Dorothy King Steele

In the early hours of July 30, 2024, Dorothy (Dotsy) King Steele passed away and joined her beloved husband, Howard (Howie) Merritt Steele, Jr. in heaven. They were married for 65 years until his passing on December 28, 2016. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend bringing grace, elegance, humor and kindness to all who shared in her rich life. Dotsy was born in Atlanta, Georgia on September 14, 1928, where her father known as big Daddy was a lawyer for the Interstate Commerce Commission. When she was 3 years old, he was transferred to Washington, DC where Dotsy attended school and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1946 and went on to graduate from Marjorie Webster College in 1948. She married Howie after he graduated from West Point in 1951. This began her career as a military wife steering her husband and three children through a combat tour in Korea, two tours in Viet Nam and 21 moves. Through it all she remained the perfect military wife. Resourceful, strong, committed and always impeccably groomed. When Howie retired Dotsy told her family, she married him for life but not for lunch and took on new and exciting challenges. She joined The Salvation Army where she served as president from 2006-2007. She also joined the Capitol Speakers Club where she served as President of Chapter One. Other organizations included Welcome to Washington and the NSO Decorators Showhouse. Dotsy loved these organizations and the countless friends she made over the many years she served. Dotsy is survived by her loving children, Howard, Cynthia (Cindy) and Susan, her beloved daughter in law, Robin Steele and her grandchildren Nathan and Brian Steele, Merritt and Wyatt Vance, Tyne Berlanga and Heather Devers as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery's Old Post Chapel on Monday, December 2, 2024 at 2:45 PM. Donations in Dotsy’s name can be made to Spinal Cord Society 19051 County Highway 1 Fergus Falls, MN. 56537-7609