Carey Ann Steel

Carey Ann Gaither Steel Dec. 23rd, 1952-June 13th, 2023On the afternoon of June 13th, 2023, Carey passed away at Integris Hospital Southwest, with her husband David "Dave" Steel and sister Meg, by her side."Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."Carey Ann was born on her parents' first anniversary. She graduated from John Marshall high school in 1972, where she was the "Spirit Bear.' Carey attended the University of Oklahoma, graduating with a degree in Special Education. She was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority.Carey began teaching Special Education in the Moore Public school system, bringing with her a passion for all her students who brought her much joy. She was known to ride her bicycle to school from time-to-time! Carey continued to stay in touch with her students and parents throughout their lives.When she wasn't in the classroom, Carey and Dave were avid Oklahoma State and Chicago Cubs fans.Carey Ann was also a gifted baker, once owning the "Incredible Edibles" cookie store, creating ornately decorated cookies, cakes and bread. Her business's slogan was "We've got the Buns for You!"Additionally, Carey Ann was a 47-year member of P.E.O. Chapter FL.. She made many friends through her affiliation with P.E.O. and enjoyed helping women "reach for the stars."Carey Ann was the sunshine when she entered a room possessing a joyful laugh and wonderful smile, especially when bringing treats to kids. She was always proud to make a special dessert or rolls for family and friends' birthdays or holiday parties. In fact, the holidays were a special time for Carey and Dave working together on special homemade gifts. At Easter, Carey would make special Bunny sacks and fill them with cookies shaped and decorated like rabbits and ducks. Decorating her cookies at home meant there was a spread of several cookie sheets and piping bags scattered across several tables.The oldest of five, Carey's brothers and sisters remember special times:Carey Ann always teased Meg about looking older and being the big sister! On several occasions, Meg made secret trips from Dallas to spend time with Carey and Dave which created special memories.Carey's oldest brother, Steve, recalls Carey always got to help their dad, Pete, cook a large sirloin steak on the weekends. She always made his friends, and their kids feel special with her cookies. Her heart was so big!Younger brother George remembers Carey teaching him to water ski on a homemade saucer at Grand Lake.Younger brother Kirk remembers that Carey treated everyone like family - a friend of ours was a friend of hers. Traditions meant everything and you always knew what season, holiday or time of year it was by what on display in Carey's house and the cookies you received. Every year for Carey's birthday her meal was always Prime Rib – Medium Rare, on the rare side please. Niece Halie has memories of learning how to make cakes and cookies with Carey. They were sometimes joined by Halie's children Leah and Luke.Carey Ann is preceded in death by her father George C. "Pete" Gaither.Carey is survived by her husband David Edward Steel and Carey's large Gaither family: Her mother, Joyce Carey Gaither Warren, her siblings and their spouses, nieces and nephews, including Meg Tomlinson and her children, also Carey's God children, Rachael and Pete Tomlinson; Steven and his wife Linda, and their children Drew and Ryan, and his wife Paige and son Jeremy; George and his wife Laura, and their children Alex and his wife Samantha, and their children Benny and Annie, Halie and her husband Sam Summers, and their children Leah and Luke, and Kirk and his wife Nancy, their son Jack and step sister Helen Harmon.David's family consists of sisters Terri and her husband Val Ross, and their children Kasey Holt and her husband Avery and great nephew Levi, and daughter Abby Herndon and her husband Nigh, and their Son Adam Ross and his wife Jordan and their sons Roman and Matthew and his wife Kaylee Rumbaugh; his brother Bob and wife Krista, and their son Rob and his daughter Suzanne, and their son Tom, and his sons Barrett, Drake, and Mason; his brother Mike; his sister Peggy Spillman and her husband Stuart Spillman, their daughter Karen, and their son Bill and his wife Katrina, and his sister Chris Budde, and her son Jeff Hayes, and daughter Sara Budde.Carey was a devout Catholic and her faith helped her throughout her life.Rosary Thursday June 15th 6:30 PM, at Smith & Kernke Funeral Home 1401 Northwest 23rd St, Oklahoma City, OKMass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 16th at 10:00 a.m. CDT at Saint Joseph's Old Cathedral, 307 N.W. 4th Street in Oklahoma City, OK. Reception following at the Church.In lieu of flowers, bake a cookie for a friend! Donations can be made to the Oklahoma Cancer Society