Arlyce was born in Phillip, South Dakota, on September 10, 1934. During her early years the family moved to various locations in Oregon and Idaho in search of work. Eventually, they settled in Peshastin, Washington in February 1941, where she spent most of her school years until graduating in 1952.
Following graduation, Arlyce moved to live with her Aunt Pauline in Sacramento, California, where she met her future husband, Lt. James P Steele. They married in 1954, at which time the new bride gained Jim’s four year old daughter, Pam, as well.
Eventually, Jim’s Air Force career took them to Florida where they were blessed with a daughter, Jackie, and son, Bill. The family was then transferred to Illinois, where they added another daughter, Kim, and on to Bermuda in 1958, where their youngest, Tammy was later born. They left Bermuda in August 1960 and returned to Sacramento, before moving on to the Wenatchee, Washington area in 1965.
Arlyce spent a few seasons working in the fruit packing sheds while managing her household, until she entered the medical field with Wenatchee Valley Clinic and later Deaconess and Rosewood Hospitals, in the Central Supply department. She remained there until her retirement in 1988.
When her many responsibilities allowed, she and Jim would travel to Missouri to visit family each summer.
Arlyce and Jim moved to East Wenatchee in 1976, becoming empty nesters shortly after. For many years, the couple enjoyed entertaining their many children and grandchildren during holidays and frequent informal family gatherings. Following Jim’s death in 2010, Arlyce moved to Spokane, Washington to enjoy the company of her daughter, Tammy and son-in-law, Jeff. For as long as she was able, she was a fixture at her great grandkids’ many sports events and academic activities.
Arlyce is survived by brothers Melvin and Larry Morrow; children John (Chris) Marshall, Jackie (Laren) Lamb, Bill Steele, Kim Steele, and Tammy (Jeff) Crace; 15 grandchildren; and 17 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husband Jim Steele, daughter Pam Merkley, and great granddaughter Madison Steele.
A special thank you to Hospice of Spokane and the special nurses and aides that helped us through this difficult time. A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Wenatachee.