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Funeral services for Marie Grace (Steele) Ringer, age 95, of Crawford, NE will be at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, September 2, 2015 at the Congregational Church in Crawford with Pastor Trey Brennan officiating. Burial will follow at the Crawford City Cemetery.

A memorial has been established. Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.

Online condolences can be made to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.

Arvilla (Benton) Steele and Charlie Steele welcomed baby girl Marie into their family on July 25, 1920. Marie was born in Thomas County NE, and began her life with her parents, five sisters and one brother. When Marie was three, her family moved to a little spot in the road in Dawes County, NE called Horn, NE. Her father was employed by the Burlington Northern Railroad. While her father was at work, Marie, along with her sisters and brother, helped with many of the chores at home, both indoors and outdoors. It is safe to say Marie began her love of gardening and growing her beautiful flowers at an early age.

Marie attended school in Crawford, NE, and graduated from high school in 1937. After graduating, Marie worked for several families around the Crawford area. While employed in Crawford, a handsome gentleman began working for Marie's father on the railroad section crew. The next thing Marie knew, she was engaged to this handsome gentleman. Raymond (Bud) Ringer and Marie were married on November 1, 1939. Marie would tell you with great pride that they were married for 65 years.

The two started their life together in Mullen, NE, where Bud continued with the Burlington Northern Railroad. When World War II started, Bud enlisted in the Navy, and he and Marie moved to Seattle, WA. After completing his military career, they returned to Nebraska, and again Bud was employed by the Burlington Northern Railroad. They were living in Marsland, NE, when they welcomed their son Mike into the family. Marie, being a railroader’s wife, moved to various places, never staying for long. Then the railroad moved the family to Edgemont SD, where they lived for nearly 20 years. Yet again, to finish out Bud's railroad career, they moved back to Crawford, NE.

Marie spent her life working in her yard every day, weather permitting, delighting in the flowers that surrounded her yard. Every year as Christmas approached, she got her candy-making bowls and pans out and went to work making delicious candies. With candy placed carefully in their individual containers, Marie was out and about delivering those containers to many.

Marie was especially proud of her granddaughter and loved her with all her heart. Marie made some very special friends through her life, and as with family, held them close to her heart.

Marie went to live her eternal life on August 28, 2015, joining husband Bud, her parents, five sisters and three brothers. She will be loved and remembered by son Mike and wife Marilyn, grandchildren Sheila (Ringer) Blair and husband Barry, many nieces and nephews, the dearest friend a girl could have, and all her extended family and friends.

Chamberlain Chapel is in charge of arrangements for Marie Grace (Steele) Ringer.