Betty Rosalia Bush Steele

Steele, Betty Rosalia Bush

Ithaca: Betty Rosalia Rush Steele, 91, died Saturday, December 1, 2012, at the Cayuga Ridge. She was born in Lynchburg, VA, she was the daughter of the late John Elmo and Susan Burnett Rush. She was the widow of Ward B. Steele. Betty was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church of Ithaca. Betty worked at Cornell University for 17 years as an Accountant at Willard Straight. She was an active member of the community as President of McGraw House for several years, and volunteered at the Service League, for which she became an Honoree of "Women making History" 2010 from the city Federation of Women's organization of Ithaca. She was also Past President of the Ladies Benevolent Society. She loved spending time with her family, golfing, painting, traveling and antiquing. She was a true Southern Lady, beloved by her family. Survivors include her sons, Douglas W. (Judy) and William W. (Judy) Steele; 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; brother, George E. Rush; nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was also predeceased by her son, Michael Steele; brother, J. Walstrum Rush; and sister, Barbara Scott. Friends may call Sunday, December 9, 2012, from 11:30 to 1:00 p.m. at Bangs Funeral Home. Memorial services to follow at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Richard A. Towers officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. John's Episcopal Church, 210 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca or S.P.C.A. of Ithaca. Burial at South Hill Cemetery will be private.