Rondi Steele

Family/Spouse: Shaun Sterzer. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KWHV-4KX
• Initiatory (LDS): 1 Nov 1971, SLAKE

Notes:

Obituary:

Raymond Keith Steele began his earthly mission, September 18, 1952, i n L a Mesa, California, born the third of three children to Parley Keit h Stee le and Julia Boyter Steele. Our dear sweet brother, son, father, g randfat her, nephew, cousin, uncle, and friend passed away Thursday, Ma y 7, 2020 , at the age of 67.

In 1955, when Ray was three years old, he and his family moved to Salt L a ke City, Utah and lived in a quaint store-front home called, "Keith's H ob by House". Ray joined the family in the hobby business, loving life an d g aining a wide circle of friends. At the age of five, he was stockin g shel ves with propellers, paint and balsa wood while waiting on custome rs. H e lived in a kid's dream world, filled with miniature cars, trains , boats , and airplanes, never deciding which genre he loved best. Tradit ionally , every Thanksgiving Day, the family decorated the store in prepa ratio n f or Christmas. They were each given a showcase to create a nic e displa y with the promise of a prize for the one who did the best job . Ray alway s won!

Ray was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Chris t o f Latter-day Saints, September 30, 1960, in the Salt Lake Tabernacl e on T emple Square, having a strong testimony of the gospel and great fa ith i n his Heavenly Father's plan.

When Ray was ten years old, in 1962, he and his family moved to a love l y home on Lake Street, filling his life with added friends and awesom e ne w experiences. As Ray grew, he participated in all sports, playing b aseba ll, basketball, and skiing the snow-laden slopes. In high school h e parti cipated on the swim team, and the tennis team. He was an amazin g marksman . Liberty Park was his haven for ice skating, fishing, and fly ing model a irplanes. He had a zest for hiking and boating. We remember h is laughte r and enthusiasm, playing hard and working even harder, litera lly embraci ng the great outdoors as if it was his first and last time t o see its gra ndeur.

Ray attended Sumner Elementary, Lincoln Jr. High, and graduated from Sou t h High School, Class of '71. For many years, Ray volunteered to read a n d record book-readings at the blind center, never imagining he would o n e day lose his own eyesight. Ray loved music and played the Hawaiian st ee l guitar. He sang in the school choir and was an avid Boy Scout.

Ray and his good friend, Barrie Brewer, were unicycle buddies. It wasn ' t long before the entire neighborhood followed suit. They proficientl y le arned to ride and performed their skills in the Thirty-first Ward Ro adsho w of the Salt Lake Park Stake, June 30, 1965.

On a new family adventure in the summer of 1970, it was decided to try " m otel business" in Anaheim, CA, with an adjoining café. Ray and Barrie t ho ught of "sunshine" and "surfing" and planned to remodel the café and r u n it by themselves. How hard could that be... frying eggs, bacon and se rv ing hot cocoa? Little did they know. Per Barrie, "Our feeble attempt t o r emodel and operate the adjoining café had all the makings for a class i c T V sitcom. Wow... the lessons learned could have filled volumes." Fi rs t and foremost, they learned surfing was NOT for them.

After the "motel days", Ray returned to Salt Lake City with his family a n d lived in a lovely home on Wasatch Drive, still spending most of his t im e at the Hobby House (1955-1983). He attended the Monument Park Ward , ser ving in many capacities. He found a new interest in construction wo rk. Th is combined his yen for exercise, fresh air, sunshine, and the abi lity t o be creative, all in one, in his quest for life outdoors.

Upon graduating from high school, he was called to serve in the Florid a S outh Mission, 1972-1974. This surprised him because of his fluency i n th e German language. Two weeks into his mission, he was able to teac h the g ospel to a large non-English speaking German family. Later, he ta ught ano ther large family. So many converts, in fact, that a German spea king bran ch was organized.

After Ray's mission, he returned home and fulfilled his life-long ambiti o n of becoming a pilot, certified as an airline transport pilot, with mu lt i-engine, commercial, and instrument ratings. He was skilled and maste rfu l at his craft. He flew air ambulance for both Life Flight and AirMe d fo r many years; instrumental in aiding and saving countless lives. Dur ing i nclement weather, he always marveled how the skies would magicall y open , allowing him to transport through a shaft of light and clear vis ibility . He was an amazing flight instructor and owned and operated hi s own flig ht school and charter operation, called Pro Flight. He flew Le ar Jets, M U 2 Marquis, Beechcraft B-200s with over 12,000 hours, to hi s credit. Ra y was honored to receive the "Pilot of the Year" award by th e Utah Pilot s Association.

February 5, 1976, he married his dear sweet friend, Edith Elisa Smith , i n the Provo Utah Temple, uniting his family for time and all eternity . Th ey were blessed with three children, Shayne Steele, Rondi (Shaun) St erzer , and Kari (Todd) Overson. Ray adored his precious grandchildren, G age, Z ack, Jurnee, Grayson, Zayden, and Lachlan. Ray is survived by thi s beauti ful family, along with his brother, Clifford (Gloria) Steele an d his sist er, DeLores Steele Silfvast; many nieces, nephews and cousins . Preceded i n death by his parents, Keith and Julia Steele, and niece, C indy Steele.

When Ray's health started to wane, he faced life fearlessly with his str o ng will and great determination, forging through seemingly endless tria ls . Ray lived more life in his first 30 years, than most people do in 10 0 . He fought the battles valiantly and never relented to defeat. He an d hi s family will be forever grateful for the donors that gave him prolo nge d life with two kidney transplants. Indeed, he witnessed miracles. W e wil l remember him as being kind, tender, loving, methodical and astute ; alwa ys showing great understanding and compassion for those around him . He wa s happiest when surrounded by his family and friends, along wit h his loya l companion pets that would never leave his side. We will reme mber his ex ample and emulate his strength as we strive to smile throug h our sorrow s at his passing. Until we meet again... fly high and higher , on and onwa rd. We love you, Raymond.

A celebration of Ray's life will be held at a later time.
Published in Salt Lake Tribune on May 15, 2020

Raymond married Edith Elisa Smith on 5 Feb 1976 in Provo, Utah, Utah, United States. Edith was born on 29 Jan 1953 in Mobile, Mobile, Alabama, United States; died on 8 Aug 2020 in West Valley City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: LTBD-BXF
• Initiatory (LDS): 29 Jan 1976, SLAKE

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KWCG-P5F
• Initiatory (LDS): 15 May 1958, SLAKE

Notes:

Obituary:
Keith Steele passed away peacefully, Friday, May 1, 2020, at home in Tay l orsville, Utah, at the age of 102.

Keith was born in Delta, Utah, on August 16, 1917, to Parley Bunker an d L emira Turner Steele. When he was two years old, he moved to Panguitch , Ut ah, with his parents, two brothers and three sisters. He spent his y out h climbing the velvet hills, breathing the fresh country air, and fis hin g on Penny’s Pond.

At age 17, in 1934, he started working for the U.S. Mail on Star Route ( h is favorite job in all the world), hauling mail from Panguitch to Rub y ’ s Inn at Bryce Canyon, Cannonville, Henryville and back to Panguitch . F or six years he hauled the mail, never missing a day. He loved the wi de o pen countryside, the serenity and the majestic beautiful sunrises . A lon g the way, he would often photograph the stunning sky and landsca pes.

After giving up the mail line in 1937, he moved to Los Angeles, Californ i a, to follow his passion for airplanes. He attended Curtis Wright Techn ic al Institute of Aeronautics in Glendale, CA. Upon graduating, he worke d i n many large aircraft factories and private airports, one of which wa s th e Lockheed Aircraft Company in Burbank, CA.

After Lockheed, he went to work at Consolidated Aircraft Company in Sa n D iego, where he worked all during World War II, building the PBY, B- 2 4 a n d B32 airplanes, and teaching the “Rosies how to rivet”. He was c lassif ied as 1-A for military service, next in line to join the war effo rts, wh en the war ended in the summer of 1945.

On one lone weekend Keith returned to Panguitch. Bored, with nothing t o d o, he asked his Childhood friend, Julia Boyter, to accompany him fo r a lo vely drive through Bryce Canyon in his new 1940 Ford Convertible . On thei r first date he proposed and they were married December 27, 194 1 in Las V egas, NV. They established their home in LaMesa, CA, raising t hree childr en, Clifford, DeLores and Raymond.

Keith was also an experienced welder that supported his career at othe r a ircraft operations such as Gibbs Flying Service, Ryan Aircraft Compan y, a nd the Naval Air Station.

In 1955, Keith moved his family to Salt Lake City, UT, finding employme n t with the Galigher Company, as a welder. Shortly, he opened his own bu si ness, Keith’s Hobby House, located at 170 East 800 South, in an old st ore -front pioneer home. It was a special day when a wrecking ball demoli she d the old building and a new Hobby House was erected. The hobby busin es s prospered for 28 years. During those years, he was able to fulfil l a lo ngtime dream of becoming a pilot and flying his own Cessna 172.

In April 1957, he took his family to the Salt Lake Temple where they we r e sealed for eternity. Keith remained active in the Church of Jesus Chr is t of Latter-day Saints throughout his adult life, serving in numerou s bis hoprics as counselor, ward and stake clerks.

It was not a surprise, when Keith and Julia retired from the Hobby Hou s e in 1983 to build a beautiful home on the mountaintop in Panguitch.. . an other dream that came true. Keith and Julia spent their years in ser vic e to their loved ones, community, family and church. Keith served o n th e City’s Board of Directors and developed the Panguitch Airport. H e love d to build, fix and create. There is nothing he couldn’t do with e xpertis e and exactness. He and his wife built a summer home in Blue Spri ngs by P anguitch Lake where he was the happiest and spent many enjoyabl e hours.

Keith loved playing pool, the organ and his harmonica. Music was a gre a t part of his life and he loved singing in the ward choir. He loved boa ti ng, canoeing, camping and fishing. He loved picnics. He loved travelin g a nd photographing the marvelous sights everywhere he went as he travel ed a ll over the west, from Canada to Mexico and chartered some amazing r oa d t rips. He was a skilled craftsman in woodwork and wrought iron. H e wa s a n avid reader with a fine intellectual mind and a keen sense o f humor . He was organized and meticulous. He enjoyed his many friends an d count s the thousands of customers he accumulated in his Hobby House a s some o f his dearest, lifelong associates. He adored his wife and child ren, an d planned his life around them. He believed in hard work and acco mplishe d incredible things, at an age where no one could match his endur ance. H e lived life with exuberance knowing he had truly been blessed. D uring th ese last few years of his life, as he sat in his big easy chai r reminisci ng, he would say, “It sure has been fun”. What a surprise h e had when hi s nephew, David Boyter, came to visit last June, bringing h is old 1940 Fo rd convertible, restored to perfection in all its beauty , to take him fo r a ride. Keith was overjoyed. Keith was in “seventh hea ven” with his sev en Cs: catching fish, Cessna soaring, cereal (Frosted F lake s and Raisi n Bran), cashews, cake, cookies and chocolate (M&Ms).

Dad, we will miss that twinkle in your eyes when you smiled and laughe d . We’ll miss your stories, wise counsel and sound advice. We can only i ma gine your great reunion with Mom and all your beloved family and frien d s greeting you. Until we meet again, may you fly up and onward, soarin g h igh.

Keith is survived by his children, Clifford (Gloria) Steele of Leeds, U T , DeLores Steele Silfvast, of Taylorsville, UT, and Raymond Keith (Edit h ) Steele, of West Valley City, UT; daughter-in-law, Jerilyn B. Halleck ; g randchildren, Kristie, Konnie, Donovan, Raigan, Shayne, Rondi, Kari , Dele na and Dustin; numerous great and great-great-grandchildren; as we ll as m any adored nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents, Parley and Lemira Steele, wife, Juli a B oyter, and granddaughter, Cindy Steele; brothers, Donald Hall and Wal lac e DeMar; sisters, Shirley Nosack Tayler, LaReta Bush, and Eloise Cies lewi cz.

Private family graveside service will be held at the Panguitch Cemeter y , Saturday May 9, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic , a l ive streaming of the services will be available at www.springerturn er.co m on Keith’s obituary page for all those who wish to view Keith’s p rogram . We also welcome your special thoughts and memories of Keith.

Parley married Julia Boyter on 27 Dec 1941 in Las Vegas, Clark, Nevada, United States. Julia (daughter of Carlisle "Carl" Boyter and Julia Belle LeFevre) was born on 3 Jan 1922 in Spry, Garfield, Utah, United States; died on 4 Feb 2011 in Panguitch, Garfield, Utah, United States; was buried on 9 Feb 2011 in Panguitch City Cemetery, Garfield, Utah, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KWCG-P5N
• Initiatory (LDS): 15 May 1958, SLAKE

Notes:

Obituary:
Home at Last. Julia Boyter Steele, 89, returned to her heavenly home, Fe b ruary 4, 2011. She was born in Spry, Utah, January 3, 1922, to Carlisl e a nd Julia Belle LeFevre Boyter and was born the fourth of seven childr en . She had a happy Childhood with many fond memories growing up on th e fam ily farm. At the age of seven, Julia and her family moved to Pangui tch, U tah, having many adored experiences. She belonged to the 4-H Clu b and wo n many ribbons at the fair for the articles she made. She was Vi ce-Presid ent of her Junior Class, artist of the yearbook and queen of th e Springti me Dance. She played the clarinet and twirled the baton throug h high scho ol and in the high school bands.

Funeral services will be held, Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at 1:00 p.m . i n the Panguitch LDS Stake Center. Friends may call at the stake cente r, i n Panguitch, on Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Interment wi ll b e in the Panguitch Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Ri chfie ld, Salina and Manti.

After Julia graduated from Panguitch High School, she became employe d b y the Telephone Company, as a telephone operator.

During a three-day wartime Christmas break, Julia married her Childhoo d s weetheart, Keith Steele, December 27, 1941, in Las Vegas, Nevada, an d tog ether they moved to San Diego, California, where they were blesse d with t hree children, Clifford, DeLores and Raymond. Their marriage wa s later se aled in the Salt Lake Temple, 1957.

In 1955, Julia and Keith moved home to Salt Lake City, establishing a fa m ily business, which was attached to their home, called Keith’s Hobby Ho us e. For 30 years, Julia and Keith worked side-by-side, as she contribut e d her vast knowledge and expertise to the world of crafts, trains, plan es , and automobiles. Together they raised their children in this uniqu e env ironment, teaching them the joy of hard work and family values. I n 1983 , Julia and Keith retired to their old stomping grounds, where the y met a nd fell in love, Panguitch, Utah.

Julia was a faithful and valiant member of the Church of Jesus Chris t o f Latter-day Saints and served tirelessly her entire life. Julia serv ed o n two Sunday School Stake Boards, in the Liberty and Salt Lake Par k Stake s. When Julia retired to Panguitch, she was called to serve as th e Relie f Society President, of the Panguitch Third Ward, later serving a s the St ake Relief Society President of the Panguitch Utah Stake. She ha s serve d in all auxiliaries as a valued teacher and leader. She also enj oyed he r association with the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, and has se rved i n many community affairs.

Julia loved living in Panguitch and took great delight as she and Keit h s erved as hosts for General Authorities and prominent visitors. Togeth er , they hosted town gatherings, reunions, weddings and funerals, prepar in g meals and lodgings for hundreds of family, friends and neighbors. He r h ome has been a gathering place for sewing and quilting bees, along wi th m ass cooking and candy making sessions… oh how we’ll miss her famou s fudg e and hearing the laughter and giggles she shared with her belove d sister s, Neucile and Belle.

Julia was a masterful homemaker, organized, immaculate and her home beau t ifully decorated, with a door always open and inviting. She loved to cr oc het, embroider, cook, sew, and create and paint ceramics. Together, sh e a nd Keith designed and built award winning floats. She loved collectin g do lls and dishes. She was magic with little children and loved them de arly . She made friends easily and built life-long relationships whereve r sh e lived. She was a devoted wife and an exceptional mother, always gi vin g her all in sacrifice, love, care and devotion. She was quiet and u n ass uming as she went about doing good and left this world a better pla ce bec ause she graced it by her gentle touch. May God be with you unti l we mee t again

Survived by her loving husband, Keith Steele, of Panguitch, Utah; two so n s, Clifford (Gloria) Steele, of Leeds, Utah; Raymond (Edith) Steele, o f W est Valley City, Utah, and one daughter, DeLores Steele Silfvast of T aylo rsville, Utah. She leaves behind 14 grandchildren and 32 great-grand child ren. Survived by two brothers, George (Renee) Boyter and Harold (Ri ta Jea n) Boyter.

Preceded in death by parents; two brothers, Milton Boyter and Clinton Bo y ter, and two sisters, Belle Smith and Neucille Henrie.

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KWC2-1TN
• Initiatory (LDS): 7 Jun 1911, SLAKE

Parley married Lemira Belle Turner on 23 Aug 1916 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States. Lemira (daughter of Lorenzo Turner and Lydia Hall) was born on 12 Feb 1893 in Giles, Wayne, Utah, United States; died on 23 Sep 1988 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KWC5-TMG
• Initiatory (LDS): 23 Aug 1916, SLAKE

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KWCG-P5G
• Initiatory (LDS): 10 May 1916, SLAKE

Carlisle married Julia Belle LeFevre on 3 May 1916 in Panguitch, Garfield, Utah, United States. Julia was born on 9 Nov 1895 in Spry, Garfield, Utah, United States; was christened on 24 Feb 1896; died on 21 Jul 1973 in Panguitch, Garfield, Utah, United States; was buried on 25 Jul 1973 in Panguitch City Cemetery, Garfield, Utah, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KWCG-P5R
• Initiatory (LDS): 10 May 1916, SLAKE