Following the death of Kelly Steele on Saturday, family members are remembering the Apollo resident as a kind-hearted person and devoted mother and grandmother.
“She was loved by many. So many,” said Ean Steele, 23, her son and oldest child. “All she did was love back. I loved her so much.”
Her 18-year-old daughter, Emily, shared similar sentiments.
“My mom was my best friend. The light of my life. She cared about everyone more than herself. I’m so empty without her. I love her more than I could ever love a person,” Emily Steele said.
Kelly Steele, 41, was found dead Saturday morning at a U-Haul storage facility in Lower Burrell. Police say her husband, Alfred Keith Steele, 42, of Apollo confessed to shooting her at the U-Haul location. He is jailed and faces charges including criminal homicide.
Mikayla Steele, who is married to Ean Steele, said her mother-in-law “cared for others more than she cared for herself. She truly tried to see the good in everyone. … She was a constant in my life since I was a teenager.”
Family members said Steele seemed happiest when spending time with her children and grandchildren, Bellamy and Benjamin Steele.
“Her children were her pride and joy, and she was so proud to see them grow up. She loved showing off her grandchildren. Their smiles always lit up as soon as she walked through the door,” Mikayla Steele said.
Kelly Steele enjoyed reading, especially Harry Potter and the Twilight series, and “burger nights” out with friends.
Born in Natrona Heights, Steele was a 1999 graduate of Apollo-Ridge High School. She most recently was employed as a customer service representative for CVS Caremark.
In addition to her children, Steele is survived by her mother, Cherie Martin of Apollo.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 19, at Curran-Shaffer Funeral Home in Apollo.
Additional visitation will be offered from 10 a.m. until the memorial service at 11 a.m. Friday, May 20. Burial will be private.
Mikayla Steele expressed her gratitude to the public on behalf of the family.
“We cannot thank everyone enough for all of the love and support that has been offered our family,” she said.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that monetary donations be made to offset burial expenses. They may be sent to Curran-Shaffer Funeral Home at 100 Owens View Ave., Apollo, PA 15613.
