Linda Jean Steele, Westmoreland County, PA, passed away on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at her home in Watford City, surrounded by her loved ones.

Linda was born on April 28, 1953, in Latrobe, PA, to William and Elvira (Miller) Steele. She attended Derry Area Senior HS where she graduated in 1971, followed by attending Penn State University, graduating in 1975 with a BS in Individual and Family Studies. This set the stage for her career performing social work in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Alabama. Linda married her husband of 44 years, Robert Curtis, on Aug 29, 1977 in Winchester, VA. To this union were born two sons, Michael and Jonathan.
Linda was very talented and a pioneer for women in the work place. She became the first female probation officer in Westmoreland County at the Greensburg Courthouse. In 1977 she was offered a slot in the first class to train women at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. She did not accept that position due to moving with her husband to Austin, TX. They transferred to Fairfax, VA in 1978. There she was hired as a probation officer for Fairfax County. She performed that role until 1980 when she gave birth to Michael. Shortly thereafter she started a daycare center in order to continue caring for Michael. In 1985, the family moved to Fremont, CA, due to husband’s work Air Force assignment. There she gave birth to Jonathan at the Presidio in San Francisco, CA. Linda continued her quest for nurturing her family by home schooling Michael. This was relatively new for California schools. In 1987 the family was transferred (Air Force) to Colorado Springs, CO. There she designed and built a house in Woodmore, CO, and continued schooling Michael. In 1989 the family moved to Huntsville, AL, and remained there for 31 years. Linda raised her boys, home schooled Jonathan and then returned to the work force for the state of Alabama in Child Support where she worked for 10 years and retired in 2016. Due to Linda’s declining health, she and her husband moved to Watford City, ND in May, 2021 to be near her grandchildren.

As a growing child, Linda enjoyed 4H, horseback riding and horse shows, reading novels, and swimming. She was a life guard earning money for college. Linda had a big heart for young children and loved to be near them. While she was still in good health, she loved being around her grandchildren.

Linda is survived by her husband of 44 years, Robert; her sons, Michael (Susie) of Watford City, ND, and Jonathan of Coatesville, PA; grandchildren, Trinity and Micah; brothers, Bill Steele (Katy) of Donegal, PA, and Tom Steele of Blairsville, PA; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Elvira Steele.

Memorial Contribution