Nany O'Brien Steel

Nancy O'Brien Steel died Sunday, February 7, 2016 in Little Rock. She leaves behind a brother, Sean O'Brien (Jane), four children, James A. "Jay" Steel, Jennifer Steel (Chris Attig), Joanna Wagner (Dan), and Julie Steel (Dr. Greg Engstrom). She is also survived by six grandsons, Alex and Max Walter, Thomas Wagner, Gus and Oliver Engstrom, and Fritz Attig, a nephew, Sean Nathan O'Brien and numerous other family and friends. Nancy was born to James and Alice O'Brien in Indianapolis, Ind. on October 23, 1945. The eldest of three, she was a graduate of Little Rock Central High School and married Joe B. "Stan" Steel in the spring of 1963. Following the death of her parents, Nancy and Stan raised her younger brothers, Jimmy and Sean O'Brien, as their own. Nancy had a sharp mind and a quick wit. She remained feisty and determined throughout her life. She never lost sight of what was important to her, and passed on to her children her passion for justice, precision, efficiency and a love of words. She worked hard and expected no more from others than she demanded of herself. During a journalism career spanning 25 years, Nancy began as a newspaper copywriter, then reporter, and eventually worked her way to Features Editor of the Southwest Times Record (now Times Record) in Fort Smith. Nancy won numerous awards for the paper, and in 1999 edited Insight 2000, a history of Fort Smith. In 1986, Nancy, along with her daughters, initiated litigation which resulted in a permanent injunction to ensure the freedom of religion for school children in Van Buren. The case has precedential value and has been cited throughout the country. "Remembering Nancy" will be held Friday, February 12, 2016, beginning at 6:30 p.m., at the River City Bistro, 7320 Rogers Avenue, Suite 7, in Fort Smith. In recognition of Nancy's appreciation for glitz, all are invited (though not required) to wear animal print, flashy jewelry, and/or magnificent shoes. A memorial service will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 706 Xavier Street, in Fort Smith, Arkansas at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 13, 2016. Friends and family are welcome to attend either or both events. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.