Vernyle Steele (nee Christian)

Born on  November 21, 1935, in Chicago, IL.

Died on March  26, 2026, in River Forest, IL.

Vernyle, beloved wife of Ron Steele Sr, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and gifted singer, passed away surrounded by the love of her family. Born to Bobby and Josephine Christian, Vernyle grew up in a vibrant musical household that would shape the course of her life and legacy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bobby and Josephine Christian, her sisters, Sylvia Nasshan and MaryJo Kemp, and brother-in-law, John Nasshan, and is survived by her sister Kathleen and husband, Tim Marden, her brothers Norman and Brian Christian, Brian's wife MaryAnn, and brother-in-law Bob Kemp.

Vernyle's passion for music blossomed early, and she met the love of her life, Ron Steele, while performing as a singer with her father's renowned Bobby Christian Band. Their shared love of music became the foundation of a lifelong partnership filled with creativity, devotion, and family.

Together, Vernyle and Ron raised six children: Carol Steele, Lisa (Ken) Hoden, John Steele, Ron Jr (Yvonne) Steele, Valorie (Jef) Schmidt, and David (Zineb Chraibi) Steele. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to eight cherished grandchildren: Brandon, Annelise, and Nina (children of Ron Steele Jr. and his wife, Yvonne); Maximilian, Sophia, and Hannah (children of Valorie Schmidt and her husband, Jef); and Yasmine and Lamia (children of David Steele and his wife, Zineb).

Beyond her musical talents, Vernyle was known as an extraordinary mother, a supportive partner in many of her husband's music and engineering ventures, and a gourmet cook whose home was a gathering place for laughter, storytelling, Mahjong games, and unforgettable meals. She was a central figure in a large and vibrant extended family that included the Reda family, with surviving Aunt Mary Jane Oliver and the Christian family, all of whom she cherished deeply.

Vernyle will be remembered for her warmth, strength, artistry, and unwavering dedication to those she loved. Her voice, both in song and in spirit, leaves a lasting echo in the hearts of her family and friends. Her legacy lives on through the music she shared, the family she nurtured, and the love she gave so freely.

Services will be held on Monday April 6th at St. Luke Catholic Church in River Forest. She will be lying in state from 10:30 AM until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11:30 AM. Interment to follow at Mt. Emblem Cemetery.

Music, Family, Love Forever

In lieu of flowers please donate to St. Judes Children Hospital or to the American Cancer Society .