Katherine "Katie" Steel Eldridge

Katherine "Katie" Steele Eldridge was born August 25, 1948, to Percy Katherine and George Paul Eldridge. Katie grew up in Gregory and Augusta, Arkansas, and was a member of the Gregory Baptist Church. She graduated from Laura Conner High School in 1966 where she participated in many activities including the high school band. Katie attended the University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University. Upon leaving college she worked as a legal secretary for her father until his death in 1969. She moved to England, Arkansas, and worked for Dr. Willie Harris until 1983. Later, she worked for Stephens, Inc. as an assistant to Billy Ray Smith and then managed the Maumelle Country Club for several years. She ended her career working with her brother, George Eldridge, and managing Doe's Eat Place in Little Rock, Arkansas. Katie grew up loving and riding horses. She was the Woodruff County Rodeo Queen. Later, Katie was an avid bridge player, participating in tournaments all over the state. She also loved playing golf - sometimes playing two 18's back to back. Most importantly Katie loved her family and friends. She never met a stranger; her true talent was making people feel loved and welcomed by her warmth and genuine hospitality. She was preceded in death by her parents and her nephew, George Paul Eldridge III. She is survived by her brother George Paul Eldridge, Jr., her niece, Katherine Eldridge Edmondson, her great-nephew, Adam Edmondson, her great-niece, Leah Edmondson, her best friend from childhood Peggy Smith-Smart and Peggy's children Wade, John Daniel and Katie and a host of other dear friends. There will be a visitation at the Eldridge home in Gregory from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, September 7, 2012. The graveside service will be held at the Eldridge cemetery in Gregory 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 8, 2012. Arrangements are being made through Rhodes & Son Funeral Home (870) 347-2576. The family requests that donations be made in her memory to Woodruff County Animal Rescue Friends. Donations can be mailed to Animal Rescue Friends, P.O. Box 316, Augusta, Ark. 72006.