Betty J. Steele Gross, 83, died at 3:50 a.m. Jan. 31, 2013, at St. Rita's Medical Center.

She was born Oct. 26, 1929, in Wapakoneta, to Virgil and Violet Selover Howell, who preceded her in death. She married Paul E. "Bud" Steele, who preceded her in death.

Mrs. Gross retired in 1994 as the blood services director for the Allen County Chapter of the American Red Cross. 

Survivors include three sons, Mike (Cyndi) Steele, of Rougemont, N.C., Dennis Steele, of Lima, and David Steele, of Lima; two daughters, Karen (David) Hinton, of Delphos, and Connie (Bill) Dyer, of Alger; a brother, Byron "Bill" (Joyce) Howell, of Haines City, Fla.; a sister, Barb Friendorf, of Waterloo, Ontario; and 15 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Linda Hickey; a brother, Robert "Bud" Howell; a son-in-law, Ron Hall; and a daughter-in-law, Brenda Steele.

Services will begin at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home in Alger. The Rev. Joe Steele will officiate. Burial will be in Preston Cemetery in Alger.

Friends may call from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and until the time of service Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross.