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Lena M. Rice Steele, age 74, of Albuquerque, NM, died on August 4, 2002. She was born August 26, 1927, and was preparing to celebrate her 75th birthday. Lena will be having that celebration with her beloved husband of 46 years, H.B."Huggy Bear" Steele who preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by her mother, Iona Sabra Rice; father, Richard French Rice; and all of her siblings, James, Dorothy, Thomas, Clyde, Beth, Kay, Irene and Joanne. Her daughter, Shauna Iona Steele of Albuquerque; her son, Scott B. Steele his wife, Noel King Steele; and granddaughter, Sabra Steele, all of Albuquerque survive their beloved mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother. Lena was like a second mother to her many nieces, nephews, and friends from across the country. Her family and friends will miss her exuberant spirit, her sense of play, and her courage. Lena was born in Kenova, West Virginia, and raised in Findlay, Ohio. She moved to Albuquerque with her family in 1973. A lifelong member of Trinity Baptist Church in Findlay, Lena faithfully attended Shepherd of the Valley Presbyterian Church in Albuquerque. Lena devoted her life to public service, retiring from Carrie Tingly Hospital after battling and surviving breast cancer in 1985. Lena was a staunch Democrat, and an avid lifelong sports enthusiast. She was the captain of the Findlay High School Trojan cheerleading squad, where she graduated in 1945. She played for years in the women's softball league, and was invited to play professionally. Her fast pitch was legendary. The Detroit Tigers and the Women's National Basketball Association lost a huge fan. At Lena's request, family and friends will gather at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul NE, for a graveside service on Thursday, August 8, 2002, at 10:00 a.m., with Susan Meredith of Shepherd of the Valley Presbyterian Church officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Darrol Lepper, Shane Riggs, Robbie Farris, Rick Decker, Jan Slaughterbeck, Jerrilyne Miller, and Debie Leeper-Baca. Immediately following the service, the family will host a celebration of Lena's life at the home of Scott, Noel and Sabra Steele, 121 Calle del Ray, NW. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
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