Delilah Pate

February 10, 2022

Delilah Marie Pate, the daughter of Urdia (Rogers) and Jack Benjamin, was born Nov. 23, 1953, in Colby, Kan. She died unexpectedly Feb. 2, 2022, at her home in Esbon, Kan.

Delilah grew up in Selden, Dresden and Oakley, Kan. In 1964, she moved to Burr Oak, where she completed her formal education and graduated with the Class of 1971. She was united in marriage with Eldon Pate on Nov. 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 and a variety of secretarial positions. In 2002, the Pates acquired Esbon Grain and Fertilizer. In 2014, they sold the business to Farmway, however Delilah continued there until retiring in 2019.

She 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 helped at the Esbon cafe as well as others in the community. She was a CCD teacher for many years and 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. She especially treasured time with her children and grandchildren following their many activities.

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 husband, Eldon; children: Mrs. Kyle Clark (Jennifer) of Anthony, Kan.; Ryan of Curtis, Neb.; Mrs. Bryce Haverkamp (Kristi) of Seneca, Kansas; 13 grandchildren; brothers, Mike of Olathe, Kan., Jerry of Esbon, and George of North Bend, Wash.; and sister, Mrs. Dwight Haley (Deb) of Sachse, Texas.

Visitation was held from 1 to 7 p.m., Sunday at the Williams Funeral Home in Red Cloud and Monday, 1 to 7 p.m. at the church in Esbon with the family present from 5 to 7 p.m.

The rosary was recited at 6 p.m. Monday, at the church.

The Mass of Christian Burial was at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 8, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Esbon.

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