Gayle Dresden Rives Steele, a wonderful wife, beloved daughter and devoted mother died unexpectedly on June 20, 2024. Her life will be celebrated at 1230 PM, July 2 at West Market Street United Methodist Church in Greensboro. Family and friends will be received Monday, July 1 at Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm Chapel from 5 to 7 PM and also following the service in the gathering space of the church.
Gayle was born in Greensboro to Edwin Earle Rives Jr. & the late Jeanne Skees Rives. She attended Irving Park Elementary School, Aycock Middle School, Page High School, Peace College in Raleigh and UNCG where she received a Sociology Degree. In 1977, while she worked at Meyers Department Store she met Keith Steele on a blind date, they were soon married and welcomed a daughter Amber Rives Steele. She also worked for Edgecomb Metals. After her daughter was born she opened and operated for many years a licensed in home day care, The Beary Patch Playskool. She also lovingly cared for her elderly neighbors and church members where she forged many friendships and volunteered in the infant room at West Market Street United Methodist Church for many years in the ‘90s. She befriended many of the residents of Elms and Mosby Oaks Apartments while working as an office assistant. Gayle loved to shop and bought gifts for her friends year round. She was an avid crafter and enjoyed giving handmade gifts. One of her favorite activities was having an annual summer yard sale.
She is survived by her father, Earle Edwin Rives, Jr.; husband, James Keith Steele; daughter, Amber Rives Steele; and sister, Nancy Jeanne Rives Smirnow. Also surviving are her aunt, cousins, nieces, nephews and her two beloved cats. She not only loved her own kitties but took care of the neighbor’s cats while they were on vacation.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to West Market Street United Methodist Church or to The Salvation Army. Online condolences may be offered at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com.
