C. June (Rice) Steckler

Carrie June Steckler, 101, passed away Thursday, March 21, 2024 at the Villas of Holly Brook in Mt. Carmel, IL surrounded by her family. She was the daughter of Matthew E. and Bertha (Stallard) Rice. She was born in Oakland, IL on June 25, 1922. She married Herman J. Steckler on April 12, 1944 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mt. Carmel, IL. They enjoyed sixty-seven years together. Together they raised a beautiful family and created a successful farming operation.

She attended nursing school at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL, and graduated from Paris Nursing School in Paris, IL in 1943. As a registered nurse, she did private duty; worked at the Princeton, IN hospital, and in 1950 went to work at Wabash General Hospital in Mt. Carmel, IL until 1955. After that, she focused full time on raising her family and building Highland Farms with her husband. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Daughters of the American Revolution. She loved all the family gatherings and being with all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She and her husband enjoyed traveling until they bought their home in Florida years later. They enjoyed many years playing golf and visiting their neighbors.

Surviving are her children: Michael (Janice) Steckler, Fred (Karen) Steckler, Dianna (Karl) Berberich, Janice (Doug) West, Jeanie (Wayne) Kennard, all of Mt. Carmel, IL, and Pattie (Greg) Xanders of Vincennes, IN; fourteen grandchildren, Lisa (Michael) Steckler Magee, Becky Boerner, Julie (Tina Fillman) Steckler, Kristi (Dave) Masinelli, Susan (Mike) Shotts, Bonnie Steckler Simmons, Jared (Meagan) Steckler, Karla (Marc) Leighty, Tammy (Micah) Beck, Andy (Shawn) Berberich, Aaron (Sarah) Berberich, Scott West (Nikki More), Hayley Kennard, and Bryan Kennard; as well as, twenty-two great grandchildren and her first great-great-grandchild due in October.

Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, and two granddaughters, Ashley West, and Stacey (Steckler) Sprinkle; sister, Delilah (Gleason) Bailey, brother Jesse E. (Inez) Rice, half-brother, Pete (Mildred) Rice and half-sister, Elsie (Reno) Arrowsmith.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 125 W Fifth Street, Mt. Carmel, IL with burial to follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Mt. Carmel, IL. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Memorials in June’s memory can be made to St. Mary Catholic Church.

Condolences may be sent to www.short-cunninghamfh.com
Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve the Steckler family.

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