LuEllen Brown Steele

LuEllen Brown Steele 

1935-2023 

LuEllen Brown Steele, born on Nov. 14, 1935, in Belen, peacefully passed away on Sept. 29, 2023, in Surprise, Ariz. 

She was the beloved daughter of Guy and Edith Brown, whose family owned the Brown Ranch in Belen during the 1930s. After the passing of her father, LuEllen, along with her mother and siblings, Guy and Daisy Lea, relocated to California.  

In 1956, she entered a new chapter of her life by marrying Larry Steele. In 1957, she gave birth to their first child, Larry Steele Jr., and in 1964 their second son, William. In 1963, tragedy struck when LuEllen’s sister lost her life in a motorcycle accident. LuEllen and Larry adopted her nieces, Kathryn and Karen, making them a family of six.  

Following her divorce from Larry in 1967, LuEllen courageously raised all four children as a single mother while working for Pacific Telephone and Telegraph. Her dedication and hard work continued until her retirement from AT&T in the early 1990s.  

She then settled in Copperopolis, Calif., before making Surprise, Ariz., her forever home in 2009. LuEllen cherished her time on this earth, finding joy in traveling and forming many long lasting friendships. She was known for her kindness and caring heart as well as the love she had for all kitties.  

LuEllen is survived by her sons, Larry and William Steele; along with her grandchildren, Larry, Nichole, Natalie, Rachel and Emma; and her two great-granddaughters, Charlotte and Quail.  

She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings and daughters, Kathryn and Karen.  

LuEllen will be laid to rest in the original section of Terrace Grove Cemetery in Belen, where she will join her mother, father and siblings. A small graveside service will be held on Monday, Jan. 15,  at Terrace Grover Cemetery, in Belen, to honor her memory. For those seeking further information or with questions about the family, please reach out to her son Larry at [email protected].  

LuEllen’s legacy of love, resilience, and generosity will forever be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing her.