Steeped in trucking history

Neva Steele was born in Cedardale, Oklahoma, in September of 1920. She grew up with one sister and a half-sister and brother. Her mother and father were farmers. Her father, Abram Miller Fitzsimmons, worked in the mines, drove cattle and did anything else he could to make a living. He was also one of the original signers to establish the Independent political party in Oklahoma.

In 1937, Steele married at the age of 17 and moved to Idaho sometime after. She started out as a housewife and would drive trucks on occasion in the cattle industry.

She and her husband returned to Oklahoma in 1939 and drove trucks hauling wood and anything else that needed hauling, then moved the family to Clovis in 1944 with one truck for grain.

They soon upgraded to cattle trucking and bought a house on Lea Street. Steele's husband, R.W., went into military service in 1945 from May until December. During that time Steele held down the fort, putting her "chauffeuring" to use. Back then, drivers obtained a chauffeuring license similar to today's CDL license. She said she would lay baby Annie Mae on the seat and put the other two kids on the floor boards while she hauled cattle, horses, sheep and other livestock.

In 1960, the Steele's purchased the first potbelly truck in the state.

What did you like about driving trucks?

The scenery was always nice. Also, I always loved livestock. My daddy raised horses. He raised them and sold them to the army so I naturally loved doing labor work.

What were some drawbacks about driving?

Finding a place to afford to eat a meal. I'd make sandwiches if I wasn't traveling too far.

Tell us a something about your childhood.

I lived way out in the country and I remember walking three miles to school. When I was 12, I drove six head of horses into the field to plow. I worked hard, and by the tenth grade I was married.

What's the best gift you've ever given?

My time and energy to my family; loving and taking care of my children is probably the best gift I've given.

What's your favorite taste?

Pinto beans.

What's your favorite smell?

Fresh fruit.

Tell us about your greatest individual accomplishment?

Learning to sew. I made all of the kids clothes. I made my husband shirts and taught all my girls to sew. I'd stay up and sew at night when there wasn't so much confusion.

Tell us about your most favorite place traveled?

We've been coast to coast. We took a vacation every year when we were able to afford it. We went to Mexico to see bull fights and we've been to the Hoover Dam. I've been to Hawaii, Germany and Ireland.

What are some memorable family happenings?

Every year on Memorial Day we'd go down to Oklahoma and decorate family members' graves.

What are some things you envisioned for your life that you haven't shared before?

At one point in time I would have liked to have ended up living in Oregon. I loved the scenery and the fruit.

— Compiled by Correspondent D'Nieka Hartsfield