Obituary of Elizabeth M. Steckler

Elizabeth (Betty) Steckler Betty passed away on October 1st, 2008 after a long battle and much suffering from Alzheimer's. She was born December 7, 1919 in Solon, North Dakota. She was the oldest of 9 children born to Philip and Katherine Barth, German immigrants from Russia. The Barth family homesteaded the farmland on which Betty was born and raised. Betty married Nick Steckler on August 16, 1941 in Fallon, North Dakota. She had lived with her husband Nick in South Tacoma since 1951, where she raised her children and retired from Nordstrom's. For many years, until illness prevented her from doing the things she loved, she was an active member of Visitation Catholic Church and an avid supporter of Visitation School. She loved to dance the polka, to sing, to make sauerkraut, to crochet beautiful doilies, she loved jokes, and she loved clean windows and floors! But most of all, she loved her large family and many friends. All of us will miss her. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 47 years, Nick Steckler Sr., by twin sons Randall and Ronald, by parents Phillip and Catherine Barth, and by her brothers Frances and Benno Barth. She is survived by children Nick Jr. (Connie) of Goodyear, AZ, daughter Nella Hawks (Joe) of Puyallup, and sons Benno of Sunnyside, Blaine (Patti) of Tacoma, and Bruce and partner Verne of Seattle, as well as eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. She is also survived by brother Toni Barth of Lebanon, Oregon, and five sisters, Caroline Schaff, Margaret Schmidt, Christine Koch, Irene Ferderer, and Esther Erhardt, all of Mandan, North Dakota, and scores of nieces and nephews scattered around the country. Our family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the staff in the Special Care Unit at Peoples Retirement Community for the loving care Betty received over the last five years. A viewing will be held at the funeral home from noon to 4:00 PM on Saturday, October 4th. On Monday, October 6th, there will be a rosary at 9:30 AM with Mass of Christian Burial following at 10:00 AM, at Visitation Church. A reception will follow in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Visitation School. Arrangements by Piper Morley Mellinger funeral home in Tacoma. Rest in peace Mom. You have earned your place in heaven. Please visit guestbook at www.pipermorleymellingerfh.com