Death of Bonnie Steele

Bonnie Steele, information coordinator and assistant financial aid advisor, Student Financial Services (Photo by Darren Heslop, University Communication staff photographer)

We are saddened to inform our campus family of the death of Bonnie Steele, information coordinator and assistant financial aid advisor at Student Financial Services. Bonnie died on Sunday, Aug. 1, after a long and valiant battle against cancer. In addition to being an important part of the Student Financial Services team for 15 years, she was a dear friend to students and staff alike. Her passing will be keenly felt.

Please remember Bonnie’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers as they process this difficult loss. You are invited to share memories and condolences with the family below; please include your name with your comments.

If you’d like to talk to someone about this loss, please reach out to our Counseling & Testing Center at ctc@andrews.edu or one of our University chaplains on duty by call or text at 269-281-4383 or by email at engagefaith@andrews.edu.

Bonnie Ellen Steele was born April 19, 1966, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Paul and Zella (McIntrye) Steele. At the age of 9 the family relocated to Little York, Illinois.

Bonnie graduated from Broadview Academy, LaFox Illinois, in 1984. She attended Andrews University, graduating in 1989.

Bonnie loved being with her family and her work family. She enjoyed connecting with her friends online, writing letters and sending cards. She was a voracious reader. Bonnie loved baking for people and loved flowers, filling many pots with perennials, annuals and a few vegetables too. Bonnie worked as an elderly caretaker for several years She worked at Andrews University in the Office of Student Financial Services for the past 15 years.

Bonnie is survived by four siblings; Joyce Zacharias of Arcadia, Indiana; Meredith (Beverly) Steele, Benton Harbor, Michigan; Donovan Steele, Danville, Indiana; Jill (Terry) Leary Little York, Illinois. She is also survived by 11 nieces and nephews; David Zacharias, Diane (Tim) Reynolds, Ryan (Christen) Steele, Michelle McGuire, Kai (Kristi) Steele, Brit (Sherryl) Steele, Libby Partlo, Eden Partlo, Derrick (Tiffany) Leary, Aaron (Sara) Leary, Kellsy (Chad) Scott, 15 great nieces and nephews. Bonnie also had several very special friends and honorary nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Bonnie Steele was held at 6 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 5, at the PMC Youth Chapel. Burial will take place in Illinois at a later date. Online memorials may be made here at the Starks Family Funeral Home website.