Adena Dena Steelman was born in Durant, Oklahoma on September 28, 1921 to William and Minnie Cross. She lived in Tehachapi from the mid 40s to the mid 60s and worked part-time for the Post Office and School District. Dena moved to Lancaster and later retired at the age of 63 from Sears. She then moved to Bakersfield in 1996 to be near her family. Dena was blessed with the gift of hospitality, enjoying time with her many friends and family. She enjoyed singing, music, crossword puzzles, gardening and cooking for others.
Dena was preceded in death by her sons, Bob and Larry Steelman; her
brothers, Max Cross, Jack Cross and Vernon Cross; and sister, Marie Hans. She is survived by her son, Roger Steelman and wife, Marty of Bakersfield; daughter-in-law, Alene Steelman of Spencer, Iowa; grand-daughters, Laura Steelman of Modesto, and Ashley Steelman of Spencer, Iowa; and grandsons, Allen Steelman and Aaron Steelman both of Spencer, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her memory to the American
Cancer Society, 1523 California Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93304.
