Published on August 12, 2026 2:34 pm
Last Updated on August 12, 2026 2:35 pm
Philena Hope (Hardin) Steele passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by the love of her family on August 12, 2026, just days before her 102nd birthday.
Philena was born on August 16, 1924, in Mason, Illinois. She married Ardnel Rae Steele on October 4th, 1941. They were blessed with three daughters, Sandra Darlene, Ardel Ray and Tanya Lynn. Philena attended Mason High School and later finished her education by obtaining her GED in Decatur, Illinois.
Funeral service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the Pagel Funeral Home, Edgewood, Illinois. Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. to start of funeral service. Private burial will take place in the Edgewood Cemetery, Edgewood, Illinois. Steve Hale will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Effingham HSHS Hospice, Shriners Hospital, Mason Civic Center or donor’s choice. Online condolences may be left at www.pagelfuneralhome.com
Following her marriage to Ardnel, Philena traveled to Tyndall Field, near Panama City, Florida where he was stationed. While there she was the primary driver for Senior Military Officials. Following WWII, they moved around the countryside with stops in Chicago, Oklahoma, Albion and Heyworth, Illinois before setting up residency in Mason, Illinois. In 1979 they built an earth sheltered home on 160 acres in the country of Edgewood. After Ardnel’s passing Philena moved into the city of Effingham where she lived on her own for 20 years. Philena held many occupations. She worked as a laborer at General Electric in Decatur, was a farm-her, tending to the fields, orchard and gardens. She also held the position of Secretary Treasurer for the Mason Township. She was a lifelong member of the Women’s Auxiliary and Eastern Star. She was the ultimate baby sitter, caring for 9 grandchildren, Mia Smith, Shannon (Tammy) Smith, John (Alecia) Smith, Jeremy Smith, Kristi (Scott) Kinney, George (Paige) Huntington, Shane (Kathleen) Smith, Shelly (Frank) Herboth, and Holly (Kraig) Buenerkemper; 25 great grandchildren and 17 great-great grandchildren. She found great joy in attending all family sporting and musical events. She was an amazing lullaby singer with Abba Dabba being the most requested tune. She also delighted in preparing home cooked meals for her family. She also enjoyed listening to her favorite singer, Daniel O’Donnel and enjoyed the pleasure of meeting him personally for her 100th birthday. Philena traveled extensively throughout the United States visiting all 50 states. She also took three overseas trips with her grandchildren, great grandchildren and younger sister Coral to Ireland, Scotland
and Wales, Greece and Southern Europe. She also enjoyed attending NASCAR races and attending every 780th Bomb Squadron Reunion.
Philena is proceeded in death by her parents Isacc and Theta, husband Ardnel, sisters Zella Lee, Saxon Zay and Sharon Kay.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Philena’s care takers, Jamie Matthews, Deb Stone, Christina Herboth, Katelyn Smith and all the HSHS hospice nurses, Jill, Rachel and Sherri. You came in as care takers and left as family. The family would like to thank Scott and Kristi Kinney for providing the meal.