Leroy Arlie Steele passed away peacefully on July 8th, 2026, at the age of 94.

Leroy was born January 25, 1932. in Lewistown MT to Arlie & Irene Steele. He grew up in Montana alongside his siblings Donald, Arlene & Evelyn. He graduated from Missoula County High School in 1950 & entered the service in 1951 where he proudly served in the United States Air Force. Leroy was an aircraft mechanic during the Korean War.

In 1956 Leroy married Mary Edith Fifield & together they welcomed four children: Debra, Cindy, Steven & Doris. In 1976 he married Mary Elizabeth “Liz” with whom he shared 46 years of marriage until her passing in 2023. Leroy became stepfather to Marilyn, Wendy, Tami, Cheri, Robin, Scott & Kim.

Leroy spent most of his working years as the fleet mechanic for Eddy’s Bakery until his retirement. Outside of work he loved camping, hunting, and was an exceptional gardener. He was always fixing cars, mowers, small engines and had a few antique cars. He did not have idle hands; there was always something to be done. He was also a quiet man, a man of few words but his smiles would say it all.

Leroy spent much of his life in Missoula, later 20 plus years in Polson overlooking Flathead Lake and his final years in Seeley Lake. His quiet, steady, strong presence will be greatly missed. He is now with Jesus and those he loved who left before.

Leroy was preceded in death by his parents Arlie & Irene Steele, his wife Mary Elizabeth “Liz” Steele, his children Steven Leroy Steele & Debra Kay Hobson. His stepchildren Robin Uhde & Tami Uhde. His brother Donald Steele and sister Evelyn Poindexter.

He is survived by his daughters Cindy Steele (David), Doris Skiles (Bob), stepchildren Marilyn Hill, Wendy Nelson (Jens), Scott Uhde, Kim Udhe, Cheri Tressel (Richard), his sister Arlene Moore, many nieces and nephews and too many grand, great grand and great-great grandchildren to mention by name.

Military Honors Service & interment will be Friday October 16th at 11am promptly at Western Montana Veterans Cemetery 1911 Tower Street Missoula followed by spreading of Leroy & Liz’s ashes at Bass Creek Campground in Stevensville. All are welcome.