Betty Rhea Steinke

July 31, 1936 - March 30, 2026

Betty Rhea (Estep) Steinke, 89, of Peculiar, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, March 30, 2026.

Services will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 310 Johnston Pkwy, Raymore, Missouri 64083. Funeral service will be at 11:00 am with visitation beginning at 10:00. A luncheon will be held in the Fellowship Hall following the service.

Betty was born in Lathrop Missouri on July 31, 1936, to Reo Flint and Pauline Elizabeth (Siever) Estep. She was the youngest of four children and was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Vincent Estep, Edna Fry, and Carl Estep. She graduated from Lathrop High School and began her career with American Hardware Mutual Insurance Company, later working for Fireman’s Fund Insurance. Betty eventually returned to the workforce after raising her children and spent 15 years with Dodson Insurance Group before retiring.

Betty met the love of her life, Lawrence Wayne “Larry” Steinke, on a blind date. They were joined in Holy Matrimony on June 7, 1959, at Hope Lutheran Church in Shawnee, Kansas. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, and shared experiences. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Betty took great pride in caring for her family. When Larry suffered a debilitating stroke in 2013, she lovingly chose to care for him at home. Through her dedication and oversight, along with the help of caregivers, Larry was able to remain at home for the next ten years—a testament to her strength and unwavering love.

Betty had a passion for sports and was a longtime Kansas City Chiefs season ticket holder. She also enjoyed watching the Kansas City Royals and golf, but her greatest joy came from cheering on her children and grandchildren in their own athletic pursuits. She was active in bowling and golf leagues and enjoyed canning fruits and vegetables from Larry’s garden. In retirement, Betty and Larry loved spending time outdoors camping, fishing, and canoeing. She also found simple pleasure in working crossword puzzles, often sitting on her front porch with the daily newspaper while watching the birds at her feeder.

Betty was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and, along with Larry, was involved in the local Jaycees and the high school booster club in earlier years. She will be remembered as determined, competitive, and particular, but above all, for her loving heart and deep devotion to her family. She is survived by her children, Diane Pribac (Jan), Dwain Steinke, and Tina Atkins (Harry); her grandchildren, Meagan Freund (Dustin), Madlyn Dixon (Ryan), Ryan Chong Steinke, and Christian Blake Atkins; and her great-grandchildren, Avery and Kilynn Freund, and Phoenix and Raven Dixon.

Betty’s life was a reflection of love, resilience, and devotion, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. In lieu of flowers Memorial donations may be given to Bethlehem Lutheran Church online with the following link: https://bethlehem-raymore.org/give-online. Simply select “Memorial” and enter Betty’s name in the note before submitting.