Lillian "Pat" Steele

Lillian Patricia Steele known as “Pat” to her friends and family was born on April 26, 1919 in Goldtree, Oklahoma as Lilly Rose Pecka to Gus and Mary (Chuda) Pecka. Pat moved to California and married Lawrence Wesley Appleby and they had three children, Larry, Donnie and Bobby. Pat was preceded in death by her son Donnie and husband Lawrence in 1971. She later married Harry Steele and he also preceded her death in 1998. Pat worked for over 30 years at the grocery chain, Market Basket as a cashier. She moved to Oregon in 1970 and owned/operated Aumsville Nursery. Pat loved gardening and her flowers. It didn’t matter the type of flowers, she loved them all. Pat loved to fish and travel. She took many trips to Disneyland, Vegas and visiting family in Wisconsin with her daughter in law Bernice. She loved to “get up and go”. Whether it was going to Gateway Park to feed the ducks or spending time with family she enjoyed being active. Pat enjoyed baking and was famous cinnamon rolls, sugar cookies and pies. If Pat was not in the garden she would be in the kitchen canning and baking. Pat lived an incredibly wonderful and full life. She passed away peacefully at age 99 on June 11, 2018 in Stayton, Oregon. She was a loving mother and her children know she will go to Heaven. Pat was a devout Christian and a longtime member of Bethel Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by a granddaughter Sarah. Pat is survived by her children, Larry (Bernice) and Bobby (Sandy); her siblings, Matilda Pecka and Marie Zoller; grandchildren, Larry Ericksen, Lawrence “Wes” Wesley Appleby, Debbie Appleby, Trish Hammond, Tracey Parrish; 17 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren in addition to numerous family and friends. A service will be held on Saturday, June 23, 2018 at 2pm in Bethel Baptist Church 645 Cleveland St. Aumsville, OR 97325. Arrangements entrusted to Weddle Funeral Service.