Carolyn Maude Steele, 90, of Connersville

Carolyn Maude Steele of Connersville, passed peacefully in her sleep at Reid Hospital in Richmond on Friday, January 2, 2026, at the age of 90. She was born in Connersville, IN on August 25, 1935, the daughter of the late Glen Hughes and Christine Tanksley Hughes. 

Carolyn fell in love at a young age, and married the love of her life, Mr. Joseph Wesley Steele on August 30, 1952. Their marriage began at Western Ave Baptist Church in Connersville, where they served the Lord for nearly 70 years. 

Carolyn spent her life in the home, where she enjoyed the blessings of her husband and four children. She had unwavering faith and loved the grace she received from the Lord. She was an active member at Western Ave Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, and was a part of the Women’s Missionary Union. She also participated as a leader in Girls Auxiliary, where she played a part in the lives of young women from grades 7th-12th.

Carolyn enjoyed puzzles of all kinds, from crossword and word search to Sudoku. She loved anything that kept her mind busy. Carolyn was an avid gardener in her prime, she always had a luscious garden full of vegetables and flowers. During the summer months you could find her tending to her garden and canning her vegetables. Carolyn loved nothing more than being with her family, especially spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by all her family and friends.

Along with her husband of 73 years, Joesph, she is survived by her children June G. Helms (Jim), David G. Steele (Carol), Ray Alan Steele (Joyce), and Don E. Steele (Syndi). She will be missed deeply by her brother, Dale Hughes (Lorraine) and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her memories will live on forever in her grandchildren; Dawn Crawley (Tom), Amanda Fisher (Joe), Jennifer Steele, Erica Steele-Miller, Matthew Steele, Dustin Steele, Tara Vinson (Jacob), Michael Helms (Ashley), and her great-grandchildren; Elaina McCreary, Jacob McCreary, Aaron Helms, Aidan Helms, Reagan Miller, Luke Steele, Jaxson Helms, Lia Crawley, Haisley Helms, Heston Helms, Holland Helms, and her precious great-great-grandchild Genevieve Helms.  

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her siblings; brothers, David G., Richard, Arthur, Howard, Hedgemond, and Joseph Hughes, and sisters, Marion Corn and LaVaughna Kays. 

Friends and family may visit Urban Winkler Funeral Home located at 513 W 8th Street Connersville. IN 47331, on Thursday, January 8, 2026 from 4:00PM to 6:00PM. Funeral Services will be at Urban Winkler Funeral Home on Friday, Januar 9, 2026 at 11:00AM. Burial will follow at Dale Cemetery.