Susan "Nana" Margaret (Steep) Phelps' Obituary
Susan “Nana” Margaret (Steep) Phelps, 79, of Pittsburg, KS passed away on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, MO.
Susan was born on February 14, 1946, in Seneca, IL, to Clinton and Marjorie (Thorson) Steep. She graduated from Seneca high school, spent time as a nurse’s aide in Ottawa, IL, and was a janitor at Pittsburg State University until her retirement in 2006.
Susan was married to Robert E. “Bob” Phelps on June 10, 1967, in Seneca, IL. Bob passed away September 7, 2004.
Susan was a longtime member of St John Lutheran Church in Pittsburg, where she found great joy in servicing her community. She was an active member in bible study, the Blanket Brigade, Women of the ELCA, T.O.P.S., quilting and book clubs. She spent time volunteering in Girl scouts, boy scouts, and 4-H as she raised her children. She was known as one of the kindest Christian women around, a great member of her beloved community who lived her life with hope and faith. She will be greatly missed by all those that loved her.
Susan was survived by her sister Judy (Steep) Jelm of Plainfield, IL; her son Robert (Tonya) Phelps, Jr of Columbus, and daughter Sarah (Justin) Petersen, of McCune. Her grandchildren: Kimberly(Kleber) Moraes of Port St Lucie, FL; Shelby Phelps of Weir; Abbigayle (Ray) Phelps of Pittsburg; Brittany Phelps of Columbus; Colton(Lydia) Phelps of Pittsburg; Jeremiah (Kyra) Petersen of Mandan, ND; Bryce Petersen of Lehi, UT; Zade Petersen of McCune; Serina (Jeremy) Phelps, Dalia Phelps, and Clinton Phelps each of Joplin, MO. She was also blessed with 7 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Robert E “Bob” Phelps, Sr.; her son Christopher Phelps; her parents; her three brothers Bill (Lois) Steep, Dick (Marian) Steep, and Chip (Pat) Steep; and brother in law Lloyd Jelm.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, October 31, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church 304 W. 3rd St., Pittsburg, KS 66762. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service at the church. A visitation will be held Thursday, October 30 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at St John Lutheran Church. The family requests memorials in Susan’s memory to be made to St. John Lutheran Church. These may also be mailed or dropped off to the funeral home, 522 S Broadway, Pittsburg, KS 66762. Arrangements are under the direction of Bath-Naylor Funeral Home.
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