Grover Benton Steele

Grover Benton Steele

January 3, 1942 - August 9, 2026

Resident of Saratoga

Grover Benton Steele, also known as "GB", was deeply rooted in his American and Kansas heritage. The maternal side of his family can be traced to ancestors living during the American Revolution. His proud parents were Orin Grover Steele and Georgia Ellen Meece. Besides Grover, the family consisted of sister Georgie Ann who later married husband Tom Chivington.

In the early years, the family moved cross country from Kansas to Glendora, California, where they lived briefly, then settled in Menlo Park. The young man attended Menlo-Atherton High School and San Jose State University. Following six years in the United States Army, Grover worked for Fairchild Semiconductors and National Semiconductors.

Grover met his future wife Maryann Finnegan at an Octoberfest celebration. A year later, they were married. Three years later, they moved to Saratoga and their son, Garrett Benton Steele, was born. The couple enjoyed many years of cheering him on in Scouts, Sports, and participating in many family celebrations.

For almost 50 years, Grover and his father, Orin, owned and operated several coin-operated carwashes up and down the Peninsula. Oftentimes, his handshake would seal a deal. Grover was very active in the California Car Wash Association. As a Board Member, he helped to promote a clean healthy environment for the future.

He was also a man who spent a lifetime tinkering with cars and engines, including soap box derby cars, small planes, and boats. Most of all, he loved his Ford Model T's. Nothing gave him greater pleasure than being behind the wheel of a Model T that he repaired himself.

Grover will be greatly missed by his wife, Maryann, son Garrett and daughter-in-law Sarah, as well as many family members and friends.

“GB” will always be with us, flying high in our skies.

Interment will be held at Madronia Cemetery in Saratoga on September 11 between 11 AM and 12 PM. 

The funeral will be held at Madronia Cemetery located at 14766 Oak St, Saratoga CA 95070