Honoring Natalie Yloice (Puls) Steele

Natalie passed away peacefully after being surrounded by her loving family on February 5, 2021 in Fort Collins, CO. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Harley Puls and Clara Marga Puls (Schmietenknop); her granddad, Henry Schmietenknop; her aunt and uncle Elsie and George Schmietenknop; her aunt and uncle Floma and Freddie Schiemtenknop; her cousin Ron Schmietenknop; and her grandson Evan Robert Ritter.

She is survived by her husband, Robert “Bob” Lee Steele; her three children, Jill Kerry Steele, Tracey Lynn Ritter (Steele), and Jason John Henry Steele; her cousin Ardys Bradbury (Schmietenknop); her cousin Patsy Zick (Schmietenknop); her grandchildren, Alexandra “Lexi” Maquel Steele, Tori Jane Ritter, Evan James Steele, Caidin Grace Steele, Elijah Marcus Timothy Steele; and her great grandson, Lennox Robert Doig.

Natalie was born on March 28,1942 in Hooper, Nebraska. Natalie grew up an only child with her loving mom and her granddad whom she adored. She met her husband, Bob Steele, in Greeley, CO where they both went to high school. One day, Natalie walked into the local grocery store, “Steele’s Grocery” (owned and operated by Bob’s family), and Bob was immediately smitten. The two were married on April 15, 1961. They had three children: Jill, Tracey, and Jason, and several grandchildren.

To her grandkids, she was Nana, and she spoiled them at every chance she got. She never let them leave her presence without sending them home with some kind of gift. She would even go to the lengths of trying to give away her own possessions if she didn’t have time to go shopping. Sleepovers at Nana and Papa’s always included lots of treats: delicious sandwiches, Eggo waffles, ice cream, Hansen’s root beer, and all the best movies to watch. She loved to pamper her grandkids!

To her children, she was Mom, Mamacita, Tine. She always gave her children so much encouragement and told them often how proud she was of them. If any of them were having a bad day, all they needed to do was call their mom and she would lift their spirits, making them feel confident about themselves. Conversations always ended with “I love you.” Holidays were spoiling time. Natalie made sure her children got more than everything they could want, even if it put her and Bob in debt for a while. She was a loving, wise, strong mom that wanted the best for her children, always.

To her husband, she was Lucy (nicknamed after the song “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” by The Beatles). Bob’s primary goal was making Natalie happy. Natalie and Bob shared many special moments together: Broncos games, date nights out, taking the kids on camping trips, a family vacation to Disneyland, and always making special dinners for the family. They enjoyed their home together when they got older, finding joy in the simple things in life like gardening, dog-walking, and lots of Denzel Washington movies.

One of Natalie’s best known skills was garage sale shopping. She knew how to find amazing pieces of clothing, household goods, artwork, and more, and she sure knew how to get the best deal! She was very accepting and nonjudgmental. You could come to her and share your honest thoughts and feelings about anything and she’d offer nothing but love and support in return. She was a great host for family gatherings at her home. Natalie always wanted to make sure everyone was taken care of before she sat down for dinner.

She was kind, generous, a little mysterious, and absolutely breathtaking. She will be missed greatly by her family, but we find comfort in knowing that she is free from dementia and enjoying the bounties of heaven with her loved ones, and lots of adorable pups, especially her Pomeranian, Lola. 

Natalie’s greatest wish in life was for her friends and family to be happy, and that is how we will honor her — by remembering her every time we feel happiness, knowing she created this loving space for us to feel such joy.

We love you and we honor you, our beautiful Mom, Wife, Nana, and Friend. As you always told us whenever we parted ways... bye for now.

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