Otis George Steeby

Otis “George” Steeby, 83, of Valley Falls, Kansas, passed away on March 15, 2026, with his wife by his side at a hospice house in Topeka. Born on October 4, 1942, in Oregon, Missouri, to Alberta and Otis Steeby, he graduated from Savannah High School before serving in the United States Navy. In 1973 he married Ellen Schultz at the Agency Christian Church, beginning a marriage that spanned more than five decades.

George spent his working years as an over-the-road truck driver, earning multiple Road Safe Driving awards for his professionalism and care. He found great joy in hunting, fishing, organizing fish fries with friends, and striking up conversations with anyone he met. A longtime member of the VFW, American Legion, National Rifle Association, and Zion Evangelical Church of Wathena, he remained active and connected to his community throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Freddie Steeby, sister Lamonia Bauer, sons Robert and Michael Steeby, and daughter Heather. George is survived by his wife, Ellen Steeby; children Melissa (James) Mott of Troy, Kansas, Natalie Steeby (Levi) of Columbia, Missouri, Bill (Shaun) Steeby of Meriden, Kansas, Ashley (Adam) Wiggington of Jefferson City, Missouri, Rose Steeby, and Lisa (Ron) Smith, both of St. Joseph, Missouri; his sisters Jovita Evans and Alfreda Lammers; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.