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Bettie M. Steele, 90, of Wheeling, WV, died Tuesday, February 21, 2023. She was born January 21, 1933, in Pittsburgh, PA, the daughter of the late Elizabeth R. Murphy and Coleman Murphy, Jr.
Many people will remember Bettie's work as the Director of Wider Opportunities for Women, a non-profit career counseling and referral service housed at West Virginia Northern Community College, for nearly 20 years. She was also an amazing volunteer with many local organizations most notably with Towngate Theater and West Virginia Independence Hall. Bettie was there at the founding of Wheeling's great community theater, Towngate, including helping to identify its location and is credited with creating its name. She acted and directed in more plays than we can count and inspired many young theater performers, several who went on to appear on Broadway. At WVIH, Bettie led the fundraising campaign that eventually garnered over $1.2 million in support. She also received the Governor's commendation for her work on the Civil War Battle Flag Project.
She also helped women with their educational goals through her membership in PEO. She was a long-standing member of Vance Memorial Presbyterian Church where she served as a Deacon and an Elder.
Bettie is a 1984 graduate of the then West Liberty State College and received her Master of Fine Arts from the University of Pittsburgh in 1988.
Surviving are her two daughters Deborah S. Hall (husband, Jeffrey) of Cypress, TX, and Catherine S. Hougan (husband, Michael) of Chardon, OH; three grandsons, Barry M. Hall, Rory M. Hougan and Jacob G. Hougan. Her dear husband of 57 years, Joseph I. Steele, Jr. died in 2011.
Friends will be received from 3-6 PM on Monday, February 27, 2023 at the Kepner Funeral Home, National Road at Bethany Pike, Wheeling. Service will be held on Tuesday, February 28, at 11 AM at Vance Memorial Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Erica Harley officiating. Internment in Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to West Virginia Independence Hall Foundation, 1528 Market Street, Wheeling, WV, 26003 or Oglebay Institute/Towngate Theater, 1330 National Road, Wheeling, WV, 26003.
Condolences can be left for the family online at www. KepnerFuneral.com