Shirley A. Steele, 86, of Chillicothe, passed at 11:16 a.m. Friday, August 7, 2026 in the Adena Regional Medical Center following an extended illness.

She was born October 13, 1939, in Ross County, to the late Donald and Dorothy Cochenour Gaines. On December 24, 1961, she married Orval Gene Steele who died July 16, 1987.

Surviving are sons, Jon R. (Diane) Steele, of Jackson, GA, Don A. Steele, of Bainbridge, OH, Gene Steele, of Columbus, OH and Robert R. (Beverly) Steele, of Wynne, AR; grandchildren, Danielle (Calen) Madeley, Nathan Steele, Tyler Steele, Don A. Steele II, Tiffany Ward, Adam Joseph Steele, Isaac Steele, Jenna Steele, Sebastin Steele, Robert L. (Nancy) Steel II, Amber Steele, Jenna Steele, Clay Steele, Cole Steele and Chrissy Steele; great grandchildren, Jack Lee Madeley, Beckett Madeley, Hailey Madeley, Mackenzie Steele, Payton Steele, Gage Steele, Taylor Ward, Caden Steele, Cason Steele, Cale Steele, Ashton Steele, Heidi Steele, Rowan Steele and Remi Steele; a brother, Clarence (Linda) Gaines, of Chillicothe; a sister, Donna (John) Digges, of Chillicothe; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a sister, Patricia L. Dalrymple.

Shirley was a member of Jefferson Avenue Church. In 2003, Shirley retired from the Adena Regional Medical Center where she had worked as an Instrument Technician.

Funeral services will be held 9 a.m. Friday, August 14, 2026 in the WARE FUNERAL HOME with Deborah Ashcraft and Rev. John Nunley officiating. Burial will follow in Grandview Cemetery. Friends may call at the WARE FUNERAL HOME from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday.

You may sign her online register at warefh.com