Martha Steele

Martha Josephine Steele, 80, of Ellsworth, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on January 15, 1945, in Livonia, MI, the daughter of Herschel and Zona (Pemberton) Ping.

Martha grew up in Livonia and graduated from Livonia High School. Shortly after, she married Dennis Steele on April 19, 1964, when they were both 19 years old. Martha followed Dennis along the east coast while he was serving in the Navy. They had two children along the way before settling in White Lake, MI, where they added two more children to the family. Martha worked in retail at K-Mart and Kids R Us for many years. In 1999, they retired to Six Mile Lake in Ellsworth where they enjoyed the peace and quiet. She joined the local Lioness Club and worked as a sewer at Second Chance in Central Lake, and as a waitress at the Front Porch in Ellsworth.

Martha loved her family more than anything else and enjoyed each moment she was able to spend with them. She also had many close friends whom she enjoyed visiting and going out on the town with. In her free time, she enjoyed golfing, kayaking, knitting, sewing, and playing the guitar. Her sense of humor will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Martha is survived by her four children, Denise Long of Rapid City, Tracy Steele of Williamston, Matthew Steele of Ellsworth, and Sebastian Steele of Clio; a brother, Jesse (Susan) Ping of Brighton; a sister, Ruby Smith of Florida; six grandchildren, Tony (Jessica) Benavidez, Russell Steele (fiancé Kaitlyn Brogan), Forrest Trimark, Amanda Trimark, Savannah Steele, Xabre Steele; several great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dennis Steele; two brothers, Ronald Ping, and Herschel Ping; and five sisters, Shirley Roffey, Zona Ping, Veolada Cramar, Faylin Whitefoot, and Onida Mello.

There are no services planned at this time.

Arrangements are in the care of the Ellsworth Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com