Onah M. Steele

Onah M. Steele, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2016, three months into her 103rd year. She was born Onah Margaret Riley in Great Bend, KS on April 6, 1914 to parents Earl and Enid Riley. She was preceded in death by her husband, John "Jack" G. Steele; and brother, Lewis R. Riley. She is survived by sister-in-law, Marjorie McKinzie Riley; two nephews and two nieces and their families. Onah grew up, attended school, married, worked and lived a full life, mostly in Wichita. She graduated from Wichita State, working under and studying with American painter, Clayton H. Staples at WSU. She is an accomplished artist in her own right. While at WSU she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. She taught art at Wellington High School, boarding with a local family and traveling home on the weekend by train. She and Jack married on Valentines Day, 1942. He was a Captain in the Army Medical Corp during WWII which took them to short residences in Galveston, TX and Memphis, TN. Onah remained in Wichita when Jack went overseas for duty in England. Jack later opened Midwest Laboratory in Wichita, and Onah assisted him in the business side of running the lab. In addition to painting, other passions included her love for cats, gardening and wine making. In early 1970, she and her chemist husband became the best known teachers of the art of wine making, classes for which were highly sought after. She and Jack loved to travel, especially in Mexico, and loved to dance, in addition to teaching ballroom dancing. Wichitas history and architecture were of importance to both of them. They also were long time patrons of Music Theatre of Wichita. Onah picked up a love of cars from her brother. Some may have noticed that stylish redhead motoring down Kellogg in her favorite Karmann Ghia with the top down or later on in her beloved Mercedes. While she may be gone, her presence and memories will last forever! The family is very grateful for the caring staff of Life Care Center of Wichita which has been her home for the past two years. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Marys Cathedral, 307 E. Central Ave., Wichita, at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, August 6, 2016. Viewing will begin at 9:00 at the church. She will be laid to rest beside her husband at Calvary Cemetery, 610 Vassar. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with Wichita State University Foundation, College of Fine Arts, School of Art and Design, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita, KS 67260-0002. Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Share tributes online at: www.dlwichita.com