Delilah M. Pate

Delilah Marie Pate, the daughter of Urdia (Rogers) and Jack Benjamin, was born November 23, 1953 in Colby, Kansas. She departed this life unexpectedly February 2, 2022 at her home in Esbon, Kansas.

Delilah grew up in Selden, Dresden and Oakley, Kansas. In 1964, she moved to Burr Oak, Kansas where she completed her formal education and graduated with the class of 1971.  She was united in marriage with Eldon Pate on November 11, 1972 in Esbon. This union was blessed with three children. Delilah and Eldon made their home in Jewell county where she was actively involved in their community. Her personality was pervaded by her quick smile and an ability to make everyone around her at ease. Her working career guided her through child daycare, the United States Postal Service, a variety of secretarial positions and then in 2002, they acquired Esbon Grain and Fertilizer. In 2014, they sold the business to Farmway, however Delilah continued there until retiring in 2019.

She also possessed a lifelong passion of serving others which led to numerous volunteer commitments. She was a member of Sacred Heart’s Altar Society, the school board and helping at the Esbon cafe as well as others in the community. She was a CCD teacher for many years and proudly served as a confirmation sponsor. In her spare time Delilah enjoyed sewing, quilting, camping, jet skiing, traveling, reading and cooking. Her greatest love and enthusiasm in life was her immeasurable love for her family and she especially treasured time spent with her children and grandchildren following their many activities. She was affectionately often called “Pete” or “Sis” by family and friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Urdia and Jack Benjamin; mother-in-law, Lorena Pate; father-in-law, Neil Pate and grandparents Marguerite and Fred Rogers.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband, Eldon; children: Jennifer and Kyle Clark of Anthony, Kansas; Ryan and Kendra Pate of Curtis, Nebraska; Kristi and Bryce Haverkamp of Seneca, Kansas; grandchildren: Adam, Andrew and Austin Clark; Kolin and Tyce Pate; David, Kyilee, Khloe and Kamree Elsten; and Jordyn, Jackson, Morgan and Cooper Haverkamp. Also surviving are her brothers and sister, Mike and Linda Benjamin of Olathe, Kansas; Deb and Dwight Haley of Sachse, Texas; Jerry and Laura Benjamin of Esbon, Kansas and George and Joy Benjamin of North Bend, Washington; other relatives and friends.

The rosary was recited Monday, 6:00 pm at the church.

The Mass of Christian Burial was Tuesday, 11:00 am, February 8, 2022 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Esbon.

Memorials are suggested to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church or the Esbon Community Center.

Williams Funeral Home
Red Cloud, Nebraska

402-746-2500
williamsfuneralhomes@yahoo.com

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