Gladys Maurine Steelman

Gladys Maurine Steelman of Long Beach, Calfornia passed away peacefully on January 17, 2020 surrounded by her loving family. Gladys celebrated her 101st birthday on July 31, 2020. Memorial Services will be held on February 8, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at the Church of Our Fathers, Forest Lawn, Cypress, California.

Gladys or "Gigi", as she was fondly known by both family and friends, was born on July 31, 1918 to Otis and Ella (Rhodes) Bailey. After her father died in the flu pandemic, Gigi was raised in Zearing, Iowa by her mother and step-father, Herman Kurth, along with her older sister Agnes. In 1927 the family moved to Chicago where at the young age of 15 Gigi managed a tea room along with Agnes called "2 Sisters". Gigi graduated from Senn High School in Chicago in 1936 and then moved with her family back to Zearing. Upon returning to Iowa, Gigi met the love of her life, Lyle Steelman, shortly before he was set to deploy for the Navy. During this time Gigi and Lyle exchanged many letters and frequently met in Long Beach California while Lyle was on leave. They were married March 19, 1942 at the Wee Kirk of the Hearther Church, Forest Lawn, Glendale, California. They were blessed with two beautiful children, Judith and Ken who were raised with love in Marshalltown and then Zearing, Iowa where Gigi was a long time employee of the Tri-County State Bank. She and Lyle moved to Long Beach, California in 1968. Gigi was a member of Eastern Star and a Past High Priestess of Madon Shrine, Marshalltown, Iowa.

Gigi touched the lives of so many people because of her unique ability to strike up a conversation and make fast friends with any person she met. She was the pure embodiment of kindness, joy, empathy and love and she shared that love with everyone around her. Gigi had an adventurous and playful spirit whether she was traveling, dancing, listening to music (her favorite was Elvis), watching sports (she was a huge Lakers' fan), enjoying old movies particularly like Shirley Temple, shopping, playing cards, collecting dolls, sharing stories and meeting politicians. Her home was always immaculate, and she was always dressed to the "nines" no matter the day. However, her greatest joy was any time spent with her friends, neighbors and family...whether in person or on the phone. Gigi's loving sprit, laughter, wisdom, humor and contagious energy will be missed by all blessed to have known her.

Gigi was preceded in death by her father Otis Baily, her step-father Herman Kurth, her mother Eila I. Kurth, her sister Agnes Maxine Cerka, her loving husband Lyle Edward Steelman and her great-granddaughter, Marissa "Missy" Ryan. She will be remembered with love by her children Judith M. Ryan and son-in law, Patrick Ryan and Ken E. Steelman and daughter-in-law Patty Steelman. She also leaves nine grandchildren and their spouses: Sarah Ryan Lee, Robert Bavetta and Jennifer, Judith Ryan, Kathleen Ryan Kurtz and Compton Kurtz, Megan Steelman Dostal and Marshal Dostal, Michael Ryan and Michelle, Matthew Steelman, Courtney Ryan and Wesley Steelman and Kelsey and great-grandchildren Lileth Lee, Scott Bavetta, Fred Lee, Otto Janes, Lindsey Bavetta, Jill Bavetta, Wyatt Dostal, Patrick Kurtz, Tatum Kurtz, Madeline Ryan and McKenna Ryan.