Schelly Trego Steelman

Schelly Trego Steelman, 37, Washington, D.C., died suddenly on Friday, Sept. 22, 2006, at her home. Schelly was born on Oct. 21, 1968, in Fort Polk, La. She was reared in Nevada, Mo., by her great-grandmother, Lola Trego, and Carol and Tony Urner. She married Joseph Steelman in 1990.

Schelly graduated from Nevada High School in 1985 and attended Smith College in Northampton, Mass., where she studied history and political philosophy. She moved to Washington, D.C., to work for presidential candidate Jack Kemp in 1988. She also worked for the National Archives. She was a gourmet cook and worked in the catering and restaurant industry in Washington, D.C., for a time. An author, she was a columnist for Epicsff.com, and her short stories have appeared in Runesmag.com. She had published two books, including "The Green Temple," a fantasy, with ArcheBooks Publishing, and recently received an advance for her third book. She attended the Episcopal Church in Alexandria, Va., and gave tours of its historic buildings.

She is survived by her husband, Joe; and her son, Joseph Anthony, of the home; Carol and Tony Urner; and her grandmother, Nancy Zaring of Nevada; an uncle, Steve Zaring, Fort Collins, Colo.; and two aunts, Kathleen Berry, Walker, and June Barttium, Independence, Mo.; and numerous other relatives.

Following cremation, a private service was held in Washington, D.C. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 10 a.m., in the Nevada Public Library community room.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Nevada Public Library. Condolences may be sent to her husband and son at 1503 K Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20003.