Otis "George" Steeby, 83, of Valley Falls, Kansas, passed away Sunday, March 15, 2026, with his wife at his side at a hospice house in Topeka, KS.
He was born on October 4, 1942, in Oregon, MO, the son of the late Alberta and Otis Steeby. He attended Savannah High School and joined the United States Navy. George married Ellen Schultz on December 22, 1973, at the Agency Christian Church. He was an over-the-road truck driver who earned several Road Safe Driving awards throughout his career. George enjoyed hunting, fishing, setting up fish fries with his friends, and chatting with everyone, as he never met a stranger. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, National Rifle Association, and a member of the Zion Evangelical Church of Wathena.
George was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Freddie Steeby, sister, Lamonia Bauer, sons, Robert, and Michael Steeby, and daughter Heather. Survivors include his wife Ellen Steeby of the home, children: Melissa (James) Mott, Troy, KS, Natalie Steeby (Levi), Columbia, MO, Bill (Shaun) Steeby, Meriden, KS, Ashley (Adam) Wiggington, Jefferson City, MO, Rose Steeby, Lisa (Ron) Smith, all of St. Joseph, MO, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, and sisters: Jovita Evans and Alfreda Lammers.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at Rupp Funeral Home. Funeral services and public live stream; 2:00 pm, Thursday, March 19, 2026, at the Rupp Funeral Home, Pastor Dave Hugger officiating. The Interment will be at the Bellemont Cemetery in Wathena, KS, with full military honors under the auspices of the United States Navy and the Missouri Funeral Honors team. Memorials are requested for the VFW post in Amazonia, MO.
