. Condolences www.barnesfuneralhome.com