Elma "Penny" Geraldine (East) Steelman

Elma “Penny” Geraldine (East) Ard-Steelman was born on July 10, 1924, in Gladden, Missouri to Willie and Beulah (Rhodes) East and passed away on October 2, 2020, in Salem, Missouri at the age of ninety-three years. Penny grew up and attended school in Gladden. On August 23, 1945, Penny was united in marriage to Rex Ard in Granite City, Illinois and to this union blessed with nine children: Bill, Linda, David, Ricky, Bobby, Tommy, Barry, Shelly, and Sherry. Penny later married Winfred James Steelman and shared many years together before his passing in 1989. Penny was a hard worker, she worked in housekeeping at Salem Memorial District Hospital for twelve years. Then moved to Hinton, Oklahoma and worked at a nursing home doing laundry. After returning to Missouri, she worked for Salem Refrigeration and the Laundromat for a time. Penny enjoyed working, providing for her family, and helping others. Penny was one of a kind, strong willed, stubborn, and honest. She enjoyed being outside in her garden and canning her garden bounties. Her favorite hobby was visiting cemeteries with her sisters, Jessie and Alma. Most important to Penny were her family and she cherished the memories made with them, especially her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Penny was full of wisdom and love. She was a woman of faith and a member of New Harmony Church. Later in life, she attended Pleasant Valley Baptist Church with her family. Penny is survived by her loving children: Bill Ard and wife Glenna of Salem, MO, Linda Hodge and husband Chris of Nixa, MO, David Ard and wife Susan of Salem, MO, Bobby Ard and wife Jackie of Salem, MO, Tommy Ard and wife Cindy of Salem, MO, Barry Ard and wife Barb of Salem, MO, Shelly Wallis of Nixa, MO, and Sherry Acker of Branson, MO; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Preceding her in death were, her husbands: Winfred Steelman and Rex Ard; parents: Willie and Beulah East; son: Ricky Ard, sisters: Alma Shaw and Jessie Drury; stepmother: Allie East; stepbrother: Ernie Pyeatt; and an infant grandson. Penny will be remembered as a wonderful lady who always had a smile and great sense of humor. She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion. Penny will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Graveside Services for Elma “Penny” Geraldine (East) Ard-Steelman were held Friday, October 9, 2020 in the Jadwin Cemetery with Pastor Gary Chilton officiating. Song selection played was “I Want To Stroll Over Heaven With You”. The Family was served by Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Penny Steelman to the Jadwin Cemetery Fund and left at Wilson Mortuary. Online condolences may be entered at wilsonmortuary.com

Elma "Penny" Geraldine (East) Steelman

July 10, 1927 - October 2, 2020