Emma LaRona Lee Steele passed away Friday, May 18, 2018, surrounded by what she loved most in this world, her family. She truly did not want to leave the ones she loved.
LaRona was born Dec. 23, 1930, to Willard and Pearl Lee in Tooele. She loved her life growing up in Tooele and being part of the greatest generation. She was a proud member of the Tooele High graduating class of 1949 and continued many of those friendships throughout her life. “Forever and Forever in Tooele.”
While working as a soda jerk at Tate’s Confectionery, she met the love of her life, Francis Steele. They married on Nov. 7, 1952. After a long wait, they were later blessed with two daughters, whom they adored: Lisa and Michelle.
Throughout her life, LaRona was active in the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Auxiliary, serving as State Commander. She worked at Tooele Army Depot, The Hillcrest Café, and as a Lunch Lady at Central Elementary for 21 years. After retirement, she and Francis loved traveling, especially cruising with Vern and Bonnie Lee.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her siblings and their spouses: Milton and Ruth Lee, Ray and Norma Lee, Buela and Harry Edwards, and Earl and LaVell Lee. She is survived by her sweetheart and husband Francis, two daughters and their husbands: Lisa and Mike Chriss, and Michelle and Dale Nielson; grandchildren and their spouses: Lindsay and Michael Crane, Taylor and Dausha Chriss, Hanna Nielson, and Sam Nielson; great-grandson Christopher Crane, with one more on the way; and her brother and his wife, Vern and Bonnie Lee.
LaRona found joy in many things including her home, her beautiful flower garden, and most especially her family. She loved people and was kind to everyone.
A remembrance of her life will be held Thursday, May 24, 2018, at 11 a.m. A visitation will be held that same day from 9:30-10:45 a.m. at Tate Mortuary, 110 S. Main St., Tooele, Utah.