SOUTH DAYTON: Savannah R. Steves, 20, of South Dayton, passed away Monday, July 1st, 2024 following cancer complications. She was born in Buffalo on June 25, 2004, the daughter of Donald Steves, of Gowanda and Carrie (Beaver) Strawder, of South Dayton.
Savannah was a Class of 2022 graduate of Pine Valley Central School, where she graduated 8th in her class. She was currently attending Fredonia State University majoring in Geophysics and was on the Dean’s list. Savannah loved the Arts, using her cancer adventure to inspire some of her art through the use of colored pencils & creating still art. She enjoyed playing volleyball, basketball, team sports and loved learning. Her family and friends were everything to her.
Savannah was a beloved sister of Skye Steves, of Hamburg; Christy Steves, of Hamburg; James Michael (Lala) Strawder, of South Dayton; and Nathan (Emily) Strawder, of South Dayton. Her two nephews Emmett White-Strawder and Myles Johnson were the light of her life. She was the granddaughter of the late Judy Johnston and sister of the late Michael Klopf.
Friends are welcome to call at Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville on Saturday afternoon, July 20th, from 1-2 PM, from where a Celebration of Life will be held at 2 o’clock.
The family suggests memorials may be made either to Chautauqua County Humane Society, 2825 Strunk Road, Jamestown, NY 14701 (chqhumane.org) or Kaely’s Kindness Foundation, PO Box 341, Orchard Park, NY 14127 (www.kaelyskindness.org).
To post condolences or memories go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
7 Comments
SJ
Savannah, we sat next to each other for 2 semesters before you left on medical leave. I wish I could of been closer to you. My deepest condolences to your loved ones. A truly beautiful spirit has joined the angels. Please follow me in grace as I pursue my degree in Geology with your name in my heart.
Scott Ferguson
Savannah was a student in my class in the spring of 2023 where she was a delightful participant. She spoke frankly about her cancer and was eager to learn all that she could about her disease. When she had to take time off for treatment, we still kept in touch via email to discuss her progress. She was hopeful about the road ahead the last time we corresponded. I am so sorry to hear that she ultimately lost her battle. I’ll miss her sharp intellect and kind smile. My thoughts are with her family.
Hana
My sincerest condolences to the Steve’s family, I was lucky enough to have English with Savannah in Fall 2022. She was always so kind and constantly had a smile on her face !!! 💐
Elliot Sommers
Thank you for being in my life Savannah. You were an amazing person who brightened up a room. You made the scary experience of college easier and I’m truly thankful for that. Late nights on the couches with our friend Nick were my favorite memories with you. You were truly yourself and made every day better. You were extremely intelligent and always helped people when you could. Thank you again for being in my life. I couldn’t have gotten through parts of college without you. I love you Savannah, I hope you’re somewhere without worry or a care in the world now. You can finally rest easy now.
William Parker
I am so sorry to hear that Savannah has passed. I knew her thru Kaely’s Kindness Foundation. Savannah was always an active participant in posts and events. Hopefully she will find peace with the other KKF angels in Heaven. May God bless her family and friends. 🙏🙏
Nick Sanders
I met savannah in my freshman year of college, it was Savannah, Elliot, and me against a new and scary world. One of our favorite things to do was play monopoly at the library. We would play for hours on end, we were so loud at times we thought we were gonna get kicked out for laughing so hard. We made so many fun memories sitting around our favorite couches until 1:00 in the morning, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. Savannah always brought smiles to our faces and laughs to our conversations, I will miss her everyday and have for the past year. My sincerest condolences to the Steve’s family.
Jade Clabeaux
I met Savannah when I was I want to say 9 or 10, the years jumble sometimes. She was so much fun to be around. She always brought toys over for us to play with and would do goofy things like sing to our favorite songs. One time she was dead asleep and her favorite song at the time “girl on fire” by Alicia Keys came on and she woke up going “this is my favorite song!” She was an absolute beautiful soul and young woman. She had the kindest things to say and was always there for people. She was positive and always saw the bright side; an imprint was left with everyone she met. She was a fighter through and through. My condolences to her family, and fly high Savannah I love and miss you.