Ida Rose Watts Steele, 76, of Statesville, N.C., passed away from Alzheimer’s disease on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at her home. Born in Lancaster, S.C., on September 3, 1947, she was the daughter of the late John W. and Dorothy H. Watts.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Rev. Dr. Charles A. Steele; one daughter, Kristen (Krissy) Wainwright and her husband David; and granddaughters, Meredith, Anna, and Lauren of Holly Springs, N.C.; one son, Andrew (Andy) Steele and his wife Clare, and grandchildren Kate, Bailey, Owen, and Palmer of Irmo, S.C.; a sister, Dorothy Anne Baker of Lancaster, S.C.; and a brother, John Marion Watts and his wife Joan of Lancaster, S.C.

Rose was a 1965 graduate of Lancaster High School. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Education Degree from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Education degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Rose was an exceptional and compassionate teacher and elementary school counselor.

Rose loved God and she loved others. She was kind and gracious. She enjoyed singing in church choirs, teaching Sunday school at a nursing home, was active in women’s ministries, and faithful in praying for others. Rose was the heart of her family, surrounding her husband, children, and grandchildren with nurture, love, and devotion.

Spending time at Bonclarken, tour group trips, and driving around just to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation were among her favorite things to do. She also enjoyed reading, birds, flowers, holiday activities, and being together with family and friends.

Rose often volunteered to help those in need. In retirement, she served as guardian ad litem, advocating for abused and neglected children.

Rose considered her grandchildren to be one of God’s greatest blessings. The seven grandchildren remember “Grammy” as sweet, caring, loving, compassionate, gentle, bright, and helpful.

Thanks be to God for her time with us. “Well done, you good and faithful servant…. Enter the joy of the Lord.” (Mat. 25:21)

A service of Witness to the Resurrection and Thanksgiving for the life of Ida Rose Steele will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at Unity Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, 3495 Unity Church Road, Lancaster, S.C. The family will receive friends following the service.

Memorials may be made to Bonclarken Conference Center, 500 Pine Drive, Flat Rock, NC, 28731 or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.