She held a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the University of Central Arkansas (ATC). She spent 30 years at Sylvan Hills High School as the Spanish and AP History teacher, Spanish Club Faculty Sponsor, Drill Team sponsor, and AEA/PACT Faculty Representative. As the latter, she successfully bargained for teachers to get credit for taking computer classes and certifications to update classrooms.
After “retiring,” Bettina devoted herself to helping others at her beloved First United Methodist Church of NLR and The Shepherd’s Center of NLR. Innovative as always, she created classes and fun activities for seniors, ranging from a fundraising fashion show with her world famous spaghetti and meat sauce to computer classes. Adoring travel and helping others, she served as an interpreter for the FUMC’s mission work to Mexico, a small bus driver for Shepherd's Center members to various destinations, leader of many SHHS students to Mexico for education and culture, and an interpreter across Arkansas.
Bettina was preceded in death by her daughter, Andrea Steele;
Husband, Bob Steele Jr; sister, Marty (Jay) Banks; nephew, James (Jimbo) Banks; and son-in-law, Tom Marcell.
Her greatest love was for her family. Survivors include her children: Lia A. Steele, Mark (Jennifer) Steele, and Melanie Steele. Her grandchildren: Natalie Thrasher, April (Rob) Thrasher, Tara (Jack) Montgomery, Jennifer (Nick) Lawnicki, Lindsey (Jay) Sawrie, Lauren (Smitty) Smith, Veronica (Armando) Nieves, and Sabrina (Nathan) Burns as well as 7 great grandsons and 4 great granddaughters.
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