Ilean (Lewis) Steelman

Ilean (Lewis) Steelman was born on January 29, 1933. She is one of twelve children, a twin sister to Norma Jean, born to Walter and Maudie (Smith) Lewis and raised in Gladden, Missouri. Ilean was united in marriage on April 11, 1951 to Gurnell Aaron Steelman and together shared twenty-three years of marriage before his passing on March 11, 1973. Ilean and Gurnell were blessed with four children: Glenn, Lloyd, Ellen, and Douglas. Upon Gurnell’s untimely death, in the years following she was married to Wayne Spencer and John Brodeur. Ilean’s true calling was being a wife, mother, and homemaker. She took great pride in her home, but her greatest joy came from raising her children. Ilean worked for the International Shoe Factory, she has remained lifelong friends with several of her co-workers and truly enjoyed their company. Ilean liked being outdoors and fishing on the Current River and at Table Rock Lake. She loved to travel, enjoyed socializing, making new friends, and was always ready for a good laugh. Ilean had a passion for dancing. Her family was most important to her and she cherished the memories made together. Ilean was a passionate mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Ilean was a lady of great faith and attended Pleasant Valley Baptist Church with her family and later attended Salem First Baptist Church. Ilean departed this life on August 23, 2021 in Salem, Missouri at the age of eighty-eight years. She leaves behind to cherish her memories, loving children: Glenn Steelman and Brenda Willard of Salem, MO, Lloyd Steelman and wife Martha of San Antonio, TX, Ellen Steelman Buck and husband David of San Antonio, TX, and Douglas Steelman of Salem, MO; grandchildren: Jeffrey Steelman, Gregory Steelman, Lisa Steelman, Jordan Buck, Taylor Buck, and Madison Buck; great-grandson: Bryce Steelman; twin sister: Norma Jean Hampton; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends. Preceding her in death were, her husbands: Gurnell Steelman, Wayne Spencer, and John Brodeur; parents: Walter and Maudie Lewis; and ten siblings. Ilean leaves behind a legacy of honor and love for her family. She will be forever remembered and deeply missed. Funeral Services for Ilean (Lewis) Steelman were held Wednesday, September 1, 2021 in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Pastor Chris Hendrix officiating. Song selections played were “Homesick” and “Amazing Grace”. Serving as Pallbearers were Glenn Steelman, Lloyd Steelman, Doug Steelman, Larry Steelman, David Buck, and Bill Elmer. Burial was in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Ilean Steelman to Salem Residential Care and left at Wilson Mortuary. Online Condolences may be entered at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Ilean (Lewis) Steelman

January 29, 1933 - August 23, 2021