Carole Jean Steagall

Carole Jean Steagall of Irrigon was born January 1, 1933 in Pinetop, Minnesota the daughter of Walter and Eleanor Ellingson. She passed away after a lengthy illness at her home in Irrigon on December 25, 2024 at the age of 91.

The family moved Carole and her older sister, Irene to Bly, Oregon where she grew up and attended school. After graduating high school she married and from this union a daughter and a son were born. The couple later divorced. She then met Bill Steagall who had just gotten out of the Navy and was working for a logging company in Bly. The couple were united in marriage in September of 1957.

Carole and Bill moved to Madras, Oregon where they welcomed a son, Rocky in 1962. Bill and Carole and the three kids moved to California and then to Alaska were Bill worked in heavy construction. In 1972 after the construction job ended the couple moved to Irrigon, Oregon to be near Bill’s family. She has resided in Irrigon since that time.

Carole was happy to have a few cows and they got Rocky started in Pee Wee rodeos. She loved that lifestyle and they enjoyed rodeoing through Junior High, High School & PRCA with Rocky. She lost Bill in 2000 to cancer but was thankful she never had to live alone as her son Walt was able to move in with her. In her earlier days she volunteered for many Rodeo’s & they helped the HJN Noble arena for many years. She was quite a bowler, loved working on ceramics, playing cards, working puzzles and dancing. She loved her kids and grandkids and enjoyed following their activities and traveling in their motorhomes to rodeos. She had a full life, almost to 92 years, had many dear friends and family and will surely be missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; sister, Irene (Jimmy) Schultze; brother-in-law, Harry Noble; sister-in-law, Linda McRae; many aunts, uncles and cousins.

She is survived by son, Rocky (Michelle) Steagall; daughter, Jeanni (Larry) Greiss; son, Walt Steagall; sister-in-law, Helen Noble; brother-in-law, Bob McRae; adopted son, Tony Stevenson; granddaughters, Lauren (Gabe) Lopez, Hannah & Cameron Steagall; grandsons, Bryon Greiss & Zach Steagall; great grandson’s, Gabriel & Abel Lopez; great grandaughter, Faith Landers; and many nieces & Nephews and extended family members.

A Graveside service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Monday June 9, 2025 in the Desert Lawn Memorial Cemetery in Irrigon. A Celebration of life will also be held beginning at 3:00 P.M. on Monday June 9, 2025 at the Stokes Landing Senior Center (195 Opal Place Irrigon, OR). Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.

An extra thanks to our Aunt Mackie who helped make all this possible......Much Love

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