Mary 'Liz' Steele, 93
Mary Elizabeth "Liz" Steele, age 93, of Kalispell, went to be with the Lord on Aug. 22, 2023.
She was the youngest of nine children and was born June 14, 1930, near East Helena, to Wesley and Mary Jane Buck. "Mary Beth" as she was known to her family and friends, then moved with her family to Patrick Creek near Kalispell, and later Dayton.
In 1946, she married Jim Uhde, and they made their home in Rollins and had seven children together. They later divorced and she moved first to Missoula and then Great Falls holding various jobs to provide for her family. In 1973, she began what would become her career working in alterations in department stores. She moved back to Missoula where she opened her own alterations shop, "Liz Alterations" where she not only altered but also tailor-made clothing.
It was under this name that she made many new friends and was introduced to her future husband Leroy Steele. They were married on Dec. 4, 1976, in Missoula and spent many happy years there before relocating to their current home in Polson in 2004.
Over the years she was active in accordion, playing with several different bands and music groups. She also enjoyed creating beautiful clothing for family, friends, and clients, as well as participating in church functions, going on RV trips with Leroy, and loving on all the grandbabies. She will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her husband, Leroy Steele; her children by birth, Marilyn Hill, Wendy (Jens) Nelson, Scott Uhde, Kim Uhde, and Cheri (Richard) Tressel; her children by marriage, Cindy (Dave) Oparowski, and Doris (Bob) Skiles; as well as 37 grandchildren; 54 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-great grandchild.
She is preceded in death by four children, Robin Uhde, Tami Uhde, Debra Hobson, and Steve Steele.
Liz's celebration of life will take place at 2 p.m. on Sept. 10, at Fellowship Baptist Church, 39098 Lakeview Dr., Polson. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.
Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.