Emma Geraldine (Jerri) Steele

Emma Geraldine (Jerri) Steele, age 95, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service. Born on May 17, 1931, in Dearborn, Michigan, Jerri was the third oldest child of Bert and Vera (Milbaugh) Schrider. She spent her formative years in Thornville, Ohio, graduated from Thornville High School, and took some college classes for Nursing.

On April 3, 1949, Jerri married Junior A. Steele. Together, they built a home with their 3 children: Judith Steele, Elaine (Jim) Sours, and Peggy (Kirk) Brown. Jerri embraced her role as a stay-at-home mom. She also was the first female deputy sheriff for the Fairfield County Sheriff's Department. She accompanied Junior on his nightly rounds since he was the Chief of Police for Millersport. Her shooting trainer used to joke, saying even though she was left-handed, she was a better shot than most of the other deputies.

Jerri’s legacy lives on through her grandchildren, Ryan (Gretchen) Sours, Christopher (Sue) Sours, and Jon (Casey Blake) Sours, who carry forward her values and love.

Jerri’s hobbies and interests were a testament to her creativity and tenacity. She was a meticulous genealogist, delving deeply into the Schrider and Milbaugh family histories, and a talented seamstress, crafting everything from matching Easter outfits for her daughters to intricate Barbie and Ken doll clothes. She was especially proud of sewing Elaine's and Peggy’s wedding gowns and numerous theatrical costumes for the Millersport Community Theatre’s productions.

An active and dedicated member of numerous organizations, Jerri’s contributions were felt across the community. Her nearly 70-year membership with the Order of the Eastern Star, Millersport Chapter #301, was marked by her service in various leadership roles, culminating in her appointment as the Worthy Grand Matron of Ohio in 1975. She was also a member of the Millersport United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School and served as superintendent in the 1960s. Her involvement with the Alpha Mothers Club and other community initiatives showcased her unwavering commitment to helping others. Those who knew Jerri remember her as always ready to lend a helping hand. She cared for her mother, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law during their final days with grace and love. Her open-door policy at mealtime meant that everyone was welcome at her table. Her delicious pies were a highlight of church fundraising events. During the annual Sweet Corn Festival, Jerri could be found volunteering at various booths for their annual fundraising event.

Jerri is predeceased by her husband, Junior A. Steele, daughter, Judith Ann Steele, parents, Bert and Vera Schrider, brothers Herbert, Merhl and Martin Schrider, in-laws Jeffrey and Carrie (Wray) Steele, several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and nephews. She is survived by her sister, Sylvia Schrider, daughters Elaine (Jim) Sours and Peggy (Kirk) Brown, grandchildren Ryan (Gretchen Imahori) Sours, Christopher (Sue) Sours, and Jon (Casey Blake) Sours, many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who, along with her children and grandchildren, will continue to celebrate her life and legacy.

A funeral service to honor Jerri’s life will be held at 11:15 on Thursday, October 29, at the Johnson-Smith Funeral Home, located at 207 South Main Street (SR-158), Baltimore, OH, 43105 with burial to immediately follow at Floral Hills Memory Gardens, 351 Coonpath Road NE, Lancaster, OH 43130. Friends and family may visit prior to the funeral service from 10-11. An Eastern Star service will be performed at 11. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Millersport OES Chapter #301, c/o Jodie Keel, 626 N. Maple Street, Lancaster, OH 43130 or Fairhope Hospice, 282 Sells Road, Lancaster, OH 43130 in memory of Jerri’s generous spirit. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at The Springs at Wyandot Trail and Fairhope Hospice for their compassionate care during Jerri’s final days. Her loving spirit, dedication to family, and tireless service to her community will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege to know her.